I would bet that a good many of you have seen that TV commercial now airing on one of the cable networks that advertises a new book by a much respected pastor and Bible teacher.  The ad for the book depicts what is commonly known as ‘the rapture of the Church.’ It shows scenes of people, believers in Christ, suddenly disappearing into thin air. You see this happening on the streets, in the airport, and at places of work.  Millions of Christians gone in the blink of an eye, and unbelievers left behind, only to wonder what had just happened.

The advertisement, and the book, sets forth what a very large segment of Christians believe will happen one day, perhaps even this day.  And the Biblical foundation for this much treasured belief is to be found in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.  But, as compelling and attractive as this concept is (that the Church will be taken away from earth secretly, thereby missing the ‘Great Tribulation’), we must ask whether or not such a view is really supported by Scripture.

This Sunday, we will explore together this passage from Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians.  And, as the Spirit of the Lord helps us, we will seek the truth about a glorious Day yet ahead for all who belong to Jesus.