1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Death and the Rapture

Transcription

1 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Death and the Rapture P a g e 1 Good morning Church, it is wonderful to be here with you all. This morning we are going to continue our study of 1 Thessalonians, we will finish chapter 4. Let us pray Now, chapter 4 has brought a change in direction from the Apostle Paul to the young church in Thessalonica. In the first three chapters, Paul was defending his own character against the accusations being made about him because of his quick departure out of their city. Paul, here in this chapter is now exhorting and correcting the young believers there in the church. Remember, when Paul could take it no longer, wanting to know the state of the church in the upper region of Greece. Paul sent young Timothy to see how they were holding up under such severe persecution.

2 P a g e 2 Timothy brought back word to Paul, and explained not only was there still a church in Thessalonica, but the church was thriving. Their love was abounding, and in fact, they loved Paul, and still respected his authority. Timothy brought back word that they still were weak in a few areas, regarding their sexual purity, and their idea of how to work as Christians, and we spent the last couple of weeks learning from Paul s corrective teaching in those two areas. Now, Paul will address another point of confusion for these young believers. They had misunderstood Paul, regarding the return of Jesus, and the rapture of the church, and they had questions regarding those of their brethren who had died. Perhaps the persecution of the Christians in Thessalonica had begun to take the lives of many of their loved ones.

3 Paul will now explain to them the hope that the believer in Jesus Christ has. He will present the reality of the resurrection of the saints, and speak of the imminent return of Christ. This next portion of scripture is one of the most important eschatological passages in the New Testament regarding the rapture. P a g e 3 All throughout this letter to the Thessalonians Paul has made mention to the Rapture and Christ s coming, and here Paul will give incredible detail to the pretribulation Rapture of the Church. Now, also remember, these young believers grew up under the Greek philosophies, and all of this would be very new to them, and perhaps that is why it took two letters from Paul to clear up their confusion. Their former pagan worldview had no hope or assurance of the afterlife. So first, Paul will answer their wondering hearts about the death of their loved ones, and if those who died

4 before the rapture would be handicapped in anyway when this imminent event would take place Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 4:13 The Comfort of Christ's Coming P a g e 4 4:13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. Paul not sugar coating his words here, very bluntly he says he does not want them to be ignorant concerning those who had fallen asleep. Now this term or idiom sleep is a similar word Jesus used for the death of Lazarus in John 11:11-14 Where Jesus explains. "Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up." 12 Then His disciples said, "Lord, if he sleeps he will get well." 13 However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking

5 rest in sleep. 14 Then Jesus said to them plainly, "Lazarus is dead. P a g e 5 This sleep does not apply to our spirit or soul, but only these earthy tents, these fleshly vessels. You see it is our body that sleeps in death. Now Paul is assuring the Thessalonians that death is not a concern for sorrow for those in Christ. Christ has defeated death in a great spectacle on the cross, and those who put their faith in Him, have a similar hope of their own resurrection. Paul to the Corinthian church gives much detail into this hope of the resurrection. He explains that because Christ rose again, those who put their faith in Him, will also partake in a resurrection to life. 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.

6 In this hope, we can understand that our loved ones who have proceeded us in death have this hope as well. P a g e 6 You see death for the believer brings sorrow, but it is the sorrow of saying goodbye before a long trip knowing we will see them again, but perhaps not for a long time. Truly, goodbyes still bring grief but our grief is coupled with the hope of a reunion where we will never again say goodbye. Does this mean that those believers who have died are currently in some sort of soul sleep awaiting the resurrection of the saints? Not at all. 2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. You see the moment this flesh dies, my brain activity ceases, and my heart no longer beats, my soul then

7 departs, and is immediately with Jesus, awaiting my resurrected Body. P a g e 7 Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:35-49 explains this first Body, the one through Adam is like a seed. It will one day go down into the ground, and from death, an incorruptible body will bloom forth. Understand when you look at a flower, and all of its beauty and intricate detail, and the wonderful fragrance that comes forth from it, understand that a flower was once was a dead, lifeless seed first. It was not until it was buried in death, that it resurrected into that new glorious flower. That imagery is how Paul describes the hope of the person who has died in Christ. Death is a gateway to a better you, an eternal you, one that is no longer bound to the effects of the curse. Where for all eternity you will bear the beauty and fragrance of Christ.

