But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will GOD bring with Him. For this we say unto you by the Word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 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: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1Th 4:13-18)
We are to be ready for the trumpet call, for we know not when our Lord shall return. We are to be found faithful, and doing His work for the Kingdom, not to earn our way, for that is already paid for, or to keep what He has given us, for He is the one who has secured us and reconciled us to GOD, but that our Lord might say, well done, thou good and faithful servant, when we give an account of what we did in and through Him who is our strength. The Commander of the Lord's Army will return in His good time, and we must be about our Father's business of missions and ministry, discipleship, and evangelism, until He is done with us and comes back to bring us with Him as He promised.
Until that day, we continue resting in Him because of His great Salvation, not from our circumstances, but from our sIn, and doing that which He has called, commanded, and commissioned us to do. We minister to those around us who are hurting and in need that they may see Jesus in us, the hope of Glory. We love one another, as He has loved us, and disciple one another in the Word, that we may grow thereby. We go with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and as we go, in the power of the Holy Spirit, we share with those who will hear from His Word, the Good News of forgiveness and reconciliation with the Father, that they might believe and have life in His Name.
For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet