💥 Podcast: How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land? (Psalm 137:4)

 

(This podcast was previously published on April 29, 2022) 

 

Sometimes when we try to share things of God with an unbeliever, it is like wading through thick mud and we feel a heavy weight.  But when we share as God leads by HIS Spirit in us it is lightness and strength.

I have learned to do this:  Don't try to share, but when God brings something to my memory when I am with another person, share that!

Examples are given on this Podcast:

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💥 Scriptures:

 

Proverbs 22:4  By humility and the fear of the LORD (the Word) are riches, and honour, and life.

 

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Romans 14:17  For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

 

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Lamentations 3:22-26  It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because HIS compassions fail not.

 

23 They are new every morning: great is THY faithfulness.

 

24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in HIM.

 

25 The LORD is good unto them that wait for HIM, to the soul that seeketh HIM.

 

26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

 

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Romans 8:38-39  For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

 

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

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💥 II Thessalonians 2 (Reading through the Bible)

 

 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto Him, ² That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

³ Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; ⁴ Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

(Before Jesus returns,  there will be a "falling away"  ... churches will  fall away from scriptures ... individuals in the church will fall away from scripture ... and will set up other doctrines, eliminating portions of scripture as they fall away.  And this falling away identifies antichrist, for those who fall away are antichrist.  John says there are many antichrists.  I John 2:18-19)

⁵ Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? ⁶ And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time.

⁷ For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.

⁸ And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of HIS mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of HIS coming: ⁹ Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
¹⁰ And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

¹¹ And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: ¹² That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

¹³ But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

¹⁴ Whereunto HE called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

¹⁵ Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

¹⁶ Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, ¹⁷ Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

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💥 Sharing what God has done in our lives

 

Pam Padgett, member of the body of Christ

 

A few days ago I called a neighbor to see if she might be able to take me to/from an oral surgery appointment. As we talked, I told her of how a serious infection unexpectedly developed after extensive dental work, and that I pleaded with God to help me, was reminded of how to reach the dentist on a Sunday morning and the dentist took immediate action to help me. Then I was able to get an appointment with the oral surgeon right away and surgery was scheduled for just a week later.

I was surprised when this neighbor said "That was God ... God was helping you and arranged all of that for you."  I agreed! The neighbor has had many medical issues over the years and went on to say that (in her experience) it's highly unusual for 1 doctor to help like this but for 2 to do so, God had obviously done this.

It makes me smile to recall what she said, for she saw God in the situation, rather than praising the people involved.

And I was reminded of what we're told in 2 Corinthians 2:14, that the knowledge of God comes to light through us.

2 Corinthians 2:14  Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of HIS knowledge by us in every place.

 

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Comment by Beth Martin:  I was reminded of this ... 

 

Isaiah 55:11  So shall MY word be that goeth forth out of MY mouth: it shall not return unto ME void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

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💥 Podcast: Our flesh will rise up and try to take over, given the opportunity

 

 

(This podcast was previously published on May 20, 2022) 

 

Comments by Joan Boney:

Recently, I was really upset when a TV newsman said the 1921 Tulsa Massacre was the worst racial incident in the history of the United States.

I said, "What about the Civil War?"  (and also the horrible years of reconstruction following the Civil War?)

The statement made by the TV newsman caused me to "puff up" and my flesh took on a type of scoffing attitude that was not good.

I was reminded of this scripture:

Matthew 5:30   And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

I have found TV evening news to provoke me in a bad way so when I understood that, I deleted the daily recordings from my television DVR.

I have felt myself grow arrogant over some of the reports, feeling "How can you say that?"  As a result I even take on "scoffing", which is an evil fruit of the flesh.

If I want to keep up with those things going on in the world, I can check the written headlines on CNN International on my Kindle tablet.  I find writings do not usually provoke me to evil.

Also I find sometimes seeing what people are doing today is depressing and could discourage me if I allow it to do so.

Jesus says:  Matthew 24:12-13   And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.  But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

When we find ourselves in this position, we usually need to eliminate that activity from our lives.

Romans 13:12-14  The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.  Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

The apostle Paul told us:  For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: (Romans 7:18)

So if your right hand offends you, cut it off.  Just stop doing that thing that provokes to evil.

The flesh never improves and it is with us as long as we live on this earth.

