2 Thessalonians 2:5. “Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?”
I TOLD YOU. Some people care for a very good reason – There were the ones who brought the Gospel in the sowing season. When confusion and uncertainty arise, And opinions of less-known teachers, surprises – We need someone trustworthy to guide us. Not those who want public opinion to please them.
So, stop to remember and to think, Of the ones who plain preaching of the Word did bring The truth you could easily understand. They were not using any sleight of hand, And are the ones you know that can Make understandable all the confusing things.
Sometimes it is wise to go back To remember and figure out what we lack. Were the truths we were then taught And the real meaning of them caught; Did they become a part of my faith or not? Am I wandering, or have I in some way got off track?
I do remember when I was first saved Of teaching the faithful men in our assembly gave. Some taught us expositionally. Others had meetings on prophecy. Still, others spoke subjectively; But all looked on us as children they were to raise.
“Father, it is a true saying, 'The memory of the just is blessed.” I thank Thee for those in the early part of my life Thou didst use to give me a good grounding in the scripture. Now I fear many I know are getting their teaching almost entirely from books rather than men who invest themselves in their people personally. Please help me to make my teaching interesting, scriptural, relevant, and personal. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
There are a number of things that hold back widespread chaos. The law of the land has a restraining effect on the citizens of this country. The historical character of our forefathers and parents also has a certain hold on our behavior because we respect and honor them and their memory. The part of the body of Christ that is still in the world today holds back the judgment of God against this ungodly world. Millions of believers worldwide still have enough influence to restrain the uncontrolled outbreak of evil. When the church is removed at the first part of the coming of Christ, "the rapture," the antichrist and his influence and power will break forth in evil practices far greater than ever before.
The One who restrains, the Holy Spirit, will continue to restrain until the people of God are taken to heaven. Then His work will be like He did before the church began. He was with people in the Old Testament days, and it is in that way He will work in the Tribulation, when a great multitude of people who have never heard the Gospel and rejected it will be saved. They will be "born of the Spirit." Many will suffer and die because they will have accepted Christ as their Savior and Lord and will not submit to the antichrist. Even though the church will be gone from earth, God will save many through the preaching of the Gospel of the kingdom. "In vain do earth and hell oppose, for God is stronger than His foes."