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I THESSALONIANS 5: 1 - 5

"CHILDREN OF LIGHT "
                1. PAUL HAS BEEN WRITING THESE THINGS AS TO THE RAPTURE. 
        A. As concerning our loved ones who have died.
                1. They will share in it.
                2. Thus our sorrow for them not as those with no hope.
                3. The Lord will bring them with Him when He returns for us.
                4. That those who are alive at the time of the rapture will not have any
                   advantage.
                5. That they shall rise first.
        B. Concerning the Lord.
                1. He will descend from heaven with a shout.
                2. With the voice of the archangel.
                3. With the trump of God.
        C. Concerning those who are alive at the time.
                1. They are to be caught up "harpazo" snatched away by great
        force, "raptus."
                2. We will meet the Lord in the air with our loved ones.
                3. We will be forever with the Lord.
                        a. While He is in heaven receiving title deed for earth, we will be
                           in heaven.
                        b. When He returns to earth for thousand year reign we will  return to
                           earth.
                        c. When this system is destroyed and He creates the new  heaven and
                           earth, we will be with Him.

ll. WHEN WILL THE RAPTURE TAKE PLACE?
        A. As a thief in the night.
                1. Matt. 24, "If the owner knew the hour a thief was going to strike..."
                2. Rev. 3, to Sardis, "I come as a thief." "If you are not watching..."
                3. The whole idea is that we should be watching and not be caught by surprise.
        B. "When they shall say peace and safety."
                1. More talk and hope for peace than any time since Israel established  as
                   nation.
                        a. Peace accord with Egypt. 
                        b. Breakthrough in Salt agreements with Russia.

Ill. WHAT SHOULD BE OUR ATTITUDE AS CHILDREN OF THE LIGHT.
        A. Watching for our Lord.
                1. Not watching for anti-Christ or beginning of tribulation.
        B. Not sleeping as do others.
                1. The world around us is sedated.
                        a. Caught up in pursuit of pleasure.
                        b. Word of God choked out by cares of world, deceitfulness of  riches,
                           but of others things.
        C. Sober.
                1. We are living in sobering days.
                2. Keep our minds clear.
        D. Be filled with faith, love and hope.