2 Thess 2:15 “Finish What You Started” Page 10 of 10
November 10, 2023 #149

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❖ Hi, I’m Pastor Jim Warner from Agape Christian Fellowship in Mesa, AZ.
❖ Thanks for joining me today.
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❖ Are you the kind of person – who “starts” something… but NOT finish it?
❖ I talk to people all the time – people who were – RAISED in a Christian home, or they had a grandparent who was a Christian,
➢ ..but they themselves – are NOT – “followers of JESUS”…
➢ …and the idea of ‘being a Christian’ — did NOT “Translate” for them.
➢ And as the generations go – by, the easier it is for people to walk away from Christianity.
➢ (They just didn’t see any point.)
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❖ Maybe somebody listening today – is in that same boat…
➢ …(You started well – with being a follower of JESUS…
➢ …but as time goes by, you just “Let GO”.
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❖ 2 Thess 2:15. “Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.”
❖ “stand fast”…
➢ = Keep a strong grip.
➢ = Stick with it.
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❖ The apostle PAUL is reminding the readers – to “keep going” –
❖ because… without receiving the Free GIFT of Salvation…
➢ …the Bible says that we are DEAD in our Sins…
➢ …and we’re gonna be eternally separated from GOD.
▪ The place where that person will end up— is Hell.
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❖ Some people say, “Oh, I’m an Atheist. I don’t believe that there “IS” a GOD.
➢ But the Bible says in Hebrews 9:27 …
▪ … each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment,
➢ …and those who – FLAT OUT – reject the blood payment that JESUS made on your behalf – will be sent to “outer darkness” forever.
➢ And they’re rejecting this… because – somewhere in their history, they heard this message, but they said, “Oh, I don’t believe in that anymore.”
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❖ Wouldn’t it be awful to have made the wrong decision that effected your eternity… just because – you didn’t THINK it was possible?
➢ just because — it didn’t “Translate” for you?
➢ just because — you didn’t see the point?
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❖ It’s time to open our eyes.
➢ It’s time to see the point –
➢ It’s time to follow through — and finish what you started.
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❖ in Exodus 23 & 24, GOD told MOSES – to go to the top of the mountain and get the 10-commandments.
➢ But his brother – Aaron – and the others – were left to themselves, and they just “LET GO” …
➢ They didn’t see the point of following what GOD wanted them to do.
➢ They didn’t — “Stand firm”.
❖ What happens when people don’t “stand firm” ??
➢ They fall into “sin”.
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❖ Ask yourself…
➢ Has the LORD called me to follow Him… but I’m just letting GO ??
➢ Don’t “Let GO”.
➢ … but “Stand firm”.
➢ hold the traditions which you were taught,
➢ If we hold on to GOD’s Word, and Hold on to what we’ve been taught…
▪ …(as it says in 1st John 5:13 … you may know you have eternal life.
❖ If you don’t “KNOW” — you have eternal life,
➢ …or if you walked away…
➢ ..JESUS is calling YOU – to “stand fast.”
▪ = Stick with it.
▪ Finish what you’ve started.
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PRAY
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▪ Love GOD, Love People, Make Disciples
▪ Sunday morning, 10 a.m…. at Agape Christian Fellowship…
▪ Southeast corner — Power & Main – in Mesa.

Remember-
❖ Don’t procrastinate – about your faith in JESUS.
➢ You’ve heard the Good News…
➢ ..Stand Firm –
➢ …and Finish what you’ve started.
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❖ GOD bless you –
➢ Be a bright light in a dark world.. in JESUS’ name… Amen.