8 Paul said in 1 Cor. 13:12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. Currently, we are only a blurry image of what we will be then, when we are known fully and purely. P a g e 8 One day, God will raise up those bodies that sleep and they will wake up in the resurrection. Now, the sad reality of the unbeliever is the Bible never refers to their death as sleep. For the person who dies without knowing Jesus as their Savior, there is no rest, no peace, no comfort, and constant turmoil and anguish. Only those who die in Faith are assured of this rest, and resurrection to life. Jesus Himself separated the two different afterlives when He said in John 5:24-29 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. 25 Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and

9 P a g e 9 now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, 27 and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice 29 and come forth those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. You see the believer s body will be resurrected into eternal life, and the unbeliever into judgment. Now notice there in verse 14, Paul gives the reality of our loved ones who proceeded us in death, because Jesus died and rose again, those who have died in Christ, will return with Him. Your loved ones who died in Christ are not in a holding place, or a suspended reality until the resurrection, even while waiting for their own resurrection they are present with Jesus, that is their soul.

10 P a g e 10 Many believe when Christ comes for the church, and we are translated up into the sky, that our loved ones will be there to meet us with Christ. It is in this moment, when our new Bodies will be given to us. Paul speaking about the Rapture in 1 Corinthians explains it like this 1 Cor. 15:51-55 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." 55 "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?"

11 P a g e 11 Notice, when the rapture trumpet sounds, the dead bodies will first be raised in their new form to eternally join their souls. And then we too will be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, or more better understood, the blink of an eye. Blink your eyes right now, that fast, this will happen. So it seems currently, the dead in Christ, their souls are in some temporary form with Christ until this event where they are reunited with their eternal abode. Some have suggested that the death of the believer immediately brings them into eternity, or a time without time, so they could very well already be resurrected, because after death time does not exist. Now, it may be so, all we can be assured of, is that one day if death does not take us first, the rapture will take us up into this time, where we will receive our eternal dwellings. Understand this truth this morning, if you here this morning and you believe that Jesus died and rose

12 P a g e 12 again, and you have confessed Him as your Savior, there is no worldly sorrow that can overtake your soul. The truth of these passages are a great comfort. That means that if right now, Christ came for His church, and we were, in the blink of an eye, taken up, there we would be united with Christ, and reunited with all our loved ones. My father-in-law, my grandmothers, a grandfather, 4 children lost in the womb I have never known, and many others will be a part of this great reunion in the sky. This hope Paul is preaching here, was spoken by Jesus Himself to the disciples who were experiencing sorrow as well. Jesus just revealed He was going to die, and they were greatly troubled. Jesus assured them John 14:1-3 "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for

13 you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. P a g e 13 Jesus will come again, and where He is we will be also. This is the Word of Jesus, and this is the hope and anticipation of every believer in every era of Grace, we live expecting this promise to be fulfilled. Jesus never gave a date, and God s Word purposely leaves every generation of Christians believing in His imminent return. You see, if we live everyday with this understanding that Christ could come, and honestly put that hope at the forefront of our thinking, we would live faithful as servants living in anticipation of their Master s return. You see this understanding of Christ s imminent or sudden return should have provoked the Thessalonians to live pure lives and to work diligently unto the Lord. So Paul will continue on with his comfort and correction, and remind them these things are true not

14 P a g e 14 by his own understanding, but this is Jesus assurance to His church 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. Paul reassures the Thessalonians that their loved ones, who are asleep, will precede them during this event. But notice here, Paul says we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord. Paul was even convinced that he could be taken up in the rapture of the church, he says we. Who are alive and remain. Paul had no idea that the church era would continue on for another 2000 years. Again, it seems as though God intended for every era of the church to live as though Jesus return was soon. Now, many today are like the wicked servant Jesus portrayed in His parable of the Faithful and Evil Servant.