We control our flesh by walking in the Spirit, by doing that brought to our attention by the Spirit.  We also control our flesh by cutting off those things (or people) who provoke our flesh to do evil.

But we must not continue allowing the flesh to rise up, for to do so is a type of death to us, keeping us from doing that assignment given to us by God.

In the end times, iniquity will abound and we certainly don't need to give entrance to things that we find detrimental to our peace and unity.

We live in a time where we see much delusion and iniquity.

As we wait for the return of Jesus, our goal should be the following as expressed by the apostle Peter.

II Peter 3:13-14  Nevertheless we, according to HIS promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

(This present earth will never be made righteousness but will grow worse and worse to the end.)

14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of HIM in peace, without spot, and blameless.

Paul says:

II Timothy 3:13  But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

We keep ourselves in joy and peace of God as we go forward, focusing on HIS truth as given us by the Holy Spirit.  We can't allow ourselves to focus on that which people are doing but rather we keep ourselves focused on that which God tells us and on the good which God has done for us and the many examples in the Bible which show overcoming through believing that which God says.

Therefore put on the Lord Jesus Christ, the Word of God.

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💥 Scriptures:

 

Proverbs 12:1  Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

 

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Psalm 62:5-6  My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from HIM.

 

6 HE only is my rock and my salvation: HE is my defence; I shall not be moved.

 

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Proverbs 19:21  There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of The Lord, that shall stand.

 

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1 Peter 5:8-9  Be sober (clear headed / alert), be vigilant (keeping careful watch for potential dangers); because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

 

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Romans 8:26-27  Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit Itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27 And HE that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because HE maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

 

 

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💥 II Thessalonians 1 (Reading through the Bible)

 

 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

² Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

³ We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

⁴ So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:

⁵ Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:

⁶ Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

⁷ And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, ⁸ In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: ⁹ Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power;  When He shall come to be glorified in His saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.

¹¹ Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of His goodness, and the work of faith with power:

¹² That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in  HIM, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

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💥 Resting in the direction shown by God

 

Sandra Chupik, member of the body of Christ

 

Hebrews 4:9-13  There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into HIS rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from HIS.  11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. 

 

12 For the word of God is quick (alive), and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in HIS sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of HIM with whom we have to do. 

Approximately 37 years ago I stopped taking vitamins because they had become an idol in my heart. I'm not saying all vitamins are bad; but I was depending on them and even obsessed with them for my health. Soon after this happened, another member of the body of Christ was at my house. We had been to the mall so I could return some vitamins that had not been opened. The store would not accept a return without a receipt, so I threw the bag full of unopened bottles in a large trash bin at the mall. 

I'm allergic to milk and was especially concerned about calcium. Later after we were back at my house my friend said "God is able to put calcium in your bones." She once told me that she does not remember saying this, but I heard it loud and clearly. 

During the past 37 years I have been tempted to take calcium several times, but the Holy Spirit has always reminded me of what God said to me (through Barbara), "God is able to put calcium in your bones" so I have not taken it. 

Last week, at the doctor's office, I declined (as usual) tests that they suggest, but I have been having pain in my ankle for months so I agreed to a bone density test. Today I got the results which showed normal. There was a note on the report that said "this patient's BMD (bone mineral density, primarily calcium & phosphorous) is well above adult normal range for this age."

I'm so grateful to God for "putting calcium in my bones" all these years because I believed what HE said to me.  

 

 

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💥 God provides all our needs

Barbara Preston, member of the body of Christ

 

I have some prescription medications that I take every morning, and yesterday I was going through them and realized that I also had some old bottles of medication that had expired so I was spending some time sorting this out.

I was busily doing this when suddenly this thought came to my mind ... what are you going to do when you can't get these medications any more?

I felt a wave of fear come over me. Then immediately I heard this from the Holy Spirit ... My God shall supply all your need.

This is a scripture ... Philippians 4:19  But my God shall supply all your need according to HIS riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

The above happened in a matter of seconds. 

 

Afterwards I felt led to sit down and make a list of all the ways I could think of where God has provided for my needs over the years since becoming a Christian.

In looking at these examples during the day and thinking about God's care for me, I felt my faith and gratitude toward God being strengthened. 

 

I plan to continue making my list and thinking on these things. I believe doing this will be of great value to me in the days ahead.

