Paul commended the believers at Thessalonica for their conversion and turning away from idols. Apparently, their conversion was both sudden and complete, and they were actively serving God boldly. Verse 8 makes it known that they were strong witnesses and their witness was even known in nearby regions.

It was not long after their conversion that these believers began to look for Christ’s return. They knew very well that God had raised Christ from the dead and then ascended on high – where He is today.

They did this because they knew that they had been delivered “from the wrath to come.” The “wrath” is speaking of God’s wrath, which will be revealed against sinners during the Tribulation, and at two other times – the Second Coming – when he destroys all those that do not know Him; and at the Great White Throne Judgment – when all unbelievers are judged and cast into the Lake of Fire.

Notice that it does not say: they hoped to be delivered, they wanted to be delivered, or even that they were working hard to be delivered from God’s wrath. Rather it says plainly that they had already been delivered. They had a sure salvation and they knew it.

At the same time, they were not idle. They wanted others to go with them and they spread the Gospel so others could be saved. Their faith produced results. All too many people today saying they are saved have little – if any – evidence that they have been changed. They are totally unlike New Testament Christians.

May God help all that are saved today to bring forth the fruits that God wants to produce in our lives. Knowledge of the wrath of God impacted these believer’s lives – does it impact yours? If not – why not?

Here is what Peter says about it in II Peter 3:11: “Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness.”

The Lord Jesus spoke strongly against those that were spiritually blind but claimed to be teachers of the Word. In the text that this is found, Jesus was emphasizing the fact that judgment is near.

He credited the people with being able to understand that certain types of signs in the sky and earth reveal what is coming in the way of weather and similar things. Jesus was reminding them that prophetic signs – which were all around them because of Christ’s presence and miracles. These things proved Who He was and what they ought to do about it. Their response showed their total ignorance of the Scriptures.

People today are no different – believers in particular. The fact that it appears from Scripture that Christ’s return could come at any moment – yet most believers are not living as though they really believed it. Their lifestyle shows almost complete indifference to what is happening around the world.

Many are not even going to church or reading their Bible daily – two of the most basic principles of Christian living. How can believers expect an unbelieving world to get ready for eternity if believers don’t even care about it?

Think about how a Christian should prepare to move to a completely different world – which will take place without time for change or preparation! Think about lost loved ones that will not go with you! Think about the influence you could exert in your neighborhood and among your loved ones if you lived for His glory! Finally, think about the eternal rewards you will have to do without – forever!

Isn’t it time to start paying attention to the signs of the times and acting on it?

It has been said for many years that Christ is coming soon. It’s still true. In fact, we are much closer to that hour than we were just a year ago.

The whole world knows that something is about to happen – even unbelievers. Everyone can sense it. Why is it then that so many believers seem to be asleep?

COVID seems to have killed the desire of many to go to church and serve God. They got out of the habit and have not shaken it off yet – no victory.

Notice that the verse above says that Jesus “cometh at an hour when ye think not.” With so many believers having given up hope – and certainly not being ready – it sounds very much like it could be any minute!

Think about it, Christian, can you call yourself ready for His appearing? That means having more than a feeling and lip service. It means doing what He said to do until He returns.

The parable of the talents was meant to illustrate Jesus, like the king going to a far country and giving to each servant differing amounts of talents. Then He returned from the journey: “After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them“ (Mt. 25:19)

The reckoning in this verse refers to Christ calling into account what each of His children did with the talents He gave them in His absence. Then, they are rewarded for their profit to the King. Note what happens to the servant that did nothing with the talent: “Thou wicked and slothful servant… Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath“ (Mt. 25:26-28).

My dear Christian brother and sister, the Judgment Seat of Christ for believers is a serious thing. It will affect your eternity – not your salvation – but your rewards. There is nothing in Scripture that says you will have a second chance to earn more rewards. Thank God He forgives our failures and sin (I John 1:9) when we are serious about obeying, but isn’t it about time to get back to your “first love?”

What does it take to be “ready?” Doing those things faithfully (all of them) that the Bible teaches and doing it out of love for Him. This means no picking and choosing to do only those things that are easy or pleasant. If you really love Him, you will not think it a problem to obey Him: “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous” (1John 5:3).