Presents
Pamphlet #5145 KC1Thes9

Many good hearted but Biblically illiterate people are "persuaded" by men and women who though they have the appearance of that which is good, actually promote that which is evil.

In this first epistle to the Thessalonians our Father through his chosen servant the apostle Paul, has given us much valuable information concerning the return of Jesus Christ.

Man on the other hand has found numerous ways to distort that which is written in this epistle and try to make it fit his or her "theories", like the any-moment Rapture Theory first espoused by Margaret McDonald in the year 1830 in Glasgow Scotland.

Check it out for yourself in church history.

Many good hearted but Biblically illiterate people are "persuaded" by such men and women who though they have the appearance of that which is good, they actually promote that which is evil.

You see, a spin-minister (spinister) can "prove" anything he wants to out of the Bible.

All he or she has to do is what E.W. Bullinger calls in his wonderful work "How to Enjoy the Bible", Text Mangling and/or Text Mingling.

And to make quite sure those verses are not interpreted according to man's theory, Paul will set the record straight once and for all in chapter 2 of his next letter to the Thessalonians.

We will now complete the remainder of 1st Thessalonians where Paul will conclude his letter by instructing us as to how we should conduct ourselves and "handle" any and all men and women, spirit-filled or not, whom we listen to expound upon the Word of God!

 This is of paramount importance if we are, as Paul says in verse 23, "to be presented blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Recall that in our last study Paul instructed us to comfort and edify one another, which is to "build up" the family of God in accordance with His Word.

Dr. Moffat translates this verse as, "Brothers, we beg you to respect those who are working among you, presiding over you and in the Lord and maintaining discipline;".

We must be disciplined in the Word and maintain that discipline, strictly adhering to that which is written and not giving heed to men's (or women's) theories and doctrines which cannot be documented.

This is especially true for us in this final generation, because as Christ said concerning these last days, "Many shall come in My name and deceive many".

How will they do that? By teaching "Rapture Theories" and other traditions of men which are contrary to His Word.

And if you are fortunate to have a good teacher be thankful for him or her that you may be able to continue to grow and learn and so edify one another as Paul exhorts.

Never put your faith or trust in man, trust only God and His Word.

Nevertheless, be mature and respect the different gifts of the spirit that our Father has given to His servants and do not be one who promotes division but rather sows peace among the brethren.

Not one of us is perfect or has all the answers.

Therefore do not be afraid to set them straight.

Just remember though that we are not all at the same level of maturity in the Word, nor do we all learn at the same pace, nor do we all have the same strength in our faith.

Be therefore gentle and supportive and comforting and be PATIENT, which means "longsuffering", toward not only the brethren but toward ALL MEN as is our Father.

In other words, always "Do what is right" whether you are among the brethren or dealing with the outside world!

You know the saying, "Two wrongs don't make a right!"

The biggest problem is that all too often we let the emotions of our flesh do our data processing and override the inner man who is supposed to be in charge.

When this occurs it usually results in Big Trouble for everyone.

So do not let your emotions cause you to err in judgment.

Ok, ok, but at least keep trying, and be extremely careful in matters pertaining to "religion" or His Word.

In those cases pertaining to His Word where a brother or sister is involved, learn to do the right thing which is to "turn the other cheek"!

In other cases, doing the right thing does not mean that we let people run all over us.

Sometimes our civil authorities need to be summoned to our aid.

Nevertheless, Be a Happy Camper!

Have you ever read the Book of Job?

So talk to your Father daily, anytime, anywhere, and tell Him how thankful you are to be His child!

It doesn't get any happier than that!

This is the very first thing the apostle James, the brother of Jesus, tells us in his letter to us: "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;" James 1:2. Remember how Paul and Silas sang praises to God even when they were in jail?

Hey, trials and tribulations are part of the training program. Consider them the exercise machines for faith.

Then read Hebrews chapter 12.

Note: This verse has special meaning to God's elect who know that the time is soon coming when the Holy Spirit will speak through those who are delivered up before the synagogues and councils to give witness and proclaim the gospel as recorded in Mark 13, Mat. 24, and Luke 21. Luke 12:9-10 shows that for one of them to "quench the Holy Spirit" (blaspheme) at that time would be unforgivable: "But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God. [10] And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven."

Just make sure you "check everything out"!

Test and examine ALL THINGS to see if they align with His Word and that which does align, keep, i.e. hold fast.

That which does not align, get rid of it!

Do not follow the majority nor conform to traditional Churchianity just because that is what everyone else does.

The majority wasn't right in the days of Noah, nor are they right in these last days.

THINK FOR YOURSELF! In other words, be "transformed" by the "renewing of your mind", by Seeing and Understanding for yourself directly from the Word of God!

PROVE what is good!

What Paul is talking about here is that if you have put man's teachings, even his so called "spirit-filled" teachings and "religious things he does", to the test of scripture and they appear to be a form of evil, then simply do not have anything to do with them.

Paul is exhorting us to keep our body, mind and spirit clean and disciplined and focused on the truth, "following after that which is good (vs. 15)", i.e. His Word.

Be sober and be vigilant!

He tells us in 2 Tim. 2:15, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

Be faithful to your Father and His Word because He is certainly faithful to you.

Let us therefore support one another and pray for one another and greet and treat each other with brotherly love.

Paul charges us by the authority of Jesus Christ that this letter of instruction be read (taught) to "all the holy brethren", and he does not mean just to the Thessalonians.

That MEANS that Jesus Christ wants this epistle taught to all the brethren!

Does anyone care to do that which Christ instructs?

Apparently some do not!

And you know what?

If these epistles of Paul were read and were taught correctly line by line, following the subjects and objects as they are written, we wouldn't have the traditions of men trying to read something into them that isn't there!

You see, if you do not think the any-moment rapture theory is both evil and dangerous, you are dead wrong!

We will find out why in Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians.

Paul has now encouraged us, warned us, and admonished us to "prove all things" and hold fast that which is good, i.e. that which aligns with God's Word.

So from here on out and until Christ returns, "do it"!