Walking Honestly
1 Thessalonians 4
What is the greatest challenge we face after we have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior?
Our greatest challenge is walking with the God we say we love!
Paul has been teaching us how we should proclaim the "Gospel" and this should begin with our own testimony.
Paul has been teaching us that we must witness for Jesus and this begins with the way we live.
Paul has been teaching us that we must take our stand on the Word of God and the "Gospel" of Jesus Christ.
Today Paul will teach us more about our own walk with God.
The goal of Paul's ministry was to start churches in which those saved of God would walk worthy of God.
What did God tell Abraham?
Gen 17:1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; "walk before me, and be thou perfect".
This command given to Abraham is the same command given to each one that depends on the Lord Jesus.
How does this walk begin?
The same way that Abraham's walk with God began!
2Co 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
2Co 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
God would never ask us to do things that are impossible to do!
God will provide the things we need in our daily walk with Him!
There are only two ways to walk in this world. We can walk in darkness or we can walk in light!
Until we walk with God we are all walking in darkness!
1Jn 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
1Jn 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
1Jn 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin
Once we have been saved from the wrath of God, we should immediately begin our walk with God!
Psa 56:13 For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?
So what is the walk that pleases God?
Let's begin:
*****1Th 4:1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.
That word "furthermore" means "besides" having learned all the things in Chapters 1-3 then we must add to that these things in chapter 4 in order to walk in this life pleasing God.
To walk is to continue reaching for that goal of perfection.
We will never reach perfection in this life but that should still be our goal because in the eyes of the Lord we have already been justified in the perfection that we will have after we die once we know Jesus as our Savior.
Christianity is a walk and not just a name!
Christianity is not a badge to wear, not a luxury to own, nor a ceremony to take part in.
Christianity is life on this Earth while walking toward that eternal life that will be in Heaven with the Lord.
Christianity is life modeled after other Christians who are also following the Lord Jesus in their own daily walk.
Jesus Christ is our greatest example of walking as a Christian should walk!
The love of God is then the greatest power that a Christian can have.
We cannot please God unless our daily walk pleases God!
God will give us everything we need in our daily walk so that "we abound more and more".
As long as we are in this body of flesh, we need to be reaching higher toward the goals of God!
As long as we are in this body of flesh, we need to reach deeper into the depths of the scripture.
As long as we are in this body of flesh there will be sins to over come in which we can claim victory if we trust in the Lord and not in ourselves!
As long as we are in this body of flesh, prayer will remain our greatest weapon until we stand before Jesus at the "Judgment Seat of Christ".
It is at this moment when we can receive any rewards for our walk in this life after salvation.
Our walk begins when when we accept that the Word of God does not give us "suggestions" on how to live but "commandments" on how to live!
All the world and many Christians treat the Word of God as "suggestions" when they are in reality "commandments"!
How are all these things accomplished in this life? By living a life that is expecting the Lord to return at any moment.
What will you be doing at that very moment when the Lord calls us home?
Until that great day, and it will be a great day, we are to press on in patience, we are to put away every known sin, and we are to avoid the filthiness of this world!
These are not suggestions but commandments!
*****1Th 4:2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
In the Old Testament Ezekiel was called of God to be a watchman for the nation of Israel.
Eze 3:17 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.
Ezekiel was to take the words that God gave him and warn Israel.
We should be able to see that the Apostle Paul was appointed as watchman to the New Testament Church.
Paul took the words that God gave him and gave them to the Church.
These are not suggestions from the Apostle Paul but they are commandments from a Holy and Perfect God!
The Lord Jesus will use such men as Paul and as our own Pastor, to do this until He returns.
Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Why? Because it is the will of God for our lives, while in this flesh, to resemble the life of Jesus Christ!
*****1Th 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
Everyone is always asking, "what is the will of God for my life".
The will of God begins with us striving to be perfect while we live in this flesh!
What is sanctification? Sanctification is the act of making holy.
Sanctification is first a separation from this world and linking to God.
2Th 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, "because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth":
Sanctification is then living a holy lifestyle, a complete change in what we once were.
Rom 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; "even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness".
When we are searching for the will of God, we need to realize that God's will centers first of all on the total dedication of our lives to Him and His Words.
