4:13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 15 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 will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
It almost sounds like a spa day for someone you care about. They’re in a place where they’re comforted, less stressed, put at ease, in a way, because they’re being treated well. They’re cleansed or made clean, and that, in itself, brings some comfort, like starting new. And like most spa treatments, there’s a feeling of rejuvenation or newfound motivation because of what it’s brought. When it comes to the rapture, Pastor John wants you to think of it today as something that compels you to tell others about God.
Now, let’s join Pastor John in the book of 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 as he continues his message, “The Rapture.”