CHARIOT OF FIRE

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ELIJAH AND ELISHA

Read 1 Kings 19:19–21; 2 Kings 2:1–14

     As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.   2 Kings 2:11-12 NIV

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     There is no doubt that Elijah stood tall among the prophets of all time. He entered Heaven with as much drama as he lived. Only one other man entered Heaven without dying, and that was Enoch, who simply "walked with God." right into Heaven. (Genesis 5:24)
     Elijah's great power came from God's Spirit resting on him. The younger Elisha–who watched as Elijah was taken to Heaven–requested and received a double portion of God's Spirit and continued the ministry. (2 Kings 2:9)

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     The time will come when all of the believers on earth will experience a day when 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.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17)

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     Dear Jesus, I am looking forward to that day when both those who have died in the Lord and those who remain–will be caught up to be with You forever. May my life reflect that hope and may I always walk with You

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     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.    1 Thessalonians 4:15 NIV