1 Thessalonians 5

Paul affirms that the 2nd coming of Christ could occur at any time. The characteristic of this event was compared to the unexpectedness of a thief and once this happens, destruction will come upon those oblivious to Jesus (living in darkness).  For the Thessalonian church though, knowing their conduct Paul says they were living in the light, not oblivious to the reality of Jesus and the coming kingdom. They must be alert like a sober-man rather than the drunkards. Those who know Jesus are the sober minded who are always on alert for Jesus with love and faith, with this knowledge they have the hope of salvation. God had appointed them to salvation, not wrath, through Jesus Christ who died for them. 
Paul says that Christians should recognise those who work hard for the kingdom, this could be from our pastors to the most simple door welcomer. We are to pray without ceasing and rejoice, showing concern for one another in exhorting the fainthearted, mature and yet to be mature, being patient with all. And because of this, we should avoid repay evil of evil but rather pursuing good collectively. Paul ends this chapter praying that God will continue to sanctify His children so that they be ready in their spirit, body and soul for the second coming of Christ.

I don't think I spend as much time praying as I should for the others at Cheil. Almost everyone I pray for are outside of Cheil, non-christians. I should do better. Out of all the Epistles Paul has written this has probably been the most chill lmao. These Thessalonians were outstanding. There is much relevance as I'm know the political climate has become increasingly more liberal, I should expect further persecution from my future co-workers and neighbours. 

Prayer/response:
- please reveal yourself to James Kwon. Help Jayne to persist in being a good witness to him and their parents
- Help Peter Kim to continue witnessing to Greg, Jonothan, Noah and Olivia
- God please do what you can to keep me reliant on you

Book Summary
Apostle Paul wrote this book around 52-52AD to the city of Thessalonica which is in modern day Greece. Paul wrote this letter to encourage the christians as they were being persecuted by their greek neighbours. Paul mainly empathised the second coming of Christ and focuses on principles such as Faith, Hope and Love. In the first 3 chapters Paul is grateful and commends the Church for their diligence and faithfulness in God. From chapters 4-6 Paul encourages them to exceedingly live in love with anticipation for Jesus return as he will come like a thief in the night. Paul ends this book by reminding them to pray consistently and growing with one another.