2 THESSALONIANS ~ Chapter 3/Thursday Bible Study

2 Thessalonians~Chapter 3, deals with *Paul's encouragement in persecution (1); Paul's explanation of the #Day of The Lord (2); and Paul's exhortation to the **Church (3).

This epistle is the theological sequel to 1 Thessalonians, which developed the theme of the Coming Day of The Lord: 1 Thessalonians 5:1 thru 11. However, not long after the Thessalonians had received that letter, they fell prey to false teaching - and sometimes outright deception; thinking the Day of The Lord had already begun. Paul wrote his letter to correct that falsehood, and to encourage those ***Believers whose faith had been tested by the difficulties presented by persecutions. Paul also reproved those who had decided to cease laborious work to sit waiting for the Lord's coming (2 Thessalonians 2:2, 3 & 3:5 thru 6).

*Paul's Encouragement in Persecution - After his 2-verse greeting, Paul gives thanks for the growing faith and love of the Thessalonians, and assures them of their ultimate deliverance from those who are persecuting them (vv 1:3 thru 10). They are encouraged to patiently endure their afflictions, knowing that ****Lord Yeshua will judge their persecutors when He is "revealed from ^Heaven with His mighty ^^angels, in flaming fire" (vv 1:7 & 8). Before Paul moves to the next topic, he concludes this section with a prayer for the spiritual welfare of his readers (vv 1:11 & 12).

*Understanding the Day of The Lord - Because of the severity of their afflictions, the Thessalonians have become susceptible to the false teaching that they were already in the Day of The Lord (vv 2:1 & 2); this was particularly disturbing because Paul's previous letter had given them comforting hope that they were not destined for the wrath of that Day (1 Thessalonians 5:9). Paul therefore assures them that the Day of The Lord is yet in the future, and will not arrive unannounced (vv 2:3 thru 12). Paul then concludes with a word of encouragement and a prayer blessing for comfort, before moving onto his next topic.

*Paul's Exhortation to the Church - (vv 3:1 thru 18): Paul requests that the Thessalonian Church pray on his behalf, and to wait patiently for the Lord (vv 3:1 thru 5). Having thus commended, corrected, and comforted his readers; the tactful Apostle closes his letter with a sharp word of command to those who have using the Truth of Yeshua Ha'Mashiach's return as an excuse for disorderly conduct (vv 3:6 thru 15 = 1 Thessalonians 4:11 & 12). The accurate truth of the Lord's return, requires balance between waiting and working. It is a perspective that should encourage holiness … not idleness.

This final section, like the first two, closes on a blessings note (vv 3:16 thru 18).

********************

2 THESSALONIANS ~ Chapter 3

Wait Patiently for Christ

(vv 1 thru 5)

"Finally, brethren, pray for us; that the Word of the Lord may have free (liberate, set loose from restraint or constraint; free implies a permanent removal from whatever binds, confines, entangles, or oppresses) course (connected series of events or actions or developments) and be glorified (to praise or honor *****Elohim to an extreme degree = you might compliment or praise Elohim, but glorifying takes that a step further. When something is glorified, it is praised to the highest degree possible), just as it is with you. And that we shall be delivered from unreasonable (biased based on person whims, contradictory random choices; foolish, illogical, changeable, senseless, silly, stupid, wrong) and wicked (a mental disregard for justice, righteousness, truth, honor, virtue; evil in thought and life; depravity; sinfulness; criminality) men; for not all have Faith (Acts 28:24 & Romans 15:31). But the Lord is faithful - Who will establish (set on a firm or unshakable basis) you and guard (watch over in order to protect against damage or harm) you from ******Lucifer. And we have confidence in the Lord, concerning you - both that you do and will do the things we command (to give an order; to tell someone to do something in an official manner) you (2 Corinthians 7:16). Now may the Lord direct (point in a particular direction or at a particular person) your hearts into the love of Elohim, and into the patience of Yeshua (1 Chronicles 29:18).

