1. “Standing Firm When Everything Else is Shaking” 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 1 Corinthians 15:58 June 21, 2009

2. I. Be reminded of our relationship to the Lord (13-14) We who are saved have been chosen by God. – Through the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. – Through belief in the truth. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. John 14:6 God’s word is truth. John 17:17

3. I. Be reminded of our relationship to the Lord (13-14) We who are saved have been called by God. – Through the gospel message. Through the message of others. As a result of God calling us to Himself. – In order to share in the glory of the Lord. Participate in the mission of sharing the gospel. No other glory than God’s glory.

4. II.Be reminded to stand firm. (15; 1 Corinthians 15:58) We are to be unmovable. – We should give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord. Draw us closer to the Lord. People may be more responsive. – We should remember our labor is not in vain. Helping others is worthwhile. Reaching others is an investment in eternity.

5. II.Be reminded to stand firm. (15; 1 Corinthians 15:58) We are to hold to the teachings passed on to us. – Passed on through the spoken word. – Passed on through the written word.

6. III. Be reminded of the Lord’s encouragement (16-17) We are loved by Him. John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. – We are loved by Christ Himself. – We are loved by God the Father.

7. III. Be reminded of the Lord’s encouragement (16-17) We are given encouragement by His grace. 1 Thessalonians 3:2-3a, “We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God’s fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials…” – This encouragement is for eternity. – He has given us good hope.

8. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

9. III. Be reminded of the Lord’s encouragement (16-17) We are strengthened. 2 Thessalonians 3:3-5, “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.” – In every good deed. – In every word.

10. Next Steps View current issues from the perspective as believers in Jesus Christ. Be reminded: – Of our relationship with Jesus Christ; – To stand firm; – Of the encouragement that comes from God’s wonderful grace.