I Thessalonians 4:13 “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope”. Yes, I grieve the death of my friend. But I cannot allow myself to despair. I have to remember what I KNOW to be true of my God. “Do not doubt in the dark what you saw clearly in the light!” I have to believe that He has a reason. A purpose for taking her so soon. And I have to hope in the thought that I will see her again!
Savannah, & sleep is just the dead-Paul was encouraging the people in Thessalonica, who were grieving & uses this image of death as falling asleep and waking up…God is outside of our idea of time…I suggest that try reading in ERV Bible version of you can :)
Savannah, this pertains to the rapture-meaning those who’ve passed away will rise first then the rapture of believers who are alive will rise afterwards…(Matthew 24:30; Acts 1:11). The Bible doesn’t use the word rapture-rise, taken away…that’s why Scripture says Jesus can come at anytime (Matthew 24:36, Mark 13:32) the tribulation has nothing to do with us believers; it’s a last chance for unbelievers to accept the Lord after the rapture…it is a lot deeper but this a quick synopsis.
Theology question…. The way Paul is talking it sounds like we don’t immediately go to heaven when we die, but there’s a sleep period in between??… Anyone have any input?
Savannah, Sorry last post yes our soul is immediately with the Lord not our bodies which will be glorified once we’re with the Lord so you’re correct! But those in the rapture will be changed & immediately with the Lord (2 Cor 5:1-10, 1 Cor 15:50-52)
I am thinking about those judged by the law we read about today in Numbers. Those found guilty. Those same people could be forgiven today under the new covenant. I am having trouble wrapping my head around this. What about those people who were born under the law before Jesus came to fulfill it???
I agree ladies simple and quiet does sound better. Something good to remember in our busy lives that we can walk quietly and let our light shine brightly.
Emmagene, I am praying for your friend and her fiancé. God has a plan, and how brave your friend was to follow her head and heart.
I love how the OT & the NT align in today’s passage. It shows just how true the scripture is that says, Jesus came to fulfill the law, not abolish it. Thankfully, we have His grace and forgiveness now to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, but we still have moral duty to uphold!!
I’m slightly confused by Numbers 5:22. Does the woman become pregnant? I’m curious about what other people interpreted to me.
Wait never mind I understand it now. I just had to read further.
I Thessalonians 4:13 “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope”. Yes, I grieve the death of my friend. But I cannot allow myself to despair. I have to remember what I KNOW to be true of my God. “Do not doubt in the dark what you saw clearly in the light!” I have to believe that He has a reason. A purpose for taking her so soon. And I have to hope in the thought that I will see her again!
I lost my dad recently and this is so comforting! Thanks for sharing!
Andrea-
I am so sorry about your dad. May God bless you and comfort you.
Savannah, & sleep is just the dead-Paul was encouraging the people in Thessalonica, who were grieving & uses this image of death as falling asleep and waking up…God is outside of our idea of time…I suggest that try reading in ERV Bible version of you can :)
Savannah, this pertains to the rapture-meaning those who’ve passed away will rise first then the rapture of believers who are alive will rise afterwards…(Matthew 24:30; Acts 1:11). The Bible doesn’t use the word rapture-rise, taken away…that’s why Scripture says Jesus can come at anytime (Matthew 24:36, Mark 13:32) the tribulation has nothing to do with us believers; it’s a last chance for unbelievers to accept the Lord after the rapture…it is a lot deeper but this a quick synopsis.
Theology question…. The way Paul is talking it sounds like we don’t immediately go to heaven when we die, but there’s a sleep period in between??… Anyone have any input?
Savannah, Sorry last post yes our soul is immediately with the Lord not our bodies which will be glorified once we’re with the Lord so you’re correct! But those in the rapture will be changed & immediately with the Lord (2 Cor 5:1-10, 1 Cor 15:50-52)
I am thinking about those judged by the law we read about today in Numbers. Those found guilty. Those same people could be forgiven today under the new covenant. I am having trouble wrapping my head around this. What about those people who were born under the law before Jesus came to fulfill it???
I was thinking the same thing!
I agree ladies simple and quiet does sound better. Something good to remember in our busy lives that we can walk quietly and let our light shine brightly.
Emmagene, I am praying for your friend and her fiancé. God has a plan, and how brave your friend was to follow her head and heart.
I love how the OT & the NT align in today’s passage. It shows just how true the scripture is that says, Jesus came to fulfill the law, not abolish it. Thankfully, we have His grace and forgiveness now to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, but we still have moral duty to uphold!!