Presents
Pamphlet #5143 KC1Thes8-1

This means we will not all sleep, i.e. die, after the normal manner of men.

The Thessalonians were expecting the Lord Jesus Christ to return in their life time and they were deeply concerned about the fate of their friends and relatives who had died and Jesus had not yet returned.

The apostle Paul knew of their concerns from Timothy's report and so he wrote to them, imparting words of great comfort by making it quite clear that those dear departed believers in Christ (the dead in Christ) were already with the Lord and that when He returns He will bring them along with Him.

However, Paul gave them even more good news and comforting knowledge (truth), which truth can "set you free" from the concerns brought about by ignorance (lack of true knowledge).

He told them that not only are the saints going to return with Jesus Christ, but when that event occurs at the sound of the last trump and those saints (the dead in Christ) appear (stand up, rise) with Him, then we who are alive and remain in the flesh will gather as a group, together with them, in the "aer", i.e. in our spiritual bodies in that spiritual dimension.

You see, we are even more blessed with knowledge than the Thessalonians for we also know from Paul's letter to the Corinthians in 1 Cor. 15:51-52 exactly how that happens at the last trump.

"In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye", i.e. instantly after the saints first appear in their spiritual bodies, we shall simply be changed from our flesh bodies to our own spiritual bodies and join the congregation at the Mount of Olives.

This means we will not all sleep, i.e. die, after the normal manner of men.
(The image of the "transporter" on the TV series Star Trek always comes to my mind when I read this.)

Paul now continues in chapter 5 discussing the return of Jesus Christ which is the overall subject of BOTH his letters to the Thessalonians.

When is Christ going to return?

Well, it will NOT be at the time most think!

In fact, most will think He has already returned when the 7th Trump sounds, because the wicked imposter who comes at the sound of the 6th Trump will have sung lullabies (lulla-lies) to them and lulled them into a deep sleep, even as they now day dream and slumber while listening to the "fly away" tunes sung by false preachers who promise them a ride in the Rapturemobile.

'Take heed lest any man deceive you!" (Mark 13:5)

Of course if you are a child of light you know this already, right?

Let's just say that you should know the "chronology" of the major events and the "season of the appointed time" of Christ's return.

If not, you're already in trouble!

Wake up now!

If there is any question in your mind about this, when we get to 2 Thes. chapter 2 Paul will explain it in irrefutable factual detail!

Paul is now talking about the "times and the seasons" concerning the return of Jesus Christ and it is that time, His return on the "Day of the Lord", which will "sneak up" on those who are not "watching" and take them by surprise.

In other words, Paul is not saying that Christ is coming as a thief, for Christ is no thief, but the timing of His return is analogous to the time a thief makes his entrance, i.e. when you are sleeping and not on guard.

SURPRISE!

This is really quite simple.

Christ comes in that "hour of darkness", spiritual darkness, when most people, most Christians, are slumbering (Rom. 11:8), believing that they are safe and sound, "nestled snug in their beds while sounds of sugarplums dance in their heads".

They are in for a rude awakening when they hear the blast from the 7th Trump.

Again, those who are familiar with the truth "know this perfectly well".

Now some will say that Paul is merely referring to the non-Christians, the non-believers, those who do not believe in Christ nor in His returning.

Do not be deceived.

It is the majority of Christianity that has been "taken" by the "many who have already come in His name" (Mat. 24, Mk. 13, Luke 21) in these last days and sorely deceived them.

Though the "many" go to church and sing praises and they give to the poor and needy, etc., they have become foolish virgins because they are Biblically unknowledgeable.

They lack sufficient "oil" in their lamps to endure until end.

They have built their houses not upon the Rock, the Word of God, but upon sand, upon the traditions of men.

Yes, they do!

They are not saved by works, but once they are saved they have much work to do.

In this generation they are to become strong "watchmen" after the example of Ezekiel.

They are to be "doers of the Word and not hearers only" otherwise their "faith is dead" as James explains in James 2:20, "But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?"

You can be as the church of Sardis and remain clueless.

Paul now gives us one of the major signs of the time and season for the return of Christ.

No, the sign will be when you hear the cry of peace and safety.

The sudden destruction that comes upon them is likened to a woman having labor pains, i.e. contractions, which cannot be avoided when giving natural childbirth, can it?

We have the light of truth, His Word, which completely scatters the darkness, even the rudiments of darkness.

You actually witness a great analogy of this whenever you enter a dark room and flip on the light switch and the darkness instantly flees away.

Ever wonder where it goes or is it just "consumed" by the light?

Satan loves darkness.

He brought about the period in history which is called the "Dark Ages" when the light of truth was suppressed by religion disguised as Christianity.

Did you know that the translators* of the 1611 King James Bible make reference to the suppression of His Word by the church system (religion) and they explain how that in order to get access to and read the Bible back then you first had to get "a license", and to get that you had show yourself approved to your confessor and the bishops.

There is nothing new under the sun!

Satan is trying to snuff out the light, the Word of truth, again in this generation, isn't he?

Just try to read the Bible in a public school these days and see how long it takes the scorpions to come out of the dark ACLU closet and sting you!

Christ is our light and we are beginning to stand out more and more as the shadows of darkness continue to creep over the earth.

Think how easy you will be able to be spotted when Antichrist shows up and that darkness (spiritually speaking) completely covers the earth.

No need to worry though.

As the "children of the day" that light will continue to shine until we have the victory even as the day of Joshua was extended until the battle was won.

Unfortunately they are our brothers and sisters whose eyes God has allowed to be remain closed for their own protection (Rom. 11:8), lest they see and be held accountable unto death.

It is their "ignorance" that remains their cloak of protection (Jn. 9:41).