Episode Details

Big Idea: Because Jesus died and rose again, we can grieve with hope, knowing he is coming back for us and bringing our loved ones who died in him, so we will be together with the Lord forever.

1. GRIEVE, AND BELIEVE (13-14)

2.  HE IS COMING BACK FOR US (15-17)

3. ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER WITH THESE WORDS (v. 18) 

Reflection Questions

START: Read through 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (work on memory verse) 

• Paul doesn’t say “don’t grieve.” He says don’t grieve “as others do who have no hope” (v. 13). What’s the difference between grieving with hope and grieving without it? Have you seen someone grieve with hope?

• “To meet the Lord” pictures a city going out to welcome its returning king and escort him home (Acts 28:15; John 12:13). How does seeing the church as a welcoming party, not an escape party, change how you think about Jesus’ return?

• Paul says, “Encourage one another with these words” (v. 18). Who comes to mind who needs this hope right now? What’s one way you could reach out to them this week?

Charitably discuss these Four Views of Christ’s Return:

• Dispensational: The church is raptured, then seven years of tribulation, then Jesus returns and reigns on earth for 1,000 years, then the New Heaven and New Earth.

• Historic Premillennial: Jesus returns once after the tribulation, then reigns on earth for 1,000 years, then the New Heaven and New Earth.

• Postmillennial: The 1,000 years is a long golden age of gospel growth, and then Jesus returns once to establish the New Heaven and New Earth.

• Amillennial: The 1,000 years is a picture of this present age, as Christ reigns from heaven. He returns once to establish the New Heaven and New Earth.

  • All agree: Jesus is coming back, he will judge the living and the dead, the dead in Christ will rise, and we will always be with the Lord.