1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 15 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
The Holy Bible : English standard version. 2001 (1 Th 4:13-18). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
Lo, he comes on clouds descending reminds us God will return. St Paul tells us when Christ comes he will give life to the dead. He will descend with a loud cry. All people will be brought together in the temple of God. All the people of God live forever with him.
The world around us is fallen and corrupt. People have to deal with lose and pain. Each of us have to face different trials and struggles in our life. But we are to encourage each other with these words of St Paul. Christians need to help build each other up with the hope of Christ's Return. Christians encourage each other by reminding them of their salvation.
St Paul tells us not to grieve as those without hope. Do not face suffering and disgrace on your own. Remember that God has claimed you to be his own, and the Apostles and Prophets who came before you struggled as well. But God has promised to be with you. He has shown you his plan for your eternal life.
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