A Vessel That Is Tossed

The phrase to “be not soon shaken in mind” means not to be like a vessel that is tossed about on the waves of the sea. The believers in Thessalonica were troubled because they thought that the day of judgement or the end of the world was near. However, Paul was teaching them about two separate events: “the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto Him” (v. 1). The phrase “our gathering together unto Him” refers to the rapture when the saints “shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thes 4:17).

Then, there will be a seven-year tribulation period here on earth (Dan 9:27), before our Lord Jesus returns for His second coming (Rev 19:11)! Most corrupted bible versions have replaced “the day of Christ” with “the day of the Lord,” which has led to confusions taught by “false teachers” (2 Pet 2:1), regarding the rapture and Christ’s second coming. This surely describes the last days, where many shall “heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears” (2 Tim 4:3). In today’s digital world, we are constantly inundated by pop-up ads on cell phones and computers. They are snares and distractions (1 Cor 7:35), to maturing believers (2 Pet 3:18).

There is also a great number of false bible teachers on Youtube – they further disrupt one’s spiritual growth (Col 1:10). We should never be taken in by these “vain talkers and deceivers” (Titus 1:10). Sadly, many professing believers no longer know what they truly believe and why they believe! They are “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Eph 4:14). Christians, it is now “high time to awake out of sleep” (Rom 13:11), and redeem the time “because the days are evil” (Eph 5:16). Let’s get busy serving the Lord, ‘till Jesus comes again! God bless you!



-Pastor Melito Barrera