CHRIST WILL COME AGAIN; First Thessalonians

May the mumbling commence!

If Paul’s letter to the Philippians could have a subtitle, it would be REJOICE.  So, what would Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians be subtitled?  I think I would go for the subtitled: CHRIST WILL COME AGAIN. 

Christ’s Second Coming is a theme throughout First Thessalonians.  One does not need to read too far into the text to find that theme.  Read from the beginning of chapter one (NLT):

We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly.  As we talk to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and your continual anticipation of the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Verses 2-3) 

In times of duress, it is good to have something to look forward to.  Paul points the Thessalonians to the return of Christ.  It is a part of Paul’s prayer life, and he encourages the Thessalonians to have it a vibrant part of their prayer life.

How do we anticipate the Second Coming of Christ?  How should we anticipate it?  We observe the institution of the Lord’s Supper or communion or the Eucharist – until Christ comes again.  That is one way that we anticipate Christ’s Second Coming.

Is communion enough, though?  Not nearly!  May we live in a way that bends all of our God-given senses to perceiving the working of the Spirit in God’s kingdom right now.

Come soon, Lord Jesus!

Enough mumbling for now…

Peace Out