The apostle Paul founded many churches in the Roman Empire, including one in the Greek city of Thessalonica, which he visited during his second missionary journey. At that time Paul had been forced to flee the city, so he sent his coworker Timothy back to check on the congregation. Paul was encouraged at Timothy's report but felt compelled to address misconceptions they had about the return of Christ. In each letter, Paul stressed that Jesus is coming back, that believers who are alive at the time will be gathered to Him, and that they needed to maintain a holy life and avoid idleness as they waited. Paul's words likewise reveal to all believers today that Jesus will return—but that we need to keep doing His work in the meantime.

David Jeremiah is the founder of Turning Point, an international ministry committed to providing Christians with sound Bible teaching through radio and television, the Internet, live events, and resource materials and books. He is the author of more than fifty books, including A Life Beyond Amazing, Overcomer, and The Book of Signs. Dr. Jeremiah serves as the senior pastor of Shadow Mountain Community Church in San Diego, California, where he resides with his wife, Donna. They have four grown children and twelve grandchildren.