http://spiritandtruth.org/teaching/8.htm These messages discuss the apostle Paul's second letter to the church of the Thessalonians. In this letter the apostle Paul continues to provide additional insights into biblical eschatology or last things. It contains one of the key Scriptural teachings on the coming Antichrist and his activities during the Tribulation period, as well as insights into the current and future ministry of the Holy Spirit during this time period. Mon, 12 Jun 2006 14:27:57 GMT ListGarden Program 1.3.1 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Paul reviews his previous instructions to the Church and cautions them to carry out his command with brotherly love. He closes this letter with a fervent wish for the Lord's presence and grace in the Church. (2 Thessalonians 3:13-18) Mon, 12 Jun 2006 14:27:45 GMT 2Thess-2006-06-12-14-27-45 In this section Paul addresses a specific issue in the Thessalonian church: there were some among them who were expecting the Church to provide for their material needs. Paul answers the question of what the Church is to do when their admonitions are ignored. (2 Thessalonians 3:6-12) Mon, 12 Jun 2006 14:26:48 GMT 2Thess-2006-06-12-14-26-48 Paul begins the practical section of this letter in this chapter by asking for prayer, by affirming the faithfulness of God, and by praying again for the Thessalonians. (2 Thessalonians 3:1-5) Mon, 12 Jun 2006 14:25:39 GMT 2Thess-2006-06-12-14-25-39 In this section Paul gives important facts concerning our salvation, and he commands believers to stand firm and hold fast to the Truth of God's Word. He ends this section by praying for the comfort and strength required to accomplish this task. (2 Thessalonians 2:13-17) Mon, 12 Jun 2006 14:24:40 GMT 2Thess-2006-06-12-14-24-40 First, Paul gives a snapshot of the Beginning & the End of the man of lawlessness. Then he briefly describes what will happen between these two events, including what energizes the Antichrist, who will follow him, and God's response to them. (2 Thessalonians 2:8-12) Mon, 12 Jun 2006 14:23:37 GMT 2Thess-2006-06-12-14-23-37 In these two verses the apostle Paul tells about the "restrainer" which is holding back lawlessness. At a specific future time this "restrainer" will step aside and allow the man of lawlessness to be revealed, but until then there is a divinely appointed delay in the Tribulation. These verses have important implications for the ministry of the Holy Spirit during the time of the Tribulation. (2 Thessalonians 2:6-7) Mon, 12 Jun 2006 14:22:08 GMT 2Thess-2006-06-12-14-22-08 This section of Scripture affirms that the Rapture of the Church will occur before the beginning of the Tribulation, and it asserts that the Tribulation itself cannot begin until two prerequisites have occurred. It also provides several important characteristics of the "man of lawlessness" -- the Antichrist. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-5) Mon, 12 Jun 2006 14:20:04 GMT 2Thess-2006-06-12-14-20-04 In this section, Paul picks up the theme of God's righteous judgment, and he leaves no doubt about the final judgment of the wicked. Paul specifically discusses when this judgment will take place and provides several details concerning what will accompany God's judgment of the wicked. (2 Thessalonians 1:6-12) Thu, 01 Jun 2006 16:52:59 GMT 2Thess-2006-06-01-16-52-59 This study introduces Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians, showing why he wrote so soon after sending his first letter. It restates Paul's genuine praise for what God had accomplished in their lives, and how they have become an example that Paul can use to encourage other churches. He demonstrates that these believers are already worthy of participation in the kingdom of God, and implies that their persecutors certainly will be punished by the Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 1:1-5) Thu, 01 Jun 2006 15:16:37 GMT 2Thess-2006-06-01-15-16-37