​                 In today’s world, there are many people who believe that one can go to Heaven by just being a “good person.” It is true that there are many people out there who think about God and who want to do good toward others, however, is this enough for God to bless them with a home in Heaven when they die or at the Judgment? This is a subject that I have recently pondered while reading about a very notable person in the Bible named Cornelius.
          In Acts chapter 10, we meet Cornelius who was described as a centurion from a band called the “Italian band.” Cornelius, a Gentile, was what we would consider today to be a “good person.” Acts 10:2 describes him in this way; “A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.” It is apparent that Cornelius was a very good man, and who was very mindful of God on a daily basis. Cornelius did as much good as he knew how to do, but was this enough?
            No!  God had bigger plans for Cornelius. God visited Cornelius to deliver him a special message. “He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do” (Acts 10:3-6). After this vision, Cornelius did just as God instructed him to do. He sent some of his servants to seek out Peter who was staying with Simon the tanner.
            At close to the same time, God worked to complete His Plan for Cornelius through Peter,  also. While still in Simon the Tanner’s house, Peter was told by the Holy Spirit that three men from Cornelius’ house was looking for him. Peter was on his host’s roof at the time, and when he received this message, he quickly came down to meet the men. It is important to note that when Cornelius’ men spoke with Peter about their purpose in coming, they spoke very highly of their master, calling him a “just man” and “one that feareth God” and was of “good report” (Acts 10:22). This further shows that Cornelius was indeed a very good man. 
            When Peter met Cornelius, he mentioned that it was an unusual occurrence for a Jew, which Peter was, to be in the same company with Gentiles, which was what Cornelius and his household were. Under the Old Law, the Jews were God’s chosen people.  Many Jews considered the disobedient Gentiles to be “unclean.”  After Peter spoke to Cornelius and his family about Jesus’ birth, life and resurrection, the Holy Spirit fell upon Cornelius and his household and they were able to speak in tongues and do other miraculous things. Once Peter sees that a family of Gentiles was given the miraculous ability to speak in foreign languages, he commanded Cornelius’ entire household to be baptized.  Seeing the Gentiles miraculously speak in foreign languages, proved to the Jews that the Gentiles could receive salvation.
            We can learn several lessons from the account of Cornelius. One is that after Christ’s death and resurrection, the Jews were no longer the chosen people of God. As seen in Acts Chapter 10, both Jews and Gentiles who were baptized into Christ were now God’s chosen people. The next lesson is that although Cornelius was a good and God-fearing man, he was not saved until he was baptized into Christ. This goes against the idea that many people today have when they think that if a person is merely a “good person,” who believes in God and who treats others well, then that person will be able to go to Heaven. These people often either are members of a denomination or do not attend worship services of the church of Christ as they ought.  I Peter 3:21 says, “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:”.  Baptism saves.  
            Cornelius’ baptism shows that being good is not the only requirement to go to Heaven, but obedience is also a requirement. Being baptized into Christ and attending the worship services of the church of Christ on a weekly basis are a must, as well as other acts of obedience. A person can learn how to be a moral person from going to denominational churches or from modeling themselves after others who are moral, but unless he or she also conducts his or her life  in obedience to God’s commandments, a person still cannot win a home in Heaven.  Christ only built His church (Matthew 16:18), and He never built any denominations.  Christ never sinned (II Corinthians 5:21).  All other accountable people have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and although some people act in more “good” ways than others, none of us earn the right to go to Heaven (Romans 3:10, 23).  We are saved by grace, but in order to partake of that grace, we must have faith and do the works that God commands us to do (Ephesians 2:8, Hebrews 5:9).
            We must set ourselves apart from others through our obedience to God.  We do this by having an obedient faith and thus by doing good works.  We do good works not to earn salvation, but we do them, because God commands them. We are not set apart by believing in God only, because even the devil believes in God, and he is certainly not going to Heaven! “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” (James 2:19-20).  Merely believing in God is not enough, though it is important. “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” (James 2:24). “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him” (John 14:21).  Of course, one can only win a home in Heaven if he or she follows the Plan of Salvation, which is to Hear (Romans 10:17), Believe (Mark 16:16), Repent (Acts 2:38), Confess (Matthew 10:32), Be Baptized (Acts 22:16; I Peter 3:17-22) and Remain Faithful Until Death (Revelations 2:10). May we all work to do God’s Will each and every day, and conduct ourselves in faith and obedience to God Word!
            

​                 It’s that time again! If the Lord wills, the new year will be here before we know it, and I hope that the year 2019 will be a prosperous and wonderful time for everyone!  Making New Years’ resolutions is a tradition that many people make at the beginning of each year, with varying levels of success in keeping those resolutions. Making New Years’ resolutions is a good way to try to improve one’s self and one’s life, but there are a few resolutions that we should all be making and keeping each and every year. All of the resolutions that I am talking about have to do with worshipping God as we need to, and being the faithful Christian that we all need to be! 

1. Study your Bible everyday! II Timothy 2:15 says “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”  We are to study our Bibles every day so that we can become spiritually stronger and also teach others about God. Studying our Bibles also helps us physically, mentally, and emotionally. I know that when I read my Bible every day, my day goes so much better, and my outlook is more positive throughout the day!

