Pastor Mary Haley

Tomorrow we will join in the 10 Days of Prayer movement and here is everything you need to know:

WHAT IS IT: It is “10 Days of Prayer” in which we are seeking to grow God’s Kingdom around the globe in preparation for Christ’s return. C2C Church is one of the in-person prayer locations during this movement. C2C Church, under the guidance of Pastor Mary, has the desire to see God move within our community and so do 10 other churches within Pinellas County, who are each offering 1 of the 10 days during this movement as an in-person prayer location. The church listing for each day can be found at the bottom of this message. The information includes the church name, address, date, time, and place to meet.

WHEN IS IT: The 10 Days of Prayer (or 10 “Days of Awe”) begins tomorrow, Friday, September 15th on the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah) and ends on the evening of Sunday, September 24th going into Monday, September 25th so on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur).

WHY DO IT: Together in prayer, as One Body in Christ, this is a time where Jesus Christ is the focus of every heart in our geographical area, and throughout the entire globe, for 10 days. The vision is to see thousands of cities simultaneously and continually seeking God’s face in prayer for 240 hours in unity and to see individuals placing God ahead of all else by devoting themselves to prayer with other believers. Together, we are forming a global upper room (Acts 1-2) as an act of intercession so that entire cities and regions may come to repentance (Jonah 1-4) and be transformed. It’s a call to take a break from what is “normal” on earth so we can enter into what is our eternal and true normal in heaven. Revelation chapters 4-5 describe the kind of worship that is normal in heaven. It is rooted in the 10 “Days of Awe” between the biblical Feasts of Trumpets and the Day of Atonement. These feasts prophetically foreshadow the second coming of Christ. Therefore, 10 Days is also a time of longing for the return of Jesus and praying that many more hearts will join into His Kingdom before His return.

WHERE TO GO: You are encouraged to click here to visit the 10 Days of Prayer website for additional information. As mentioned, the local churches, days, times, etc. of the in-person prayer can be seen below and found in the Events sections on the C2C Church website. The daily prayer cards that you received on Sunday will allow you to join in prayer each day from a remote location if you cannot join in-person. The same information that was printed on each card is going to be provided daily by email through the devotional email list, as well as posted daily on the C2C Church Facebook page. There are multiple ways to find the daily prayer information so that we can all be in prayer as One Church.

Each day will begin with a main piece of scripture that ties to our prayer focus for that day. Then we will spend time in Adoration of Adonai and two additional pieces of scripture are provided for that precious time with Him. Next, we will move into a focused time of Repentance seeking forgiveness for those things that go against God, and additional scripture is provided to deepen our prayer time. Each day a different region is specified for Prayer so that within 10 days we have prayed for the entire globe. There is a piece of scripture to accompany our prayers for each region within the world. Finally, we are tasked each day to move from Prayer to Mission meaning we need to go out and be the hands, feet, and heart of Jesus Christ for others within our community.

1 Timothy 2:1 (NLT)
Instructions about Worship

1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for allowing us the privilege to bow before You in prayer. Thank You for hearing our prayers, for raining down blessings, for miracles, and for our eternal life with You. Help us, over the next 10 days to be in one accord with You and unite us as brothers and sisters in oneness with the desires of Your heart. Holy Spirit, guide each one of us as we pray each day. We ask all of this in Your Name, Jesus. Amen.

In-Person Places to Pray as One Body:

Friday, Sept 15th – New Creation Family Church, 100 Pasadena Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710. Located in the chapel (not sanctuary), 6-8 PM.

Saturday, Sept 16th – Zion House of Prayer, 3900 28th St. N St Petersburg, FL 33714. Located in the main worship center, 6-8 PM.

Sunday, Sept 17th – Exciting Central Tampa Baptist Church, 2923 N Tampa St, Tampa, FL 33602. Located in the sanctuary, 9-11 AM.