After all, we have been redeemed and belong to the Lord!
Psa 107:2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
We say so, more by the way we live, than by the words we speak!
Heb 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
According to the Bible there will always those weak in the faith and have doubts about some things.
Our job is to not be weak in the faith but be one who can help those that are weak!
Rom 14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
What we also see in this epistle from the Apostle Paul, "given to him by the Lord Jesus", is that there should be no doubt that fornication is contrary to the will of God!
Fornication is any sexual relationship outside the biblical marriage of one man to one woman!
The home was instituted by God Himself, and the Christian Church must still uphold the Word of God and be custodians of the family and the home.
Gen 2:23 And "Adam said", This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh:"she shall be called Woman", because she was taken out of Man.
Gen 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
Marriage according to the Word of God is between one man and one woman!
God expects each of us to walk in separation from all that is vile and immoral!
We are to learn how to control this body of flesh we live in!
Believers are to walk in purity of heart, mind, body, and soul!
*****1Th 4:4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
1Th 4:5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
The world is on a mission to lower Christian standards in regard to immorality and uncleanness.
The world will not accept the Word of God, because the world will not accept God's standards!
We need to constantly remind ourselves of the importance of living pure lives!
Our bodies are indeed a "vessel".
2Co 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
2Ti 2:20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
2Ti 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, "he shall be a vessel unto honour", sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
To be sanctified is to set apart wholly consecrated to the Lord!
Jesus said:
Joh 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him
This is the only way our vessel, our body, can become a vessel in sanctification and a vessel of honor!
Sanctification requires a new birth!
Again Jesus said:
Joh 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Concupiscence is the unlawful or irregular desire of sexual pleasure.
This describes the so-called "gay lifestyle" but it is not limited just to this.
Concupiscence is coveting carnal things, an irregular appetite for worldly good and sinful enjoyments!
All we need do is turn on the TV to see that all these are happening increasingly in our world everyday.
Even secret concupiscence is sin!
We are not sinners because we sin. We sin because we are sinners!
Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Sin is anything that goes against the Word of God!
Sin is a failure to conform to the standard of God! "God's standard is Jesus Christ".
Sin is a principle within each of us!
Sin is rebellion against God!
Sin is wrongful acts against God but also against man!
Sin is the state into which we are all born!
Mankind is totally depraved. There is nothing in the natural man that can merit the favor of God!
Rom 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing:
Man has an innate sin nature and every part of man is affected.
Intellect:
2Co 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Conscience:
1Ti 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
Will:
Rom 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
Heart:
Eph 4:18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
The total being:
Rom 1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
Rom 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
The world is blinded toward sin!
And it is impossible to sin without it causing harm to someone else!
*****1Th 4:6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
1Th 4:7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
"To go beyond" is to not conform to any standard of righteousness according to the Word of God.
"To go beyond" is to not conform to any part of the truth of the Word of God and then think you are justified by your own actions.
This describes the world we live in today!
Our President, our congress, our judicial system, most Americans, and this world "go beyond" the truth of God and think they are justified in their actions while those who know the truth of God and try to live by God's standards are considered to be the trouble makers.
They take advantage of those who have a set standard to live by and refuse to conform to their humanistic ways.
To defraud is to deprive a person of their rights, to cheat the innocent, and to deceive anyone who will not be a part of their views.
They have ignored the "Fear The Of Lord".
Though they say they do know Him, God says they are all liars!
Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Rom 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; "for God hath shewed it unto them".
These are not the ways of God nor of God's people!
Our God is holy!
Our God is entirely set apart from all sin!
Our God is entirely set apart from all sinners!
The Spirit of God is called the Holy Spirit because holiness is an attribute of God!
To be holy is to be set apart. As Christians we are to separate ourselves from the ways of this world.
To be holy is to is to be perfect. Our God is perfect and every Christian should strive to live by the Word of God.
To be holy is to evoke awe. Awe is fear mingled in admiration and reverence toward our God.
To be holy is realize the awesome power of God. God spoke our world into existence. When God speaks things happen!
Jehovah God the Father is the source of holiness!
The Holy Spirit is agent of holiness!
Jesus Christ is our example of holiness!
Christians can be holy because of work of Jesus Christ and this is the only way!
