Advent Again

Episode Description: Advent Again (1 Thessalonians 4:13–14)

In this message, we continue our series in 1 Thessalonians and explore Paul’s comforting words in 4:13–14. The Thessalonian church was anxious and grieving because they were unsure what happened to believers who died before Christ’s return. Paul responds not with speculation or fear, but with truth designed to bring stability, clarity, and hope.

Paul reminds them that Christians do not grieve like those who have no hope. Our sorrow is real, but it is shaped and limited by the resurrection of Jesus. Since Christ died and rose again, death is not the end for anyone who belongs to Him. Those who have “fallen asleep” in Christ are safe with Him now, and when He returns, God will bring them with Him. The dead in Christ are not behind or missing out; they will share fully in the glory of the second coming.

Paul also writes with a pastoral heart shaped by his deep concern for this young church. Forced to leave Thessalonica after only a short time, he feared their faith might falter without further teaching. When Timothy brought back a good report, Paul said, “Now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord.” Their perseverance renewed his own strength. But he also knew there were still gaps in their understanding, especially concerning death and Christ’s return.

To address their fears, Paul gives them what they need most: truth. Truth steadies the soul, clears confusion, and produces real hope. Jesus Himself said that truth sets us free and sanctifies us. Paul gives the Thessalonians truth about the future so they can endure faithfully in the present.

This passage also reframes our understanding of Advent. The first Advent was Christ’s humble arrival in Bethlehem to save His people from their sins. The second Advent will be His glorious return to judge evil, raise the dead, and make all things new. The first coming was quiet and largely unseen; the second will be visible to the whole world. The first removed sin’s penalty; the second will remove sin’s presence forever.

Because Jesus rose, we have a hope stronger than death. Because He is coming again, our grief is not final, our losses are not permanent, and our future is secure. The return of Christ is not meant to create fear or arguments among believers, but comfort, courage, and endurance. The Advent we celebrate each year points us forward to the greater Advent still to come, when Christ will gather all His people—living and dead—into eternal life with Him.