Monday, Sept 18th – Exceeding Grace Christian Center, 2361 7th Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712. Located in the sanctuary, 7-9 PM.
Liberty Worship Center, 405 1st Ave SW, Largo, FL 33770. Located in the sanctuary, 6:30-8:30 PM.
Sea Glass Church, 202 Flamingo Dr, Apollo Beach, FL 33572. Located in the sanctuary, 7-9 PM.

Tuesday, Sept 19th – Zion House of Prayer, 3900 28th St. N St Petersburg FL 33714. Located in the prayer house behind the church, 6:30-8:30 PM.

Wednesday, Sept 20th – Feather Sound Church, 13880 Feather Sound Dr, Clearwater, FL 33762. Located in the sanctuary, 7-9 PM.

Thursday, Sept 21st – Legacy Church. 3737 1st St NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33704. Located in the Fellowship Hall, 6:30-8 PM.

Friday, Sept 22nd – Church by the Sea, 495 137th Avenue Cir, Madeira Beach, FL 33708. Located in the sanctuary, 6:30-8:30 PM.

Saturday, Sept 23rd – Skycrest Community Church 125 N Belcher Rd, Clearwater, FL 33765. Located in the lobby, 4- 6 PM.

Sunday, Sept 24th – Connect2Christ Church, 9398 Oakhurst Rd, Seminole, FL 33776. Located in the sanctuary, 9:45-11:45 AM.

Feather Sound Church, 13880 Feather Sound Dr, Clearwater, FL 33762.
Located in the sanctuary, 7-9 PM.

Monday, Sept 25th – This is Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, and you are encouraged to fast and pray through sundown.

From September 4th through September 14th several Connect2Christ Church Family members will be leading our devotional time. This will allow us an opportunity to learn more about our brother’s and sister’s hearts for Christ through each of their devotions.

Hi, my name is Maria Acerbo and on January 24, 2016, I lost my 27-year-old son, Christopher, to drugs. We all suffer, and this letter is to share with you how I was able to persevere through my suffering at the most difficult time of my life.

The night my boy left this earth I had a dream. In the dream I was in my son’s bedroom, and I knew Chris was talking with Jesus. I could not hear the words they were saying, but I understood as I could see myself crying and begging God to NOT take my boy and to make me “His lamb, His sacrifice, NOT my boy”! I woke up the next morning and received a call that EMS was on their way as my son was found in his bedroom not breathing. I immediately remembered my dream, and after Chris passed it served as confirmation that my boy was safe and in the loving arms of Jesus. God knew I needed the dream as it is a constant reminder of eternal life and that I will one day be with my boy. This doesn’t mean that I do not suffer; it means that I understand and embrace my suffering as it is all for the Glory of Christ. When evil tried and continues to try to take me down, I rejoice in God’s Glory. I keep my eyes and heart wide open to stay loving and trust in God Who is in control of my life.

Before my son passed, I was looking for a church. I did not know why, but I decided to visit a church every Sunday until I found the right one for me. Throughout my life I did not have a Christian mentor or much teaching, but when I found Connect2Christ Church I knew that I found my home. During my first visit, as Peter Talbott prayed for the world, I felt Jesus touch my heart. This moment changed my life, and I cannot thank Peter Talbott, Pastor Mary, and my Connect2Christ Family enough for helping me find my relationship with Jesus. Most important is how they all showed me Jesus’s love through their lives, so I could make it through my suffering. We all suffer, but being able to embrace our suffering together through the love of Christ makes our suffering so much easier. Thank you, my C2C Family!

1 Peter 4:12 & 13 (NLT)

Suffering for Being a Christian

12 Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.

Prayer: Good morning, Jesus. Thank You for everything You have done in my life. Thank You for preparing me and especially for showing me You were going to take my son. Thank You for always covering me with Your beautiful grace and protecting my heart. I am so grateful that You’re my eternal reward. I will always be Yours! Amen.

From September 4th through September 14th several Connect2Christ Church Family members will be leading our devotional time. This will allow us an opportunity to learn more about our brother’s and sister’s hearts for Christ through each of their devotions.

My Name Is: Wally Nickse

About 5 years ago, I was looking for a church close to my home. I started visiting C2C Church, which is an 8-minute drive. Boy did I find a gold mine! A church that felt like family; a caring pastor who teaches from God’s Word, and music that is a ministry in itself. I truly believe that Jesus led me to C2C Church so I would grow.

Since joining C2C Church, I find that Jesus is in my mind and thoughts so much more. I try to listen for His voice and respond. He has taught me that He has been there for me as long as I can remember, although I did not always realize it.

One of my favorite scriptures is Isaiah 26:1-4, and the third verse encourages me to keep my mind on Jesus, and to trust Him.

Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV)

3 You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.

In these times, the world tugs at us, saying “follow me”. My challenge to you is to ignore the world as much as you can and renew your mind by filling it with Jesus. I find that this helps me grow in my relationship with Jesus.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Church and for C2C Church. I pray strength and wisdom for our leadership at C2C Church, and success for our Missions. I pray Your blessing over each of our members and may we each be good students of Your Word. May this be a day that we listen for You to speak to our hearts. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

0From September 4th through September 14th several Connect2Christ Church Family members will be leading our devotional time. This will allow us an opportunity to learn more about our brother’s and sister’s hearts for Christ through each of their devotions.

My Name Is: Corbi Bottichio

I have been a member of C2C Church from the very beginning and a member of the Praise Team even before that.

My Spiritual Gifts Are: Craftmanship, Exhortation, Music/Worship

I have been Blessed my entire life. God has touched me in so many ways.

I guess you could call me a creature of habit. I have longevity in almost every area of my life. My first job at 17 was with Winn Dixie. I was there for 29 years. I really thought this was going to be the only job I would ever have. Boy was I wrong.

There was an opening at my church for the job of Church Secretary. For some reason this sparked my interest. I don’t know why; this was so far away from what I had always done.

I was working on some things at church, and I asked my friend if she felt that I would be a good fit for the job of Church Secretary, especially with no experience. She said, “absolutely and encouraged me to get a resume together. I had never had to do a resume, so that was scary because I had one job my whole life thus far.

I wrote the resume and brought it back to my friend. She saw my hesitation and offered to turn it in for me. She did and I was called for an interview before the Staff Parrish committee. It was the strangest thing. A sense of peace came over me when I stepped into the room of about 10 people. I felt so comfortable and relaxed. They fired questions at me left and right and most things they were looking for I had no experience with. It was kind of comical. In fact, I finally had to stop them to remind them that I was not an Executive Secretary. I had no training, but I could learn. I did not take dictation, but I was good with people. Probably the most important thing I said to them was that I was there because I felt that the Lord was leading me to do this. Which was the truth.

They told me that they would get back with me in a few days. They had others to interview. I was good with that and left feeling good and that there was NO chance in the world they would hire me.

WELL…It didn’t take days for them to get back with me, They got back to me an hour later and I was offered the job. I accepted it and to this day it was the best job I had ever had. Not only was I able to use all of my gifts and talents, but I never felt that this was a job but a Ministry. I was covered and Blessed the whole 6 years I was there.

As far as the Secretarial part of the job was concerned, well, I never learned shorthand and I adapted to what needed to be done to the skills that the Lord had given me before the job was even posted. Was I nervous and afraid? The answer is YES. I went through, a period, wondering if I had made the right decision BUT JESUS never left my side and when I didn’t know something the answers were provided. I guess you can say “I DID IT HIS WAY”. It was a beautiful experience I will treasure FOREVER. To this day I miss the time He gave me there. BUT GOD is faithful and has given me many different things to do since. I know that there is much more ahead. I have learned that when God lays something on your heart to do, you do it and then the blessings will flow.

My Life Verse Is:
Philippians 4:13
“For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.”