 

 

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💥 Podcast: My help cometh from the LORD who made heaven and the earth (Psalm 121:2)

 

 

(This podcast was previously published on April 6, 2022) 

 

Is anything too hard for the God who made the heavens and the earth?

My faith in God soars each time I remember this!

And if I pray according to the will of God, that prayer will be answered by God.

I John 5:14-15  And this is the confidence that we have in HIM, that, if we ask any thing according to HIS will, HE heareth us:  And if we know that HE hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of HIM.

It is so easy for the elect of God, for God has given to each of the elect HIS Spirit to live inside each of the elect of God.

I Corinthians 3:16  Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

It is not that we "try" to be godly.  We are godly because the Spirit of God lives in us.  And we follow HIM, doing godly things.

The Spirit who lives in us is the Spirit of Truth, The Comforter.  HE will guide us into all truth.  

HE will teach us all things.  HE will remind us of all that Jesus has said.  HE will show us things to come.  

John 14:26   Jesus says:  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in MY name, HE shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 16:13   Howbeit when HE, the Spirit of truth, is come, HE will guide you into all truth: for HE  shall not speak of Himself; but whatsoever HE shall hear (from God), that shall HE speak: and HE will shew you things to come.

The Holy Spirit who lives inside of each of us who are the elect of God, searches the heart of God to reveal to us the will of God in the specific issues of this present life so we can go in the way of God in that matter.

I Corinthians 2:9-13   But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love HIM.  But God hath revealed them unto us by HIS Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

Jesus says to us:

John 10:10   The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

When we follow HIM, doing what HE says, things are even more abundant for us than we had planned for ourselves!

Examples on this Podcast:

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💥 Scriptures:

 

1 John 3:22  And whatsoever we ask, we receive of HIM (God), because we keep HIS commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in HIS sight.

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Proverbs 21:3  To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

 

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Colossians 3:15  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

 

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2 Corinthians 4:17-18  For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

 

18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

 

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1 Peter 1:13-16  Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

15 But as HE which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

 

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Galations 6:9  And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

 

 

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💥 I Thessalonians 5 (Reading through the Bible)

 

 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

² For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

³ For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

⁴ But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

⁵ Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

⁶ Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

⁷ For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.

⁸ But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

⁹ For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

¹⁰ Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.

¹¹ Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

¹² And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish (warn) you;  ¹³ And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake.

And be at peace among yourselves.

¹⁴ Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

¹⁵ See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

¹⁶ Rejoice evermore.

¹⁷ Pray without ceasing.

¹⁸ In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

¹⁹ Quench not the Spirit.

²⁰ Despise not prophesyings.

²¹ Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

²² Abstain from all appearance of evil.

²³ And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

²⁴ Faithful is HE that calleth you, who also will do it.

²⁵ Brethren, pray for us.

²⁶ Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.

²⁷ I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.

²⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

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💥 Podcast: The entrance of THY words giveth light (Psalm 119:130)

 

 

(This podcast was previously published on April 12, 2022) 

 

As the wickedness increases in this present world and in today's apostate churches, we are as those who walked through the Red Sea.  We walk on dry ground without being touched by the world or the apostate churches.

Live in peace.  

If something or someone steals our peace, we turn to God with the issues to see what God would have us to do.

Philippians 4:6-7  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (The Word).

Examples are given in this Podcast:

 

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💥 Scriptures:

 

Hebrews 10:22  Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

 

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John 10:27-29  (Jesus says) MY sheep hear MY voice, and I know them, and they follow ME:

 

28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of MY hand.

 

29 MY Father, which gave them ME, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of MY Father’s hand.

 

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Proverbs 14:22  Do they not err that devise evil? but mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.

 

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Romans 8:28  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to HIS purpose.

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Philippians 4:19  But my God shall supply all your need according to HIS riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

 

 

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💥 I Thessalonians 4 (Reading through the Bible)

 

 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you  (warn you) by the Lord Jesus (the Word), that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.

² For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.

³ For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

⁴ That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

⁵ Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

⁶ That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. ⁷ For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

⁸ He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us HIS holy Spirit.

⁹ But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

¹⁰ And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;

¹¹ And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;

¹² That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.

¹³ But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep (dead), that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him.

¹⁵ For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent (precede) them which are asleep (dead).

¹⁶ For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

¹⁷ Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

¹⁸ Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

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