” But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.”(1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 NKJV).
” Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (HEBREWS 4:14-16 NKJV).
” But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever.”(Hebrews 7: 24-28 NKJV).
” Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”(Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV).
Let’s Pray 🙏🏽
Lord, our God and Father, we thank you for letting us walk in the way of Jesus Christ, for helping us on the way to the Cross. Come what may, we belong to the Savior, and we are your children. We want to be joyful and full of faith, full of hope, full of patience, for your mercy leads us on. In all we experience how often we can say, “Thanks be to God. He has helped us here, he has helped there, he helps every day in spite of all the evil in the world. Praise and thanks and honor be to him forever!”
Loving Father, thank You for the many people of faith in Scripture who bear witness that Your Word is trustworthy and true. In the trials and difficulties of my life, help me to keep trusting You like this great cloud of witnesses. Help me to discard every encumbrance that may hinder my Christian progress and witness and give me perseverance as I press toward the final goal. May I patiently endure all the obstacles in life in the power of the Holy Spirit and help me to be a living witness to Your Word of truth.
Heavenly Father, praise Your Holy name that Jesus went to the Cross and endured its suffering and separation for my sake. Thank You that even in His agony He counted it as joy because His work would save my soul. Thank You that His work is finished, and salvation is free to all who trust, by faith alone, in Christ alone. May I forever and ever keep Jesus as the centre and circumference of my life and faith. In His precious name I pray,
Amen.
