Reading Through The New Testament - September 22nd, 2016 - 2 Thessalonians 2 Firstfruits.

I’m not going to lie, 2 Thessalonians 2 is pretty wild. How did you guys like the talk about the “man of lawlessness”? To be honest it had me going “uh what?”

I can guess that this church was getting caught up in end times fears and false prophesies. Hmmm Glad that never happens to the church today *WINK*

Anyway, what really caught me in this chapter was this verse:

But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. 1 Thessalonians 2:13

Firstfruits.

In other words, God chose you to be the first signs of what the people of heaven look like. Through his sanctifying work you are the sign of what is to come.

God has given us a gift to be people of heaven before heaven comes.

I heard a quote from someone who said that when they die and go be with God they will have lived in such a way that they won’t notice they died.

Because they have lived a life that brings heaven to earth in such a way that when they get to heaven the transition won’t even be noticeable.

They live this life in the presence of God, so it won’t be that shocking to be in heaven in the presence of God.

I thank God that He has given us the gift to be the first fruits of heaven, through the sanctifying work of His Spirit.

What is heaven like?

Well, a place in God’s presence, where we all worship and give worth to Jesus , there’s unity, peace, fulfillment, and love.

What is the church meant to be like? Well, a place in God’s presence, where we all worship and give worth to Jesus , there’s unity, peace, fulfillment, and love.

We’re meant to be the first fruits of heaven here on earth. Isn’t that beautiful?

Join me in this prayer this morning:

Jesus, in your grace, through your spirit, may my life bring heaven to earth today. May I be a first fruit of your kingdom for all the world to see. When someone asks “What is heaven like?” May my answer be lived out in my life. Amen