1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God… I. FOR THE BEREAVED. Our friends are only asleep. They are with Christ, and we shall one day join them. II. In the suggestion that PERHAPS WE SHALL NOT HAVE TO DIE AFTER ALL. Who knows when Christ shall come? III. In knowing that WHEN CHRIST COMES IT WILL NOT BE AS THE CRUCIFIED NAZARENE, BUT AS THE SON OF GOD. Our daily prayer will then be answered, and His will done. IV. IN HOLDING COMMUNION EVEN HERE WITH A REDEEMER OUT OF SIGHT; for our highest joys are only a foretaste of the fulness of joy to be revealed when we shall see Him as He is. V. In the recollection THAT TIME HURRIES ON TO THE GREAT CONSUMMATION. Every hour brings the time of the Church's marriage and glorification nearer. VI. In the thought that EVERY GRACE WE ATTAIN WILL GIVE OUR LORD PLEASURE WHEN HE COMES. Wealth and social pleasure will then go for nothing. In relation to the future these can give us no comfort. VII. In knowing that FIDELITY IS ALL THAT CHRIST REQUIRES TILL HE COMES. (C. S. Robinson, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: |
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