Dear Beloved in Christ,

I pray this message finds you walking closely with the Lord as we close out this year and prepare our hearts for what God has in store for us in 2026.

Summary: This week's sermon from 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15 explored the profound truth of God's salvation and our response of thanksgiving. We examined how Paul expressed gratitude for the Thessalonians' salvation, contrasting those who stand firm in truth with those who will be deceived in the tribulation. The message challenged us to maintain a posture of steadfast faith, holding fast to the gospel traditions we've been taught. This isn't merely about intellectual acknowledgment—it's about recognizing our complete dependency on God's grace and responding with lives characterized by unwavering thanksgiving and obedience.

Takeaways:



• We are debtors to thanksgiving: God chose us from the beginning through the sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth. We didn't deserve salvation, yet God in His foreknowledge made provision for us through Christ. Every person God has brought to salvation through your witness or prayers should prompt gratitude—not entitlement, but humble thanksgiving for His work.

• Stand fast without wavering: The command to "stand fast" isn't a suggestion—it's an imperative for continuing duty. If you're standing still spiritually, you're actually going backward. We must hold with a masterful grip to the traditions taught through God's Word, running everything through Scripture and discarding what contradicts it. Your master passion reveals your true God—make sure it's Jesus Christ.

• Fight the good fight of faith: The Christian life is warfare against deception from the world, sin, self, and Satan. Put on the whole armor of God daily. Walk in the Spirit so you won't fulfill the lust of the flesh. When discouraged, lift up your feeble hands in praise. Remember, you're an unprofitable servant doing what you're supposed to do—and that perspective keeps us humble and dependent on Him.

As we enter the new year, let's examine our hearts. Are we characterized by thanksgiving or entitlement? Are we pressing forward or withdrawing? God hasn't given up on you—the question is whether you'll give up on Him. Let's finish this year strong and begin 2026 with renewed commitment to the One who saved us for His glory.

In His Service,

Pastor Xavier Ries