How can we prepare for meeting the Lord "in the air"? The Promise in View “After that, we who are alive and remain 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.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17) Understanding the Certainty • The catching away (“caught up”) is literal, sudden, and global. • It unites resurrected believers and living believers in one company. • From that moment on, “we will always be with the Lord”—an unbreakable, eternal fellowship. Living in Expectant Hope • Keep His return on the calendar of your heart (Titus 2:13). • Start each day as though it could be the day of His appearing (James 4:14). • Let hope shape priorities—eternal over temporary (Colossians 3:1–2). Purified by the Hope “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (1 John 3:3) Practical steps: • Daily confession and repentance (1 John 1:9). • Flee what dulls affection for Christ—lust, bitterness, greed (1 Thessalonians 4:3–8). • Pursue spiritual disciplines—Scripture, prayer, fasting. Remaining Watchful and Sober “So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.” (1 Thessalonians 5:6) • Guard against spiritual lethargy. • Monitor influences—media, friendships, habits. • Cultivate alertness through worship and fellowship. Strengthened in Holiness “For God did not call us to impurity but to holiness.” (1 Thessalonians 4:7) Areas to surrender: • Speech—truthful, gracious, edifying (Ephesians 4:29). • Relationships—honor, forgiveness, fidelity (Hebrews 13:4). • Stewardship—time, talents, treasure used for Christ (Matthew 6:19–21). Engaged in Gospel Work “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season.” (2 Timothy 4:2) • Share Christ with urgency, knowing time is short (2 Corinthians 5:20). • Support missions and church ministries. • Live the message—good works that adorn the gospel (Titus 2:10). Comforting and Encouraging One Another “Therefore encourage one another with these words.” (1 Thessalonians 4:18) • Remind fellow believers of our shared destiny. • Visit the grieving; point them to resurrection hope. • Gather faithfully—worship, study, mutual support (Hebrews 10:24–25). Guarding Sound Doctrine “Let no one deceive you in any way.” (2 Thessalonians 2:3) • Test every teaching against Scripture (Acts 17:11). • Reject date-setting and sensationalism. • Hold to the plain, literal promises of God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16). Walking in Love “Walk in love, just as Christ loved us.” (Ephesians 5:2) • Love is the family resemblance heaven recognizes (John 13:34–35). • Forgive readily, serve humbly, give generously. • Unity and love make the church a beacon to those still outside. Staying Ready Until We Rise Checklist for daily readiness: ‣ Heart clear before God. ‣ Bible open and obeyed. ‣ Prayer lines active. ‣ Relationships reconciled. ‣ Hands busy in kingdom work. ‣ Eyes fixed upward, expecting the trumpet sound. “Behold, I am coming soon.” (Revelation 22:12) Live so that when the clouds part, you are already facing the right direction. |
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