*****1Th 4:8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit
When we are saved our vessels, our bodies become a temple for the Holy Spirit.
1Co 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
1Co 3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
The Holy Spirit is God Himself and it is insulting to God if we misuse our bodies in fornication or in any uncleanness.
1Co 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
1Co 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
These are things that we need to be taught and a need to have a clear understanding of, but there some things we should already know.
*****1Th 4:9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
When we are saved we are filled with the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit then teaches us how to love.
Rom 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
The two most used Greek words used for our English word "love" are "philia" and "agape".
"Philia" love is a love of deep affection such as in true friendship and godly marriage between one man and one woman!
"Agape" love is the love that God shows to those that love Him.
"Agape" love is not based on feelings but in our will!
"Agape" love treats all others as God treats His children, regardless of feelings or even personal preferences.
All true Christians are in the same family because we have the same Father in Heaven and God has taught us to love one another.
1Jn 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.
1Jn 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
1Jn 4:21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
This is the same thing that God the Son taught us.
Joh 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
Joh 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
These Thessalonians had "Agape" love and it showed.
*****1Th 4:10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;
We will never grow from "babes in Christ" to more "mature Christians" unless our "Agape Love" increases more and more.
Our "agape love" must begin in our homes, then show in our place of worship, and then extend out to our communities and on throughout our nation.
This is something that the lost world can see and once they see what we are, then they may listen to the message we have about Jesus Christ.
There are also other things we need to be doing as Christians.
*****1Th 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
1Th 4:12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
1) As Christians we are to be ambitious to do our own business. We must "diligently strive" to be calm and quiet, except when speaking is necessary. Our speech should then be graceful and have a real purpose.
Col 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Jesus, Himself, warned against idle words.
Mat 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
Idle words are all words that could lead someone away from God!
And Paul warns us against all foolish talking.
Eph 5:4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
2) We are to do our own business.
We are to concentrate on our own affairs and not on the affairs of others.
1Pe 4:15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other man’s matters.
When we seek the will of God in our lives, we will find that God has a purpose for each one of us. It is in that purpose where we need to spend the most of our time!
Life in itself is a business and it takes a lot of time to straighten our own selves out before we can be much assistance to others and it is the trials of life that make us valuable enough to help others.
3) We are to work with our own hands. The Apostle Paul gives us an example of what he means.
2Th 3:7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
2Th 3:8 Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:
2Th 3:9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
"Idlers" are out of place in the Christian ministry!
Ezekiel said this was the sin of Sodom:
Eze 16:49 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.
Idleness is the reluctance to be busy about the work of God!
Are you a lazy Christian? This shows God, that what He says is not very important to us.
4) We are to walk honestly. We have no right to ask or receive the product of someone elses labor when we are able to produce our own.
In America our government has caused this type of culture to exist.
From this type of culture we will always have beggars, loafers, gamblers and thieves and all these things will grow more violent and unusable in the work of the Lord.
An honest person will avoid this kind of behavior and will be decent and strive for purity and holiness, which things are useful in the Christian ministry.
Col 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
What is the best reason to do this? That we lack nothing!
Eph 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
We have our provider. He is the Lord!
Psa 147:11 The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.
It is the Lord Jesus Christ who will meet all our personal needs
*****1Th 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
The Jews had been taught many things in the Old Testament but the Apostle Paul is speaking of the Church in this verse. (notice the word brethren)
Daniel wrote it like this:
Dan 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Dan 12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
Death for a Christian is considered as merely being asleep.
Joh 11:11 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.
Joh 11:12 Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.
Joh 11:13 Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.
Joh 11:14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
Death is the calm and holy sleep of the body.
This sleep only applies to the body, because the soul and spirit are already with the Lord!
Ecc 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
2Co 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
The hope of the Church is not in this calm and peaceful sleep but is bound up in the fact of the Lord's coming so that we all can be glorified together!
Those that are asleep and those that are alive and well at His coming!
Those that have gone on before us will not miss out on Heaven or of a "Glorified Body"!
In false religions somethings are mentioned about the soul but only to the Christian is the hope of the glorified body!
1Co 15:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
1Co 15:43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
1Co 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
How can these things be true?