2. Pray often. I Thessalonians 5:17 states, “Pray without ceasing.”  We should pray throughout the day, many times a day. Having a healthy prayer life helps to keep us spiritually strong, and it helps us bear the challenges in this life much easier. It is my goal to get to the point in my life where I have prayed so much during the course of a single day, that  I lose track of how many prayers I have said in that day! We should pray in both prosperous times and in times of need.  We should always thank God for all of our many blessings, and we all have many, many blessings bestowed unto us by God! 

3. Attend worship services regularly. We are commanded in Hebrews 10:25 to not “forsake the assembling of ourselves together” meaning that we should not forsake the assembling of the church for worship services. We are to assemble together on the first day of the week (Sunday) as Jesus’ disciples did during the early days of the church. Allowing our jobs, school activities, or recreational activities keep us from attending worship services as we are commanded means that we are not putting God first in our lives as we are supposed to do. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

​4. Strive to convert at least one person to Christ. We, as Christians, are required to seek out and help save the lost. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” (Matthew 28:19). We should do all we can to help those who are spiritually lost to learn more about what God expects them to do in order to go to Heaven. We should never take the stance that the spiritual state of others is none of our business. On the contrary, God will hold Christians accountable for the souls that they have failed to try to save (James 4:17). We will not be held accountable concerning whether or not the lost person does decide to become faithful, however, we will have to answer to God for not trying to teach others at all. 

     
​   A healthy prayer life is essential to being a faithful child of God. We are commanded to “Pray without ceasing” (I Thessalonians 5:17), which means that we must pray numerous times a day, even to the point that we lose track of how many prayers we have said in one day. As Christians, we have been given the privilege of having our Creator listen to and answer our prayers. However, what about those accountable individuals who have not been baptized into Christ or who are Christians but are unfaithful? Does God hear the prayers of those who are not faithful just as he does with faithful Christians? 
            First of all, let’s look at what characteristics make up a faithful Christian. A faithful Christian has followed the Plan of Salvation.  He or she has heard the Word of God (Romans 10:17), believes what the Bible says that Jesus is the Son of God (Mark 16:16), repented of his or her past sins (Acts 2:38), confessed that Jesus is the Son of God (Matthew 10:32), and was baptized for the remission of sins and therefore, has become a member of the church of Christ (Acts 22:16; I Peter 3:17-22).  Also, in accordance with this Plan of Salvation, a faithful Christian works to remain faithful throughout his or her life (Revelation 2:10).   No one can become a Christian and a child of God unless he or she follows these steps and is baptized by being totally immersed in water, thus becoming a member of the church of Christ (Acts 2:47, Colossians 2:12). 
            So, once accountable people have become Christians, they have the ability to have their prayers heard and answered by God, so long as they are living faithfully. What does it mean to live a faithful Christian life? It means to study the Bible everyday (II Timothy 2:15), to attend church services every first day of the week unless sick or caring for the sick (Hebrews 10:25; Acts 20:7) along with assembling at other times in which the Elders deem that all are to assemble (Hebrews 13:17), to overflow with good works (II Peter 1:1-11, I Timothy 6:18-19), to pray regularly and frequently (I Thessalonians 5:17; Romans 12:12), and to live in obedience to God’s Word (James 2:17-18).             Also, in order to have our prayers heard, we must pray in a way that is pleasing to God. We must pray with a humble spirit such as the publican did in Luke chapter 18, where he uttered a prayer, not to be seen of men, declaring himself a sinner before God. We should not pray to God in a boastful way as the Pharisee did, in which he praised God for making him better than the publican. We must always go before God in prayer with humility and meekness in our hearts, and we must also be unselfish in our prayers, so as not to ask for things we do not need in hopes of exalting ourselves before others. “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves” (Philippians 2:3).
            What about those who are either not Christians or are unfaithful Christians? God does not hear the prayers that the unfaithful utter unto Him, neither does he answer the prayers of the unrighteous.  I Peter 3:12 states; “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil”  Also, Proverbs 28:9 states; “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.” If a person is not a member of the church of Christ, is not attending church services regularly, or is unfaithful in some other way, they do not have the privilege of having their prayers heard by God. In order to be heard by God, a person must either become a Christian, or if the person is an erring Christian, the person must repent of his or her sins (Acts 8:22), confess those sins (I John 1:9) , and through prayer receive forgiveness, and then work on being a faithful Christian throughout his or her life here on earth. 
            Prayer is such an important part of the Christian life, because we need God’s Help in every aspect of our lives. Prayer helps in any situation, and if we put all of our trust in God, there is no challenge in this life that we cannot overcome. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13). In order for God to help us, however, we must do our part in being faithful Christians in all aspects of our lives here on the earth. Our lives will be richly blessed for our efforts, and we will have the ultimate reward in Heaven in the end! 

