Thirsting Souls Bible Teaching

 (1Th 5:4)  “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.”  At the rebirth our spirit is made alive. With it comes the ability to perceive spiritual things as the Holy Spirit speaks to our spirit.  This is what is meant by the phrase “….are not in darkness….”  God’s people know the time of Christ’s return is rapidly approaching, for this world is openly and without shame nor restraint practicing sin. We also know that the longsuffering of God does have its limits. Warn others while you can. Seek to snatch their souls from the fire while you still can!  

(1Th 5:3) “For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.”  Notice the words, “shall not escape”. Oh, if only we feared God today. The truth is, most everyone does not. We give Him lip-service and then chose in what ways we will obey. We say I love Him and do as I love me. Because He is gracious and long-suffering men think He will do nothing. We have fooled ourselves. Judgment is coming. I wonder how many of us are truly saved! In light of the cross repent and give Jesus your heart while you still can.

(1Th 5:3) “For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.”  As I speak to people today, I find that most of the time their understanding of God is not that which has been revealed as the God of the Bible. Their God is a god of the imagination  – their desire. “He loves me and blesses me though I walk in sin (as revealed in the Bible)” They see “peace and safety” when God is actually ready to come and punish sin. God hates sin so much He judged it on His only Son Jesus Christ on the cross. Open the Bible to the New Testament and begin to learn of the true and living God.  

(1Th 5:1)  “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. (2 ) For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.”  The Day of the Lord is not a day of joy, but of judgment. It is the Lord reigning over, judging, evil. The heart of God’s people have been changed to desire right over wrong; to see the Lord uplifted in holiness over unrighteousness. It will come suddenly, unexpectedly. Even so, Lord Jesus, come!  

 (1Th 4:17) “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. (18)  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”  There is no greater comfort in the face of death than to know it is not the end. If that person has been born again spiritually through a time and place of salvation, then we have had such an experience will unite again with them someday! I for one look forward to that day!  

(1Th 4:17) “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.”  I often wonder about those who claim to know and love the Lord, yet have trouble being faithful to all the services of the Church. Here we are told of a day when “…..we will ever be with the Lord.” They seem to have no stomach for Him three times a week, how do they think they will be happy with Him forever?

(1Th 4:17) “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.”  The phrase that distinguishes this event from the Second Coming of Christ is “…to meet the Lord in the air”…..”  When the Lord Jesus returns to this earth, His feet will first touch the earth of the Mount of Olives. Point: the Lord speaks precisely in the Bible. He Who created words is capable of saying what He means. Pay close attention when reading God’s Word. There is a lot of gold there in the picture of silver.

(1Th 4:16) “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:” One should be careful when interpreting Scripture to leave out assumptions, or at least acknowledge to self they are assumptions. Most say, “…with the voice of the archangel speaks of Christ being over the angels.” Maybe. This we do know, He is Lord over all, (Heb 1:7) “And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. (8)  But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever:”  Jesus as Lord could be using the angel to shout, to speak, to command others. The next chapter says we (man) are lower than the angels. If they obey Him, so should you and me!  

(1Th 4:16) “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:” The Lord always keeps His Word. He said to the disciples: (John 14:2c) “… I go to prepare a place for you. (3)  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”  Notice the emphasis of our verse, “For the Lord HIMSELF….” My God is the Promise-keeping God!