Death and the return of Jesus - 1 Thes 4:13-5:11

In this section of Thessalonians, Paul writes to the church and tells them to be encouraged even in the face of death by the good news that Jesus died and rose and will return to be with everyone who has put their faith and trust in Jesus, whether they happen to be alive or dead at the time of his return. Paul wants us to be ready for that day by encouraging one another to keep on living out the basics of our faith so that we are not surprised by Jesus' return.