Death is certain and life is not.

There is a new show advertised on Discovery Channel titled, "Killing Fields." In an advertisement I heard the other day one of the persons on the show, a police detective, makes a comment to the affect of "I carry two things with me every day. Death is certain and life is not." The reality of this phrase has become more real to me over the past few days. As sometimes happens in ministry, I've helped with two funerals in three days and will perform another within a week. Spending time in the presence of so many people hurting because of death helps to put life in perspective. It will remind you to hold close those that you love. It will remind you of what is really important in life. And most importantly it will turn your attention towards being ready when death comes calling.

About 13 years ago when my grandmother was dying of cancer my grandfather said something that has stuck with me. Talking about death, he said, "That is something can't none of us dodge." Boy was he right. Last time I checked the death rate is hovering around 100% and the only thing certain in this life besides taxes is death. When we move past the inevitability of death, we have to consider what it means to be prepared for death. Do we have our affairs in order? Have we made any arrangements we needed to make? Have we given directions to our loved ones about services? Have we done all those things we think need to be done prior to our final good-bye. But more importantly, have we settled our account with God. Have we made clear to Him, and ourselves, where we stand on a relationship with Him. Have we sought His forgiveness for our sins or are we taking the penalty of our sins into eternity with us? Have we accepted the free gift of salvation that is offered through Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross. 

The beauty of the situation is we don't have to wait until we are on our death bed (if we are fortunate enough to have one) before we make a decision concerning salvation. As it says in 2 Corinthians 6:2, "Today is the day of salvation" (NLT). Today is as good a day as any to accept God's free gift of salvation. All it requires is for you to put your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, believing that He is the perfect Son of God, who died for the sins of mankind, and who was raised from the dead by the power of God. Seek His forgiveness for your sins and as the Prophet Isaiah said, "Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near." (Isaiah 55:6). Because one day you won't be able to make that decision any longer. You will either be in heaven with God for all eternity because you made the decision to follow Christ, or you'll be separated and cut off from the presence of God for all eternity in hell. It's that simple. Eternity holds two destinations and you choose where you'll be.

My encouragement to you today is to put your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior so you don't have to worry about what happens to you when this life is over. You can enjoy what this life has in store for you as you walk through it with Him as your guide. If you're ready to make that decision and need someone to talk to, email me at pastornick@northcatawbabaptist.com and I will be glad to talk with you about it. If you have a friend or family member who needs to hear this truth about life, death, heaven, and hell, then I encourage you, out of your love for them, to share this post with them. It's never to early to share Jesus with someone who doesn't know Him.


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