2 Thessalonians Week 14

Earlier this week I was swept up in the Christmas spirit. I watched the Muppets Christmas Carol, and then the Muppets Christmas special that aired last night. So in order to avoid a visit from "Marley and Marley" or any other Christmas ghosts we will detour from 2 Thessalonians to Luke 2. If we embrace the Christmas season this week, it might be just enough to take me off Santa's naughty list.  Let's take a look at our Savior's birth, and keep our fingers crossed for that "Red Ryder BB Gun". 

Luke 2:1-20 

1) Read Luke 2:1-5 

Our government has proven to be full of corruption. (see Governor of Illinois) So was Rome. It seems that our government is not always supportive of Christianity. Rome certainly wasn't supportive. Some would look at this and say God has left this nation. Look at Rome. Rome was corrupt, and against Christianity from the very start. However, God was still there. See how he uses governments to fulfill his will. The census in Luke 2 fulfilled the prophecy that Christ would be born in Bethlehem. (Micah 5:2-5) God is at work everywhere, and he will never leave us. 

Look at 2 Samuel 7:12-13, how has God fulfilled his promise to David in Luke 2? 

2) Read Luke 2:6-7 

We now hear of how Jesus birth came to pass. Luke only dedicates two verses to his birth, which seems a little understated. "Jesus was born in a manger... moving on!" Obviously his birth was humble, and even understated for a King. Take a second to think about the verses you just read. What has stopped you from greeting your humble king this Christmas? Are the things that keep you busy this season really more important than what is written in these two verses? 

Moving on!

3) Read Luke 2:8-20 

Typically you will hear sermons about how lowly the Shepherds were. Indeed, they had a very low status in society. Some of us are rich, and some of us are poor; however, none of us are shepherds.  Do you relate more with the Shepherds or the wealthy and wise Magi? 

Regardless, both bow before the infant. The Kingdom of God has that effect on us. It makes the lowly high, and the high lowly.  Whether you need to be lifted up or brought down the Kingdom of God bring us to the same place no matter where we start from-  to the feet of the king. 

The Shepherds first responded to the angels in fear. Then they were filled with joy. What transformed them from fear to joy? 

Are you afraid this season? Do you have an overwhelming amount of worries? Hear the Gospel, and let the conquerer Jesus Christ rescue you from fear, and bring you into the joy of his kingdom. 

Merry Christmas! Post any comments or good tidings of great joy below!

2 Thessalonians Week 13

We are continuing our discussion of the Antichrist this week. 

1) Check out the wikipedia article on the "Antichrist". 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antichrist 

Christians throughout history have spent much of their effort on trying to identify the Antichrist. How would the church benefit if we knew the identity of the Antichrist? 

 Is it crucial for Christians to know who the identity of theAntichrist? Even if we never figure out for sure who the Antichirst is, we can still follow the one TRUE Christ. 

2) Read 2 Thessalonians 2:8-10. 

Satan will use his power to support the Antichrist. There will be miracles, and false teachers that will decieve many. What can we use to test the miracles and teachings of the Antichrist? Maybe another way to ask this question is: what do we trust in above miraculous signs, and human teachings?  

It is the Word of God, living and active and sharper than any double edged sword. The Word of God will cut through the lies of Satan. 

3) Read 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 

Jesus will come in glory and overthrow this villian with the breath of his mouth. In other words, the glory of God will outshine the best attempts of Satan. 

Consider this: When Jesus was born in the flesh it was part of the most humble expression God could make to man. Satan, on the other hand, will raise a glorious Antichrist. Isn't it interesting that God can use his most humble effort to overthrow Satan's best?  

 

MT. OLIVE COUNSEL MEETING
11/16/08


IN ATTENDANCE: Debra McCauley, Matt McCauley, Janet Frisch, Patty Davies, Ann
Emge, Rex Pagani, Kathy Brown, John Musser, Steve Peterson,
Marilyn Huber, Pastor Pingel, and Vicar Hoffman.


