The Return of Christ

What happens when we die? It’s a question that has filled hearts with fear and wonder for thousands of years. For the Christian, though, the answer is not left in doubt. Scripture points us to a day still ahead, the day of Christ’s return. On that day, the trumpet will sound, the Lord will descend, and the dead will rise.

Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, “We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Because Jesus died and rose again, death is not the end. Every grave will one day open at the sound of His voice (John 5:28-29). The faithful will be raised to life, and even those alive at His coming will be changed, clothed with immortality and glory (1 Corinthians 15:52-53).

This is our hope. Death, which has haunted humanity since the beginning, will finally be destroyed. “Death has been swallowed up in victory… Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” (1 Corinthians 15:54, 57).

On Sunday, we will look deeply into these promises in a message titled “The Return of Christ.” We will see how the dead will be raised, the righteous will be given glorified bodies, and how death itself will be defeated once and for all.

Come be reminded of the hope we share in Christ. Bring a friend who needs encouragement. And let’s lift our eyes from the sorrow of the grave to the glory of what is to come.

“Therefore encourage one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18).

1.  In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, Paul says Christians do not grieve like those “who have no hope.” How does the resurrection of Jesus give us a different way of facing grief?

2.  Jesus said in John 5:28-29 that “all who are in the graves will hear his voice.” How does this promise affect the way you think about death—both for yourself and for loved ones who have died?

3.  Paul describes our future bodies as imperishable, immortal, and glorious (1 Cor. 15:51-53). What excites you most about the transformation God promises?

4.  1 Corinthians 15:55-57 declares that death has been swallowed up in victory. In what ways can believers live out that victory right now?

5.  Jesus said there will be a resurrection to life and a resurrection to judgment (John 5:29). How can we prepare ourselves and help othe

Those Serving
CALL TO WORSHIP/PRAYER
Paul Braden
SONG LEADER
Mark Ringle
LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
John Key
 ASSIST LORD’S SUPPER
Josh Childers
Gary Stewart
Shane McLaughlin
Patrick Newbill
SCRIPTURE READING
David Williams
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
PREACHING
Matthew Allen
CLOSING PRAYER
Dave Pennington
CLOSING COMMENTS
Daniel Spargo
WELCOME CENTER
Rich Walker // Kathy Downey
USHERS
Randy Mullins // Justin Spargo
COMMUNION PREP
Vicki Mullins
CLOSING THE BUILDING
Richard Jacobs