So today's update actually ties into the teaching in First Thessalonians about being ready for

the Lord's return for the benefit of those watching online. We're in First Thessalonians prior to

the Bible prophecy updates that we do weekly.

And this won't be the last time that our teaching in First Thessalonians will tie into the prophecy update.

Both letters to the Thessalonians are basically about the rapture of the church

and being ready for the Lord's return.

And within the pages of these epistles that were in,

there are so many times where the Apostle Paul is encouraging

a discouraged church, battle-weary believers.

When we get the chapter four of First Thessalonians, we're going to hear Paul talk about the rapture being caught up.

And he's going to describe the rapture of the church prior to the seven-year tribulation.

And then he's going to say after that, therefore encourage one another with these words.

Why would Paul be inspired by the Holy Spirit to say, encourage one another with these words

about the soon return of the Lord, the rapture of the church if they weren't discouraged.

I think about all the times in the pages of Scripture where we read, whether it's in the Old

Testament or the New Testament, do not be afraid. Don't be afraid. Be of good courage. Why do we have that so many times

throughout Scripture? Because there are so many times in our lives where we become discouraged.

Fearful. We lose hope. We lose hope in what we know is the blessed hope of the Lord's soon

return. That's what I want to talk about today and I know I say this every week but

the Lord's coming back and it could be today.

I have to confess though that I am personally very pessimistic about what I see taking place in the world today.

Oh wow, Pastor, aren't you supposed to be optimistic? Where's the joy of the Lord? Well, okay, it's a sanctified pessimism. How about that?

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