"The Resurrection of the Dead"

March 9, 2025

FBC Baxley

am service

Carol Barnes Mother, Emir Caner next Sunday_______________________________________________

Welcome radio and online guests…

** I want you to know, GOD LOVES YOU!

*It’s ok however you’ve entered, we are all here seeking God’s will, way and plan.

Some rescued, redeemed, Some Saved….Some Not..

All Loved…

*Acts 4:12 (repeat)

*John 3:16

Sermon Title: The Resurrection of the Dead

Scripture Passage: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.

14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.

15 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.

17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.

18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.

PRAY-

Psalm 19:14

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart

be acceptable in your sight,

O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Three Points:

The Comfort of the Sorrowing vv. 13-14

2. The Coming of the Savior vv. 15-16

3. The Calling of the Saints vv. 17-18

Introduction: A Late-Night Phone Call

A pastor once got a call in the middle of the night.

A dear church member had passed away, and the family wanted him to come right away.

When he arrived, he saw the pain on their faces, but he also saw something different—hope.

Yes, they grieved, but not like people who had no assurance of what came next.

They knew their loved one was with the Lord.

This is exactly what Paul is addressing in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

The early Christians were worried about their family and friends who had died.

They wondered, “What happens to them? Will they miss out when Jesus returns?”

Paul wrote this passage to bring them—and us—comfort and assurance.

Background: What Was Going On?

Thessalonica was a busy city, full of trade (central) and Greek culture.

Most people there believed that when you died, that was it—no resurrection, no hope, just an empty afterlife.

Some Christians were confused because they knew Jesus was coming back, but they didn’t know what that meant for those who had already passed away.

Paul clears this up: death is not the end for believers.

Just as Jesus rose from the dead, so will we.

I. Comfort for the Sorrowing (4:13-14)

"We don’t want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you don’t grieve like those who have no hope."

A. The Problem of Not Knowing – The Thessalonian Christians were worried and confused.

Paul didn’t want them to be uninformed (Greek: agnoeō, meaning unaware or lacking understanding).

-Many people today still fear death because they don’t know the truth.

When we understand God's promise, fear fades and faith grows.

B. The Promise of Resurrection – Paul describes death as “sleep” (koimaō), a word used in the Bible to show that it’s temporary. When Jesus rose from the dead, He proved that death doesn’t have the final say.

–A person who sleeps expects to wake up. That’s exactly how we should see death as believers.

It is not a permanent state, but a transition into eternity.

C. The Presence of Hope – Paul says we grieve differently from unbelievers. We still feel the loss, but we also know that death isn’t permanent for those who belong to Christ.

–Funerals for believers should be filled with both tears and testimonies—we cry because we miss them, but we rejoice because we will see them again.

II. The Coming of Jesus (4:15-16)

"For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet call of God."

A. Jesus Is Coming Back! – Notice Paul says, "The Lord Himself will come." Jesus isn’t sending an angel—He’s coming personally! He promised in John 14:3, "I will come again and take you to Myself."

–This isn’t a fairy tale—it’s a real event!

Just as Jesus came the first time as a baby in Bethlehem, He will return in glory to gather His people.

B. The Resurrection of the Dead – The first thing that will happen is those who have already died in Christ will rise.

The word “rise” (anistēmi) means to stand up again, showing that this is a real, physical resurrection.

–Our bodies will not stay in the grave.

Just as Jesus had a glorified body after His resurrection, so will we.

No more sickness, no more pain, no more weakness—only eternal joy!

C. The Sounds of His Return – There are three key sounds that will announce His coming:

A Shout – Like a military command, calling believers to attention.

—This is a call to action—Jesus is coming to gather His people!

The Voice of an Archangel – Possibly Michael, signaling a great event.

—Angels announced Jesus’ birth, and now they will announce His return.

The Trumpet of God – Used in the Bible to signal God’s intervention and victory.

—Trumpets were used to call people to battle or celebration.

This time, it’s both—the battle against sin is over, and the celebration of eternity begins!

When this happens, the world will not miss it!

III. The Calling of the Saints (4:17-18)

"Then we who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air."

A. The Rapture of Believers – The phrase “caught up” comes from the Greek word harpazō, which means to be suddenly snatched away.

This is where we get the idea of the “Rapture”—when Jesus calls His people home.

—This will be a miraculous moment—one second we are here, and the next, we are in the presence of Jesus!

B. The Great Reunion – This moment will be a joyful reunion!

Believers who have died will be raised, and those still alive will be caught up together with them to meet Jesus.

Families in Christ will be reunited!

—Imagine the joy of seeing loved ones again—parents, spouses, children, friends—all together forever, never to be separated again.

C. The Comfort of This Promise – Paul says, "Encourage each other with these words."

The word for encourage (parakaleō) means to strengthen and give hope.

This truth isn’t just doctrine—it’s meant to bring us peace and confidence.

—If you are struggling with fear or grief, let these words bring you hope.

This is not the end—Jesus has already won!

Conclusion: Three Ways to Live in Light of This Truth

1. Live with Expectation

Jesus is coming back! Are you living for Him? Are you ready for that moment?

—Don’t live like this world is all there is—because it’s not!

2. Grieve with Hope

Losing a loved one is painful, but we don’t grieve as people with no hope.

If they knew Christ, we will see them again.

—Instead of saying “goodbye,” we say “see you later.”

3. Encourage Others with This Truth

This isn’t just information—it’s a message of hope that we need to share.

When people feel lost, remind them of the promise of the resurrection.

—Who can you encourage today with these words?

Final Challenge

If Jesus came back right now, would you be ready?

Let’s live every day knowing that this world isn’t our final home.

Let’s find comfort in His promise, confidence in His return, and commitment in our faith.

“Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).

PRAY

Invitation

“Are you born again?”

Is your name written in the Lambs Book of Life?

“Have you surrendered/repented to Jesus?