and so we…

Welcome back to afaithtalk.com. Today we’re going to look a little more at what is coming, more of The End kind of thinking. I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s take a short walk through these few verses to suss out our faith growing and the encouragement found here.

First Let’s Pray
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for these verses and the words You’re going to hand me to write about them. Give us the lesson You want on these words and grow all our faith. Thank You, Lord. Amen.

Yep, these are from Sunday’s lectionary. Several choices of readings exist there each week. This rather perfect being we’re in the middle of The End focus. Maybe that’s why He said “This one.” when I asked.

These are from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 NIV

Here, verses 13-14:
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 

Do not grieve like those who have no hope. God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.

The main thing: Faith. The promise is only good if you Believe. Where is your hope?

Here, verses 15-16:
According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 

Whether we’re alive or asleep in death, we’re not going to miss His return. At least those with Faith won’t. Matthew 24:30-31 say no one will miss it. Those with faith will be saved. Unbelievers will mourn. 

Did you see the encouragement in those two verses? He knows those who are His. Whether you live or sleep in death. He knows.

Here, verses 17-18:
After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.

See? The living are all going to be caught up with those just resurrected and we will be with the Lord forever. The Life Himself will gather His people for an eternity with Him.

You can live fearless. Alive or dead matters not. What matters is “in Him”.  While you live, live in Him. When you sleep in death, do so in Him. Life is coming.

Faith, my friends, is always the most important thing.
Grow your faith.

Thank You, Lord, for this incredible encouragement and the way you repeat over and over the “in Him” thing verifying that faith is the thing we must have. Draw us closer today. Thank You. Amen.