Old Llantrisant Hill
- Personal example: Different people's funerals
- We do not minimise the suffering of the bereaved but for the Christian there is great joy
- For many the grave brings no hope, is the end, is annihilation
- Christians have hope beyond the grave
- Much 'sorrow' - the word in Greek mean very deep emotions
- Losing a close relation or family member must be very painful
- Grief is a good thing
- Jesus was cried and showed emotion
Resting in the Lord
- They are at peace
- Jesus said to the thief on the cross - "Today you will be with me in paradise"
- Jesus told the story about Lazarus who was taken into the bosom of Abraham, he was at rest/peace
- Death is a 'sleep', it is temporary
- The body is separated from the soul at death
Return with Christ
- v14
- Scripture says that believers will shine like stars in the sky
- Some people mock: 'will He every return?'
- Different types of people in Thessalonica (5:14)
- The weak - needed upholding
- The idle - needed rebuking
- The fainthearted - needed comforting
Rise before others
- The voice of God, the voice of the archangel, the trumpet of The Lord; then the dead is Christ will rise first - v16
- Do we believe this?
- The dead in Christ will rise
Reunited with them and Christ
- A glorious reuniting of all those who love The Lord Jesus - v17
- Reuniting is wonderful
- On the last day we will be reunited with the martyrs, the patriarchs, our loved ones
- We will be there principally with The Lord Jesus Christ
- Jesus will wipe away all tears - there will be no more pain
- There will be joy forever more
- The Christian dies with hope and trust
- 2:19 - Paul was looking forward to being reunited with the Thessalonian people
- 5:23 - They would be preserved
- What will people may be able to say at our funeral?
- Would they be able to go to that service because they know you are a Christian?
- Will there will be tears because you did not make a profession of faith?