Christianity was supposed to be about becoming like Jesus. We went in the wrong direction.
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Facing Death

 

I once led a bible study with teen boys in a juvenile detention center. I was giving an illustration of what a living faith was by saying that if someone held a gun on me and told me that I had to do what he said, my response would be that if he pulled the trigger, I would instantly be with Jesus and he would be the one left trying to explain to the police where the body came from. One boy asked, “Do you really believe that?” My answer was a solemn “Yes”.

When I was in high school I delivered pizzas. I had a series of cars purchased around $25 each. At that time I was always waiting for the license plates to arrive and was used to getting stopped by the police to show that I had applied for the plates. One evening I was pulled over and got out of the car and was reaching for my wallet when I looked up and saw the cop pointing his gun at me with the hammer cocked. He was very nervous as he had thought I might be going for a gun.

Things like being in the Army during a war or facing a terminal illness also bring one to consider what happens after we die. The recent exposure of the nation to the Wuhan virus has brought many to reflect on their own mortality that they might not have considered it previously. There can be anxiety associated with having no certainty or hope (Eph 2:12)

Jesus told his followers that there was a way to have eternal life;

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. - John 5:24

The Christian can have assurance from the love he has for other Christians (John 13:35), that we do not see the bible as foolish (1 Cor 1:18), the presence of the Holy Spirit (2 Cor 1:22), and the assurance we can have from the bible (1 John 5:13).

This particular virus may prove not to be as deadly as first thought. However, regardless of  whether we become ill or not, it can be helpful to give some attention to our eternal fate and consider that in which we really trust.

Those who have died and are in Hades seem to finally recognize the truth that they were resistant to during their lives (Luke 16:28). Most people prefer a comfortable life and turn away from considering things that make them feel uncomfortable. This particular virus can be helpful if it leads some to seek after the one that can provide eternal life.

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: - John 11:25

As long as we have breath there is always hope that we can come to trust in Jesus, that he died for our sins, and rose again so that we might live with him.

  

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