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1 Thessalonians 1:9
9 For [gar] they [apaggello] themselves [autos] shew [apaggello] of [peri] us [hemon] what manner [hopoios] of entering in [eisodos] we had [echo] [echo] unto [pros] you, [humas] and [kai] how [pos] ye turned [epistrepho] to [pros] God [theos] from [apo] idols [eidolon] to serve [douleuo] the living [zao] and [kai] true [alethinos] God; [theos] KJV-Interlinear
9 For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, NASB
The nature of the life style of the Thessalonians was such a dramatic change from the rest of the world and from history, that it was noticeable by everyone.
Prior to the First Advent of Christ, history was composed of empires and kings, and all amounted to tyrants of one sort or another.
From the Assyrian empire to the sixth empire of Rome (Assyrian, Egyptian, Babylonian, Persian, Greek, Roman empires), these made up the history of the world prior to Christ.
After Christ came, then things changed almost immediately as indicated by this letter of Pauls to the Thessalonians.
The Cross occurred at the Passover Feast approximately 30 A.D. That is the accepted date of the crucifixion, and since no calendars existed back then as they do now, we cannot be certain of the exact date. That is a good thing, because once exact things are known or presumed, then people have a tendency to worship them rather than Christ.
Just as the nature of the Thessalonians was noticed, so too history changed after the Cross.
In our dispensation, which began at the Feast of Pentecost which was fifty days after Passover, and has continued until now, for some 1979 years (2009-30), the struggle has not been of empires, but of nations.
Today there are well over 200 nations in the world and no empires. I think that 204 nations participated in the last Olympics and few more did not.
With this expansion of the nations, prosperity has exploded just within the last century, and the Word of God has spread throughout the world. But even with this dramatic change in history, the world is still ruled by kings, dictators and tyrants, and there is one more category added to the mix – socialism.
Socialism is not a face per se, but a philosophy which hides the faces of its tyrants, and behind it they try to create only two classes of people – the extremely high (themselves) and the extremely low. With this approach, very few can rule and control very many.
The United States has been a breath of fresh air in the world in the last 233 years. Being a republic, the forces of tyranny have been thwarted, and the nation has become a place of sanctuary and hope for the many people who look for some hope for themselves.
Christianity has set this country apart from the rest of the world, and as such the world has benefited from its ingenuity, its innovation, its prosperity, and its freedom.
Go to any country in the world and ask anyone what country other than their own, they would like to visit, or what country they know much about, or what country is high on their list of favorites (or hated) and they will state the United States. And why? Because of our Christian heritage.
The name of Jesus Christ is the best known name in all of the world. More people know more about the details and stories of the Bible, than of any other religion.
Wherever in this world, you find the name and doctrine of Christ, then there you will find prosperity and blessing.
However, when you do not find Christ and Christianity, then you find stone-age attitudes and tyranny.
We know from our studies that this world is heading for an end to our dispensation (the Rapture), and the restoration of the interrupted dispensation (the Age of Israel). That means a return to the age of empires or the seventh empire which is commonly known as the revived Roman Empire.
In our dispensation we have seen the collapse of Rome, the dark ages and the rebirth of nations and prosperity. Even though there have been bumps (opposition) along the way, the trend has always been Christianity followed by blessing.
And as we near an end to our dispensation, and no one knows when that will be, we have the opportunity to observe the world trying to move from many nations to one common government (empire tyranny). We also know that this will occur with the Anti-Christ ruler to be revealed in the Tribulation, we just do not know when it will take place, nor the sequence of events that will lead up to this change in the world. However these past several months seem to be a good pattern for demonstrating how that process will occur.
I would like to make one observation, and really it is a speculation of sorts. We are probably very lucky that we have the leadership that we have in our current government, but not for the reasons you might think. They seem to want to make changes very rapidly, and for that reason they will probably fail. That is our bail out if you will.
When history tries to make or force rapid changes, then people tend to rise up in opposition and those changes cease or slow down dramatically. If we had any other mix of leadership, then the changes might well have occurred at a slower pace, but none the less they would have occurred.
Remember one important principle. Jesus Christ controls history. If the time for a one world concept is here, then Christ will allow it, however, if the time is not yet to be, then nothing in this world will force it or accomplish it.
The salt of the earth, believers in this world, are the biggest single hindrance to evil. And while believers are positive and advancing in their spiritual lives, then they will assume the responsible role in public affairs, and dramatic changes, especially evil ones, will either be stopped or postponed.
We cannot prevent the ultimate course set by God, for history, however we can set the course for our own personal lives. And even if no one in this world sees our example, there are many millions, billions, and perhaps trillions of angels who will know each of our names.
History has already demonstrated that Christianity promotes diversity, individuality, and success. Anything else always fails.
One last note for this lesson. Most of us, and that includes me and my family, are feeling the stresses of this down turning economy. We are all behind on our bills and all losing something that we had before.
However know one thing. Jesus Christ controls history and no matter where He leads you, or no matter what impact this economy has on your life, stick with your daily studies, prayers, and trust in Him, and He will give you the unique opportunity to observe history unfolding right before your very eyes, while keeping you safe and secure, one way or another.
Your greatest opportunity for accelerated spiritual growth comes in times of trouble. That is where your faith and spiritual muscle become their greatest.