15 P a g e 15 Matt 24:48-51 But if that evil servant says in his heart, 'My master is delaying his coming,' 49 and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, 50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, 51 and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Since the Master has delayed His coming for these many centuries, some have gotten complacent in their faith. Understand, today more than ever, Jesus can come for His church, and even if, His coming is delayed, even passed our generation, none of us in this room will escape death. Death is a reality none of us can escape, it is a fact of life, the only escape from death is to be alive when Christ comes for His Church. Heb. 9:27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment

16 P a g e 16 Understand, if you are thinking you have more time in your life before the Rapture to live as you please, for your own pleasure. You might not be respecting the reality of death properly James put it this way James 4:13-14 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit"; 14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. You are not promised tomorrow, everyone will meet death at some point. Warren Wiersbe tells of a gravestone he once read in England, that cleverly read: Pause, my friend, as you walk by: As you are now, so once was I. As I am now, so you will be. Prepare, my friend, to follow me!

17 P a g e 17 Understand Christian, this understanding is healthy, one way or another, we will be accountable for our lives we live here on earth, one day this life will cease, and there we will be in eternity. If you are waiting to surrender your life to Jesus, Wisdom would caution otherwise. Today would be the best day for your salvation. Tomorrow is not promised to anyone. So, Paul assures that those who have died before the Rapture will be risen first then he explains the play-byplay of how this event will unfold 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Paul explains that Jesus Himself, our Lord, will descend from the very place the Apostles once saw Him ascend too. From heaven, Jesus Himself will first shout, and then the voice of an archangel will chime in, with the trumpet of God blowing intently.

18 P a g e 18 This will be the signal of the Rapture of the church, and how ominous it will be. The graves of all of those who are in Christ will be emptied, all the ashes of the dead in Christ, the molecules of the dead Saints from centuries past, will in this moment be changed, a metamorphosis will take place. The dead seed of corruption will be turned into the flower of incorruption. The same voice that raised Lazarus from the dead That Omnipotent Voice of the Son of God, who once declared John 11:43 "Lazarus, come forth!" And the dead man presented himself alive and obeyed the command, the same Voice will one day give the command for all who died in Christ, to come forth. Some have said, if Jesus on that day Lazarus was risen, didn t call him by name, all the dead that day would have come forth. Such is the authority and sovereignty of the Lord Jesus Christ. Walvoord

19 P a g e 19 But Lazarus was only raised to life in his mortal body, to eventually die again, but at the shout that initiates the Rapture, all the dead in Christ will receive their immortal bodies in a split second. Also, a trumpet blast will be part of this ominous signal. In Numbers 10, the Trumpet blast was used for various signals among God s people, one of which was to gather the people of God to the Lord at the tabernacle. The trumpet was also used to signal the armies for battle, as well as to announce feasts and celebrations. Now it is unknown if the unbeliever will hear this signal as well, if so they will we overwhelmed to the core. For us this will be the trumpet blast of gathering to the Lord. But for the wicked men on earth, the signal will be that of a Holy War about to take place on the earth like never seen before in history. Perhaps in the unregenerate ears it will hear this defining sound.

20 Now there are many trumpets in regards to the End Times. Paul called this Trumpet of the Rapture 1 Cor. 15:52 the last trumpet That is the last trumpet of this age, that will usher in the next age P a g e 20 This trumpet is separate from the trumpets of God s Wrath in Revelation, and very different from the seventh Trumpet that ushers the final moments of the Tribulation. The Rapture Trumpet is a gathering to God. The Revelation Trumpets are judgements. There is another place in the New Testament that speaks of a trumpet of gathering, yet this one is found at the end of the Tribulation where Jesus explains of the Son of Man Matt 24:31 That He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His

21 P a g e 21 elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. This is an earthly gathering of the Believing Jews at the end of the Tribulation. Some people lump all these trumpet blasts together, and when you do that, it greatly complicates things. But understand that there would be no hope for the Thessalonian believers if they were being taught that it would be at the end of the tribulation that they would be raptured. Paul clearly is teaching that at any moment this last trumpet of our era will signal the heavenly gathering of the church and those who have died in the church era. Since I was a child, I have dreamed about this event, and the thrill and chills of hearing the signal, and in a moment, everything in our reality being changed for all eternity. It is such a glorious hope, such an overwhelming hope. What problem are you experiencing today that would not be solved by this signal, and you being raptured?