 
                 I love all of the books of the Bible, and one of my favorite stories to read in it is the story of Ruth. I am always amazed at the loyalty and kindness that defined Ruth’s personality, and how she put the needs of others before herself. These Godly traits not only made her name famous as the title of the book of the Bible in which her story is told, but she also has the distinction of being in the physical genealogy of Christ, through his earthly father, Josepth. Ruth’s story is full of lessons on how to live a godly life, and the events that took place in her life are proof that God’s Will always prevails.
            Who was Ruth?  Ruth was a Moabite, and a descendant of Abraham’s nephew, Lot. The Moabites’ came from Moab, a son born to Lot by his eldest daughter after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot and his daughters were hiding in a mountain after they had to flee from Sodom and Gomorrah due to God destroying the cities for their wickedness.
     “And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feared to dwell in Zoar: and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters. And the firstborn said unto the younger, Our father is old, and there is not a man in the earth to come in unto us after the manner of all the earth: Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father.  And they made their father drink wine that night: and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose. And it came to pass on the morrow, that the firstborn said unto the younger, Behold, I lay yesternight with my father: let us make him drink wine this night also; and go thou in, and lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father. And they made their father drink wine that night also: and the younger arose, and lay with him; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose.Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father.  And the firstborn bare a son, and called his name Moab: the same isthe father of the Moabites unto this day” (Genesis 19:30-37).[1]
            It was through sin that the Moabites came into being, and being Gentiles, they were not the chosen people of God as the Hebrews were in the Old Testament. It is through this group that Ruth emerges, however, her character proves to be much different than that of her people.
            We first hear about Ruth in Ruth chapter 1, where it is said that the Hebrew family consisting of Elimeleck, his wife Naomi, and their two sons, Mahlon and Chilion move from their home in Bethlehemjudah  to the land of Moab due to there being a famine (Ruth 1:1-2). While in Moab, Elimeleck dies, and his sons marry two women of Moab, Ruth and Orpah. Marriage between Jews and Gentiles was a practice often seen in the Old Testament and it continued after the Israelites entered into the Promised Land, especially after failing to destroy the inhabitants there as God commanded.
            After the deaths of Mahlon and Chilion, we see Ruth’s true colors for the first time. Naomi, who has been bereft of not only her husband but her two children as well, puts her daughters in law’s well being before her own and pleads with them to go on with their lives in their homeland and start new families. She tells them that she cannot bear  more sons for them to marry, and she plans to live the rest of her life alone in her homeland. Orpah, who is visibly distraught over parting ways with her beloved mother in law, clings to her, but decides nonetheless to heed Naomi’s advice as she returns to her family in Moab. Ruth, on the other hand, utters some of the most loving and well known words in the Bible to show that she does not want to leave her mother in law’s side.
    "And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me" (Ruth 1:16-17). [2]
           These words have been uttered at many weddings over the years, although they were said by a daughter in law to a mother in law.  The level of commitment that Ruth shows to Naomi can be applied to married couples as well. A wife should always be willing to follow her husband anywhere as long as he is leading his household according to God’s Will. Spouses should have a commitment to one another until death, just as Ruth committed to stay with Naomi until death parted them also.
     Once Ruth and Naomi reach Naomi’s homeland of Bethlehemjudah, Naomi instructs Ruth the work in the fields owned by a wealthy relative of  Elimeleck, named Boaz. Boaz is the son of Salmon, a Hebrew, and Rahab the Canaanite harlot, or prostitute  who helped the two Israelite spies who were ordered by Joshua to spy out the area of Canaan (Joshua 2:1-7).  In return, Rahab asked the two spies to spare she and her family from being killed in the Israelite invasion. The two spies vowed to save Rahab and her family on the condition that she and her family all stay under the same roof during the invasion, and that Rahab hang a scarlet thread in her window so they Israelites would know not to harm those in her house (Joshua 2:17-24). Rahab does so, and she is allowed to live out her days among the Israelites, which is how she came to be the mother of Boaz.
            Ruth draws Boaz’s attention, and he appoints her a place among his maidens. He also allows her to glean as much as she wants in the fields and drink water from the same pots as the male workers do.  He also instructs his male workers to not lay a hand upon her (Ruth 2:8-11).
          Seeing the kindness that Boaz is has shown to Ruth, Naomi instructs her daughter in law to be even more forward to Boaz in that she tells Ruth to wait until everyone in Boaz’s house goes to sleep and to lay at his feet during the night (Ruth 3:1-6). Ruth does so, and in return, Boaz sees her to be a virtuous woman (v. 11).
        After hearing about this, and seeing the gifts that Boaz sent back with Ruth, Naomi understands that Boaz’s intentions are to marry Ruth. However, in order to have clearance to marry Ruth, Boaz has to have Elimileck’s nearest relative turn down the purchase of Elimileck’s land and to not want possession of Ruth. When Boaz asks the relative about purchasing the land, the relative is eager to do so, until he hears that he would have to marry Ruth in order to have the
land. At this point, the relative decides to not make the purchase and takes off his shoe as a pledge to allow Boaz to purchase the land, and thus marry Ruth (Ruth 4:2-10). It is through this marriage union that Ruth becomes the great grandmother of King David, and also part of the physical genealogy of Jesus, through His earthly father, Joseph;
      “ And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of   Urias; And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa; And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias; And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;  And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon:And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel;And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud; And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob; And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations” (Matthew 1:5-17).[3]
            It is amazing to read the book of Ruth and to see God’s Plan unfold. Ruth, who was born and raised to worship idols in an idolatrous nation, became an earthly ancestor of Jesus Christ. Ruth, through her display of love toward her mother-in-law and her virtuous spirit, was given her not only a place in the most important Book of all, but even a section in the Bible in her own name. This shows how God rewards those who repent and do His Will, no matter who they are or what they have done in the past.
            There are several lessons that can be learned from the book of Ruth. One is that God loved the Gentiles, even at a time when the Jews were His chosen people. Ruth was a descendant of Lot, who was Abraham’s nephew, which made her a Gentile. Although she was not a Jew, God still loved Ruth and wanted her to have a place in the genealogy of our Savior, Jesus Christ, even over the many Israelite women who could have taken her place at this critical point in history.
God’s Providence is also shown through  Ruth. When Ruth went to the field to glean grain, she just happened to end up in Boaz’s field (Ruth 2:3). Of course, this was not an accident, as God had big plans for Ruth when it came to her association with Boaz. It is also noteworthy  how God set the stage for the Jewish Boaz to not be opposed to marrying the Gentile Ruth, as his own mother was a Gentile.[4]
         Finally, it is also important to note Ruth’s attitude of a servant. When Ruth came back with Naomi to Naomi’s home country, she did not seek to gain notoriety and power among her new neighbors. Instead, she took the role of a servant, quietly and meekly gleaning grain in the fields. Her humble attitude caught the attention of Boaz, and he knew her to be a virtuous woman because of her actions (Ruth 3:11). This is a lesson to us as Christians to not seek the spotlight in our service to the Lord. We are to focus on being faithful and obedient servants with the goal of being pleasing to God, rather than pleasing to men. If we seek to be exalted by men, then we will not be exalted by God.
       "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly (Matthew 6:1-6).
        There are many examples in the Bible of the importance of being a servant. One of the greatest examples comes from Jesus Himself in John chapter 13, where He exemplifies the importance of being a servant by washing the disciples’ feet;
        “He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also myhands and my head.Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash hisfeet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me" (John 13:4-20).  [5]
       Likewise, the apostle, Paul, stressed the importance of having the humble mindset of a servant by using Jesus as an example.
        ‘Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:” (Philippians 2:3-9)[6]
         It is through the examples of Jesus, Ruth and others that we can learn the importance of having a humble and meek spirit. Had Ruth not exhibited this feature in her personality, things would have possibly gone very differently for her. Instead, Ruth was able to carve her name in history by being one of the many great people who made up the family tree of Jesus, and she was chosen above all of the young Israelite women of her time to fulfill this role.
         Ruth is a very inspirational woman due to her dedication to those she loved, and to her will to serve God. We can learn a lot from Ruth about how to treat others, and how to rely on God for all of our needs. Ruth had enough faith in God and love for her mother in law  to forsake her own country and to face the unknown, at a pivotal point in her life when she could just as easily went back to the idolatrous land and customs that she was familiar with. The story of Ruth is proof that God has a plan for all of us, and if we work each day in faith and obedience, then His Plan will ultimately be fulfilled in each one of us, as it was in Ruth. 
 
