King James Bible Study – [And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. – Mark 8:34]
Date: Friday, November 28, 2025
Chapters: I & II Thessalonians
Message: I & II Thessalonians: The Rapture
Hello My Friend,
As we take a pause with the reading of Acts and read through I and II Thessalonians, we learn that there will come a day when all whom have caused great affliction and pain of God’s children will face judgment. God’s children on the other hand, will be with Jesus when that happens, [1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 20 For ye are our glory and joy.]
We also learn that the Antichrist will be here to deceive the people into believing that he is Jesus and what will happen to him, [2 Thessalonians 2:6-7 And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.]
The Book of I Thessalonians was written by Paul in AD 54, shortly after his departure from Thessalonica. The purpose of the letter was to reconfirm young disciples in the foundational truths already taught them, to encourage them to live holy lives, and to comfort their concerns about those saved who die before Christ returns. What we are to learn from the book is that the second coming of Christ is coming, and sooner than we think, the hope of His return is the inspiration, and comfort of the true saved, born again Christian, [1 Thessalonians 3:13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.]
Paul, presented this letter to the Thessalonians, along with Silas and Timothy, as we recall they were with Paul while he was in Thessalonica. The church was facing a lot of affliction because they stood by the true doctrine of the Gospel that Paul spelled out for them. Paul, decided to write this letter to let them know that he was praying for them and to give them assurance that their faithfulness to Christ was not in vain.
[1 Thessalonians 1:1-5 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; 3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; 4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. 5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.]
The hymn, Blessed Assurance just came to mind as I was reading this, “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long. This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.” What a great reminder that we whom have received Christ as our Saviour are not only saved by grace through our faith in Christ, we are also endued with the power of the Holy Spirit upon our soul. We need never underestimate the power of the Holy Spirit that lives inside us. Through His great power we have endured some of the most troublesome times. Paul, goes on to assure them also of this.
[1 Thessalonians 1:6, 8-10 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: 8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. 9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.]
Most of us find out the truth about Christ under great affliction and or conviction. When life becomes unbearable, impossible, and hopeless we find that there is no other option, but Christ. And believe it or not, the live we live as we endure the troublesome times gives hope to those who have no hope. Paul, goes on to point out how they received Christ simply by them being a witness of Christ in them.
[1 Thessalonians 2:1-5 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: 2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. 3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: 4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. 5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:]
Contention, meaning that Paul and his companions endured much opposition and persecution to ensure that whomever the Holy Spirit led them to preach the Gospel to heard it. There is something truly incredible that only the Holy Spirit works on us and that is the desire to see lost souls receive Christ as their Saviour. Do they all receive Him? No. However, we are only the messenger, God, is the one who works on their heart. Paul, goes on to explain this as well.
[1 Thessalonians 2:8-10,13 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. 9 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. 10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: 13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.]
We are commanded by Jesus Himself to tell the Gospel to everyone that the Holy Spirit lays upon our heart, [Mark 16:15-16 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.] Remember, Jesus is referring to the spiritual birth of the Holy Spirit here, those who receive Christ as their Saviour are baptized with the Holy Spirit, hence the phrase, born again, [John 3:5-7 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.]
I have said it before, we are automatically wired through the Holy Spirit to start living our lives through Him. And as Christians, we are not to be living the way the world does. Now, when we suffer for something we know we have done wrong we can accept that there will be a chastening, but when we suffer for doing what is right it can be down right discouraging. Paul, commends the Thessalonian’s for their faithfulness through their suffering.
[1 Thessalonians 3:1-3,5,7-8 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; 2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: 3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. 5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain. 7 Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: 8 For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.]
My mother and husband are both so strong willed and I am probably just as bad, that the thought of asking for help is to them like some kind of failure. God, did not make us to be loners, if we did then there would be no such thing as marriage. We need people, strong faithful Christians, who are there for us, to give us that encouragement we need when we are beside ourselves, [Romans 15:1,4 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.]
We do not like affliction, but to be honest, affliction is what draws us to Christ to begin with. I do not have to tell you that being faithful to God does not mean that we are not going to fail Him. The tempter, as my old preacher calls him, the devil, old smutty face himself, wants to see us fall, In fact, he wants to see if we are going to as he put it when he afflicted Job, “curse thee to thy face.” While we do not like affliction, and to be honest, have fallen short by the tempter more times than we care to admit, God’s faithful will get back up even stronger in their faith, [Proverbs 24:16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.]
As long as we carry this flesh, and until Jesus returns, sin is something we cannot escape, but we can sin less in that we put aside those things that add more affliction to our affliction, [1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. 12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: 13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.]
The tempter, as my preacher calls him, the devil, old smutty face himself, wants to see us fall, In fact, he wants to see if we are going to as he put it when he afflicted Job, “curse thee to thy face.” While we do not like affliction, and to be honest, have fallen short by the tempter more times than we care to admit, God’s faithful will get back up even stronger in their faith, [Proverbs 24:16 For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.]
With that said, while Christ certainly does save us by grace and it does not matter how many times we fall, He will pick us back up, that does not mean that He wants us to live anyway we please. We are to live our lives in a way that pleases God. Paul, goes on to explain.
[1 Thessalonians 4:1-5,7-8 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. 2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; 5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: 7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his Holy Spirit.]
Concupiscence, meaning the weakening of the flesh, in other words, the sensual desires of the flesh. So, as we endure affliction by not giving into the lusts of our flesh, whatever that may be, we increase in the love and grace of God through our faith in turn He blesses us with more for our faithfulness. The truth is that the longer we walk with Christ the more we reflect Him, which only happens because we are living our lives to please God. That does not mean that we live as though we are holier than thou, but that we are truly humble, knowing that we are the chiefest of sinners, but somehow Christ sees fit to use us anyway. And what exactly is our hope? That we will see Jesus.
