1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 [Christ descends from the sky.] And the dead in Christ will rise first. 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.
Thought for Today
Paul writes his letter to the church in Thessalonica in part to answer questions they have about the end times. They thought the return of Christ was imminent, but Christians were dying and He had not yet returned. Did they lack the faith to stay alive until His return? Would they be second class citizens in heaven? Paul answers, “By no means!” The resurrection of the dead will happen before the rapture (the gathering of Christs’ followers in the sky). When Christ comes they will rise first and then together we will join Him in His triumphant return. There will be no second-class citizens in the new heaven and on the new earth. All are princes and princesses of the King of kings. What a glorious day that will be!
Prayer
Come Lord Jesus and restore those who have left this earth to be with You in heaven, that we all may be one, as You have promised. Amen.
Devotional Quote
No matter how devastating our struggles, disappointments, and troubles are, they are only temporary. No matter what happens to you, no matter the depth of tragedy or pain you face, no matter how death stalks you and your loved ones, the Resurrection promises you a future of immeasurable good. — Josh McDowell
Quote of the Day
You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus. — Mark Twain
The Great Day of the Lord
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 [Christ descends from the sky.] And the dead in Christ will rise first. 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.
Thought for Today
Paul writes his letter to the church in Thessalonica in part to answer questions they have about the end times. They thought the return of Christ was imminent, but Christians were dying and He had not yet returned. Did they lack the faith to stay alive until His return? Would they be second class citizens in heaven? Paul answers, “By no means!” The resurrection of the dead will happen before the rapture (the gathering of Christs’ followers in the sky). When Christ comes they will rise first and then together we will join Him in His triumphant return. There will be no second-class citizens in the new heaven and on the new earth. All are princes and princesses of the King of kings. What a glorious day that will be!
Prayer
Come Lord Jesus and restore those who have left this earth to be with You in heaven, that we all may be one, as You have promised. Amen.
Devotional Quote
No matter how devastating our struggles, disappointments, and troubles are, they are only temporary. No matter what happens to you, no matter the depth of tragedy or pain you face, no matter how death stalks you and your loved ones, the Resurrection promises you a future of immeasurable good. — Josh McDowell
Quote of the Day
You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus. — Mark Twain