Bibliography
Holy Bible. King James ed. Nashville: Holman, 1998.

Jackson, Wayne, “Lessons From the Book of Ruth.” The Christian Courier; Accessed November  7, 2018:www.christiancourier.com.



 
 

  
​             Before Christ suffered and died for our sins on the cross at Calvary, He promised that He would come back. The apostle John recorded these words in the book of John, chapter 14 and verses 1-3, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”The second coming of Christ is an event that should be looked forward to by every Christian. It was an event that was certainly looked forward to by faithful Christians such as Paul, who encouraged his brothers and sisters in Christ to focus on this great event, so that they may not lose hope while living in a sinful world. The second coming of Christ was described in great detail so that Paul’s readers could visualize the wonderful things that they would see upon the Day of Judgment. The second coming of Christ was described in great detail in the book of I Thessalonians, and this paper strives to discuss various thoughts pertaining to Christ’s return according to Paul’s writings.
            According to an article by Wayne Jackson, the second coming of Christ was referenced over 300 times in the New Testament.  This same article states that the Second Coming of Christ is referenced eight times more often than the Lord’s first appearance upon the earth. This shows how important the inspired writers who penned the New Testament knew the second coming to be, and this should cause us all to see the importance of this event.  Paul was no exception in that he knew that he needed to tell his readers about this wonderful event in his letters.
      The church at Thessalonica was established by Paul around 50 A.D. during his second missionary journey. Thessalonica was located in Macedonia.[3] Chapter 17 of the book of Acts records the event of the church at Thessalonica being established by Paul.
               "Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few" (Acts 17:1-4)
           Paul, Silas, and Timothy faced opposition from the Jews in Thessalonica, who were envious of him, so he was sent to Berea and then to Corinth. It is believed that the first letter to the church at Thessalonica was written while Paul was at Corinth.[5] It was while Paul was at Corinth that Timothy caught up with him and let him know how the Christians at Thessalonica were doing.[6]  Since the church at Thessalonica was a newly formed congregation, Paul wanted to write the Christians there a letter to encourage them to stay faithful.
            Besides Paul’s description of the second coming of Jesus Christ in Thessalonians, there are other references to this event, also referred to as the Day of Judgment, in other parts of the New Testament.[7] Christ Himself refers to this event in several parts of the New Testament. Matthew 16:26-28 records Jesus saying, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.  Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.” Likewise, Christ speaks about his coming in Mark 8:38 when He says, “Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Also, Jesus repeats His promise of returning to collect the faithful in John 14:1-3, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”[8]
     Acts 1:9-11 records two angels speaking about Christ’s return to the apostles after they had just witnessed Christ in His resurrected state.
        "And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."
       Likewise, Hebrews 9:27-28 states, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.”[9] The truth that Christ would come again at an appointed time known only to God was further asserted by Paul in Thessalonians.
            Paul makes several references to the second coming in his letters to the church at Thessalonica. His purpose in doing this was to encourage the young congregation which had only been established a few months prior[10] to stay faithful in Christ Jesus. Paul gives a description of the Day of Judgment in both I and II Thessalonians. Paul wishes the church at Thessalonica to comfort themselves with the thought that their diligence to remain faithful to Christ will result in His return to take them to Heaven to be with Him. In I Thessalonians 4:14-18 he writes,  
          "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”
           Likewise, Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6; [11]
           "But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.  For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.  But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.  Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober."
            In II Thessalonians 1:7-10[12], Paul continues to speak to the church at Thessalonica about the return of Christ.
           "And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:  Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day."
            Also, in II Thessalonians 2:1-2, Paul encourages the Christians of Thessalonica by saying “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.[13]
            Now that we have seen what Paul wrote in Thessalonians regarding the Second Coming of Christ, let’s look at how Paul described that day in more detail.
            Before Paul left the church at Thessalonica, he had told the congregation about Christ’s return. When Paul had to leave suddenly due to persecution, the congregation at Thessalonica had thought about what Paul said and they had the misunderstanding that the second coming of Christ would take place before any of them died, and the faithful would be “taken up” with Christ into Heaven.[14]  While Paul was gone, Timothy, who stayed with the Thessalonians, noticed that they were beginning to have great sorrow because some of them were dying before the Judgment Day had come. The congregation in Thessalonica was under the impression that those who had died before the second coming would miss out on going into Heaven.
