Mark Howell Says, "The Gospel will affect every area of our lives, including our passion for living today and our hope for what is coming tomorrow."

In this passage, Paul seeks to calm our fears and encourage us to look forward to the day we meet our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God's promises about tomorrow give us hope for how we face today. God's message about future events must influence how we live in our present circumstances.

The questions are taken from the Bible study by Donald Baker titled 1 & 2 Thessalonians: How Can I Be Sure? and Christ Centered Exposition Commentary: Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Thessalonians by Mark Howell.

Our readings for this week: 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-5: 11.

Plan to join us this Sunday morning at 9:30 am at Viking Lake Park, lower picnic area. There will be no live stream this Sunday. Previous sermons can also be viewed anytime on our website redoakpresbyterianchurch.com

Questions to think about:

1. What fears do you have about death?

2. What do you find frightening about Paul's words? What do you find comforting?

3. In what ways is a Christian's grief different from a nonbeliever's (4:13)?

4. When has grief affected your life? What role did faith play in your grieving process?

5. How would Paul's words have encouraged the Thessalonians? How can they help you to face your own fears about death?

6. What dangers are associated with living in darkness (5:5-7)?

7. What is God's plan for us (5: 9-11)?

8. How can a person prepare for "the day of the Lord"?

9. How should you live in light of Christ's imminent return? Give some specific examples.

10. What is the ultimate point of this passage? How does this message speak to the church today?