This passage from 1 Thessalonians is probably one of the most divisive in modern Church history. The idea of Christ bringing his Church to be with him has sparked many books, tons of sermons, and even some movies. Remember, though, that Paul faced religious folks who didn’t even think resurrection was possible. He faced others who thought followers of Jesus were blasphemers. This church receiving this letter faced persecution. In the face of that, it might be possible that assuring them that all that they suffered wasn’t for nothing: Christ was their assurance, and nothing could remove that from them. Even death.