*****1Th 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
Our hope rest on our faith!
If we have faith that the Lord Jesus died and rose again, then we can be saved.
Act 17:3 Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.
As sure as the Lord Jesus died and rose again, so also will all those souls that the Lord brings with Him when He returns in the clouds.
Believers are laid to sleep by Jesus and so all believers will be brought back from that sleep by Jesus!
The sting of death has been taken away from the believer!
1Co 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
1Co 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
1Co 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
1Co 15:56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
1Co 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
It is the Word of God that teaches this and this is not some fable of the Apostle Paul!
We can be certain of these things!
All "born-again" Christians, having real faith in the "Gospel" of Jesus Christ will be "caught up" (raptured) to be with Jesus when He returns just as will all believers who have died in this same faith!
It is OK to sorrow at the death of our loved ones who know the Lord but we are not to loose hope in their salvation and that great reunion some day!
The lost have no such hope as this nor does false religion!
*****1Th 4:15 For this we say unto you "by the word of the Lord", that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
In reality even the Apostle Paul felt like he might even live to see the return of the Lord.
In other words the "rapture" has always been imminent just as it is today.
Jesus said to be watchful for His return.
Mat 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
We should remember this. When the Lord returns to set up His kingdom He will bring with Him all His Saints.
Rev 19:14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
This verse could not be true if the Lord did not have all His Saints with Him so the "rapture" of the Church makes this possible!
The "Rapture" has always been a single part of scripture and not linked to any other part of any other event!
That word "prevent" means the "rapture" must come before the Second Coming of Christ!
And it is the Lord Himself who will handle this event personally!
*****1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
It is the Lord Himself who will return to get His Bride, the Church!
Not some spirit.
Not some angel.
Not some saint already in Heaven.
Not some human on this Earth.
But the Lord in person, in his human nature, in soul and body and in the Majesty of His presence!
1Jn 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
This is not some new doctrine because even Job knew this and Job was the first of the written Word of God.
Job 19:26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:
Job 19:27 Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.
It is the Lord who will give that command, "the shout", just as The Lord gave to Lazarus.
Joh 11:43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
And John said marvel not at this.
Joh 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
Joh 5:29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
The "Rapture" of the Church are the "they that have done good".
And more than a 1000 years later, the "they that have done evil" at the White Throne judgment.
There will not only be a shout from the Lord but there will certainly be the sound of the trumpet.
1Co 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
And what is the order of the "Rapture"?
The dead in Christ shall rise first!
The Bible mentions more than one resurrection but this is not what this verse is referring to.
This verse states that those in the grave "asleep in Jesus" will rise before "those that are alive" are changed.
Those that are alive will witness the resurrection of the sleeping saints!
To any others that may witness these things, it should be noted the time period, "the twinkling of an eye" is the shortest actual time period of today's time.
To the saints, time will already have ended and the saints will now be in eternity, where time is not relevant!
It will be a glorious last day that will never end, for the saints of God!
*****1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
That phrase "caught up" gives us the meaning of the Latin word "rapto" or we say "Rapture".
Rapture means "to seize" and "to carry off".
Those bodies that were in the grave reunited with their spirits and souls that were in Heaven, brought back by the Lord will then met together with those that are alive and remain and together, you and I and all others "born again" to the Lord will meet Him in the air!
And we will forever be with the Lord:
Joh 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
It is at this time when there will be the "Judgment Seat of Christ".
Rom 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
Only believers will be there.
Any rewards for service will be awarded at that time.
We will then be reunited with all our believing friends and family, "together with them".
It is very possible at this time, that it will Jesus who will reunite all the broken families and friendships and then wipe away all their tears.
We will know each other just as we do now because we will all have the mind of Christ.
1Co 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
1Co 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
Death is a fact of life but we can escape death by being alive in Jesus Christ!
That's why there is no other way to get to Heaven!
We should have a clear under standing.
Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
The choice we make while we are alive is to choose which judgment where we will stand.
The "Judgment Seat of Christ".
Or the White Throne Judgment!
*****1Th 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
When we choose Jesus, we can have comfort in these words.
Comfort equals "strength".
Strength in the Lord brings hope when our loved ones die!
Questions?
Let's Pray!
