IF WE BELIEVE

Sunday Morning: March 12, 2000

Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17 "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

BELIEVING HE DIED FOR OUR SIN

1 Thessalonians 4:14 "For if (conditional) we (see 1:4, Paul plus brethren, beloved who are elect) believe [present active indicative] that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

ASSURANCE OF SALVATION

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 "For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

BELIEVING HE ROSE AGAIN

1 Thessalonians 4:14 "For if we believe [present active] that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him."

THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD

1 Thessalonians 4:15 "For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming [parousia, presence] of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. (Who have hope through resurrection)

WHEN IS JESUS CHRIST PRESENT?

SIGN OF THY PRESENCE?

Matthew 24:3 "And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming [parousia, presence], and of the end of the world [age]?"

EXHORT ONE ANOTHER

1 Thessalonians 4:18 "Wherefore comfort [parakalew, present active, imper. exhort] one another with these words."