Mike Mazzalongo

#5 – Preparing For The End

The true church is the one that resembles the church

described in the New Testament.

True churches

• Established by true preaching.

• Purified conduct

• Growing in knowledge of Spiritual things.

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope.

- I Thessalonians 4:13

• Expected Jesus to return in their lifetimes.

• A Christian dying was a new problem.

• Lack of knowledge.

The Problem

• Ignore it

Pagan’s Reaction to Death

• Ignore it

• Deny it

Pagan’s Reaction to Death

• Ignore it• Deny it

• Fear it

Gentiles have no hope.

Pagan’s Reaction to Death

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

- I Thessalonians 4:14

The Hope

A Christian’s hope is based on the historical precedent of Jesus’

resurrection.

If God raised Jesus, He will raise them.

Paul does NOT give details here in I Thess. about:

• Resurrection of sinnersMatthew. 25:31-32; Acts 24:15

The Details

Paul does NOT give details here in I Thess. about:

• Resurrection of sinners

• Judgment of wickedJohn 5:28-29

The Details

Paul does NOT give details here in I Thess. about:

• Resurrection of sinners• Judgment of wicked

• Heavens and earthII Peter 3:10-12

The Details

Paul does NOT give details here in I Thess. about:

• Resurrection of sinners• Judgment of wicked• Heavens and earth

• Punishment of sinnersII Thes. 1:9

The Details

Paul does NOT give details here in I Thess. about:

• Resurrection of sinners• Judgment of wicked• Heavens and earth• Punishment of sinners

• Giving up of the Kingdom – I Cor. 15:13

The Details

1.Some Christians alive on earth

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…

-I Thessalonians 4:15a

The Order of Events : When Jesus Returns

2.These will not ascend before dead Christians resurrected

…will not precede those who have fallen asleep.

-I Thessalonians 4:15b

The Order of Events : When Jesus Returns

3.The Lord descends

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven…

-I Thessalonians 4:16a

The Order of Events : When Jesus Returns

4.Signs of His appearance

…with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God…

–I Thessalonians 4:16b

Shout - Voice - Sound

The Order of Events : When Jesus Returns

5.The dead in Christ resurrected first

…and the dead in Christ will rise first.

- I Thessalonians 4:16c

The Order of Events : When Jesus Returns

6. Ascension of the saints with Jesus

Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air,

- I Thessalonians 4:17a

The Order of Events : When Jesus Returns

7.Eternal life

…and so we shall always be with the Lord.

-I Thessalonians 4:17b

The Order of Events : When Jesus Returns

Therefore comfort one another with these words.

- I Thessalonians 4:18

8.No warning

Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night.

-I Thessalonians 5:1-2

The Order of Events : When Jesus Returns

While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.

- I Thessalonians 5:3

• Practical teaching about the “end” times.

Summary

• Practical teaching about the “end” times.

• Their hope will be fulfilled.

Summary

• Practical teaching about the “end” times.

• Their hope will be fulfilled.

• Their resurrection and ascension will happen when Jesus returns at an unknown time.

Summary

• I will be with Jesus someday.

The lessons for us today:

• I will be with Jesus someday.

• I will be with you again someday.

The lessons for us today: