👂The Last Time 📣

My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.

2 Thessalonians 3:1 (KJV) Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:

As Paul ends his letter he asks those in Thessalonica to first pray that they would be able to spread the Gospel as they did there with them.  It is important that the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ be spread. First people need to hear Romans 10:17 (KJV) So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. One way is by the preaching of the Word of God. 

Jesus preached Matthew 4:17 (KJV) From that time on us Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

The Disciples Preached  Mark 3:14 (KJV) And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach,

Acts 5:42 (KJV) And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

You say preaching is nothing but a bunch of foolishness. Would it surprise you if I agreed? Would it even surprise you more if God himself agreed with you? 1 Corinthians 1:21 (KJV) For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. That’s what God chose to save mankind from their sin. Now I will agree there are preachers that do foolish preaching that’s not pleasing to God nor is it spreading the Gospel. It goes back to the enemy who doesn’t want mankind to be saved and have a relationship with Christ or a home in heaven. Any preaching that doesn’t uplift the Lord Jesus Christ I would be very careful about. 

Acts 8:12 (KJV) But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Acts 10:36 (KJV) The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

Paul says pray for us that we will be able to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ as we did with you.  

I love the way verse 2 starts off “And” when I read that I thought of those commercials that say “and that’s not all.” 

2 Thessalonians 3:2 (KJV) And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.

Paul says pray for us “that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men” Paul knew that the unreasonable and wicked men would come and try to put an end to his preaching. Follow this man Paul and you will find he spent time in jail for preaching. He was beaten for his preaching. Asked to leave town for his preaching. Well you would think that he would quit preaching. But no Paul never did and then one day he was killed for his preaching. I would say preaching was of much importance not only to him but to those that heard him. When was the last time our ears heard  preaching like that? The most compassionate man I ever knew to see others come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Left this life and went to be with his Lord and Savior on 6 September 2024 at age 74. His compassion was seen as his tears ran down his cheeks, as he told others of how they could go to heaven. 

Leaders should not be more concerned with goals than people. Leaders serve others, not goals. People are not disposable resources to accomplish a vision. Integrity, love, and justice should not be compromised for achievement.