Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

April 7
Wednesday


OUR ONLY
HOPE

READ:
1 Thess. 4:13-18
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We should live...
godly in the present
age, looking for the
blessed hope.
__Titus 2:12-13
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An anonymous author wrote, "When I was first converted, and for some years afterward, the second coming of Christ was a thrilling idea, a blessed hope, a glorious promise, the theme of some of the most inspiring songs of the church.

"Later it became an accepted tenet of faith, a cardinal doctrine, a kind of invisible trademark of my ministry. It was the favorite arena of my theological discussions, in the pulpit and in print. Now suddenly the second coming means something more to me. Paul called it 'the blessed hope.' But today it appears as the only hope of the world."

From the human standpoint, there is no solution for the struggles of the world. Leaders are naturally frustrated in trying to deal with the increasing problems in society. The only complete and permanent solution is found in the return of Christ to earth. When He comes, He will set up His kingdom. He will rule the nations in righteousness, and "the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea" (Hab. 2:14).

As we await our Savior's return, let us keep on praying, working, and watching, while "looking for the blessed hope" __Our only hope for this world. __Richard De Haan
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``````````````````````And for the hope of His return,``````````````
`````````````````````Dear Lord, Your name we praise;````````````
``````````````````With longing hearts we watch and wait```````````
``````````````````For that great day of days! __Sherwood`````````
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As this world gets darker,
the promised return of god's Son gets brighter.

************Today's Bible Reading __ 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18******

13 But I do not want you to
be ignorant, brethren,
concerning those who have
fallen asleep, lest you
sorrow as others who have
no hope. 14 For if we
believe that Jesus died and
rose again, even so God
will bring with Him those
who sleep in Jesus.

15 For this we say to you
by the word of the Lord,
that we who are alive and
remain until the coming of
the LORD will by no means
precede those who are
asleep. 16 For the Lord
Himself will descend from
heaven with a shout, with
the voice of an archangel,
and with the trumpet of
God. And the dead in Christ
will rise first. 17 Then we
who are alive and remain
shall be caught up together
with them in the clouds to
meet the Lord in the air.
And thus we shall always
be with the Lord.

18 Therefore comfort one
another with these words.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Paul's words of encouragement in this text weRe apparently written
in response to a question. As the Bible was still being written, many
areas of truth that we take for granted were still unknown--not the
least of which was what happens to believers when they die. Paul's
words here are to encourage followers of Christ with the promise
of reunion--with the Savior as well as with our loved ones who
have preceded us in death. To that end, perhaps the key words are
"together" and "we (v.17). The joy of never again facing separation
is a wonderful source of hope indeed. __BILL CROWDER