I Challenge You: to listen to what the Holy Spirit is laying on your heart, even if it seems impossible in the flesh. Remember, all things are possible through God. If you listen, Jesus will not only open doors for you, but He will lead you on a journey that will be so amazing. Trust in Him. Follow Him and believe that His ways are perfect. Listen and react. He has a plan for your life. You will never, ever regret following Jesus. He will equip you with everything you need.

Oh… one more thing: The person I gave my resume to and who encouraged me to step out was none other than Pastor Mary. She was and is my friend and Sister in Christ and NOW my Spiritual Leader. I will never forget that day.

Prayer: Jesus, You said in Jeremiah 29:11: You have made plans for us. Plans to give us a hope and a future. Help us to listen to the Holy Spirit speaking to us, directing us. Give us the strength to get out of the boat, walk with You in the rough waters and BELIEVE. You give us everything we need, when we need it, You equip us. Help us to remember each day that “There is nothing that will happen that You and I can’t handle together.” You are an AMAZING GOD. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.

From September 4th through September 14th several Connect2Christ Church Family members will be leading our devotional time. This will allow us an opportunity to learn more about our brother’s and sister’s hearts for Christ through each of their devotions.

My Name Is: Lauren Marie Chouinard

Why Did I Join C2C Church: my family was searching for a new church. I knew about C2C Church because I helped my mom for seven years at their church Markets. Everybody seemed so sweet and loving! They prayed over my mom while my dad was in hospital for 32 days! So, we tried a church service one time as a family, and we loved it so much! I feel loved by everyone! I love pastor Mary. Coming to C2C Church was the best decision I ever made! I love my C2C Church family very much; I love it as my second home! It’s where I belong!

My Spiritual Gift: is that I have a heart of gold! I love so big, and I am so caring! I’m told that I brighten everyone’s day when I walk into the room! I love everyone! I know and remember everyone’s name. I love praying with people and I feel so loved by God! I feel so compassionate towards people!

Here is My Testimony of How God Has & Continues to Touch My Life: I do have to say without God I wouldn’t be here because I had a tough life when I was a baby. I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t talk, and I was so sick, but God healed me. God has done amazing things in my life! He has always been there for me. I know He has more amazing stuff for my life. I’m so blessed He brought me in to C2C Church because I was able to share my testimony at church and I loved it! He blessed me with a beautiful job at Seminole DQ where I have worked for 11 years. I love Jesus and I’m excited for all of the stuff he will do in my life!

Scripture Passages That Have Spoken Over My Life: (Acts 27) I love the apostle Paul when he talks about going through a storm! I love that one because it’s so good! God is always there to comfort me when I’m in a storm. I always love that! God allows storms in our life because He knows we can handle it. I also love the one about love is patient and kind it doesn’t not boast, or envy and it is not self-seeking! Love never fails! (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

I Challenge You: to never ever give up! I recommend you raise the bar very high because I know you can do it because you can do absolutely everything! I can do all things through Christ Who strengthen me (Philippians 4:13)! Love God and love your family! Give some hugs to everyone! Tell someone you love and appreciate them! Spend time with your loved ones because you don’t know when their time is up! Give them love and hugs! Don’t listen to other people if they say you can’t do something you tell them you can do it! Prove them wrong! Don’t let the devil win because Jesus wins! You can do it! Because Jesus is your way maker! He is working in your life even when you don’t see it He is working!

Prayer: In Jesus; Name I want to Thank You, Jesus, for my wonderful family and my beautiful house and my church and my friends! Thank You, God, for always being there for me. Thank You, Jesus, for everything! You’re amazing God! I love You, Jesus! Thank You for making me Your daughter, a daughter of the One True King! I love You, Jesus! Thank You for keeping me safe! Thank You for loving me and caring for me! Everything I say or do I want it to all point to You! All God’s people say, amen!

From September 4th through September 14th several Connect2Christ Church Family members will be leading our devotional time. This will allow us an opportunity to learn more about our brother’s and sister’s hearts for Christ through each of their devotions.

My name is Toni Eldred. I am currently in the position of Media Coordinator at C2C Church. I also hold the title of Chair of Missions, am a leader in our Chapter of Royal Neighbors and will occasionally sing for the Praise Team. To say that I love my church would be an understatement!

I moved to Florida, from New Jersey, in 2002. My parents would visit us every year, sometimes twice a year. My mom would often ask me if I found a church to go to. That question was met with reluctance, not because I didn’t believe in God, just because, I guess, I didn’t have the time?!

As I rode on my exercise bike, at the gym across the parking lot from, what I knew was a bank, I slowly watched it transform into a “church.” I decided at that moment that this would be MY NEW church. I wanted to do the right thing, not so much for my mom, but for myself.

My idea of going to church was to attend service, receive the message, sit in the back, talk to no one, and leave. WELL, God had a different plan for me! That was not going to happen at C2C Church. With no looking back, I am planted firmly within my church.

My Spiritual Gifts: are Exhortation/Service; Faith/Mercy; Administration.

Ephesians 6:11 NLT
“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.”

Hebrews 6:19 NLT
“This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.”

I Challenge You: to spread the word. Find someone who needs Christ. Talk about Him with strangers. Bring someone new to church!

Prayer: Thank You, Heavenly Father, for giving me the knowledge and the strength to carry on each day. I am so blessed to know You as my Father. I thank You for each and every little blessing You bring into my life. I will honor and serve You always. I promise to continue to do good work for Your Kingdom. In Your Holy Precious Name. Amen.

From September 4th through September 14th several Connect2Christ Church Family members will be leading our devotional time. This will allow us an opportunity to learn more about our brother’s and sister’s hearts for Christ through each of their devotions.

Written by: Rich Tumicki

Why I joined C2C Church: I joined C2C Church because this is the first church where I truly felt like I belonged. The people were kind and welcoming and I never felt judged in any way. It was clear that the Lord led us to this church to continue to serve Him. It was evident from the beginning that this church was different because we focus on a relationship and NOT religion. I kept thinking that this was too good to be true, but week after week, God continued to reveal that this was the right church home for us. While I understand that no church is perfect and all churches have their challenges, the way this church handles things is quite incredible. God is always at the center and Love is always present.

My Spiritual Gifts: Administration and Leadership

Here is the Testimony of How God Has & Continues to Touch My Life: I was raised Catholic and did not truly know what it meant to have a relationship with God until much later in life. I was asked on my very first visit to a Baptist church if was I saved? I had no idea what that meant. After continuing to go to church with Lisa, who was my girlfriend at the time, I wanted to continue to learn, and I was fascinated to see the differences between the Catholic church and a Baptist church. It was only until about 10 years ago that I really learned that a relationship with Jesus is the most important thing aside from accepting Him as my Savior. As I continued to serve, I knew there had to be more. I always seemed to be putting out fires and was being distracted from the true reason for serving. As I continued to be discouraged with people, I never gave up on Jesus. I knew He had a better plan. Fast forward to today, God is and has continued to touch our life in mighty ways. He is always faithful even when we think He is not working.

He shows up at the right time, every time! It is not always about “the stuff,” it’s about the joy that we have. I could cite example after example of what God has done in our lives. He has moved us physically, emotionally, and spiritually consistently. He continues to be faithful, and I trust Him wholeheartedly. Even when things don’t go the way I planned, I know that He has provided the best way for me. Everything happens for a reason. My life is not perfect, but the way I approach adversity at home and at work is so much different today. He continues to work in me, and I will continue to serve and follow Him wherever He leads me. The hardest part is trying to identify where He wants me. I could not imagine my life without Him.

One of the scriptures passages that has spoken over my life is:

Romans 8:28:

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

I Challenge You: to look for good in every circumstance and always ask what it is that He wants you to learn in every situation that you face. No more lip service let’s serve Him together and truly make a difference in our community.

Prayer: Father, I thank You for Who You are and how You love us the way You do. I know that You have an incredible plan for each of us. We must submit ourselves to You daily and follow Your lead. Lord, guide our path and allow us to listen to Your guidance. I pray for our country and our leaders at all levels. Bless our nation and allow us to serve You until You are ready for us to come home. Amen.

