“The Comfort of Christ’s return”

As Christ followers, we need a persevering hope!  A hope that sees beyond the headlines of the news, a hope that endures the trials of life, a hope that looks beyond our own shortcoming - Jesus brought that kind of hope!  It is not based on feelings, emotions or fears but on every word of God as contained within the full cannon of scripture - Genesis through Revelation!  The Holy Spirit and the word of God work together to make our lives and those we influence better.  If I am accused of anything in this life, I pray people can accurately accuse me of those words of the apostle Paul, that “I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20: 27).

Some scripture is hard to understand, some scripture is frightening, some scripture is convicting, some scripture is exciting and should be comforting - which is the case with 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18.

 I cannot think of any harder thing in life to endure than the lose of a loved one, family or friend.  This text is the one of my favorite scriptures and the one I always use at the gravesite of a Christ follow who has passed because it brings hope and comfort for those left behind.  Jesus promised those who believe and trust in Him will be reunited some day for all eternity!

But if you’re reading this, you are not in heaven yet!  If we can trust God with our eternal destiny (“…by the word of the Lord…we will shall always be with Lord” - cf. 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-18), then we can certainly trust him with our everyday lives!  

 By this same word He not only sustains us in death, but sustains us in this wonderful thing called life - from the cradle to the grave.  In the valley and on the mountaintops, and praise His name beyond the grave!

Let God’s people say, “God is good - all the time!”

Pastor Rodney