Hello! Today we have a big day of reading as we will read all of 2 Thessalonians and the 18th psalm which is fairly long. I've gotten used to our readings being closer to 5-6 minutes to read and this one is closer to 12 minutes. So budget your time and your expectations accordingly. This letter is debated on whether or not it is authentic to Paul on the grounds that the theology feels different from the first but a slim majority of scholars agree that it is authentic to Paul. If authentic, this was written about 2 years after the first letter (52 CE) and likely was written while Paul was in Corinth but if it is not authentic it was likely written closer to 115 CE. I'll let you decide which seems more accurate for your own scholarship. This letter spends a great deal of time talking about the end times and Christ's second coming similar to Revelation. It mentions this cosmic war between good and evil and the ushering in of a "man of sin" who will pollute the temple. As you read this I invite you to question who this person (or not person) is. Is Paul referring to Satan and the forces of hell or is Paul referring to a human? Personally, I think he was referring to Caliligula who was a blight upon the temple and caused severe tension between the Jews and Romans. Or he could be warning of false prophets whose charismatic nature can attract followers and lead them astray. (Something he has addressed in previous letters) What do you think?
Scripture to Read
Audio Bible
Questions to Consider
What does this teach me about Paul's theology?
When I think of the second coming of Christ is it something I view with eager anticipation, apprehension, skepticism, fear, etc.?
Paul encourages healthy boundaries by encouraging the believers to not associate with those that disobey what Paul writes about in the letter but specifically tells them to not view those people as enemies. What does a healthy boundary look like for you for people with differing perspectives and how do those boundaries help you from not creating enemies?
It's a new book which means a new overview video! This time it's pretty special that you'll get an overview of everything you've read already so the visuals should really come alive in ways that they might usually. Hope this helps clear up any confusion!
Praying the Hymns
Our prayer for today is inspired by hymn 328 - Surely the Presence of the Lord. This is a personal favorite hymn of mine. It was one that my home church would sing at the beginning of nearly every worship service. It conditioned me that whenever I would walk in the sanctuary throughout the week I would hum the tune. As I hum along to the hymn today I think fondly of those saints that helped shape my own journey. I hope you will join me in a moment of prayer.
(This soloist is incredible)
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place I can feel His mighty power and His grace I can hear the brush of angel's wings I see glory on each face
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place
In the midst of His children the Lord said He would be It doesn't take very many It can be just two or three And I feel that same sweet Spirit that I've felt so many times before
Surely I can say I've been with the Lord
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place I can feel His mighty power and His grace I can hear the brush of angel's wings I see glory on each face
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place
There's a holy hush around us as His glory fills this place I've touch the hem of His garment I can almost see His face And my heart is overflowing with the fullness of His joy I know without a doubt I've been with the Lord
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place I can feel His mighty power and His grace I can hear the brush of angel's wings I see glory on each face Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place
Oh surely the presence of the Lord is in this place
I am a few days behind, but maybe it was meant to be. This hymn goes along with the message from yesterday so well! "It doesn't take very many It can be just two or three"