First Thessalonians chapter 5. Our text today will be verses 1 through 11 and I'll have you,

if you're able, stand. You can follow along as I read. If not, that's all right where you're seated is fine.

The Apostle Paul is writing to this church in Thessalonica and by the Holy Spirit says verse one,

now brothers and sisters about times and dates, we do not need to write to you.

For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

While people are saying peace and safety or peace and security, it's the Greek word Asphalia, same word, destruction will come on them suddenly

as labor pains on a pregnant woman and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should

surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.

So then, verse 6, let us not be like others who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.

For those who sleep, sleep at night. And those who get drunk,

get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober. Putting on faith and love as a breastplate

and the hope of salvation as a helmet interesting

to protect the heart and the mind. For God, verse 9, did not appoint us to suffer wrath, but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that

whether we are awake or asleep we may live together with Him. Therefore, verse 11, encourage one another and build each other up just as in fact you are doing.

Let's pray if you would join with me.

Loving Heavenly Father, we are so thankful to you for your word in this portion that we have before us today here in your word. But Lord, we're also keenly aware that unless you, as only

you can by the Holy Spirit, get our attention and hold our attention, we're going to miss what it is that you would desire to show to us today

here in your word. So Lord, we want to give you our undivided attention, no distractions,

so you can speak into our lives in and through your word. So,

Lord, will you, your servants are listening? Speak, Lord, we ask. In Jesus' name, amen.

And amen, you can be seated. Thank you. Okay. So I hope you don't tire of me saying this, but today's text is one that

I've really been looking forward to for quite some time now. I know I say that about every

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