Withdraw From the Disorderly

(vv 6 thru 15)

But we command you brethren, in the Name of our Lord Yeshua Ha'Mashiach, that you withdraw (remove yourself from a situation) from every brother/sister who walks disorderly (behavior that causes others to become annoyed, alarmed, offended, causing problems or difficulty, physically injured, or financially harmed) and not according to the doctrine which we gave you (1 Thessalonians 4:11). For you, yourselves, know how you ought to follow us - for we were not disorderly among you; nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, but worked with labor (physical, mental, and social effort used to produce goods and services in an economy) and toil (to work hard and long) night after day, that we might not be a burden to any of you (1 Thessalonians 2:9), not because we did not have authority - but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow our teaching (1 Corinthians 9:4 & 6 thru 14). For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: if anyone will not work - neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies (a nosy, meddling person, who's very interested in what other people say and do). Now those who are such, we command and exhort (urge strongly: to give warnings or advice) through our Lord Yeshua that they work in quietness, and eat their own bread (Ephesians 4:28). But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good (Galatians 6:9). And if anyone does not obey (comply with the command, direction, or request of; submit to the authority of) our word in this epistle … note that person and do not keep company with him/her, that he/she may be ashamed (Matthew 18:17). Yet do not count him as an enemy (a person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something), but admonish (to caution, advise, or counsel against something; to reprove or scold, especially in a mild and good-willed manner) him as a brother/sister.

Conclusion

(vv 16 thru 18)

Now may the Lord of peace, Himself, give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all (Romans 15:33). The salutation (greeting) of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle; so I write (1 Corinthians 16:21): the grace of our Lord Yeshua Ha'Mashiach be with you all. Amen (Romans 16:20, & 24)".

*Apostle Paul = known as Saul before he converted to Christianity (Acts 9), was the chief killer of Christians following Yeshua’s death, resurrection, and ascension – being the foremost witness to the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7).

The Apostle Paul was one of the most influential leaders of the early Christian Church. He played a crucial role in spreading the gospel to the Gentiles (non-Jews) during the first century, and his missionary journeys took him all throughout the Roman empire.

**Church = The word translated "Church" is the translation of the Greek term ekklesia, and is used in the New Covenant (New Testament) to identify the community of believers in Yeshua Ha'Mashiach. This word is the Greek words kaleo (to call), with the prefix ek (out). Thus, the word means "the called out ones."

However, the English word "Church" does not come from ekklesia but from the word kuriakon, which means "dedicated to the Lord."

***Believer: someone who has put faith and trust in the redemptive work of Yeshua Ha'Mashiach through His death on the cross and subsequent resurrection.

****Yeshua Ha’Mashiach: is Hebrew for “Jesus the Messiah”; the name Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Yeshua.

Christ (from the Hebrew word, Ha’Mashiach ישוע המשיח & the Greek word, Christos/khris-tos) = The Anointed, Yeshua the Messiah, in both languages.

Lord Jesus Christ (in Greek: Kyrios Iēsous Christos) = the most formal title for Jesus (Yeshua). It occurs often in the New Testament letters.

The word “Lord” has a wide range of uses; it can be a simple respectful “Sir” or a more formal, “Master.” But the New Testament also uses “Lord” of God. The word “Christ” is the anglicized form of the Greek word meaning “anointed one” or “Messiah.” “Lord Jesus Christ” reminds us that Jesus is both the promised Messiah and our God.

*****Elohim (Hebrew: אֱלֹהִים, romanized: ʾּlōhīm: [(eloˈ(h)im]) is a Hebrew word meaning "Gods – Father, Son, & Holy Spirit". Although the word is plural in form, in the Hebrew Bible it usually refers to a single deity “Behold, the Lord – the Lord is One”, particularly the God of Israel.

******Lucifer = A name for the leader of the devils; an angel who was cast from heaven into hell because he rebelled against Elohim. Lucifer is usually identified with Satan. The name Lucifer, which means “bearer of light” or “morning star,” refers to his former splendor as the greatest of the angels (Isaiah 14:12-15).

#The phrase “the Day of Christ” or “the Day of the Lord Jesus” is unique to the Apostle Paul. Paul also called the Day of Christ “that Day” in his last letter. The phrases are found in: 1 Corinthians 1:8, 3:13, 5:5; 2 Corinthians 1:14; Philippians 1:6, 10 & 2:16; 2 Timothy 1:18 & 4:8.

