September 2

<p><a href= "http://traffic.libsyn.com/thehighroadshow/2467S0902.mp3" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">Download</a></p> <!-- END 1071 Download Link --> <p>II Thessalonians 1-3 We are in the Church Stream reading from the New International Readers Version. 7streamsmethod.com | @serenatravis | <a href= "https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=YPPA8XGTQ2YHU">Donate</a></p> <!--more--> <p>Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis II Thessalonians was written shortly after the first letter to the Thessalonian church.  It was right around 52 A.D.   Rome was thriving (brutal as it was) and Greek <em>culture</em> (at least) was still very prevalent. Olympic gatherings were scheduled events in the Empire.  Paul writes again to this prominent city they called Thessaloniki.  This second letter is almost as if Paul had a moment of "oh yea, people, just a few more things I want you to know..."  II Thes. is further teaching about the Lord's Coming back, about it being sudden, the event being unexpected, about it being very terrifying for the disobedient.</p> <div>1 - Paul's greeting is gracious and it takes him no time to get into encouraging the church. They will get through the suffering. Those who afflict them will come to severely regret it.  The Lord is coming back and whereas he had a more glorious rendition and focus in I Thess., he adds that this same event will be a horrible day for those who shunned the marvelous gospel of Jesus Christ.  Paul's reference to "fire" is in keeping with other symbolism and statements about "fire" in Matt. 25, Heb. 10, & Rev. 20.  And because of this Paul says "we keep praying..." eight more times before the chapter closes!</div> <div>2 - The Rebellion; The Man of Sin that is coming; the antiChrist is described here. His traits, the trademarks of the times that will occur before Christ returns is told so that the Thessalonians (and we!) do not succumb to lies and the forces that lead so many astray while awaiting to see Jesus. Verse 3 is especially good: "don't let anyone