1 Thessalonians 4
What is the greatest challenge we face after we have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior?
Our greatest challenge is walking with the God we say we love!
Paul has been teaching us how we should proclaim the "Gospel" and this should begin with our own testimony.
Paul has been teaching us that we must witness for Jesus and this begins with the way we live.
Paul has been teaching us that we must take our stand on the Word of God and the "Gospel" of Jesus Christ.
Today Paul will teach us more about our own walk with God.
The goal of Paul's ministry was to start churches in which those saved of God would walk worthy of God.
What did God tell Abraham?
Gen 17:1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; "walk before me, and be thou perfect".
This command given to Abraham is the same command given to each one that depends on the Lord Jesus.
How does this walk begin?
The same way that Abraham's walk with God began!
2Co 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
2Co 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
God would never ask us to do things that are impossible to do!
God will provide the things we need in our daily walk with Him!
There are only two ways to walk in this world. We can walk in darkness or we can walk in light!
Until we walk with God we are all walking in darkness!
1Jn 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
1Jn 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
1Jn 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin
Once we have been saved from the wrath of God, we should immediately begin our walk with God!
Psa 56:13 For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?
So what is the walk that pleases God?
Let's begin:
*****1Th 4:1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.
That word "furthermore" means "besides" having learned all the things in Chapters 1-3 then we must add to that these things in chapter 4 in order to walk in this life pleasing God.
To walk is to continue reaching for that goal of perfection.
We will never reach perfection in this life but that should still be our goal because in the eyes of the Lord we have already been justified in the perfection that we will have after we die once we know Jesus as our Savior.
Christianity is a walk and not just a name!
Christianity is not a badge to wear, not a luxury to own, nor a ceremony to take part in.
Christianity is life on this Earth while walking toward that eternal life that will be in Heaven with the Lord.
Christianity is life modeled after other Christians who are also following the Lord Jesus in their own daily walk.
Jesus Christ is our greatest example of walking as a Christian should walk!
The love of God is then the greatest power that a Christian can have.
We cannot please God unless our daily walk pleases God!
God will give us everything we need in our daily walk so that "we abound more and more".
As long as we are in this body of flesh, we need to be reaching higher toward the goals of God!
As long as we are in this body of flesh, we need to reach deeper into the depths of the scripture.
As long as we are in this body of flesh there will be sins to over come in which we can claim victory if we trust in the Lord and not in ourselves!
As long as we are in this body of flesh, prayer will remain our greatest weapon until we stand before Jesus at the "Judgment Seat of Christ".
It is at this moment when we can receive any rewards for our walk in this life after salvation.
Our walk begins when when we accept that the Word of God does not give us "suggestions" on how to live but "commandments" on how to live!
All the world and many Christians treat the Word of God as "suggestions" when they are in reality "commandments"!
How are all these things accomplished in this life? By living a life that is expecting the Lord to return at any moment.
What will you be doing at that very moment when the Lord calls us home?
Until that great day, and it will be a great day, we are to press on in patience, we are to put away every known sin, and we are to avoid the filthiness of this world!
These are not suggestions but commandments!
*****1Th 4:2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
In the Old Testament Ezekiel was called of God to be a watchman for the nation of Israel.
Eze 3:17 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.
Ezekiel was to take the words that God gave him and warn Israel.
We should be able to see that the Apostle Paul was appointed as watchman to the New Testament Church.
Paul took the words that God gave him and gave them to the Church.
These are not suggestions from the Apostle Paul but they are commandments from a Holy and Perfect God!
The Lord Jesus will use such men as Paul and as our own Pastor, to do this until He returns.
Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Why? Because it is the will of God for our lives, while in this flesh, to resemble the life of Jesus Christ!
*****1Th 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
Everyone is always asking, "what is the will of God for my life".
The will of God begins with us striving to be perfect while we live in this flesh!
What is sanctification? Sanctification is the act of making holy.
Sanctification is first a separation from this world and linking to God.
2Th 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, "because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth":
Sanctification is then living a holy lifestyle, a complete change in what we once were.
Rom 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; "even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness".
When we are searching for the will of God, we need to realize that God's will centers first of all on the total dedication of our lives to Him and His Words.
After all, we have been redeemed and belong to the Lord!
Psa 107:2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
We say so, more by the way we live, than by the words we speak!
Heb 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
According to the Bible there will always those weak in the faith and have doubts about some things.
Our job is to not be weak in the faith but be one who can help those that are weak!
Rom 14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
What we also see in this epistle from the Apostle Paul, "given to him by the Lord Jesus", is that there should be no doubt that fornication is contrary to the will of God!
Fornication is any sexual relationship outside the biblical marriage of one man to one woman!
The home was instituted by God Himself, and the Christian Church must still uphold the Word of God and be custodians of the family and the home.
Gen 2:23 And "Adam said", This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh:"she shall be called Woman", because she was taken out of Man.
Gen 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
Marriage according to the Word of God is between one man and one woman!
God expects each of us to walk in separation from all that is vile and immoral!
We are to learn how to control this body of flesh we live in!
Believers are to walk in purity of heart, mind, body, and soul!
*****1Th 4:4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
1Th 4:5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
The world is on a mission to lower Christian standards in regard to immorality and uncleanness.
The world will not accept the Word of God, because the world will not accept God's standards!
We need to constantly remind ourselves of the importance of living pure lives!
Our bodies are indeed a "vessel".
2Co 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
2Ti 2:20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
2Ti 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, "he shall be a vessel unto honour", sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
To be sanctified is to set apart wholly consecrated to the Lord!
Jesus said:
Joh 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him
This is the only way our vessel, our body, can become a vessel in sanctification and a vessel of honor!
Sanctification requires a new birth!
Again Jesus said:
Joh 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Concupiscence is the unlawful or irregular desire of sexual pleasure.
This describes the so-called "gay lifestyle" but it is not limited just to this.
Concupiscence is coveting carnal things, an irregular appetite for worldly good and sinful enjoyments!
All we need do is turn on the TV to see that all these are happening increasingly in our world everyday.
Even secret concupiscence is sin!
We are not sinners because we sin. We sin because we are sinners!
Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Sin is anything that goes against the Word of God!
Sin is a failure to conform to the standard of God! "God's standard is Jesus Christ".
Sin is a principle within each of us!
Sin is rebellion against God!
Sin is wrongful acts against God but also against man!
Sin is the state into which we are all born!
Mankind is totally depraved. There is nothing in the natural man that can merit the favor of God!
Rom 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing:
Man has an innate sin nature and every part of man is affected.
Intellect:
2Co 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Conscience:
1Ti 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
Will:
Rom 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
Heart:
Eph 4:18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
The total being:
Rom 1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
Rom 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
The world is blinded toward sin!
And it is impossible to sin without it causing harm to someone else!
*****1Th 4:6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
1Th 4:7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
"To go beyond" is to not conform to any standard of righteousness according to the Word of God.
"To go beyond" is to not conform to any part of the truth of the Word of God and then think you are justified by your own actions.
This describes the world we live in today!
Our President, our congress, our judicial system, most Americans, and this world "go beyond" the truth of God and think they are justified in their actions while those who know the truth of God and try to live by God's standards are considered to be the trouble makers.
They take advantage of those who have a set standard to live by and refuse to conform to their humanistic ways.
To defraud is to deprive a person of their rights, to cheat the innocent, and to deceive anyone who will not be a part of their views.
They have ignored the "Fear The Of Lord".
Though they say they do know Him, God says they are all liars!
Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Rom 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; "for God hath shewed it unto them".
These are not the ways of God nor of God's people!
Our God is holy!
Our God is entirely set apart from all sin!
Our God is entirely set apart from all sinners!
The Spirit of God is called the Holy Spirit because holiness is an attribute of God!
To be holy is to be set apart. As Christians we are to separate ourselves from the ways of this world.
To be holy is to is to be perfect. Our God is perfect and every Christian should strive to live by the Word of God.
To be holy is to evoke awe. Awe is fear mingled in admiration and reverence toward our God.
To be holy is realize the awesome power of God. God spoke our world into existence. When God speaks things happen!
Jehovah God the Father is the source of holiness!
The Holy Spirit is agent of holiness!
Jesus Christ is our example of holiness!
Christians can be holy because of work of Jesus Christ and this is the only way!