On the other hand, the phrase, “the Day of The Lord” (also called “that Day”) is common throughout the Old Covenant = Abrahamic: the prophets referred constantly to it. In the New Covenant = Gospel, Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, Paul and Peter referred to it. Some of those passages are as follows: Isaiah 2:12, 13:6 & 9, and 34:8; Ezekiel 13:5 & 30:3; Joel 1:15, 2:1, 11, & 31, and 3:14; Amos 5:18 & 5:20; Obadiah 1:15; Zephaniah 1:7, 14; Zechariah 14;1; Malachi 4:5; Matthew 24:1-51; Acts 2:20; Romans 2:5; 1 Thessalonians 5;2; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 2 Peter 3:10 and Revelation 1:10 … and “that Day” phrases can be found in Isaiah 2:11, 17, 20 & 3:18 – this Day is a time of terror, darkness, and wrath: it is a “Day of Visitation”, Isaiah 10:3. A “Day of the wrath of The Lord”, Ezekiel 7:19, and “the Great Day of The Lord”, Zephaniah 1:14.

^Heaven: The Hebrews acknowledge three heavens – the atmosphere surrounding Earth; the firmament of outer space, in which the stars are placed; and the heaven of Heavens, or third heaven, which is he residence of Jehovah.

Among Christians, Heaven is the place where the omnipresent God of Gods dwells and manifests His supreme glory; this habitation of God is represented by the residence of angels and the blessed spirits of those who are rewarded eternal salvation.

^^Angel: (n) – a spiritual being in position of attendant, agent, or messenger of Elohim (often represented in human form with wings and a long robe).

**2 THESSALONIANS ~ Chapter 2/Thursday Bible Study "https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2024/03/2-thessalonians-chapter-2thursday-bible.html

LOOSE KABOOSE~Seaview-WA

April 30th: Man! It stormed all night long here, in Long Beach-WA

It has been raining since we arrived from CA … but last night really cut loose: rain that sounded like it had hail in it, and thunder that shook Independence - around 2 AM. I had just went to bed and was getting comfy, when the thunder rolled thru: I thought about recording it for Holland to hear in the morning (I was surprised he was actually snoring thru that!), but I didn't want to wake him up (he was sleeping soundly, but the in-and-out of bed to grab my phone, may have disturbed that) - so, I just lay there listening to the rain and rolling thunder; and being rocked to sleep by the wind gusts.

What a storm.

We had to dump the black tanks today, and that meant that we had to drive into town … and back to set up: doing that after weeks of nonstop rainfall (and last night's riotous downpour) would seriously tear up David's lot, so we decided to move a bit up the road to an RV Park until things dried out enough to get Independence back onto David's lot without damages to his property.

I texted him, so he wouldn't be surprised by our absence if he decided to come down in a week or so.

Ocean Park-WA from Long Beach-WA; MAP Ocean Park-WA from Long Beach-WA; 14 min (9.7 mi) via WA-103 N Pacific Ave

Entering Ocean Park-WA

Turn Right at Jack's - and go down 3 streets …

Ocean Bay Mobile & RV Park, #2515 Bay Ave, Ocean Park, WA

We're in the back field; and Independence fits nicely ;-)

We utilized the surge bar in case the storm steps things up with lightening.

We'll be here for a month.

After we set up, we backtracked to Seaview to grab a takeout Supper.

The other day when we were there, Holland suggested we try the Loose Kaboose sometime … today was {sometime} ;-)

But before we got there, Holland said as we drove through Long Beach, "There's a house I want you to see - it's weird"; so we drove all the way around the oddity. Holland cracked me up when he quipped, "It looks like someone was smoking doobies - one right after the other - when they started on this thing." And being a contractor in past years, and working with some strange people; he would know ;-)

I was raised a hippie in the 1970's, and come from a family where drugs of every type was used (to the best of my knowledge, no one ever used needle drugs); and can affirm that people do weird things when they smoke weed. I know people who smoke weed will disagree - but, I've seen the weird things people do under the influence of a doobie.

Or two.

Or three …

Getting sidetracked and not knowing when to stop with a project is one of the weird things people will do.

The Doors - "People Are Strange" 1967 Official Video: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sezc05A4s2g)

That weird house kept us chuckling all the way to Seaview.

Seaview-WA from Ocean Park-WA; 18 min (10.9 mi) via WA-103 S Pacific Way

Long Beach Crazy House …

Loose Kaboose Diner; #4516 Pacific Way, Seaview, WA

The first thing you notice when we walk thru the door …

Putting in our Order, & visiting with a few locals ;-)

This little electric train runs along a ceiling track.

