In Touch 03-21-05

In Touch Daily Devotional 
by Dr. Charles Stanley

Monday March 21, 2005

When the Trumpet Blows

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

A group of believers wrote to the apostle Paul to express concern about loved ones who died before Jesus' return. They wondered if these deceased saints would miss out on the joy and glory of His second coming. All through history, many people have incorrectly believed that upon death, a person ceases to exist. So Paul wanted to give an accurate idea of what to expect when Jesus comes back.

Of course, what the apostle wrote was not simply his own opinion, but rather the truth that was revealed to him by God. First, we can expect to hear some heavenly sounds - the shout of the Lord, the voice of the archangel, and the trumpet of God. At the sound of Jesus' voice, the physical bodies of departed believers will rise, be changed to an imperishable form (1 Corinthians 15:52), and be reunited with their spirit.

Many people believe that when we die, we enter a state of "soul sleep" until Jesus returns. But it is impossible to be "absent from the body, present with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8) if we are experiencing soul sleep. Those who are alive at the time of this vast resurrection will witness the phenomenon, which will be have similarities to the amazing occurrence recorded in Matthew 27:52-53.

We will hear celestial sounds, see remarkable sights, and feel an indescribable change physically - our bodies will suddenly be transformed into a substance that is not subject to deterioration or harm. In other words, we will be catapulted into the presence of almighty God in the twinkling of an eye.

Be sure to tell your teen about Teen Connection - the official teen outreach of In Touch Ministries. This cutting-edge web site is filled with practical content, including articles, interviews, a study guide, and devotionals, for teenagers of all spiritual maturity levels. The featured interview for March is best-selling band Caedmon's Call. Check out Teen Connection today!

http://www.teen-connection.net

Are you looking to take the next step in your spiritual walk? Enroll today in the Charles Stanley Institute for Christian Living - a free, virtual one-on-one mentoring program with Dr. Charles Stanley. Register online today at www.charlesstanleyinstitute.com.