Dec 17, 2023 
GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH

Neil McClendon, Lead Pastor

The Encouragement of the Second Advent
I Thessalonians 4:13-18

1. What we believe informs our emotions, v. 13-14

2. What we believe is clarifying, v. 14

What beliefs are in the text?
a) Jesus died-
b) Jesus rose from the dead-
c) Christians who have died will be resurrected- v. 14 “even so"

“But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.”
                                                                                                                                       -I Corinthians 15:20

3. There is an order to it all, v. 15-18

a) return, v. 16- “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven…”
b) resurrection, v. 16- “And the dead in Christ will rise first.”
c) rapture, v. 17- “Then we who are alive, who are left will be caught up together…"
d) reunion, v. 17- “…and so we will always be with the Lord.” 


Mental worship…

What did you hear today that encouraged you?
When you are emotionally dis-regulated, how often do you turn to your beliefs for comfort?
How often does what you feel take priority over what you believe?
Did your curiosity about the Bible grow any this morning?
Do you think it is possible to live between the first and second Advent with more joy than fear? Why?
What question rises in you as a result of what you heard today?