The Letter to the Thessalonians Caught Up Together (part 1) 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17

Transcription

1 The Letter to the Thessalonians Caught Up Together (part 1) 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 Also available are a text-only version of the outline at or an audio podcast at This is a pdf file for the PowerPoint notes for the sermon by Pastor Dave Tietjen on November 1, 2015 continuing his series on the New Testament letters to the Thessalonians.

2 A possible situation

3 At this point, a video clip from the movie Left Behind: The Rapture was shown. View the full clip at (runs 5:43 about 2:30 was used in the sermon).

4 A popular scenario

5 Left Behind series results Print ( ) 16 volumes Exceeding 65 million copies sold Extraordinary scene

6 Left Behind series results Print ( ) 16 volumes Exceeding 65 million copies sold Extraordinary scene Film Three titles

7 Commending Left Behind series response In many ways, this series established Christian fiction as a significant category in publishing in general. Mark Kuyper

8 Commending Left Behind series response In terms of its impact on Christianity, it s probably greater than that of any other book in modern times, outside the Bible. Jerry Falwell

9 Condemning Left Behind series response Almost laughably tedious, fatuous and boring; Glorifies violence...; Lip-licking anticipation of blood

10 Condemning Left Behind series response What the Left Behind novels do, the way they twist scripture toward a certain theological and political end, I think (Dan) Brown is twisting scripture, just to other political ends. Brian McLaren

11 Condemning Left Behind series response There is no single verse in the entire Bible that supports a pre-trib Rapture. Gary DeMar End Times Fiction

12 Matthew 24:44 ESV Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. A prophetic stumper Matthew 24:44 ESV And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

13 Comparing texts Rapture 1 Thessalonians 4:13 1 Corinthians 15:51 John 14:1-3 Return Joel 3:12ff Revelation 19:11ff Zechariah 14:1ff Matthew 24:29ff Matthew 24:25

14 Contrasting teachings Meeting place Measure of judgment Miracle of new body Millennial kingdom Mention of signs Movement on earth Mass exodus: Who? Where?

15 A proposed solution

16 His single coming two stages

17 A surprising detail 1 Thessalonians 4:17 ESV Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with the them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.

18 A surprising detail Caught up is harpazo: to seize, to snatch, to take suddenly Matthew 13:19 John 10:12, Acts 8:39 2 Corinthians 12:2 Revelation 12

19 A surprising detail Caught up is harpazo: to seize, to snatch, to take suddenly Latin: raeptius

20 A surprising detail Caught up is harpazo: to seize, to snatch, to take suddenly Latin: raeptius Simply stated, the Rapture of the church, which is the first phase of Christ s coming, is the intersection of two events: the resurrection of the dead, specifically only believers, and the transformation of living believers.... Mark Hitchcock

21 A surprising detail Caught up is harpazo: to seize, to snatch, to take suddenly Latin: raeptius They will all be immediately together in Jesus glorious presence, and He will escort them to heaven to live with Him forever.... Mark Hitchcock

22 A surprising detail Caught up is harpazo: to seize, to snatch, to take suddenly Latin: raeptius When (it) occurs, Jesus will descend from heaven, accompanied by the perfected spirits of believers who have died. He will resurrect their bodies, now glorified, and the spirits of believers will be clothed with their new bodies. Mark Hitchcock

23 Our Savior s promise John 14:2-3 ESV In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

24 Significant hope Imagine you have an old box in your attic... All who are in Christ will be caught up to meet Him in the air. Those who don t know Him, who don t share His life, will be left behind.... Mark Hitchcock

25 Significant hope Imagine you have an old box in your attic Jesus is not coming for moral, respectable people, for people who faithfully attend church or for people who observe religious rituals, as good as those things may be. He s coming for those who are in Christ through faith in His atoning death and resurrection. Mark Hitchcock