20241013 6PMp RI Anticipation of what is coming.
Term 4 in school is the last before Christmas. For many, it may also mean exams, or the prospect of the time after the exams. Anticipation requires action. Thessalonians anticipates the return of Jesus, but how do we see this? Anticipation for the Thessalonians, led to action. It radically changed their lives. The Thessalonians turned, they served and they waited. This is what the church everywhere said about them. 1. They turned to God from idols. In that society, this was not a small change. It led to persecution and severe suffering. For us, following Jesus is not just a turn to… but also a turn from … for us there can be many idols: money can be an idol for us. There are various practical actions we can take. 2. The Thessalonians were moved to serve. They served the living and true God. They served by working, labouring and enduring. With effort and time. Grace is about “not earning”; not about “no effort”. Serving is about sacrificing ourselves for others. 3. Waiting. Action in waiting for the return of Jesus. Awaiting a rescue from wrath. When Jesus returns, all will be made new! So, turn, serve and wait.
Speaker: Ron Irving.
