I & II Thess, I & II Tim, Titus, Philemon

It is going to be a hot day today as we approach 100 degrees!  We also have a special Children's Outreach and hope to see over 100 saved and many baptized with their parents permission.  It will take about 70 people to put on, but in a few hours, four buses loaded down will come to our church.  It will be a great day!! Today, I am reading in the New Testament in the books in the Subject of this blog.  Here are some thoughts: 1) TO DESPISE OTHER CHRISTIANS IS TO DESPISE GOD- I Thess. 4:6 says: "That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter:  because that the LORD is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified."   This is saying not to deal unjustly with Christians, and verse 8 says: "He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit."  If we despise other Christians, then we are in essence despising God who dwells within them.  Be kind to others!! 2) DON'T TROUBLE A CHRISTIAN!!  We read what I Thess. 4:6 & 8 said, but here is what II Thess. 1:6 says: "Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;"  (vs.8)-"In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:"  (9) "Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord,..."   WOW!!  Leave the Christians alone ye sinners!!  God judges them!! 3) WHAT DOES GOD WANT??  I Tim. 2:4 "Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."   This is God's desire, this is what God wants!!  Now, we have a small but important part in that.... we carry the message... no one can be saved without us carrying the message.  Let's do our part so that God can see His desire fulfilled. 4) FEAR NOT!!  II Tim. 1:7 says: "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."  We should not fear, but trust God.  Pray but don't fear.  Fear is acting like God is not in control.  He knows what is best, so don't fear any outcome!  He has not promised to pave our path with ease, but He has promised to walk with us on our journey.  Financial reversals, failing health, busted relationships, broken hearts, times of deep discouragement.... we go through these valleys, but God holds our right hand saying:  "Fear not; I will help thee." Isa. 41:13 Well, I'm off today.... so much to get done.  See you tomorrow.... it's Sunday!!! Dr. Mike Mutchler, Pastor