Stand Firm in a Shaky World

We are called to stand firm in Word of the Gospel.

Example: building steps up from Cabin 6 at EMTC

Don’t Be Shaken by Fear

The Thessalonians were troubled because of the persecution they were facing and a false belief that they were already in the time of the Great Tribulation (the Day of the Lord).

They were fearful that they had missed the rapture (v. 1)

Why would they fear the day of the Lord if they believed that the rapture were to take place after? No, they were taught that Christ would deliver them from wrath: 1 Thess 5:9 “For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,”

Don’t Be Taken by Falsehood

Understand God’s Plan

The Day of the Lord (God’s righteous judgement on the earth) will not come until the antichrist is revealed.

The antichrist is first revealed in Daniel 7 as the little horn who speaks boastful words. In Daniel 9 the timeline is given. Daniel 9:26-27 “And after the sixty-two weeks, an anointed one shall be cut off and shall have nothing. And the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its end shall come with a flood, and to the end there shall be war. Desolations are decreed. And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.””

The antichrist will break the covenant with Israel at the halfway point (3-1/2 years).

Assure that you will be delivered from Deception

The Holy Spirit is now restraining the “mystery of lawlessness (sin grows exceeding sinful).”

When the Holy Spirit stops restraining Satan then the Antichrist will rise, but He will be destroyed.

The Strong delusion that comes on all people to follow the Antichrist is part of God’s judgement on those who reject the truth. (comparison to deceiving spirit in Ahab’s prophets).

Keep Standin’ Firm in the Faith

Stand fast and hold to the traditions:

Hold to the Word of God.

Realize that God holds you!