2 Thessalonians 1 – 3
Verse 1:8 starts off with a dire warning:
in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
The old argument comes up here, if God is love than how can he cast anyone into hell? Once must only realize God is more than just love, He is everything. Which opens an interesting thought posed by Pastor Shannon the other day; if God is everywhere, then he is in hell. It’s very perplexing when you really start to think about it. He is in the “flaming fire” with those “who do not know” Him.
Verse 2:8 continues the theme of the destruction of those who are not followers of Christ:
And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by the appearance of his coming.
Interestingly, this appears to describe an individual and not a generic group. I read this and wonder how they relate to “the anti-Christ”. As I read these prophecies and writings I have to wonder if those who focus on the “end-days” do more damage to the “faith” than help. Think about it, if you did not believe and all you we exposed to was “dooms day” talk, you would be looking at 2000+ years of people saying these things with nothing happening. Would you be drawn to the faith or away?
Honestly I think there is more than enough to share with people that is positive than to slam them with end-times scary stuff. I do think “internally” we should focus on it since it will put urgency on doing “God’s work”. I honestly believe the “love” part needs to draw “newbies” in but we need to grow the other aspects after the fact.
Now this presents a dilemma for churches today, do they preach to the “congregation” of believers or the “new” person walking in for the first time? I think that is where “Sunday School” and small groups need to progress. Ensure they have some for every level of believer. Keep the “service” for “worship” and general teachings and focus on the details in the groups.
Verse 3:10 is a slap upside the heads of the people who want something for nothing:
For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.
I think Paul is real specific that the “leaders” of a church should not rest on those laurels, but rather work so as not to seem privileged. This should be the way we live today. I really thing “charity” has been lost in today’s society. Everyone points to FDR as the start of the welfare state, and through the Great Depression it was necessary to keep from a total collapse of society. But there is one big thing I notice that is lacking from today’s programs, the aspect of working for the handout.
WPA is a perfect example; they fed, clothed and housed people in this program. They even paid them a little money, but in return they had to work. The result for our tax dollars was some major improvements in parks and infrastructure that provide value to the public some 60 years later. Assistance is always needed, but I think Paul was saying those who can, should work for whatever they receive.
Didn’t mean to go on a political rant, but at the same time charity is a huge component of our faith. Just think one needs to assess the recipient, and that is a fine line between compassion and enabling.