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)
For those who believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, our hearts are not troubled. We know by the testimony of His Word, that He is coming again, to receive us to Himself, that where He is there we may be also. We have the promise of Hope, the earnest of the Spirit, and life in Christ, that started when we received Him by faith, continues as He lives in us, and will last for all eternity.
Those who have gone on before have finished their course, they have fought the fight, they have finished the race, and are now united with their Lord. We who remain must continue the good works which GOD before ordained that we should walk in them. We are to minister to the hurting and in need, both within and without GOD's Church, weeping with those who weep and rejoicing with those who rejoice. We are to disciple one another in the Word that we may grow thereby, and in love so that all may know we are His disciples. We are to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ, as we go, so that those who hear the Gospel and believe may 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 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 with forgiveness 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