Today's Passage - 2 Thess 2:13-15

2 Thessalonians 2:13-15 But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. Paul reminded the brothers and sisters in church to stand firm in the grace of God. We are sinners who are unworthy, but yet God has chosen us, and given us abundant blessings. God has so richly bestowed His grace upon us, how can we not be thankful? Paul particularly mentioned a few areas: Firstly, it was God who has chosen us, not that we chose God. God first loved us. Secondly, we are saved by faith and are children of God in His Kingdom. What a privilege this is, to be considered princes and princesses of God's Kingdom. We need to treasure our identity before God and receive our glorious inheritance in God's kingdom by faith. More importantly, we have been sanctified by the work of the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit dwells inside us to help us, cleanse us and mold us each day so that we can be a vessel that is pleasing to God. Holiness is God's will for us, but we cannot achieve it by our own strength. We can only become holy by the power of the Holy Spirit. This same power that resurrected Christ now dwells inside of us. May we overcome the death of our physical bodies and live a life that is filled with resurrection power, so that we may be more like Jesus. This is indeed God's grace. Not only so, but we also have received God's glory and can enjoy God's glorious presence. When the Lord returns to bring us home, we will be kings with Him, seated on the throne and enjoying God's glory. Paul said we need to stand firm, and hold fast to the teachings passed on to us. Let us read the Word of God daily so that we may be deeply rooted in the truth, so that we will not be swayed by heresies. Let us plant our faith firmly in the Word of God and let it be our foundation so that we can experience the reality of God's Word in our daily lives. Pray with Pastor Tong Lord, I thank you because your spirit once again encouraged us to learn to stand firm each day in the foundation of your grace, so that we will not receive your grace in vain. I thank you and pray in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!    Shekinah Glory - ROLCC Building Expansion Project - We have almost reached our Phase I Target!  Click here to donate online.