      In I Thessalonians 4:13, Paul told the Thessalonians to not “be ignorant” and to “sorrow not” regarding those who were already “asleep” or dead. He goes onto say in verse 14, “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.”[15] This shows that those who were already dead among the Thessalonians would still  witness the second coming and the faithful would enter into Heaven with Christ.  Paul goes on to say more about this in verses 15 and 16 of I Thessalonians chapter 4, “For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:”. [16]  Paul is saying here that the dead in Christ will rise up immediately and before those who are still living to meet Christ when He comes down from Heaven."
       These words were given to help comfort the Thessalonians as well as keep them motivated to stay faithful Christians. No doubt those who read Paul’s words were relieved to hear that their loved ones would still be able to witness this great event!
            Paul tells the Christians at Thessalonica that the second coming would begin with the coming down of Christ from Heaven “with a shout.”[18] Edwards states that this “shout” could be the call of Christ for those in the grave to rise.[19]  Paul goes onto say in verse 16 that the voice of the archangel will also be heard. The archangel that Paul is referencing here is Michael. Some have erroneously speculated that Christ is the archangel instead of Michael according to what Paul wrote in verse 16. Such denominations as the Jehovah’s Witnesses believe this.
             However, Hebrews 1:1-6 disproves the idea that Jesus and the archangel are one and the same,  
            "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,  Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;  Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.  For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?  And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him."
       Since Jesus is made superior to the angels and the angels are commanded to worship Him, then Paul is stating in I Thessalonians 4:16 that everyone would hear both the voice of Jesus and the voice of the archangel, Michael, at the beginning of the Day of Judgment. Along with the voice of Christ and of the archangel, everyone would hear the “trump of God.” I Corinthians 15:52 calls the trump of God “the last trump” that would signal the dead to rise and to be changed into a new form.[20] Also, Paul states in II Thessalonians 1:7-10, Jesus will descend to earth from Heaven, accompanied by all of the “holy angels” and to reward the faithful in Christ and with fire to punish the unfaithful.[21]  It is no wonder that the Christians in Thessalonica would not want their deceased loved ones to miss out on such an amazing sight!
            Paul states in I Thessalonians 4:16 that the faithful Christians who are already dead at the time of the second coming would rise first and meet Christ in the air. After this event happens, Paul states in verse 17 that those who are living at the time of the second coming would also rise in the air to meet Jesus and then go with Him into Heaven with all of the faithful.[22] One point that Paul did not talk about in I Thessalonians is that both the faithful and unfaithful of the deceased would be resurrected during the Second Coming. The faithful would go on to meet Jesus in the air, while the unfaithful would be left behind to suffer the consequences of being spiritually lost.[23] Possibly Paul was only focusing on the faithful dead being risen to give the Christians at Thessalonica comfort regarding their own deceased loved ones. In II Thessalonians, Paul speaks about how Jesus would be admired and glorified by all of the faithful Christians living and dead.
            Paul makes it very clear in I Thessalonians Chapter 5 that no man knows when the second coming of Christ will occur. It will come without warning, just as a thief would when breaking into a home, or as a woman who suddenly goes into labor. Jesus also stated that the second coming was known to no man, not even the angels, but to God only in Matthew Chapter 24.[24] The reason that Jesus did not know when the time of the second coming would occur during His ministry while walking the earth was due to the fact that His knowledge was limited in certain areas while He assumed a mortal body here on the earth and as he grew older he gained back this knowledge, however, He did not know when the end of the world would be at that time.[25] Philippians 2:5-8 confirms that Jesus willingly limited His knowledge by leaving Heaven to be born a baby and to grow older, saying,
              "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."
         Jesus had the same feelings as we do, and was in full subjection to God while on the earth.[26] After His ascension into Heaven, Jesus then regained all knowledge as part of the Godhead (I Peter 3:21-22).
     In conclusion, Paul, through inspiration of God, gave a wonderful description of what the second coming of Christ would be like! It was a source of comfort to the Christians at Thessalonica to read Paul’s words regarding Christ’s return, as it is comforting today to read about what faithful Christians have to look forward to, also! We, as Christians, should do all we can to remain faithful for life, so that we can meet Christ in the air on that last day and be taken up into Heaven for an eternity of happiness! We should, also, do all that we can to take as many souls with us into Heaven. May we all strive to focus on the goal of gaining a home in Heaven each day of our lives so that we do not become discouraged by the sinful world in which we live. As Paul states in II Thessalonians 2:17, “Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.” [27]  We would do good to follow this instruction!
                                                             
                                             BIBLIOGRAPHY

Edwards, Earl D. Truth For Today Commentary:  I and 2 Thessalonians, Searcy:   Publications,
2008.

