Listen to the Message. It was preached to those believers who are now dead, and yet even though they died (just as all people must), they will still get in on the life that God has given in Jesus.

7-11 Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!

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For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead,(A) so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

The end of all things is near.(B) Therefore be alert and of sober mind(C) so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply,(D) because love covers over a multitude of sins.(E)

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