Produce Fruit ( Isaiah 56-57 / 2 Thessalonians 2)

Salvation is not just for the Jew, but also for the non-Jew (Isaiah 56:8). This concept was a mystery in OT times that was brought to light in the NT era (Ephesians 3:6). The godly repentance that leads unto salvation (2 Corinthians 7:10) is that mentioned in Isaiah 57:15. God truly can be found in the lowest of lows (a humble spirit) and highest of highs (Heaven). Isaiah 58 teaches us that it is pointless to fast if we are not going to "maintain justice and do what is right" (56:1). This makes sense. Why would God want to bless our religious duties if we are not producing fruit with repentance (Luke 3:8). God calls those who do not produce fruit with repentance a "brood of rebels" in Is. 57:4. It is interesting to note that Jesus calls these same type of people a "brood of vipers" in Luke 3:7. When asked what to do, Jesus's response in Luke 3:10-14 was similar to the advice issued by His Father in Is. 56:1 and Is. 58:6-7. Micah 6:8 sums it up best: "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but (1) to do justice, (2) and to love kindness, (3) and to walk humbly with your God." How are you doing in these three areas?

2 Thessalonians 2:2 introduces "the man of lawlessness" or otherwise known as the antichrist. The antichrist is in complete opposition to Christ and His purposes (2:4). Our focus is to remain on Christ and our steadfast hope is to rely on His Word (2:15) though the "power of lawlessness" (2:7) is already at work. What ways do you see the spirit of the antichrist active in our world today and what Scripture can you identify that runs counter to this spirit's goals?