2. 13 Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. - I Thessalonians 4:13 Easter 2009: I Thessalonians 4:13-19 Mark Hagen, April 12, 2009

3. 14 We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him. - I Thessalonians 4:14 Easter 2009: I Thessalonians 4:13-19 Mark Hagen, April 12, 2009

4. “It is significant that Paul does not refer to Jesus’ death as ‘sleep.’ The difference between Jesus’ experience and that of believers is that He really endured actual separation from God for the world’s sins. Because of His real death, Christian death has been transformed into sleep.” - Expositors Bible Commentary Easter 2009: I Thessalonians 4:13-19 Mark Hagen, April 12, 2009

5. 15 According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. - I Thessalonians 4:15 Easter 2009: I Thessalonians 4:13-19 Mark Hagen, April 12, 2009

6. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. - I Thessalonians 4:16 Easter 2009: I Thessalonians 4:13-19 Mark Hagen, April 12, 2009

7. Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice and come out. - John 5:28-29 Easter 2009: I Thessalonians 4:13-19 Mark Hagen, April 12, 2009

8. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. - I Thessalonians 4:17 Easter 2009: I Thessalonians 4:13-19 Mark Hagen, April 12, 2009

9. 18 Therefore encourage each other with these words. - I Thessalonians 4:18 Easter 2009: I Thessalonians 4:13-19 Mark Hagen, April 12, 2009