Theme: Unity with Christ Jesus

Exegetical note
Despite Paul's earlier assurances of the imminence of Jesus' parousia, some of the faithful Thessalonians have died waiting for it, and their loved ones are grieving that the departed will not participate in the anticipated event. His hope and his imagery sound dated today, but not his assurance in verse 18 of the ongoing "togetherness" of the Christian believer with the Christ.

Call to Worship
(based on Psalm 50)
Leader: From the rising to the setting of the sun, God…