There are passages in Scripture that feel more like a gathering storm than a quiet devotional,

and Second Thessalonians too is one of those, the Man of Lawlessness, a Worldwide Apostasy,

a day of judgment unlike anything in human history. Un settling? Absolutely.

But it doesn't have to be confusing. Today, on Insight for Living, Chuck Swindall brings his trademark

clarity to one of the Bible's most prophetic chapters, and what emerges isn't dread, but deep and durable hope.

Tucked inside this sobering passage is the greatest news a believer could hear.

Your king is coming, and he wins.

What earthquakes are to the regions they affect?

The divine judgment of the day of the Lord will be to the whole world.

Every person on earth during that time will experience its tremors and destruction. Think of that.

Paul had taught the Thessalonian believers about the day of the Lord and its terrors, but apparently the church members had become confused about the timing, fearing that the quaking of God's judgment had already

begun. The focus of our passage today deals with Paul's attempt to steady the doctrinal

legs of that church. Before we launch into his explanation, however, it will be helpful for us to read

this section of scripture. So turn with me in your Bibles to 2, Thessalonians, chapter 2,

and I'll be reading verses 1 through 12. 2nd Thessalonians 2 in verse 1 begins,

Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ

and are gathering together to Him that you not be quickly shaken from your composure

or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us,

to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.

Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first. And the man of lawlessness is revealed,

the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called God,

or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. Do you not remember that while

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