– Today’s Community Scripture – 10/7/2025
Introduction –
1 & 2 Thessalonians
The way we conceive the future sculpts the present, gives contour and tone to nearly every action and thought through the day. If our sense of the future is weak, we live listlessly. Much emotional and mental illness, and most suicides, occur among men and women who feel that they “have no future.” The Christian faith has always been characterized by a strong and focused sense of the future, with belief in the Second Coming of Jesus as the most distinctive detail. From the day Jesus ascended into heaven, his followers lived in expectancy of his return. He told them he was coming back. They believed he was coming back. They continue to believe it. For Christians, it is the most important thing to know and believe about the future. The practical effect of this belief is to charge each moment of the present with hope. For if the future is dominated by the coming again of Jesus, there is little room left on the screen for projecting our anxieties and fantasies. It takes the clutter out of our lives. We’re far more free to respond spontaneously to the freedom of God.
All the same, the belief can be misconceived so that it results in paralyzing fear for some, shiftless indolence in others. Paul’s two letters to the Christians in Thessalonica, among much else, correct such debilitating misconceptions, prodding us to continue to live forward in taut and joyful expectancy for what God will do next in Jesus.
1 Thessalonians Introduction (MSG)
– Reflection:
The introduction to Thessalonians sets the tone for a message that is deeply rooted in hope, a hope not just for the future, but one that actively shapes how we live today. Paul begins by affirming the Thessalonians’ faith, love, and steadfastness, reminding them that the promise of Christ’s return fuels their present endurance. This future vision isn’t meant to distract from the present; rather, it gives meaning to it. The anticipation of Jesus’ coming encourages believers to live with purpose, integrity, and community-minded love. In this way, the future becomes a lens through which the present is clarified—calling us to live not in fear or passivity, but in active, hopeful readiness. The Thessalonians teach that what we believe about tomorrow should transform how we walk today.
When I first began my walk with Christ, I often wondered how the Bible could fit in the fast-paced, complicated world we live in today. It felt ancient, distant like something written for another time. But as I kept reading, praying, and growing, I came to realize something life-changing: the Bible isn’t just a book of history or moral lessons, it’s the roadmap for life, period. Its truths are timeless, its wisdom practical, and its guidance deeply personal. Whether we’re facing decisions, struggles, or moments of joy, the Word of God speaks directly into our circumstances. It doesn’t just tell us what happened, it shows us how to live, how to love, and how to walk in purpose today. The more I leaned into it, the more I saw that Scripture isn’t behind the times; it’s ahead of them. It shapes how we see the world, how we treat people, and how we respond to challenges. It’s not just relevant, it’s essential.
– Where do we go from here?
Just like the Thessalonians responded to Paul’s encouragement, our next step is to live out our faith with intentionality and hope. They didn’t just hear the message; they let it transform their daily lives. That means for us, we start by staying connected to God through prayer, learning from His Word, and leaning into community with other believers. We live with the awareness that Jesus is coming again, and that truth should shape how we treat others, how we make decisions, and how we handle challenges. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being faithful. Step by step, we grow, serve, and love, knowing that our present journey is part of a much bigger story God is writing.
– Our Prayer for Today
Father, thank You for the gift of Your Word. Today, as we’ve read and reflected, our hearts are full of joy and gratitude. Thank You for showing us that Your truth is alive and active, guiding us through every step of life. Help us to hold onto the hope You’ve given us, and to live each day with purpose and love. May what we’ve learned today shape how we walk, speak, and serve. We trust You, we love You, and we thank You for being with us yesterday, today, and forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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