1) Ann Emge discussed some projects from the Education Team, which include: Sunday School snacks, the Children’s Program for the Christmas Party dinner and Movie Day on 12/23.
2) Patty Davies informed the Coat Drive was very successful with over 100 coats given away when members of the community came to our hall for coffee and donuts. 30 more were sent to the soup kitchen at Christ Lutheran in Beaver Falls. The Christian Alliance church will take the remainder for their Christmas dinner.
3) Kathy Brown informed that Julie Quay is the new Mentor Mom with MOPS.
On 1/31/09 they are planning a Crafts & Hostess Fair at the church as a fundraiser. Also, the Women’s Shelter has supplied us with tear off sheets with their phone # for any woman who may be in need of their help. These will be placed in the women’s bathrooms.
4) Steve Peterson reports the Stewardship meetings are ongoing. Also, Sherri Ludig did an immaculate audit of the church finances. A report is forthcoming.
5) Matt and Debra are planning the annual Chilli dinner for 1/24/09.
6) Vicar will be hosting the male jr.youth at this home, while his wife takes the female jr. youth out to the movies and dinner.
7) Janet Frisch voiced the need for more Telecare callers.
8) Rex Pagani announced the upcoming Marriage Encounter weekend will be rescheduled for another time, as no one signed up. It’s thought that this might just be a bad time of the year for such an event.
9) Pastor reported the Vicar’s roof is fully repaired. Also, Church Mutual is our new insurance company for all areas of the church. Pastor thanked all committees for all of the good teamwork. His new office is done and he is grateful and enjoying it. The Youth group is planning on hosting a servant event here…………more details to come. Pastor also informed counsel that he is performing appx. 7 hrs. a week in volunteer work as a mobile therapist for Northwestern Human Services.

Evangelism Board Calendar

Hello everyone, 

The Evangelism Board is putting together one calendar- an activities calendar, where members and especially visitors can see what is going on within our church from month to month. This might help to peak the interest of those who come in who are unfamiliar with everything that happens here. It could also help to cultivate a stronger connection to the church. For example, if someone who is a member of MOPS sees that there is a Chilifest here in January; she might want to come to that event. There are many who come through our doors on a weekly basis, but they may not belong to another church or even know Christ. Connecting these people to the other activities that go on here can create opportunities for us to share the gospel!  

If you are a member of a board, or if you are in charge of an event email me at hoffmanz@csl.edu and we will put it on our calendar, so that it can be seen by others.  

 

2 Thessalonians Week 13

Has he arrived? How many will he led astray? When will Christ overthrow him? 

It's time to study the Antichrist. 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 discusses in some detail the Antichrist. Let's see what Paul has to say about him. 

1)What frightens you about the coming of the Antichrist?

Read 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 Notice that the Thessalonians were also disturbed and alarmed by the thought of the Antichrist.  Take a minute to search the word "Antichrist" with Google or Yahoo. Look at how many theories there are that claim to know the identity of the Antichrist. Why are so many alarmed at the coming of the Antichrist? 

John 10:27-28 "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand." Know that Jesus holds you in his firm grip, and you cannot be pulled away by the Antichrist if you trust in Christ.  

2) Verse 4 says that the Antichrist will exalt himself over God. He will glorify himself, but think on how Christ came in humility. Christ did not come to seek his own glory, but he glorified his Father in heaven.  When we seek to glorify ourselves who are we taking glory from? 

3) 1 John 2:18 says: "Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour." There is a difference between THE Antichrist, and other antichrists. The term "antichrist" with a lower case "a" refers to everyone who has opposed Christ and his teachings. There are many of those who exist today, and there were many causing trouble for the early church too.  

The Antichrist refers to a specific figure who will oppose Christ, and bring about God's judgement. He will decieve many, and this figure will do dramatic damage to the church and world.  

There are countless antichrists and one fearsome Antichrist. Even still, Jesus will over come all of them with the breath of his mouth. Take some time to consider the true Christ who can destroy all of our enemies with the breath of his mouth. He won't even need to lift a finger to banish the many attacks Satan will throw at the church. The Antichrist will be Satan's best work, but Jesus has already won the victory over Satan and his minions. 

We will continue with this topic next week. Please post your comments by clicking on the bottom right corner of this post.