In this introductory message on 2 Thessalonians 1:1–4, Pastor Chuck Swindoll presents the content and key themes of the letter. He also evaluates Paul’s specific affirmation for suffering Christians.
More InformationCurrent Broadcast
New? Start Here!
Request your free gift, connect with Insight for Living Canada, and learn more about our non-profit Bible-teaching ministry.
Current Devotional
Read Ephesians 1:19–23
Yesterday, we discovered Dr. Jay Kesler’s five reasons why the church really is a big deal. No, it isn’t perfect (you’re a part of it, aren’t you?) and it hasn’t always modelled its message. But whatever is next in order of importance is a distant second—and I mean way down the line.
So, what’s all the commotion about the church? Well, besides the things in the list, I can think of only one other reason worth consideration. It is the church over which Jesus Christ says He rules as Head. He’s in charge.
Not General Motors. Not American Airlines or the American Medical Association or the Academy of Arts and Sciences. Not the local fire station or theater or police department or library or courtroom. Although important and helpful, these cannot claim His headship. Only the church. With all its quirks and faults, it still ranks right up there at the top.
See you Sunday. That’s when the Body and the Head meet to celebrate this mysterious union...when ordinary, garden-variety folks like us gather around the preeminent One. For worship. For encouragement. For instruction. For expression. For support. For the carrying out of a God-given role that will never be matched or surpassed on earth—even though it’s the stuff the world around us considers weird and weak...
Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised, God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are. (1 Corinthians 1:25–28).
No matter how it may appear to others, if the church is something God has chosen and God is pleased to use, it’s a big deal.
Excerpted from Come Before Winter and Share My Hope, Copyright © 1985, 1994 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.
Ministry Offer
Resting in Christ
Stressed, anxious, and weary, our culture searches for relief but finds only more burdens—even religion piles on demands. Jesus offered a better way: “Come to Me.” In Him, the weary find what they need most—true rest.
View DetailsCurrent Articles
Daniel’s steadfast focus on God, even amid great trials, is a testament to the strength that prayer and faith provide. For those living in chaotic circumstances, let’s encourage them by reminding them that peace is found in God’s presence, not in the absence of adversity.
Ministries like Insight for Living Canada are able to continue sharing clear, trustworthy biblical teaching because of the generosity of our donors. At the heart of this support are our Monthly Partners.
If there’s no hope, there’s no spring. But because there IS hope, the winter you’re enduring will end.
When Christ becomes our central focus—our reason for existence—contentment replaces our anxiety as well as our fears and insecurities. This cannot help but impact three of the most prevalent joy stealers in all of life.
