ILAGAN BAPTIST CHURCH SERMON OUTLINES
Dead Or Alive
Text: I Thessalonians 4:13-18 IBCWPM November 1, 2006
Preacher: Pastor Jose B. Cabajar
The phrase “dead or alive” has imprinted a haunting message in our mind so that every time we hear the phrase, we associate it with a wanted person whose living presence or visible remains is needed badly for record purposes. He may be dead or alive, but his confirmed identity will bring satisfaction to the seekers. The death of a wicked man will surely bring rejoicing to peace-loving people, but the death of a righteous man will stir the hearts of godly men to mourning.
In I Thessalonians 4:13, it is written, But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. (KJV) This passage shows us a glimpse of how the Thessalonians sorrowed for their departed loved ones and how the Apostle Paul comforted them through his Epistle. He also reminded them not to be ignorant concerning the dead believers as those people who have no hope. What a blessing for us to hear that Christians are not hopeless, but their lives are filled with hope, love, joy, peace and truth.
The preciousness and shortness of believers’ life on earth is irrefutable and time will come when the silver cord of life will be loosened and we will be gone. Knowing this will surely trigger us to spend our lives wisely for the glory of God. We must keep in mind how precious our earthly life is, and that even our death is not in vain in the Lord. In Psalm 116:15, it is written, Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. (KJV)
Inevitably, a believer’s death brings sorrow to his loved ones, but we praise God for His precious promise written in John 11:25-26 which says, ”Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” (KJV) What a comforting assurance we have in Jesus.
(I) Christians Will Meet The Lord In The Air
I Thessalonians 4:13-18
-When Jesus comes v15
The Lord promised that He will come again to take the believers with Him in Heaven and we truly believe His Word. Many people think that His most awaited coming is being delayed, but still, we believe that God prepared the best for those who put their trust in Him.
In II Peter 3:9, it is written, The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (KJV) This passage reminds us that the promise given to us concerning the Lord’s coming is not weak but with certainty. It also reveals that God wants every man to be saved and not to be damned. (I Timothy 2:4)
-When death becomes powerless v16
The Bible tells us that the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. (I Corinthians 15:26) We praise God because believers are on the Lord’s side, and surely, death has no power over us. In I Corinthians 15:55-58, it is written, O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. (KJV)
-When Jesus takes us to Heaven vs17-18
Who could prevent the believers to meet the Savior in the air? Not even death could hinder our blessed meeting with the Lord Jesus Christ. The most awaited moment will come when the dead in Christ shall rise first, then the living Christians shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. How joyful that blessed moment will be!
In I Thessalonians 4:14-15, it is written, For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 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: 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. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (KJV) Pondering these comforting verses in our hearts will surely draw our whole being to the Lord. A true believer who really loves the appearing of the Lord will keep himself unspotted from evil works, and will strive to keep his life’s activities Christ-centered and God-glorifying. He will also enjoy serving the Lord the rest of his days because he knows that serving the Lord is truly rewarding.
As we live in this present world, may we not neglect to share our faith in Christ to others. The so called “All Saints Day” comes and goes, but still many people are ignorant concerning the dead. Strange beliefs and practices are keeping them away from the Truth. When will they be freed from spiritual ignorance? Every believer has an important role in the spreading of the Good News. May true believers take advantage of their God-given privilege to lead more souls to the Savior of the world, which is Christ the Lord. Keep on shining for Jesus so that others may find their way to the Living Savior.
ILAGAN BAPTIST CHURCH
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