Embrace His Second Coming
Don’t be Uninformed – Part 1

Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18

Key Verse: 1 Thessalonians 4:13

Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope.

This month I want to back into Christmas.  I want to start the month with a study of the end times that Jesus spoke of.  We will move toward the birth of Jesus as we move through this month.

            Today I want to remind us that Jesus’ first coming was to prepare us for His second coming.  Jesus’ second coming will usher in the end of an age.  We who have placed our faith in Jesus will never have a worry after this second coming.  For those who have rejected the gracious gift of God, more worries will come after we Christ followers are gone.  The Apostle Paul, under the inspiration and revelation of the Holy Spirit, writes to us about how some of these events will occur.  The Bible does not make every detail clear, but it lets us know the main things.

            Paul first speaks to us about Christ followers who have already died.  We are not to grieve for them like there is no hope; they are in heaven with Jesus.  When Jesus comes back to earth, verse 14 tells us that these Christ followers will be coming along.  It seems to be painted like a parade: Jesus will be leading and those who’ve died as Christians will be following.  This “parade” will come down from heaven for us who are still alive.  (Continued)

Father, I want to be ready when you send Jesus the second time to earth.  Remind me often to anticipate that event.  In Jesus’ name, amen.