22 Nothing in our life scales to this reality. Even my little Sofia, I try to talk with her about this reality, because I love to hear through a child s faith what hope we have. She told me on Friday after I asked her if she was hoping Jesus came today for us. P a g e 22 She replied after a pause and a thought, I hope He comes on Sunday when we are worshipping, so we can just keep worshipping when we are with Him. Can you believe that? A six year old has a better understanding then her father sometimes. And you know as we see the meaning of the word that we get our word rapture from next, we can begin to understand why a child can understand so clearly things we adults dull with our thinking. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Now this is where we get the word rapture from.

23 The Latin word for caught up is the Greek Word harpazo, which has the meaning to snatch up. P a g e 23 Now the Latin translation is rapturo, where we get our English word Rapture. So when you hear people say the word rapture is not in the Bible, you can now explain it to them, they can call it the Caught Up, or Snatch Up, or whatever they want, but the event is in the Word. You see after the dead in Christ are resurrected, in the moment after, the blinking of an eye, those of us who remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds where we will meet Jesus in the air. Understand, this is not Jesus Second coming, that will take place 7 years after this moment. The Rapture of the Church will culminate in the air, Jesus when He returns to establish His Kingdom will come back to this earth. The prophet Zechariah explains His feet will touch this earth and enter into Jerusalem after splitting the Mount of Olives in Two.

24 Zechariah 14:4 And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, Which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, The Rapture will be a worldwide event, whereas the second coming will be geographically centered in Jerusalem. P a g e 24 Understand they are two separate events; one is the signal that the other is seven years coming, after God s Wrath is poured out on rebellious mankind. Now this is the point of transformation for us, at the Rapture of the Church, those who are asleep, and those of us who remain, Paul explains of this event in 1 Corinthians 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. God in this moment will seize us up, and in the process our molecular structure will be changed into our heavenly eternal bodies, in the likeness of Jesus. This event is biblical, and is the very next thing on the prophetic calendar, the church is to live understanding

25 that at any moment the Rapture of the Church can take place. P a g e 25 (From Wiersbe s Commentary) Now the Greek Scholar Dr. Kenneth S. Wuest says this word harpazo has five different meanings, each of these meanings of caught up really add a special reality to this event. The first meaning is to catch away speedily. We will be caught away in the blinking of an eye. This means we should live each moment of our lives in this fallen world as though our redemption draws nigh. The second meaning is To seize by force. Satan has worked tirelessly with his army of vial creatures and demonic hordes to deceive man. And his main method of deception, is to promote this world and to cause men to have a love affair with this world. He is constantly working to persuade us to live for this life and forsake the next.

26 P a g e 26 Some believers will have to be seized by force, as their hearts are drawn to their endeavors here. This is why a child s heart is so pure with this idea of the Rapture, they have only known this world for a few short years. Us astute adults have somewhat grown fond of this place, and perhaps have found certain comforts here very attractive. Perhaps some believers will be literally dragged away from this world. The third meaning of harpazo is To claim for one s own self. In this understanding, we see the viewpoint from Jesus perspective, as He comes and claims His own bride for Himself. The fourth meaning is To move to a new place. Remember Jesus promised the disciples that He was leaving to go and prepare a place for them.

27 P a g e 27 And in this moment, every Christian will get their keys to their eternal home. Phil 3:20-21 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. In that moment, we will move to our new home. The last and fifth meaning is To rescue from danger. Immediately after the disappearance of millions of Christ followers, the world will be in disarray and they will look to a charismatic world leader, who will be used to usher in the final seven years. The rapture is a rescue mission to save the believers from the terrible time of the Tribulation. As Paul already commended this church in chapter 1, as they 1 Thess. 1:10 wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

28 We are not appointed to wrath, but will be rescued. So all five meanings really add to the doctrine of the Rapture. Look at the last part of verse 17 with me please. 1 Thess. 4:17 And thus we shall always be with the Lord. P a g e 28 Christian, this morning meditate on this truth, know and understand the reality of all that your faith means to you this morning. May it be death, or may it be in the Rapture, we will always be with the Lord. Now, take what Paul has said this morning, these Inspired Words. The hope found in this text this morning, and now apply it to your life. What if today is your last day here on earth, what if tomorrow the rapture was to take place, what if you only had one day to live?

