‘Living As GOD’s People While We Watch and Wait for Jesus’ Return’

God tells us in His Word that there will be a day when every knee will bow before His anointed King, Jesus Christ, and every tongue will confess that HE is Lord!! It is hard to imagine that happening as we live in this world, surrounded by those who deny even the existence of God or who make up their own gods. The rulers of the nations of the world seek power over others, and even in our own nation the truth of God’s Word is rejected by most … even by many in the visible church! Yet the simple truth is, no one lives forever in this world. Physical death is a reality for every human being. The only question is, “When?” What sure and certain hope do most people have for the future? Is there LIFE after DEATH? And if so, what will it be like? Does it matter what you believe?? We who by God’s grace are born again by the Spirit acknowledge the truth of God’s Word and so find hope in Jesus Christ. Yet many who claim to believe in Jesus do not know or understand or believe what the Bible says about what happens when we die and what will happen when Jesus returns. We should want to know all that God reveals, because in doing so there is great comfort, assurance and encouragement!! Our text today is clear in its teaching, and it is not an isolated text. The Bible teaches that there will be a “gathering up” of believers who are left on the earth before God pours out His judgment upon the rest of mankind in the “day of the Lord.” In our text Paul explains what happens when believers die, what happens when Jesus comes to gather His Church, and even points to our life with Christ in eternity. The wisdom, power and glory of God shine forth for all to see as the salvation He has promised becomes reality! Live today with hope as we watch and wait!!