But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. 8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.
11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. 12 And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
25 Brethren, pray for us. (1Thessalonians 5:1"-25)
We live in some challenging times. One day we see someone heading into church and the next day we see them in a violent protest; screaming, cursing, insulting, beating ,and even murdering. While we realize these folks are not actual Christ-followers, we who are cannot sit idly by as if nothing is happening! We cannot hide in our CHRISTian closets and wait for Jesus to return.
We are to take lead and not follow the culture or the crowd. We are lead in love yet warn the unruly. We are to avoid all and ny form of evil and hatred. We are to sanctified (set apart) and hold fast to what is good...not what is popular, degrading, hateful, or cultural accepatable. Our leaders MUST address the subject biblically and challenge the sheep to be obedient to the Word of God, not the words of politically charged groups. Our entire mind, body, and soul must remain blameless before God . . . because we WILL be held accountable!
Please . . . let's pray for one another that we seek to honor God and the brotherhood . . . the CHRISTian
brotherhood! There is no color, race, culture, or party above the blood of Jesus. If we claim Him to be our Lord and Savior, then we reject anything that is contrary to His Word. The road is narrow indeed . . . wide and easy, popular and exciting, is the road to destruction.
On which road are we traveling today? For Whom/whom are we marching, demonstrating, and shouting? Whose/whose banner are upholding?
15 And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-Lord-Is-My-Banner;(Exodus 17:15)
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