In His Sweet Arms

Click here to listen to blog

My friends, we want you to understand how it will be for those followers who have already died. Then you won't grieve over them and be like people who don't have any hope.  We believe that Jesus died and was raised to life. We also believe that when God brings Jesus back again, he will bring with him all who had faith in Jesus before they died.  Our Lord Jesus told us that when he comes, we won't go up to meet him ahead of his followers who have already died.  With a loud command and with the shout of the chief angel and a blast of God's trumpet, the Lord will return from heaven. Then those who had faith in Christ before they died will be raised to life.  Next, all of us who are still alive will be taken up into the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the sky. From that time on we will all be with the Lord forever.  Encourage each other with these words.

1 Thessalonians 4: 13 - 18

If you are a follower of Jesus, have you ever secretly hoped that you would still be alive when the Lord returns?  Then you would not have to die.  The fear of death can make you very interested in the "Second Coming" of Jesus.

Well, you say, "I would like to see the Return of Jesus and not already be gone when it happens!" But remember that these verses say that everyone who has faith in Jesus before they die will be at the "Second Coming."  Those who have already died will return with Him.  Those who have not will go  up to be with Him forever.  

The fear of death is not a good reason to desire to remain until the Lord returns.  The best reason for wanting to stay on this earth until Jesus returns is not complicated.   Be ready every day to fulfill His purposes in these Last Days!  Ask Jesus to use you today to put one more piece of the puzzle in place before He returns!  Be willing to be the hands, and feet and mouth of Jesus today.  As a follower of Jesus, do not fear death today.  But rather fear the possibility of saying, "No" to His leading.  If you are His obedient and faithful servant when He is ready for you to come, you will pass from this life and rest in His Sweet arms for Eternity.  

"Lord Jesus, I do look forward to Your Second Coming.  It doesn't matter whether I am still here at the time or I return with You.  What a Glorious Day that will be.  Praise Your Holy Name now and forever.  Amen."