Do you want to know what’s going to happen? Are things unfolding in a way that you did not expect? Are you overwhelmed with questions?
Dark days come to us all. Discouragement is an ever-present danger, and sorrow is the stalker of us all. Like the new Christians at Thessalonica, sometimes our hopes fade and doubts rise. But there is a prescription for those dark days. There are three strong words of encouragement that we all need to hear. See if you can find them in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.
15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words.
Did you find them? These three strong words will focus your heart and mind, and comfort you along life’s journey.
Join us this Sunday to discover what they are and hear more about them, as we celebrate Communion together!
Every Blessing,
Pastor Barry Risto
Lead Pastor