This sermon delves into the profound implications of believing in Jesus’ second coming, focusing on 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 5:1-11. The pastor begins by addressing Paul’s concern that believers be informed about Christ’s return, noting that this is one of four key areas Paul didn’t want Christians to be ignorant about (along with God’s plan for Israel, spiritual gifts, and suffering in the Christian life).

The sermon then explores how belief in Christ’s return should shape our approach to grief. Christians are encouraged to grieve differently from those without hope, understanding that death for believers is like sleep—temporary and followed by an awakening. As Jesus said of Lazarus, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him” (John 11:11). This hope is grounded in the resurrection of Jesus himself, as Paul states, “For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep” (1 Thessalonians 4:14).

The pastor outlines the sequence of events at Christ’s return: Jesus will descend from heaven with a cry of command, the voice of an archangel, and the sound of God’s trumpet. The dead in Christ will rise first, followed by living believers being caught up to meet the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). This “rapture” is presented as a literal event, with the pastor noting its basis in Scripture and its purpose of uniting believers with Christ.

The sermon then shifts to the practical implications of this belief, emphasizing the need to live expectantly and avoid spiritual apathy. The pastor warns against the complacency that can come from thinking, “There is peace and security” (1 Thessalonians 5:3), and instead calls believers to be alert and sober-minded.

Four main ways spiritual apathy can creep in are discussed:
1. Cultural Distraction – The constant noise of media and entertainment dulling our eternal perspective.
2. Delayed Expectation – The temptation to doubt Christ’s return as time passes (2 Peter 3:4).
3. Comfort and Routine – Becoming too comfortable with earthly life and losing longing for heaven.
4. Moral Compromise – Tolerating sin, leading to spiritual dullness.

The pastor emphasizes the contrast between children of light and darkness, urging believers to “put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation” (1 Thessalonians 5:8). He reminds the church that God has not destined us for wrath but for salvation through Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:9).

In conclusion, the sermon calls believers to encourage one another and build each other up in light of these truths. The pastor stresses that understanding Christ’s return should transform our grief, shape our daily lives, and keep us spiritually alert as we await our eternal reunion with the Lord.