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THE DEAD IN CHRIST

Text: 1 Thessalonians 4
29 September 2024

CONCERNS OF BELIEVERS

There are many things that may bother believers. One of those concerns had to do with those who have passed away before the return of the Lord Jesus. This was a concern for the 1st century believers who lived in the days of the Apostle Paul. These believers lived in Thessalonica, a city of ancient Greece.

13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 

14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 

16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 

17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus, we shall always be with the Lord. 

18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.     1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

  1. Various euphemisms for those who have died

a) They are said to have “fallen asleep”

b) It was the Lord Jesus who used this term

i)  To describe the death of Jairus’ daughter

ii) To describe the death of Lazarus

  1. Where are the dead in Christ?

a) Their soul is safe with the Lord Jesus

b) They are in heaven

  1. They will come back with the Lord Jesus

a) They will return with the Lord Jesus

b) Those who are alive would be caught up with the Lord

GREAT COMFORT 

This is a glorious truth that must bring comfort to our hearts. May we never be in despair if our loved ones pass on before the Lord Jesus returns.