The New Testament in 90 Days

Paul writes a second, even shorter letter to the church in Thessalonica.  Again, he encourages them, prays for them, admonishes them.  There are some great phrases in this short letter.  I love how he calls the Thessalonians "the first fruits", and how he tells them that God has chosen them "from the beginning."  Paul's perspective:  God chooses us from the beginning of time, but I don't think it's a simple determinism, the way we look at it.  But it's a way of looking at the world and our lives as a story that God is writing. The main reason Paul is writing back to the Thessalonians is this, though:  it's because the idea of "the end of the world" has infected the community with some unfortunate practices.  Some have even been telling them that the Day has already come, and some people think this is an excuse for lax moral behavior. So Paul tells them that no, the Day has not come yet, and there are things they ought to watch for, ...

In chapter 4, Paul continues to encourage the Thessalonians, and then he gets to the concern that is on his heart, and that he knows is on their hearts:  The Return of Jesus.  More exactly, what are they to think about Jesus' return now that some of the members of their congregation have died? So it's apparent that the first Christians thought Jesus was coming back very soon.  VERY soon.  So much so that they are taken aback when some from their congregation die, because they thought Jesus would come back before that happens.  But Paul has some comfort for them, and wants to let them know what he thinks will happens. Here's what he says:  those who have died will rise first, and then those who are still alive will go up to meet the Lord in the air.  (I suspect that this is where the term "rapture", which is not found in the Bible, originates.  I'm not sure why it came to be called "the rapture.")  As well, Paul cautions the church members...