*****1Th 4:8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit
When we are saved our vessels, our bodies become a temple for the Holy Spirit.
1Co 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
1Co 3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
The Holy Spirit is God Himself and it is insulting to God if we misuse our bodies in fornication or in any uncleanness.
1Co 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
1Co 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
These are things that we need to be taught and a need to have a clear understanding of, but there some things we should already know.
*****1Th 4:9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
When we are saved we are filled with the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit then teaches us how to love.
Rom 5:5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
The two most used Greek words used for our English word "love" are "philia" and "agape".
"Philia" love is a love of deep affection such as in true friendship and godly marriage between one man and one woman!
"Agape" love is the love that God shows to those that love Him.
"Agape" love is not based on feelings but in our will!
"Agape" love treats all others as God treats His children, regardless of feelings or even personal preferences.
All true Christians are in the same family because we have the same Father in Heaven and God has taught us to love one another.
1Jn 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.
1Jn 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
1Jn 4:21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
This is the same thing that God the Son taught us.
Joh 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
Joh 13:35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
These Thessalonians had "Agape" love and it showed.
*****1Th 4:10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;
We will never grow from "babes in Christ" to more "mature Christians" unless our "Agape Love" increases more and more.
Our "agape love" must begin in our homes, then show in our place of worship, and then extend out to our communities and on throughout our nation.
This is something that the lost world can see and once they see what we are, then they may listen to the message we have about Jesus Christ.
There are also other things we need to be doing as Christians.
*****1Th 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
1Th 4:12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
1) As Christians we are to be ambitious to do our own business. We must "diligently strive" to be calm and quiet, except when speaking is necessary. Our speech should then be graceful and have a real purpose.
Col 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Jesus, Himself, warned against idle words.
Mat 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
Idle words are all words that could lead someone away from God!
And Paul warns us against all foolish talking.
Eph 5:4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
2) We are to do our own business.
We are to concentrate on our own affairs and not on the affairs of others.
1Pe 4:15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other man’s matters.
When we seek the will of God in our lives, we will find that God has a purpose for each one of us. It is in that purpose where we need to spend the most of our time!
Life in itself is a business and it takes a lot of time to straighten our own selves out before we can be much assistance to others and it is the trials of life that make us valuable enough to help others.
3) We are to work with our own hands. The Apostle Paul gives us an example of what he means.
2Th 3:7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
2Th 3:8 Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:
2Th 3:9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
"Idlers" are out of place in the Christian ministry!
Ezekiel said this was the sin of Sodom:
Eze 16:49 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.
Idleness is the reluctance to be busy about the work of God!
Are you a lazy Christian? This shows God, that what He says is not very important to us.
4) We are to walk honestly. We have no right to ask or receive the product of someone elses labor when we are able to produce our own.
In America our government has caused this type of culture to exist.
From this type of culture we will always have beggars, loafers, gamblers and thieves and all these things will grow more violent and unusable in the work of the Lord.
An honest person will avoid this kind of behavior and will be decent and strive for purity and holiness, which things are useful in the Christian ministry.
Col 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
What is the best reason to do this? That we lack nothing!
Eph 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
We have our provider. He is the Lord!
Psa 147:11 The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.
It is the Lord Jesus Christ who will meet all our personal needs
*****1Th 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
The Jews had been taught many things in the Old Testament but the Apostle Paul is speaking of the Church in this verse. (notice the word brethren)
Daniel wrote it like this:
Dan 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Dan 12:3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
Death for a Christian is considered as merely being asleep.
Joh 11:11 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.
Joh 11:12 Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.
Joh 11:13 Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.
Joh 11:14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.
Death is the calm and holy sleep of the body.
This sleep only applies to the body, because the soul and spirit are already with the Lord!
Ecc 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.
2Co 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
The hope of the Church is not in this calm and peaceful sleep but is bound up in the fact of the Lord's coming so that we all can be glorified together!
Those that are asleep and those that are alive and well at His coming!
Those that have gone on before us will not miss out on Heaven or of a "Glorified Body"!
In false religions somethings are mentioned about the soul but only to the Christian is the hope of the glorified body!
1Co 15:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:
1Co 15:43 It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
1Co 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
How can these things be true?