29 P a g e 29 How would the decisions you are faced with right now be impacted? Look at the person next to you right now, what if this was the last day you had with them? You know none of us are promised tomorrow. I hear Jessica my wife pleading with young moms often times, telling them, you only get one shot at raising these children, and then it is over, and the life you raised them in will impact them for the rest of their lives. Our culture lives so flippantly as though we had 900 years to live this life. But we get one shot at it, some have a shorter time than others, none of us know for sure when our time is up. Now, understand all that Paul has taught this morning, what he is trying to get across to the Thessalonian church. He is trying to get them to understand that death, and the imminent return of Christ is the not to be feared

30 P a g e 30 among God s people, Paul gives them a great comfort, but also this understanding should stir the church up into godly living. With this understanding at the forefront of our hearts and minds, we should choose to live a certain way. Remember, the unruly believers that Paul was correcting had chosen abandonment to their duties as Christians. You see the expectation of the Rapture is not to provoke irrational choices. It makes our obedience to God s Word have deeper meaning. You see we are not to react to Jesus soon return as a demonic cult would, and abandon our lives, quit our lives, or to isolate ourselves form the world. In Thessalonica many quit life, for which they were rebuked. But true Christianity, living with this hope of the soon return of Christ, keeps us motivated and focused in our daily lives.

31 P a g e 31 You see with the understanding that Christ can come tomorrow, or even understanding the uncertainty of life, it gives our lives deeper meaning. You know, when I drive Sof and Lola to school, when this thought is at the forefront of my mind, my conversation with them is deeper and more meaningful. I try to talk about heavenly things, I try to help them understand that Jesus is with them throughout the day, our conversation is filled with Jesus. When I walk them to class, I grab their little hands, I try most days, to cherish those little hands, I try most days to hold those hands as if it was the last time I was to ever hold them. When I drive to the office, to work throughout the week, when this thought is at the forefront of my mind, work is not a burden, I understand that God has called me to work, and provide for my family. He has blessed me with the co-workers to work alongside with, to do life with.

32 P a g e 32 When our lives are assessed through the lens of the reality that soon we will always be with Jesus, it brings perspective to our lives. You see, God is watching for faithfulness in His servants, obedience. Men, when Christ comes for His church, will He find you loving your wife like He has loved the church? Or will He find you hoping for more time? When He comes, will He find you wives respecting your husbands? Maybe you are thinking, Yeah Pastor, I hope the Rapture comes, to save me from that man I married. That is the wrong the thinking, this idea of tomorrow not being promised to us, should change the way we love those around us. You know, the early church lived with this expectation that soon Jesus would come, and it revolutionized the world.

33 P a g e 33 Every Revival in church History has had this understanding that Christ could come at any moment. You know what it did? It deepened the relationships in the church. You know the early church grew leaps and bounds, with almost no evangelism. You know what the hallmark of that first church was? It was love and fellowship. The church grew almost with no human endeavor, no crusades, no door-to-door ministry, nothing of man s doing. They were under such persecution, they could not rent out the Coliseum and do a crusade. And it was because they loved each other as if it was their last day with one another, their numbers swelled. Think about what the early church consisted of, the model put forth in the New Testament.

34 Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. P a g e 34 They were not doing huge outreaches, the testimony of their love for one another drew others in. The Christian Church had become a hospital for every sort of person, rich, poor, Jew, Gentile, slaves and all came together, in love and unity, with an eternal hope. Acts 2:46-47 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. You see with this Holy anticipation and hope set before them, they were able to see their fellow human, and they were able to see past their prejudices and differences, and they were able to set aside their shortcomings and they were able to love one another purely.