Edwards, John Isaac. “The Second Coming of Christ.”
http://www.southportcofc.org/resources/articles/2016/06/12/the-second-coming-of-christ

Holy Bible.  King James ed.  Nashville: Holman, 1998.

Jackson, Wayne. “Did Jesus Christ Exist In the Form of God on Earth?” The Christian Courier.
Accessed April 20, 2018.  https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/59-did-jesus-christ-
exist-in-the-form-of-god-on-earth

Jackson, Wayne. “Facts About the Second Coming of Christ” The Christian Courier. Accessed
April 16, 2018.  https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/1559-facts-about-the-second-
coming-of-christ

Lyons, Eric, “Is Jesus Really Michael the Archangel?” Apologetics Press. Accessed April 19,
2018.  http://www.apologeticspress.org/apcontent.aspx?category=11&article=1473
McGarvey, J,W, and Philip Y. Pendleton. Thessalonians, Corinthians, Galatians and Romans
(1916).  http://m.biblestudyguide.org/comment/mcgarvey/tcgr/TCGR122.HTM

Witty, Carl.  “The Second Coming of Jesus Christ”  Accessed April 16, 2018.
https://www.teachingtruth.org/resources/bible-articles/2014/10/23/the-second-coming-of-
jesus-christ
 


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​             There were many people in Paul’s time, like today, who wanted to lead others away from Christ instead of toward Christ.  Examples of this were the Jews, whose persecution caused Paul to leave the newly established church at Thessalonica prematurely in Acts chapter 17.[1] Other persecutions of Paul included those that he suffered at Antioch, Lystra, and Iconium (2 Timothy 3:11), even to the point of being beaten (2 Corinthian 11:24, Acts 14:19 and 23:10). It is no wonder that Paul understood as he was writing the book of 2 Thessalonians that there would be those false teachers in the world who wanted to help others lose their souls in order to advance their own agendas. It is in 2 Thessalonians that Paul first references the “man of lawnessness,” and the identity of this wicked person has been debated for centuries. By looking at history, there is only one explanation, I believe, as to who the “man of lawnessness” or the “man of sin” is, and that is the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church.

                                   WHAT WAS THE CHURCH AT THESSALONICA?
      In the book of Acts, the apostle Luke records how Paul established the church of Christ at Thessalonica during his second missionary journey. "And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned  with them out of the scriptures, Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have    suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is   Christ. And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the                              devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few"  (Acts 17:2-4).[2]
          Thessalonica was located in the Roman province of Macedonia, which was in Northern Greece. The church at Thessalonica was mostly made up of Gentiles.[3] This church was established by Paul around 50 A.D.[4]  Paul had received a good report of the status of this church from Timothy, who had stayed behind in Thessalonica while Paul fled first to Berea, then to Corinth to evade Jewish persecution.[5] Paul spoke very highly of the church at Thessalonica,  which can be seen from 1 Thessalonians 1:2  and 2 Thessalonians 1:3, as well as in other parts of the Bible.[6] The church at Thessalonica had many positive attributes that helped the congregation there be excellent servants of God. “And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia” (1 Thessalonians 1:6-7).
        According to I Thessalonians 1:3, the church at Thessalonica possessed three positive attributes. One positive attribute that the church at Thessalonica possessed was that they were a “working church.” Paul speaks of the church at Thessalonica in this way in 1 Thessalonians 1:3,  “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;”. This church must have done many good works in order for Paul to speak of them so highly. Many churches of Christ today can learn from the example set by the church at Thessalonica.
        The congregation at Thessalonica was also busy winning souls for the Lord. “For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing” (I Thessalonians 1:8). This verse shows how the Thessalonians worked to spread the Gospel to different places.
     Finally, they were a congregation that suffered much persecution just as Paul did.[7]  Paul acknowledged this in I Thessalonians 1:6 when he said, “And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:”. The new Christians in Thessalonica would have stood out among their peers from not participating in idolatry and not taking part in the many holidays and celebrations that revolved around the idols that their family and friends worshipped.[8]
 
                                      WHAT DID PAUL SAY ABOUT THE MAN OF SIN?
      While writing his letter to the congregation of the church of Christ at Thessalonica, Paul had evidently heard that there were those false teachers among them who were teaching that the Second Coming of Christ had already happened. “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.” (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2).  According to Wayne Jackson’s article on the “Man of Sin,” those in the church of Christ who follow the “AD 70 Doctrine” use 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 to show their reasoning that the Second Coming of Christ had happened unnoticed by all who remained on the earth. Otherwise, they erroneously state, the false teachers among the congregation at Thessalonica would not have been listened to at all.[9]  Of course, Paul discredits the “AD 70 theorists” with God’s Word in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 by saying, “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;”.[10] McGarvey and Pendleton’s commentary on 2 Thessalonians states that the “man of sin” as mentioned by Paul is synonymous with the “antichrist” mentioned by the apostle, John, in 1 John 2:18; “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.”[11]
           In 2 Thessalonians, Chapter 2, verses 4-12, Paul further describes the “man of sin” in this way,
Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?  And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:  Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.[12]
It appears that the Man of Sin had specific traits that set him apart from those who were teaching falsely in Paul’s day. In the next chapter, we will look at each trait of the Man of Sin, or the Man of Lawlessness in more detail.
 