[1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.]
Those who are sleeping, meaning those whom have died and their bodies are lying in the grave or wherever their ashes were laid, are just in their resting place right now. Jesus, confirmed this when He went to Lazarus after he died, [John 11:11-13 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. 12 Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. 13 Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.]
When Jesus died on the cross it would have been enough to bring permanent salvation to all who believe, but He did not stop there, He arose three days later to prove that not only does death stop God, but all who believe in Him will live forever with Him. No matter what we do in this life, we must remember that everyone is going to spend eternity in one of two places, heaven or hell. If we are saved and not living by the example of Christ living inside of us, then we are not going to be prepared for that either. Paul, goes on to stress this.
[1 Thessalonians 5:2-4,6,8-10 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. 3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. 4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.]
This is a reminder that to be absent from the body means to be present with Jesus, that is as long as we are a saved. I may be grieving that my mother is no longer with us, but at the same time I am rejoicing that she is up there with Jesus. Those who are not saved do not have this hope. That alone ought to be our reason for not taking for granted the good graces of God.
[1 Thessalonians 5:14-23 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. 15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 16 Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19 Quench not the Spirit. 20 Despise not prophesyings. 21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. 23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.]
II Thessalonians, was written also in 54 AD, shortly after Paul’s first letter, the reason being is that there was some confusion at the second coming of Christ. The purpose of this letter was to instruct believers awaiting the return of Christ while going through tribulation. What we are to learn from the book is that it is important to understand that tribulation will come, but it is for our benefit in obtaining the glory of Christ, [2 Thessalonians 2:14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.]
Now, with that said, when we who are faithful to Christ show them that there is hope, especially when they see our faith and the blessings that come with it, it does bring a few to Christ. However, that also brings quite a few reprobates attacking us for our faith. This is where we need the reminder that the pain we are enduring right now is only temporary, and comes with a day of reckoning. Paul, reminds us that patience and faithfulness to God through tribulation is what brings the greatest blessings.
[2 Thessalonians 1:3-6 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; 4 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: 5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: 6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;]
Wow! The righteous judgment of God. We have all experienced the righteous judgment of God, but the day will come when Jesus will return, and avenge every believer that has had evil brought upon them, and that is pretty much all of us.
[2 Thessalonians 1:7-10,12 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. 12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.]
Wow! The truth of it all is starting to reveal itself, the afflictions and even tribulations that we endure do more than reveal Christ in us, they also point to the day that we too will be glorified, meaning given a brand new body, one that will never feel pain again, [1 Corinthians 15:52-53 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.]
Christ, wants to be glorified in you, but not only that, He wants to glorify you by being faithful to Him through it all. In fact, He admires you for it, and as for those who cause the affliction, we need not to worry about them, they will have their own affliction to face when they least expect it. Now, with that said, this is when the true believers will be separated from the pretenders. Paul, encourages us to keep holding on to our faith, and shows what will take place prior to that trumpet sound.
[2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.]
The son of perdition is the Antichrist, who appears to be Christlike, but is the complete opposite and before Christ returns this fool will show up and entice many to follow him. Paul, goes on to describe what will happen,
[2 Thessalonians 2:8-12 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the Spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.]
There will be an apostasy of the Church like we have never seen before, as not only will the Antichrist be here the false prophet will as well. The people are going to reject Christ and forsake the Church for this Wicked one, but they as well as Satan and those who followed them will be judged before Christ Himself. The only weapon His is going to use to judge them is speak the Word of God to them, [Revelation 19:13-15 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.]
This is why God gives them up to their own delusions, as much as He would like every soul to be saved, He will not waste His time with what are called reprobates. Paul, goes on to encourage us to keep holding on to this hope, [2 Thessalonians 2:13-16 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. 16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,]
Some people are beyond knowing Christ as their Saviour, and will never accept Him, they will even go to extremes to try to stop you from speaking about Him, but we must carry on, we cannot let them stop us from being who Christ creates in us. I do not know if you noticed, but it seems that immortality is at an all time high these days, sex, drugs, alcohol, transgenderism, abortion, all flaunted for all the world to see, and there is not one ounce of humility. And let me tell you, there are many who call themselves Christians doing these very things. As Christians, we are not to be living the way the world does.
[2 Thessalonians 3:5-9 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. 6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. 7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; 8 Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: 9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.]
Do you see why we are to live our lives by the example of Christ and not of the world? If we live like they do then they will not see the need for Christ let alone repentance. Now, Paul finalizes his letter with an eye opening statement as to how the Church is failing, [2 Thessalonians 3:10-15 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. 13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. 14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.]
Wow! Does this not sound like what we are seeing today? These crazy movements going around today are all the result of people who do not work and are in fact busybodies. As rewarding as living the Christian life is, it does come with its share of sorrows, but when you stop to think about it, our sorrows are nothing compared to the lost. At least, we have Jesus and are blessed through ours, [Matthew 5:8-12 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.]
Today’s Prayer: God, I admit that I am not thrilled at the affliction I am going through, it seems as though the second I get over one problem another arises. I will not always understand this, but I do understand You are with me, growing me, and strengthening my faith and trust in You through every trial, every tear, and every fear. Thank You for everything You do for me, I know nothing I go through is in vain and has a purpose. Lead me and guide me, give me the strength only You can give me to stand firm in my faith, and not be drawn away from You. I love You Lord, and pray in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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