From September 4th through September 14th several Connect2Christ Church Family members will be leading our devotional time. This will allow us an opportunity to learn more about our brother’s and sister’s hearts for Christ through each of their devotions.

Written by Nancy Knight:

I joined C2C Church as one of the founding members in 2010. Being a member of C2C Church is a privilege and a blessing. I am able to have a relationship with Jesus and to share His love with many others.

I feel my spiritual gift is teaching. I love teaching others about the love of Jesus, and I enjoy sharing my personal experiences with others in regard to Jesus. I also feel like I have the gift of feeling the emotions of others. I do not know if there is a name for that, but I do know that I am “in tune” with the feelings and emotions of others.

God has touched my life and continues to do so. He has brought miracles to the trials that I have faced by providing me spiritual comfort and by putting others in my life to help guide me. He has brought beauty from ashes. He has provided me with opportunities to touch the lives of others, and He has put others in my life to touch me. He has allowed me to use mistakes from my past to help those currently experiencing the same problems.

2 Peter 3:9

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance,”

This is a verse that I keep close to my heart. I have a family member that is struggling with his beliefs, and this verse gives me comfort that God will be patient with him.

I challenge you to commune with Jesus each and every day, to put your relationship with Him above all others, and to pray about your spiritual gift(s) so that you can be a blessing to others as Jesus has gifted you to be.

Prayer: Father God, thank you for this opportunity to share with others about the blessing you are to me. You are a loving, giving Father, our comforter and healer. Lord, we ask forgiveness of any sin we have committed in thought, word, and deed. Lord, I ask that each person reading this devotion realize how loving and faithful you are. Please give others insight into the gifts you have given them, so that we can all work together for your kingdom. These things I ask in your name. Amen

From September 4th through September 14th several Connect2Christ Church Family members will be leading our devotional time. This will allow us an opportunity to learn more about our brother’s and sister’s hearts for Christ through each of their devotions.

My name is Peter Talbott. I am a founding member of Connect2Christ Church, and I am currently serving as the church Administrator and the convening member of the Board of Directors.

My spiritual gifts are:

Exhortation (I deliver the announcements and the invocation during Sunday worship, and I have also brought the message on occasions when Pastor Mary has been absent.)

Apostleship (As stated above, I am a founding member of the church and have been a member of the board since that time. I played a major role in the purchase of the church building in 2013 serving as the negotiator between ourselves and Regions Bank.)

Giving (I work closely with the church treasurer to ensure that the church finances, income and expenses are accurately kept, and all salaries and invoices are paid in a timely fashion. I develop the annual church budget in conjunction with the Board of Directors for presentation to the congregation at the church’s annual meeting.

Leadership (I work closely with Pastor Mary and the Board of Directors in guiding the church both in worship and mission according to the direction in which we believe God is leading us.)

God touched my life many years ago by placing me in leadership positions at the two previous churches I attended – one in Connecticut, one in Florida, and now at C2C Church. He most recently touched my life five years ago when I had a massive heart attack. Many of you know I passed away three times in the operating room but the skilled hands of the cardiologist and others on the staff at Morton Plant Hospital plus God’s intersession gave me life. Pastor Mary has told me on several occasions that God didn’t have a place ready for me and that I had additional work to do both in my family and our church. I am truly blessed to continue my life’s journey.

One of my favorite pieces of scripture is:

2 Chronicles 7:14

“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”

I believe the only way our country will regain its world leadership position is if EVERYONE realizes that we must stop worshiping at the foot of the idol of wokeism and self-centeredness and recognize that Jesus and only Jesus is the answer to the degradation of our society.

I challenge you to pray regularly for our country.

