This is the reason Rabbi
Shaul can say to us:
"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. [fn]
"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."
No, it is only possible
for a true Christian to backslide
in his battle faith.
To avoid this possibility, there are three things
you must do daily.
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a
workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly
dividing the word of truth."
This means not to make
nonsense of the scriptures, and don't mistake the
writings of men for the Word of truth.
2.
Be baptized (immersed) in the Holy Spirit.
"And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon
you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until
ye be endued with power from on high.
"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come,
they were all with one accord in one place.
"And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of
a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house
where they were sitting.
"And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like
as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and
began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit
gave them utterance."
3. Like a chia
pet, be re-filled with the Holy Spirit daily, at
least.
"And he shall be like a tree planted by the
rivers of water, that bringeth forth his
fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not
wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall
prosper."
"Stop getting drunk with wine, which leads to wild
living, but keep on being filled with the Spirit."
This way, when duty
calls, you are always already prepared.
Baruch HaShem Adonai Roi,
Mike C.