Fish and Chips was what we planned on getting, but at the last minute my taste buds were salivating for a fish burger - so I got that instead ;-)

We also saw a "Apple Blossom Ice Cream" advertised on the dry board, so we gave that a whirl, wondering what it could be: it was simply an upside down apple crisp - a big scoop of vanilla ice cream was on the bottom, and a warmed soft tart trimmed with pastry circles topped the ice cream.

Also, while we waited for our order, we chatted with some locals and learned that there used to be a railway that ran through the Peninsula: from the tip, along the shoreline.

So, I did some research when I got home; and I think the Depot Restaurant will be something we'll check out too, while we are here for a while :-)

Holland's Fish & Chips.

My Halibut & Cheese Sandwich.

The 'Apple Blossoms' was just an Apple Crisp topping.

The Clamshell Railroad-WA: (https://www.visitlongbeachpeninsula.com/the-clamshell-railroad/)

Today was an interesting, busy, and fun Day.

RESURRECTION WEEK 2024~Yeshua Conquered Death

 

RESURRECTION WEEK 2024~Thai Food, Long Beach-WA

April 29th: This morning Holland had an early appointment in Longview to get cortisone shots in both knees; I opted to stay home. I am not a morning person in general, and I didn't sleep well at all, last night.

I was surprised when I woke up and saw him sitting in his recliner - I was sleeping so soundly, I didn't hear him come in: and I had thought he'd spend the better part of the Day in Longview, visiting friends and family members.

I was wheezing (Holland could hear the wheezing clear across the room) so I blew into my Peak Flow Meter Reader - and was not happy with what it read; so, I blew into it two more times and adamantly refused to go to ER. Holland prayed while going after his emergency inhaler (which is significantly stronger than mine). I took a few puffs … and drank a strong cup of coffee to open my airways, and help clear the mental cobwebs.

A dangerous reading, this morning …

Caffeine is medically proven to improve airways function, for up to 4 hours, in people with asthma.

While I was unwinding and working on getting my lung power up to sniff, Holland called around to find an RV Park that could fit Independence - and found one in Ocean Park: we need to empty the black tanks, and getting back into place on David's Lot will tear his wet yard up … and we don't want to do that; so, we need someplace else to set up until things dry out. We can stay at the RV Park for 14 days: looking at the weather forecast, it doesn't appear that 14 days will be long enough, but it's the best we can do at the moment.

Hopefully, the rains will stop and the sun will come out soon.

Anyhow, Holland secured a place for us tomorrow; we'll see what happens after that.

Draining the mug, there was a break in the rain … so, we got out of the house :-)

I was breathing easier - which had Holland breathing easier.

Getting out of the house …

We first drove to Ocean Park to check the RV Park out: it is clean, and looks like an easy in/easy out set up.

Then we decided to drive the opposite direction to Seaview, to watch the waves, and bring take-out home.

On our way to the Seaview Approach, I noticed that the Thai Restaurant was open! We have been wanting to try this place out every time we are hunkered down here … but every time we drove past the building, it was dark as a tomb and the window sign read, "Closed". We decided to check it out on our way back up Main Street ;-)

Seaview Beach Approach-WA

This beach is closed to vehicles - but, obviously jackasses cannot READ clearly marked signs.

On occasion, Washington State closes sections of the Long Beach Peninsula to vehicle traffic, to protect the vulnerable snowy plover - a small wading bird.

The western snowy plover is a federally threatened and state endangered shorebird in Washington State. Only about 100 birds are thought to be in the state and only in Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties, where they nest directly on the beach sand: (https://interpretivecenter.org/western-snowy-plovers-and-washington-states-protection-efforts/)

Rough water, this morning; Seaview Beach Approach.

Clam digging is allowed, but NO DRIVING to a dig site.

We stopped here on our way back up Main Street; Long Beach-WA.

Malai Thai Restaurant; #509 Pacific Ave S, Long Beach, WA

Finally, it is open! We've been curious …

I like this colorful wall fan ;-)

No in-house seating, & very cramped quarters; but the workers were friendly, and service was quick.

A Fall Chinook Salmon mosaic in the sidewalk; Long Beach-WA.

The Fall Chinook, often referred to as "a silver" (because their meat is white at maturity) is the largest salmon, and can weigh in at 70 pounds … and 3 or 4 feet long. Holland says that by the time they are mature, they are black and shedding skin (then referred to as "tules = too-lees") - and all they are good for then, is fish bait because they stink and taste very gamey.