Prayer: Thank You for my country, Lord, for my family and friends and the freedom that we have enjoyed up to now. Keep Your hand on this my nation and give our leaders wisdom to see Your ways and to look to You for the direction that we, as a nation, need to go. But also, Lord help me hold the things of this world lightly, knowing that my true citizenship is in heaven, as part of Your heavenly kingdom. Amen

Intro: One week ago Gracie, our little 7 y/o dog, completely tore a ligament in her left leg that required immediate surgery. It is a mystery how Gracie injured her leg, because one minute she was running with excitement through the house and the next minute she was limping to her bed unable to stand. Something happened to her inner stability as she was running the race. Our lesson from Scripture today, reminds me of this situation with Gracie and how believers can be injured spiritually causing us to limp in faith if we run toward sin.

The church in Thessalonica has been running the race in their relationship with Christ who is being revealed and glorified in the lives of believers. However, along comes some false teaching and it causes the followers of Christ to lose their footing, strength, and endurance to stand strong. Because they are being fed lies, they begin to waver in their faith during a time of persecution and with that momentary doubt the enemy charges in with fear. So, the believers write a letter telling Paul about this increasing persecution they are experiencing, as well as wanting to know when God will send relief from their suffering. In other words, when will the Lord be returning to deliver and gather his children of righteousness?

In our passage today, the Apostle Paul writes back to exhort the Thessalonian believers to stop wavering in their faith and hang onto the Holy Spirit, because two things must take place before the coming day of the Lord [the return of Christ]. First, there must be a “great” apostasy—believers rejecting the Lord by refusing to follow the Truth—Christ. Second, there must be an unveiling of the lawless one—the Antichrist—who will oppose Christ by seeking to fill the world with wickedness. Evil works in the hidden places of the heart to rob, steal, and destroy the faith of Christ’s followers; to bring fear, doubt, and abandonment of genuine faith (John 10:10).

Besides the Old Testament Book of Daniel, the New Testament also refers to Satan’s human instrument of evil whose character is defined by sin—the Antichrist—should you like to read more:
The Man of Sin—2 Thessalonians 2:3
The Son of Perdition—2 Thessalonians 2:3
The Lawless One—2 Thessalonians 2:9
The Antichrist—1 John 2:22
The Beast—Revelation 11:7 & Revelation 13:1

So, we must understand the plan of God in Christ to work through his redemptive children to unveil righteousness while at the same time the Antichrist is working through his destructive children to unveil wickedness. We must make a choice who we will exalt, because at this time God is holding back the advancement of evil through the work of the gospel, the Holy Spirit, and the Church—the children of righteousness. How long will God restrain evil? The answer seems to be until God reveals the Truth of the gospel, recalls the Holy Spirit to heaven, and removes the Church [raptures his children] from this worldly realm. During this time [tribulation], the Antichrist will have his way—hell on earth—until Christ returns with his righteous warriors to defeat evil and set up his Kingdom on earth.

2 Thessalonians 2:7-12 VOICE
7 For the mystery of sin is already working its way through the world; He who holds him [evil one of lawlessness] back now will continue to suppress him only until He [Spirit of Christ] is pulled out of the way. 8 It is then that this rebellious one will be finally unleashed. But the Lord will slay him with the breath of His mouth; and with the splendor of His coming, He will bring him to his predetermined end. 9 Still the rebellious one arrives with all sorts of power, performing signs and fake miracles sanctioned by Satan; 10 he employs every manner of wicked deception to wile away those who are destined for eternal death because they reject the love of the truth that leads to salvation. 11 Because of this, God sends a deceptive influence over them so they will wander from the truth and believe the lie. 12 As a result, God will judge all of those who did not entrust themselves to the truth when it faced them but instead reveled in wickedness.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the Truth revealed in your Word, today. Help us to choose wisely whom we will serve, because each day may be our last here on earth. We never know when you will call our name or return for your Church. We are not assured of spending eternity with you by our own goodness; rather, we are assured of being welcomed into the heavenly glory because we have received and chosen to live the Truth found only in Christ. Help us to pay attention and be ready. In Jesus’ name. Amen.