35 P a g e 35 This understanding of Christ s soon return, brought every Christian duty into the right perspective, and all their relationships were viewed through this lens. Really, what grudge, or unforgiveness that you are harboring this morning holds any value, if you truly believed tomorrow could not come? If we are honest this morning, if we look honestly at our life s pursuit, many of us perhaps have become pretty attached to this world and its system. This thought, of always being with the Lord, is usually far from our thinking. It might even be a bothersome thought. I have even had a Christian tell me they do not want to attend the church, because we teach the rapture, and they have so much they want to do with their life before this takes place. As if, I stopped teaching it the reality would go away. What does that thought, of being Raptured provoke in your heart this morning?

36 Listen church, to the last verse of this chapter. P a g e Therefore comfort one another with these words. You see it is not supposed to be a burden to know that soon we will be with Jesus eternally, it should be a comfort. You know we need to be continually reminded of these truths, to keep the proper perspective in this life. One day, sooner than later, we will always be with the Lord. We have this blink of a life, to get it right, to love as we are called to love, to make every opportunity count for the Lord. I know, at the end of my father-in-law s life, I learned a lot from him on what mattered in life. He would tell me often, how now that he was at the end of his life, he wished that he could hold his grandbabies hands, and walk down the way with them, and just listen to them talk. He hoped to one day walk again to accomplish this.

37 This was a great man s wish at the end of his life. P a g e 37 He had no pursuit of riches in mind, no longing for more stuff to buy, no lust he wanted fulfilled, he just wanted to be with his family and friends those he loved, and he wanted to talk about heaven, he had so many questions and so much anticipation. It was those kinds of things that were important to him, those were the things that mattered to him knowing that he would soon be with Jesus. What would be important to you today, if tomorrow you would be in the presence of Jesus Christ? What would you do differently, how would you live? Church, that is how we are to live. Go from church today holding your wife s hand like you may never get to again in this life. Go from church today spending time with your mother s as though today was the last day to honor her like Christ called you too.

38 Go from church today and forgive that person you have harbored bitterness for all those years, remember we are going to be forgiven by the same measure we forgive in this life. P a g e 38 If you breathe your last breath tomorrow, what will be your measure of forgiveness that would be bestowed upon you? This comfort and perspective changes every reality we have as believers. Be inspired to love your children today with the idea, that every embrace might be the last, every conversation might be your last chance to instill in them a saving faith. Go forth this week, with a new appreciation for your job, or your unfair boss, knowing that God has blessed you with provision for your family. Work at your job as though that day would be the last witness you were leaving behind on what a Christian Work ethic looks like.

39 P a g e 39 This week, love the stranger that crosses your path, understanding that it might be your last chance before you enter into glory. You see this is why we comfort each other with this reminder of the soon coming of the Lord. This idea is why the first church was so fruitful, they took advantage of every opportunity to live life to the fullest, not selfishly, but in their demonstration of love. Church, this would change the whole dynamic of our Christian living, may we comfort one another, and remind one another of this reality of Christ s imminent return. Lastly, this comfort Paul put forth this morning, gives us all a hope, for those of us who have had to say goodbye to loved ones. Maybe you are here today on Mother s Day, and you hate this day, because your mother is gone to be with the Lord.

40 P a g e 40 Rest in the assurance of God s Word this morning, death for a Christian is only a temporary goodbye, not a permanent goodbye. One day, as my little Sof puts it, the Rapture will happen, and in that moment, Papa Tony, GG, her dogs Jaxon and Rocky, and her siblings lost in the womb will be waiting. And perhaps her imagination is not very far from the truth of God s Word. Church, what a hope that is before us this morning. Man s most feared enemy, Death, has been defeated by Christ our King, and those who have put their faith in Him share in His victory. Death is not to be feared among God s People, it is only a graduation into eternity. If you don t have this hope this morning, please don t wait another day, you are here for a reason this morning. God brought you here to make the most important decision of your life.

41 P a g e 41 Today you have the opportunity to receive salvation. Please come forward during this last song, and pray with one of the pastors or elders that will be up front, to ask Jesus to become Lord of your life, to repent of your sins, and receive freely the Grace He desires to shower your life with. And you too can immediately share in this living hope. Also, I know Mother s day is difficult for many, if you are troubled this morning, please bring your troubles to Jesus, and come forward and receive prayer and healing. These men will be up here to pray with you whatever your prayer needs are this morning. Let us pray.