                                             WHO COULD THE ‘MAN OF LAWNESSNESS BE?
            The first trait that described the “man of lawnessness” or the “man of sin” is that he would be revealed after a “falling away” would occur as described in 2 Thessalonians 2:3. Since there was no major falling away at the time that Paul wrote his second letter to the Thessalonians, then this event would occur later. The “falling away” had also not occurred during the time that the other apostles did their writings which show the event grew to the point that the “man of sin” was revealed after their time.  The Roman Catholic Church, began to slowly emerge after all of the apostles had left the earth, and grow over time into the large following that it is today. The Roman Catholic Church is definitely a religious group that has “fallen away” from the true church that Christ began.
            The next trait that Paul uses to describe the “man of sin” is that he will exalt himself above God. Certainly, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, the Pope, exalts himself above God. He believes himself to be God, and requires his followers to believe the same. Followers of Catholicism worship the Pope as if he were God. If the Pope has an opinion on any issue, his followers take notice. They reverence him as a god, and many Catholics choose to ignore the fact that the Pope is merely a human being and not perfect.
        An example of how the Pope exalts himself as greater than God comes from a speech he gave on December 27th, 2017. In this speech, the Pope stated that Jesus most likely had to “beg forgiveness of his parents’” when he left them at the age of 12 in Jerusalem to teach and listen to the teachers in the synagogue. He asserted that it would be correct to assume that Jesus asked his parents forgiveness, even though the Bible does not say he did this.[13] This statement obviously shows that the Pope believes that he is the final authority on what to believe about God, Jesus and any subject in the Bible. Speaking against God in this way shows that the Pope is wrong in his thinking, and capable of sin. That is why the Man of Sin is called the “son of perdition” (2 Thessalonians 2:3) which also means destruction.[14]
            Another trait that Paul gave to the Man of Sin is that he will sit in the temple of God and say that he is God. Once again, the Pope exalts himself above God and all others by stating that he is God here on the earth. He is so worshiped by his followers that he is allowed to live an extravagant lifestyle in a huge structure known as the Vatican in Rome, where he is served like a King. His followers worship him by bowing down in his presence and kissing his ring in reverence to him.[15]
          Finally, in contrast to Jesus Himself and the apostles, who could do acts that were actual miracles, the Pope has false “miracles” attributed to him by his followers, which solidify in their minds their false belief in him being God. Some attest that the Pope healed them of their illnesses after he had touched them or “blessed” them, although the Pope states that if he could perform miracles, he would choose to be able to heal sick children.[16] The Pope does profess to do a miracle when he gives the Eucharist. In the ceremony known as the Eucharist, the bread and wine is believed by Catholics to transform into the actual body and blood of Christ when the Pope blesses it.[17]  This shows that the Pope is believed to be able to perform miracles.
            The ability to perform miracles was only given to the apostles and upon those whom the Apostles laid their hands to impart miraculous abilities.  Acts Chapter 2 talks about how the apostles were given miraculous abilities after being baptized with the Holy Spirit. Miraculous abilities were also passed on to others, such as  Cornelius and his household later in Acts chapter 10 as they were baptized with miraculous baptism of the Holy Spirit to prove to the Jews that the Gentiles could receive salvation. The purpose of miracles was so that the apostles could convince others to convert and become baptized into Christ.  The purpose was to prove that the Word being preached is from God.  “And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.  (Mark 16:20).”  Those who saw these miracles performed by the apostles could learn God’s Word from the Apostles and those upon whom the Apostles laid their hands to impart miraculous abilities.  “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?” (Hebrews 2:3-4).
       Instead of getting God’s instructions for living a faithful life in parts from those who had miraculous abilities (I Corinthians 13:8-9), all of God’s Word could be found in one place and in one book once the revelation was completed (I Corinthians 13:10).  “Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away” (I Corinthians 13:8-10). The content of the Bible was given to its writers through the inspiration of God, and it contains everything we need to know in order to go to Heaven! “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works (II Timothy 3:15-17).[18] These verses show that the Pope has no ability to perform miracles, since this ability went out with the apostles and those who upon whom they laid their hands to impart miraculous abilities, and the miracles are no longer needed because we have the Bible.  They have fulfilled their purpose.

                                                                           CONCLUSION
            In conclusion, the Pope fits all of the traits that Paul gave to the Man of Lawlessness, or the man of sin in 2 Thessalonians. He exalts himself above God and others, and he professes to do miracles in a time when no one can do miracles. The act of exalting oneself is proof that the person is not a follower of Christ, as neither Christ nor the apostles would exalt themselves over others. Both Christ and the apostles stressed the importance of serving others rather than themselves (John 13:4-17; Matthew 20:26; Galatians 5:13).  He speaks and gives rules as if He were God, often saying things that are against God’s Word. The man of sin and those who follow him are not faithful in the sight of God and they will soon reap punishment for their actions. May we all strive to never follow the false doctrine of man, but always work to follow the wonderful doctrine of Christ! “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).


