INTRODUCTION - THE TRILOGY OF FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE IN I Thess 1:3 opens the  GLORIOUS THEME OF THE LORD'S RETURN TO THIS EARTH AND ALL THAT IT ENTAILS!

• Work of faith" leads us v.9a "to turn to God from Idols"- Salvation and make sure of it
• "Labor of Love" v.9b"To serve the living and true God"- Service- & lots said about this
• But "the Patience of Hope- 19 "To wait for His Son from Heaven- the 2nd coming of Christ-

But we must recognize that the second coming has several aspects and parts - watch out -

I. WHAT ABOUT THE DEAD?? I Thess 4:13 a

Paul's great phrase-"I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren" is for Saints!

A.   THE THESSALONIANS RECEIVED SOME VERY PRACTICAL INSTRUCTIONS TO MAKE THEM BETTER CHRISTIANS

1. Paul sent Timothy to establish them 3:2 and to comfort them concerning the persecution-
2. Paul instructed them that it was God's will that they live pure lives- 4:3-5 & so we!
3. They were to mind their own busness-4:11, and to walk honestly before all- 4:12 & 5:16

B.  BUT SOME WERE WORRIED ABOUT THOSE WHO HAD DIED WHILE SERVING THE LORD, WHAT ABOUT THEM?

1. The word "Asleep" was used by the Lord to describe body in physical death- John 11:11
2. But the Souls of the Saints were with the Lord at once- Phil 1:23, II Cor 5:8
3. When Jesus comes- Paul assured them he would bring Saints after the bodies- I Thes. 4:14,16

C.  BUT WHEN WILL THE LORD COME TO EASE OUR PRESENT CONFLICT IN THIS WICKED WORLD

1.  Jesus reminded Jews-they can read the sky, but not signs of the times- Matt 16:3 TODAY
2. For those who are watching for the Lord- His coming is the Blessed Hope- Titus 2:13
3. For those who do not know Him- the Anti-Christ will promise peace, bring destruct-& judge 

As long as you are alive- you have choice- meet Christ, or Anti-Christ; but choose fast!

II.  MEET THE LORD - The Day of the Lord is at Hand!

Acts 1:11 - the angels told the apostles that the Lord would return in like manner in the air!

A.  WE ARE CHILDREN OF THE LIGHT, I Thess 5:5 THIS EVENT SHOULD NOT OVERTAKE US AS A THIEF!

1. Jesus said "I am the Light of the world" come to me- not walk in darkness- John 8:12
2. When you receive Jesus, a great light dawns in your heart -and His sheep know His voice!
3. The Lord's coming for his own will not be "sudden destruction",  or anything to be escaped

B.  BUT WE SHOULD BE PREPARING OURSELVES FOR THE LORD'S COMING FOR US, TO PLEASE HIM - v.8

1. For when he comes in a moment-twinkling of eye- we shall be changed- 1 Cor 15:51,2
2. When we see Him we shall be like him- I John 3:2 -made incorruptible, glorified-& know all
3. If we have this hope- then let's purify ourselves- I John 3:3 to be ready at His coming!

C.  SEVEN YEARS AFTER THE RAPTURE OF THE SAINTS, JESUS WILL COME IN THE DAY OF THE LORD

1. This time he will come to avenge his Saints- II Thess 1:6-8, so avenge not yourselves!
2. He will destroy Satanic forces- imprison Satan & Beast- & usher in His Kingdom- Rev 19,20
3. The glorified, resurrected Saints will rule the world with Him - Rev 2014- till end of time

But when you meet the Lord- will you be ready? All the signs are now up for Rapture!

III. MEET THE ANTI-CHRIST - His spirit is here now!

Paul wrote II Thess to say- Before day of Judgement- Christ's rule- Satan will show self

A.  BEFORE THE FINAL DAY OF THE LORD, THE MAN OF SIN, THE ANTICHRIST, WILL REVEAL HIMSELF II Th 2:3

1. The "Day of Christ-does not mean the rapture, day of hope, joy, gladness- but JUDGEMENT
2. This refers to the day of His return in power & glory to judge and rule by force on earth
3. He will not avenge the Christians, or make things right- till after man of sin is shown

B.  THE ANTI-CHRIST WILL CLAIM TO BE CHRIST, WITH SIGNS, WONDERS, AND DECEIVE MANY - II Thes 2:9-10

1. He will claim to be Christ- Matt 24:23, will lead the world to worship him - World Church, Government, Education
2. He will come promising peace - I Thess 5:3 - but will bring great destruction & terror
3. He will demand obedience- Rev. 13:16,7 (mark of beast) but lead to great lawlessness-sin

C.  THE ANTI-CHRIST IS HERE NOW (II Thess 2:7a) BUT THE HOLY GHOST IS HOLDING HIM BACK - v. 7b

1. The Christians in the world battle against His spirit- Eph 6:11-12-salt -purifying world
2. But when Holy Spirit, & Christians are taken out of way- Rapture- then Anti-Christ will be revealed!
3. I am growing tired, Christians won't fight Satan-We live in a Sodom-Angels come to hasten

Mark 13:33 we are warned- watch & pray-for we know not when the times are! Maybe today!

CONCLUSION - FOR THE SAINTS IT WILL BE A GLORIOUS DAY, BUT FOR THE OTHERS A DAY OF FALSE HOPE - DEATH

1. Only 5 of 10 Virgins in parable had oil- Holy Spirit- Are you saved? Spirit possessed?
2. If you refuse to meet the Lord now- you will be fooled by the Anti-Christ-later!
3. If you know the Lord- are you ready for Him? Are you fighting Anti-Christ?