*****1Th 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
Our hope rest on our faith!
If we have faith that the Lord Jesus died and rose again, then we can be saved.
Act 17:3 Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.
As sure as the Lord Jesus died and rose again, so also will all those souls that the Lord brings with Him when He returns in the clouds.
Believers are laid to sleep by Jesus and so all believers will be brought back from that sleep by Jesus!
The sting of death has been taken away from the believer!
1Co 15:53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
1Co 15:54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
1Co 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
1Co 15:56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
1Co 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
It is the Word of God that teaches this and this is not some fable of the Apostle Paul!
We can be certain of these things!
All "born-again" Christians, having real faith in the "Gospel" of Jesus Christ will be "caught up" (raptured) to be with Jesus when He returns just as will all believers who have died in this same faith!
It is OK to sorrow at the death of our loved ones who know the Lord but we are not to loose hope in their salvation and that great reunion some day!
The lost have no such hope as this nor does false religion!
*****1Th 4:15 For this we say unto you "by the word of the Lord", that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
In reality even the Apostle Paul felt like he might even live to see the return of the Lord.
In other words the "rapture" has always been imminent just as it is today.
Jesus said to be watchful for His return.
Mat 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.
We should remember this. When the Lord returns to set up His kingdom He will bring with Him all His Saints.
Rev 19:14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
This verse could not be true if the Lord did not have all His Saints with Him so the "rapture" of the Church makes this possible!
The "Rapture" has always been a single part of scripture and not linked to any other part of any other event!
That word "prevent" means the "rapture" must come before the Second Coming of Christ!
And it is the Lord Himself who will handle this event personally!
*****1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
It is the Lord Himself who will return to get His Bride, the Church!
Not some spirit.
Not some angel.
Not some saint already in Heaven.
Not some human on this Earth.
But the Lord in person, in his human nature, in soul and body and in the Majesty of His presence!
1Jn 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
This is not some new doctrine because even Job knew this and Job was the first of the written Word of God.
Job 19:26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:
Job 19:27 Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.
It is the Lord who will give that command, "the shout", just as The Lord gave to Lazarus.
Joh 11:43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
And John said marvel not at this.
Joh 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
Joh 5:29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
The "Rapture" of the Church are the "they that have done good".
And more than a 1000 years later, the "they that have done evil" at the White Throne judgment.
There will not only be a shout from the Lord but there will certainly be the sound of the trumpet.
1Co 15:52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
And what is the order of the "Rapture"?
The dead in Christ shall rise first!
The Bible mentions more than one resurrection but this is not what this verse is referring to.
This verse states that those in the grave "asleep in Jesus" will rise before "those that are alive" are changed.
Those that are alive will witness the resurrection of the sleeping saints!
To any others that may witness these things, it should be noted the time period, "the twinkling of an eye" is the shortest actual time period of today's time.
To the saints, time will already have ended and the saints will now be in eternity, where time is not relevant!
It will be a glorious last day that will never end, for the saints of God!
*****1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
That phrase "caught up" gives us the meaning of the Latin word "rapto" or we say "Rapture".
Rapture means "to seize" and "to carry off".
Those bodies that were in the grave reunited with their spirits and souls that were in Heaven, brought back by the Lord will then met together with those that are alive and remain and together, you and I and all others "born again" to the Lord will meet Him in the air!
And we will forever be with the Lord:
Joh 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
It is at this time when there will be the "Judgment Seat of Christ".
Rom 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
Only believers will be there.
Any rewards for service will be awarded at that time.
We will then be reunited with all our believing friends and family, "together with them".
It is very possible at this time, that it will Jesus who will reunite all the broken families and friendships and then wipe away all their tears.
We will know each other just as we do now because we will all have the mind of Christ.
1Co 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
1Co 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
Death is a fact of life but we can escape death by being alive in Jesus Christ!
That's why there is no other way to get to Heaven!
We should have a clear under standing.
Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
The choice we make while we are alive is to choose which judgment where we will stand.
The "Judgment Seat of Christ".
Or the White Throne Judgment!
*****1Th 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
When we choose Jesus, we can have comfort in these words.
Comfort equals "strength".
Strength in the Lord brings hope when our loved ones die!
Questions?
Let's Pray!