                                                 Bibliography
Deaver, Weylan.  First Thessalonians 4 (Audio Lecture). Accessed April 26, 2018.
         https://tbc.tn-biblecollege.edu/tbcmoodle/mod/resource/view.php?id=1394
Edwards, Earl D. Truth For Today Commentary:  I and 2 Thessalonians, Searcy:  Publications,
        2008.
“Eucharist” Wikipedia. Accessed May 18, 2018, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucharist.
“First Epistle to the Thessalonians” Wikipedia, Accessed April 27, 2018,
          https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Epistle_to_the_Thessalonians
         Holy Bible. King James ed. Nashville: Holman, 1998.
“If Pope Francis Could Do One Miracle, He Would Heal Suffering Children” Huffpost.
        Accessed May 11, 2018 https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/10/pope-francis
         miracle_n_4420560.html.
Jackson, Wayne. “A Tale of Two Cities.” The Christian Courier, Accessed April 27, 2018,
            https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/1341-tale-of-two-cities-a
Jackson, Wayne. “Who Is Paul’s ‘Man of Sin’?” The Christian Courier. Accessed April 20,  
            2018, https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/677-who-is-pauls-man-of-sin.
McGarvey, J,W, and Philip Y. Pendleton. Thessalonians, Corinthians, Galatians and Romans
            (1916)  http://m.biblestudyguide.org/comment/mcgarvey/tcgr/TCGR122.HTM.
Scott, Eric. “Does the Pope Really Think Jesus Sinned?” Catholic Stand. Accessed May 8, 2018.
           www.catholicstand.com/does-the-pope-really-think-jesus-sinned/
“The Church At Thessalonica.” Southside Church of Christ, Accessed April 27, 2018,
            https://southsidechurchofchrist.com/sermons/the-church-at-thessalonica.html.
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

                 In my last article, I focused on the subject of suicide and how God views that act and those who decide to kill themselves. No matter what the reason may be that a person decides to commit the act of suicide, this act is certainly not the answer to that person’s problems. After discussing the spiritual consequences of suicide in the last article, I would like to spend this article discussing other consequences of suicide, namely, the effect of a person’s suicide on his or her loved ones.
       In a study released by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States as of 2016. Eighty-four percent of those who commit suicide in the U. S. are white, and 77% of that number is male. The suicide rate has been on the rise between the years of 1999 and 2016, with rates varying from state to state. The increase of people committing suicide means an increase in loved ones being left behind, distraught, confused, with lives forever changed.
          So, how can you or I help a person who has suffered the loss of a loved one due to suicide? Losing a loved one to suicide can be somewhat different than losing a loved one to a physical sickness or accident in that the act of suicide is totally preventable. Although losing a loved one to a major sickness or accident is devastating, the person who has passed away had no control over the circumstances in which he or she lost his or her life. When someone commits suicide, unless he or she is suffering a major mental health issue, that person made the conscious choice to end his or her own life of his or her own free will. This fact causes the loved ones left behind to wonder why the suicide happened and what could they have done to prevent the suicide.
       First of all, there is nothing anyone can really do to prevent a person from committing suicide, and loved ones of a person who has committed suicide should never blame themselves for this act taking place. No one can totally control another person’s actions, and the act of suicide is something that the person who commits it has to answer for, not his or her loved ones.
       One thing that we can do to attempt to help those who may be considering suicide is to look at risk factors for suicide in those around us. Some of these risk factors include:

• Mental disorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and certain personality disorders
• Alcohol and other substance use disorders
• Hopelessness
• Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
• History of trauma or abuse
• Major physical illnesses
• Previous suicide attempt(s)
• Family history of suicide
• Job or financial loss

• Loss of relationship(s)
• Easy access to lethal means
• Local clusters of suicide
• Lack of social support and sense of isolation
• Stigma associated with asking for help
• Lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment
• Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma
• Exposure to others who have died by suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)

       As Christians, it is important that we talk to those who have any of these risk factors about becoming Christians themselves, as well as remaining faithful Christians throughout their lives. “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost;” (Acts 2:38).  We should emphasize to those who may be going through many challenges in their lives and who are exhibiting suicidal tendencies the importance of relying on God to help them with their problems, and to trust Him to take care of everything. “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (I Peter 5:7).
It is also important as Christians to be there physically and emotionally for those who have lost loved ones due to suicide. Here are some ways that we can support those who have lost a loved one to suicide.

• Listen to them while they talk about their feelings. It is important to listen to those who have lost a loved one talk about the various feelings that they have regarding the event. Do not say anything to discount their feelings, and try to listen as much as you can. “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32).
• Be sensitive to the person’s feelings during special days such as holidays, anniversaries, and birthdays. Every day will be a challenge for a person who has lost a loved one, and holidays, anniversaries, birthdays, and other special days are no exception. We should be very sensitive and loving to those who have lost loved ones every day, and especially so on days that will be more challenging on those who have lost loved ones. We should treat those in grief as we would want to be treated ourselves if we were in the same situation. “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12).
• Offer to help those who have lost a loved one to do things around the house, run errands, take care of pets, etc. Helping others perform their duties around the house and elsewhere while they are dealing with the loss of a loved one to suicide is another way of helping to bear their challenges. This will give the loved ones time to process their feelings about their event, and to take time to rest. “Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

     I hope that this article has given you some ideas on ways to help those who are facing challenges in their lives and who are possibly considering suicide, and also to help those who have lost a loved one to suicide. As I said in my last article, if you and/or anyone you know is having thoughts of suicide or have attempted suicide in the past, please seek help immediately. Suicide is not the answer for any problem. God is the answer! “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).