who have no hope" (1 Thessalonians 4:13, NIV).
2. Share "Assurance," page 15, also emphasizing 1 John 5:13.
3. Encourage the inquirer to get into Bible reading and study and to become involved with a Bible-teaching church where he or she can learn about "rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). Suggest purchasing good books about the Christian life and witnessing, as well as Bible studies on prophecy.
For the Christian Concerned About His or Her Standing Before God:
1. Ask questions concerning where he or she went astray.
2. Invite him or her back to Calvary for confession and forgiveness on the basis of 1 John 1:9 and 2:1. Share "Restoration," page 17.
3. Encourage taking a firm stand for the Lord by:
• Getting involved in Bible reading and study
• Seeking fellowship in a Bible-teaching church
• Actively witnessing both by word and by example
Taking these steps should give the insecure Christian a greater assurance in Christ and a better understanding of God's will for his or her life.
Scripture The First Stage of His Coming, The Rapture:
"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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Therefore encourage each other with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:13–17, NIV).
"Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not