Death in Jesus

What happens when we die? Ask several people that question and you will probably get several different answers. That is why we need to go to the sure word of God, the Bible, for answers. The Bible is clear that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” God’s answer to man’s sin is Jesus, and by receiving the forgiveness offered in His name, we can be saved. There is a hell to shun, and a heaven to gain. But what happens when a Christian dies? 2Corinthians 5:1 tells us that if our earthly house is destroyed (physical death) we have a heavenly dwelling provided by God. It also tells us in verse 8 that “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” When a Christian dies, their spirit goes to “be with the Lord”. Psalm 16:11 says “in Your presence is fullness of joy.” A Christian goes immediately into the presence of the Lord where they experience “fullness of joy.” We grieve our loss, but they have gained heaven. 1Thessolonians 4 puts the death of a Christian into perspective. Verse 13 tells us we are not to grieve as others who have no hope. It did not say that we are not to grieve; it is telling us not to grieve like the world that has no hope. We who have hope in Christ grieve our loss. We miss this person. We miss how this person touched our lives. But as we grieve, we must remember that this loved one is with Christ, in His very presence, enjoying fullness of joy. How can we be sad about that? When someone close to me who is a believer has died, I have felt the loss. I miss them. But what has really helped me is to get out my Bible and read the verses I am sharing with you today. These verses help put their life and my life into an eternal perspective, and that has been a great comfort to me. 1Thessolonians 4 goes on to tell us that Jesus is coming again and at His second coming, God’s family on earth and God’s family in heaven will be united and “thus shall we always be with the Lord.” Verse 18 ends with, “comfort one another with these words.” The truths found in these verses and others will help us to grieve our loss with the hope of Christ. It also gives hope to those who have trusted Christ not to fear death. My prayer today, especially for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, that you would be comforted with the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Amen. From The Pulpit For Saturday September 1, 2012 Visit Christian Eye at http://christian-eye.blogspot.com

The Simplicity of the Gospel

In 2 Corinthians 11:3 the Apostle Paul states, “I fear somehow....your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity of Christ.” Just as it was in Paul’s day, it is possible to get so caught up in religion that we forget the simple Gospel of Christ. It is in believing this simple gospel that we are able to be saved. In his first letter to the Corinthians Paul said, “I was determined to know nothing else among you, except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” Religion of man never saved anybody, a system of do’s and don’ts never saved anybody, but faith in Jesus Christ, that’s what saves a person. The gospel needs to be shared simply, so even a child can understand it. Paul stated, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” Isn’t that something we can all say? How about Romans 10:9, “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.” Let me ask you, what is complicated about that? Man can complicate the gospel, religious tradition can complicate the gospel, but God has given us a simple gospel. A simple gospel that tells us God loves us and has a wonderful plan for our lives. A simple gospel that tells us we are all sinners in need of a Savior. A gospel that tells us in 1 John 5:11-13, “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life, he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things were written that you may know that you have eternal life.” God has made a way where every believer can know they have eternal life. How? By accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Yes, Jesus came to save the world, but His sacrifice will be of no benefit to you, unless you personally invite Jesus to be the Lord (or boss) of your life. Dear friend, do you know where you will spend eternity? You can know, if you will accept what God’s word has to say on the subject of eternity. Nowhere in the Bible does it say you must join a certain church to be saved, even though every Christian should be part of a local church. Nowhere in the Bible does it say if you do enough good works or pray enough prayers you will be saved. Yes, it is right for a child of God to do good works and to pray, but that is not what saves us. What saves us? Simple faith in Jesus Christ. If you confess with your mouth Jesus Christ as your Lord, and believe in your heart God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. That’s what the Bible says, and that’s the simplicity of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Why not take the step today to surrender your life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ? Amen. From The Pulpit For Saturday, August 25, 2012 Visit Christian Eye at http://christian-eye.blogspot.com