Hickory Withe Presbyterian Church

The sermon is from Luke 3:1-20 – “None is Greater than John the Baptist”.  “In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, …” – Luke 3:1

Some “scholars” contend that the historical accuracy of the Bible is unimportant. The human authors of Scripture held to an entirely different view. Luke uses the first two verses in chapter three of his gospel to document the beginning of John the Baptist’s public ministry. He lists the civil magistrates over the regions where John preached and baptized. And Luke also mentions the two men who occupied the office of high priest during John’s ministry. He wanted his readers to embrace historical certainty of what he taught (See Luke 1:1-4).

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The sermon is 2 Thessalonians 3:6-18 – “Work for the Night is Coming”.  “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.”  – 2 Thessalonians 3:10

Paul’s counsel drops like a bombshell upon anyone with an entitlement mentality. Paul essentially asserts, “If you don’t work, starve.” Now, certainly he would make allowances for those who are infirm or disabled. His injunction is obviously meant for able-bodied men and women who choose to be idle. In Exodus 20:8-9, the same commandment that calls upon us to “Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy” also asserts, “Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, …”. Someone once quipped, “An idle mind is the Devil’s workshop.” The Apostle Paul would say, “Amen!”

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The sermon is 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 – “…Brothers, Pray for Us…”.   “… pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored …”. – 2 Thessalonians 3:1

Every Christian longs for the day when this prayer request is answered by God in the affirmative. Isaac Watts expressed our longings like this – “We long to see your churches full, that all the chosen race may, with one voice and heart and soul, sing your redeeming grace.” Only God by His Spirit is able to build His church. Some plant the seed of the gospel. Others water the seeds that were planted. But only God can grow a local church. Paul states, “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”

(1 Corinthians 3:7) Paul believed this, therefore, the simple prayer request, “… pray for us…”.

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The sermon is 2 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 – “Thanksgiving Day for the Apostle Paul”.   “But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord …”. – 2 Thessalonians 2:13

The Apostle Paul loved the Thessalonians. He was instrumental in planting this church and he continued to provide them sound spiritual guidance as they suffered for the cause of Christ. But, more importantly, they were loved by God. They had been chosen by God before the foundation of the world for salvation. They were being sanctified by the Holy Spirit – they were growing in likeness to Christ. God had effectually called them and enabled them to embrace Jesus Christ by faith. And one day they will obtain the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. They can sing the song even now in this world – “What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see!”

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The sermon is 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 –  “ The Deception Caused by the Man of Lawlessness. “… they refused to love the truth and so be saved.” – 2 Thessalonians 2:10

Christians love the truth of God’s Word. James 1:18 states, “Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth …”. Then, James says, “… receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” (James 1:21) God uses the truth of Scripture to save His people; And He uses the truth of Scripture to grow His people. God’s people exclaim, “Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.” (Psalm 119:97)

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The sermon is from 2 Thessalonians 2:6-8 – “The Defeat of the Anti-Christ”.  “And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth …” 2 Thessalonians 2:8

The Bible contains a message of salvation and hope and assurance. Jesus Christ is the friend of sinners. He saves sinful people who see their sin and confess their need of Him. But Jesus Christ is also the King of kings and Lord of lords. Christ, as you see, will kill the ‘lawless one’ with the breath of His mouth when He comes again. Jesus Christ is merciful and mighty. The prophet Nahum states, “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. But with an overflowing flood he will make a complete end of the adversaries, and will pursue his enemies into darkness.” (Nahum 1:7-8)

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The sermon is from  2 Thessalonians 2:3b-5 – “The Description of the Man of Lawlessness”.   “… the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, …” – 2 Thessalonians 2:3

In 2 Thessalonians 2:3, Paul teaches that two events must precede the 2nd Coming of Christ. He calls the first event “the rebellion” and, secondly, he states that “the man of lawlessness is revealed.” Are you ready for these events on God’s calendar? They may not be on your calendar, but they are firmly etched in God’s. Are you strong in the Lord and in His mighty power (Ephesians 6:10)? Will you stand strong against “the rebellion?” The Lord questioned Jeremiah, “If you have raced with men on foot, and they have wearied you, how will you compete with horses?” (Jeremiah 12:5) If we cannot live for Christ when times are easy, what about hard times? Solomon counsels us – “Buy the truth, and do not sell it …” (Proverbs 23:23) Paul speaks in a similar vein in 2 Thessalonians (See Chapter 2:9-12).

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The sermon is from will be 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3a – “Avoiding Deceit Regarding Christ’s Second Advent”.   “… we ask you, brothers, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed …” – 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2

Some Christians, unfortunately, are “shaken in mind” and “alarmed” regarding the promised return of the Lord Jesus Christ. Some have simply ignored the clear warning of Christ in Matthew 24:36 – “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.” Others spend too much time reading books and listening to the sermons of preachers which focus on the terrors of that great and final day of human history. Such Christians would benefit greatly by studying Paul’s 1st & 2nd letters to the Thessalonians. He uses this great doctrine to encourage believers. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:4-11; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-12; 2:13-17). Look up believer, your redemption is near (Luke 21:28).

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The sermon is from 2 Thessalonians 1:5-12 – “The Kindness and Severity of God”. ““… when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven …” – 2 Thessalonians 1:7

What is your favorite doctrine in the Bible? We should place equal value, of course, upon every doctrine that is revealed in the Word of God. But for the sake of discussion, what doctrine really captures your attention? The Apostle Paul, in his letters to the Thessalonians, devotes much of his attention to the doctrine of the 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ. Over 20% of the verses in 1 Thessalonians are allotted to this teaching about our Lord’s return and over 40% of the verses in 2 Thessalonians are dedicated to this same concern. He calls it in another place “… our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13)

A great hymn states concerning believers on that great day, “Dressed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne.” Come quickly, Lord Jesus (Revelation 22:20).

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The sermon is from 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4 – “Facing the Future, Then and Now”.  “Therefore we ourselves boast about you … for your steadfastness … in all your persecutions …” – 2 Thessalonians 1:4

The Thessalonian Christians suffered greatly for their Lord and for their faith in Him (See Acts 17:1-9). As 21st Century American Christians, we need this reminder. Most of us have never experienced the same sort of suffering for our faith. We should thank God for this environment in which we live. Paul urged 1st Century Christians to pray for such conditions as we enjoy (See 1 Timothy 2:1-2). However, Isaac Watts asks us and challenges us in his hymn, “Am I a Soldier of the Cross?” – “Is this vile world a friend to grace, to help me on to God?” Would our faith in Christ endure if we were to experience the flames of persecution in 2023?

Sunday Service Streamed Live at 11:00 AM – YouTube.com – Keyword: Hickory Withe PCA