Before we plunge into 2 Thessalonians, let's take a deep breath and reflect a bit on some of the main facets of Paul's First Epistle to the Churches at Thessalonica and Geneva (that means us).
Our assignment for August 14th:
1. Re-read through the entire First Letter to the Thessalonians.
2. As you read through, pick out any verses that are either commands or exhortations by Paul. Record all that you can find, but pick out 2 o3 three that the Lord is calling you to pay more attention to, and be prepared to share about how you are, or how you plan to start to apply these to your life.
3. Review Chapter 9 of the Be Ready book, “It’s All In The Family”, and answer questions 8, 9, and 10 (we went through the rest the last time).
4. Below are several questions about the Rapture. Three verses follow the questions. Use those verses, and search the rest of the Scriptures for as many questions as you can.
- What of this mystery known as the Rapture?
- Why would you need a new body to get into heaven?
- How will we get new bodies?
- How can anyone who is a Christian, who knows the Bible, object to the Rapture?
- Is it true that the word “Rapture” isn’t found in the Bible?
- How do some people that don’t believe in the Rapture, but consider themselves to be Bible-believing Christians, explain John 14:2-3?
- What is the mystery being revealed 1 Corinthians 15:51-58? Isn’t it arrogant to think that we can understand a mystery set forth by God’s Word?
- What will the Rapture look like?
- Where do we go from here, given the context of this study in 1 Thessalonians?
- What’s the difference between the Rapture and the Second Coming?
John 14:2-3: “In my Father’s house are many mansions…. I go to prepare a place for you…. and I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17: “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout…and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
1 Corinthians 15:51-52: “Behold, I shew you a mystery; we shall not all sleep [that is, die] but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: …the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”
This may see like a lot, but don't be pressured. On the other hand, if this book has reminded me of anything, it is that the promises might just be around the corner, and I don't want to think about being ready, and I don't want to plan to be ready. I WANT TO BE READY!
Amen & Maranatha!