READY for His RETURN
Pastor Jeremy Helmuth
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
August 25-27, 2023
What Happens to the DEAD in CHRIST?
The SIGNIFICANCE of SOUNDS
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “the signs of the times”, but did you know that we should be more concerned with heavenly sounds?
Christ’s
SOUND 1:
SOUND 2:
SOUND 3:
We face the future with
is ours
Discussion Questions
Are you LISTENING for the TRUMPET?
As you were listening to the different sounds of the ram’s horn, what were you thinking about? Discuss the different sounds of the trumpet (alarm, gather the people, celebration, battle cry) and what kind of sound you will hear when Jesus returns.
What does it take to be PREPARED for His Return?
Read Matthew 25 and the 3 parables (10 virgins, talents, sheep and goats). How do these 3 parables relate to Matthew 24? What are the main themes from these stories from Jesus? How can you make sure that you will be “caught up” with God in the air (Romans 10:9-10)?
Why will Jesus’ Return be like a THIEF in the NIGHT?
Meditate upon 2 Peter 3:10-14. Since the dreadful day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night (when no one suspects), how should we live? What does it mean for us to “live holy and godly lives” (3:11); “wait eagerly for the day of God to come” (3:12); “be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with Him” (3:14)?
What does it mean to be WATCHFUL?
Are you alert? Study these passages about being on the lookout spiritually (Eph 6:18; 1 Cor 16:13; Col 4:2; 1 Th 5:6; 2 Tim 4:5; 1 Pt 4:7; Rev 16:15). Are you awake in your life, or are you more like the disciples who fell asleep in the garden of gethsemane when Jesus pleaded with them to keep watch? Do you need to make some changes in your personal life so that you can be more aware of God’s voice and build up a strength to withstand the enemy’s schemes?
What will it be like to SEE GOD?
Many people dread dying and having to face God. Read what the Bible says about how we can be ready to meet God face to face (Matt 5:8; Heb 12:14; Ps 73:25). Do these qualities describe you? As you age, do you grow in your desire to be with God? Can you say with confidence that the earth has nothing you desire more than God?