The pretty rainbow color is when they are the best to catch and eat.

Pelicans, Chinooks, and Sand Pipers decorate this streetside obelisk; Long Beach-WA

Iconic Long Beach 'Draws'.

Orcas wooden carving; PNW Razor Clam; designed and crafted using driftwood; & 'Paul Bunyan's Skillet'.

The 'World's largest Spitting Clam' is interesting. I understand that if one inserts a quarter, it will actually {spit} water on demand. But, it also spits freely every hour, on the hour.

We had hot food - and wanted to enjoy it hot: we did not have a quarter, or an hour to spare ;-)

I remember this frying pan from my childhood days, here at the Beach; this giant cooking utensil is not just any frying pan; it is a Guinness World Record Official frying pan.

This 20-ft. frying pan was actually used: crafted in 1941, this enormous 1,300-pound cookware (14 feet long from the bottom to the top of the handle, and 9 feet 6 inches in diameter at the rim) was commissioned to promote the first annual clam festival. It was used to make a clam fritter that required over 200 clams, with nearly 20,000 people showing up to enjoy a bite.

Today, you can’t cook in it … and over time, it has been surpassed in subsequent years by other towns with ambitious tourist pulls: but it’s a local icon ;-)

On our way home to enjoy our tasty meals, we dropped a case of water off at a neighbor's house; Holland had picked it up while in Longview this morning: Denise uses bottled water for her parrots - and her truck is currently on the fritz; a case of water is heavy - too heavy to haul home on the transit bus.

We don't mind lending a helping hand.

Dropped a case of water off at Denise's - I love her truck!

Springtime on the PNW Peninsula; Rhododendron blooming.

Rhododendron - WA State Flower:  (https://interpretivecenter.org/washingtons-state-flower-the-pacific-rhododendron/)

Once home, we opened our meal boxes … and enjoyed a tasty meal :-)

Holland's meal; 'Malai Noodles' - he liked it; and he always douses everything with black pepper: yakisoba noodles, cabbage, carrots, onions, celery, beansprouts, crispy chicken bits, & sweet-sour sauce.

My meal; 'Pineapple fried Rice': rice, shrimp, ham bits, pineapple, raisins, onion, bell peppers, cashew nuts, scrambled egg bits, & oyster sauce - I LIKE ;-)

Holland watched YouTube vids; and I watched an online movie.

This is a holy week, and I like testimonials; this documentary based on a real Life situation, was also made into a movie that I enjoy watching whenever it is available to view:

Gladys Aylward: Documentary - The Small Woman With A Great God (2010) | Full Movie | Carol Puves: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jX09pOlolE & The Inn Of The Sixth Happiness 1958: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8UR0G7dEEs)

Afterwards, I blew into my Peak Flow Meter Reader, and was gratified to read that though my airflow is still low - it's better than it was earlier :-)

But the inhaler is still needed until the reading climbs higher :-(

A little better reading - out of 'the critical zone'; thank You, Lord.

I also asked Holland how his Dr. visit went: Holland says the knee shots really aren't working, so his doctor is scheduling a consultation with a surgeon … so, we'll be sticking around in WA for that.

And that's okay with me: Holland's knees hurt him - if he can get some kind of relief, that is more important than anything else.

He also talked to her about the oxygenizer; and no decision was reached on that issue.

RESURRECTION WEEK 2024~Testimony of Faith in Christ/Richard Wurmbrand

It was 1978 when I heard Richard Wurmbrand speak on the Gary Randall Show, which aired out of Portland-OR, every morning at 6 AM.

Wurmbrand's testimony was riveting.

I bought his book, and read it: it was a true testimony of Faith unshakable.

Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand: The Underground Pastor and His Wife | Full Movie: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyG_zXfwhSc)

Christianity is free … but it costs a great deal to walk the talk.

Yeshua walked the talk.

Wurmbrand walked the talk.

I walk the talk.

Communism is bondage.

Socialism is bondage.

Living to please the world, is bondage.

Yeshua is Life.

Life is what the Passover/Resurrection Week is about.

Choose Life.

RESURRECTION WEEK 2024~Olive Tree Ministries/I’ll Keep You From the Hour of Testing