1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Overview:
 We want you to understand about those who have died that were followers of Christ. You don't need to grieve the way unbelievers do that don't have hope for the loved one who has passed away. Because of Jesus' death and resurrection, God will bring the dead in Christ to heaven. Matter of fact, those that are still alive at the Lord's coming will go to heaven after the dead have been raised. In that day, Jesus will come from heaven with a powerful commanding voice and with the sound of God's trumpets to bring those that have died as believers home to heaven with Him. Then those who are Christians that are alive will be caught up with those that were dead, and we will together meet Jesus in the clouds, and we will be with Him for ever. This should be a comfort to you and to others when a loved believer dies.
Application:
Death is not something we like to talk about but it is inevitable unless the Lord returns before we die. We need to be prepared and ready for the day of His return. There will be no time to witness to the neighbor, or make sure family members have trusted Christ - it will be too late! We need to be ready at any time for His coming by telling others about the gospel message now - we are not promised tomorrow, so therefore are foolish to put things off. It is comforting to think about being reunited with our loved ones after they die. When the Lord returns for His own, I am glad to say that I will be with Him. The question is: 'Will I be ready?!' I must tell all around me, and loved ones far away that Jesus came to pay the penalty for their sin and they must accept His death as the only means of escaping the punishment of hell and receiving heaven - their eternal home. There is no time to lose!