In This Issue:
To Be with Christ is Far Better
Roll Call
Only the Shack Was Destroyed
Death God Will Be with Us
The Word of God on Death
Nothing to Fear
Volume: 949 March 18, 2024
Theme: Death
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To Be with Christ Is Far Better
Bill Brinkworth
Most people, Christians included, have much fear and anxiety about their death. Paul had a much different outlook on his.
His attitude was that his life here on Earth was more important to others than to him (Phil. 1:24). He considered death a gain to him rather than a great loss.
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21
That is a much different view than those living for the party scene would have. They look forward to constant excitement and festivity. If they could not be partying, they would not be happy. The thought of death and the next life would not be something they would look forward to, as it would be different from what they currently enjoy.
Self-centered people enjoy when they are the center of attention, and their needs are catered to. They also would fear an eternal future where they were not in the position to get what they wanted and run the show.
One seeking political power and money is satisfied when he is running things, and his voice is the one changing the way people live. He would also not be content in Heaven, where God is the only ruling power, and His will is the only one that matters.
A Christian, however, should have a completely different view of his eternal future, as did Paul. This life is not our permanent home; we are just “pilgrims passing through”. While here on Earth, we have a purpose to be a good testimony for the cause of Christ and to serve the Lord in any way we can.
If we have done what the Bible says one must do to have God’s promise of going to Heaven by being saved, we no longer have to fear eternity. We can have great peace that the world does not have concerning this matter (Psalms 119:165). We may even find ourselves like Paul, longing for Heaven but happy serving the Lord while we are here.
“For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:” Philippians 1:23
“God will survive your rejection, but you won’t survive His!”
A soldier wounded lay dying in his cot. Suddenly, the deathlike stillness of the room was broken by the cry, “Here! Here,” which burst from the lips of the dying man.
Friends rushed to the spot and asked what he wanted. “Hark,” he said, “they are calling the roll in Heaven, and I am answering to my name.” In a few moments, once more he whispered, “Here!” and passed into the presence of the King.
“Aspire to inspire before you expire!”
Only the Shack Was Destroyed
C. H. Spurgeon
Certain Swiss peasants were feeding their flocks on one of the lofty upland valleys. On one side of the pasture stood several wooden huts where they lived during the summer. They were poor shacks, which they left as soon as the winter set in.
One day, they heard a strange rumbling up in the lofty Alps, and they understood what it meant: a mass of rock, snow, or ice had fallen and would soon come crashing down in the form of an avalanche. In a short time, their fears were realized when they saw the tremendous mass come rushing from above, bearing destruction in its course. What did it destroy? Only the old wooden shacks. Every one of the shepherds and their family was safe.
Their case is a picture of ours. The “avalanche” of death will come one day. When it does, only the saint’s temporary earthen house will be destroyed. The real “them” will be safe and live an everlasting life. Will you fret over so small a loss?
“For the child of God, death is the entranceway to heaven.”
What is death? Oh! What is death?
‘Tis the snapping of the chain;
‘Tis the breaking of the bowl;
‘Tis relief from every pain;
‘Tis freedom to the soul.
‘Tis the setting of the sun
To rise again tomorrow,
A brighter course to run
Nor sink again in sorrow.
Such is death! Yes, such is death!
What is death? Oh, what is death?
‘Tis slumber to the weary;
‘Tis rest to the forlorn;
‘Tis shelter to the dreary;
‘Tis peace amid the storm;
‘Tis the entrance to our home;
‘Tis the passage to that God
Who bids His children come
When their weary course is trod.
Such is death! Yes, such is death!
No earthly friend can indeed accompany one in death. There is no human arm on which we can steady ourselves as we walk through its dark valley. Although we may then be alone in one sense, we will not be alone in another, as the Saviour has promised to accompany us. He said, “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Isa 43:2
Surely then we can also sing as did David, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4
When a child walks down a dark road at night, does he fear when he walks it with his father? No, because his parent’s hand is locked in his. The presence of his father dismisses all his fears.
So, when we are in the hands of our heavenly Father, we need not fear. He who holds up worlds can protect us; He has pledged Himself to do so, if we fully trust Him.
- “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4
- “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15
- “A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.” Eccl. 7:1
- “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
- “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23
- “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Philippians1:21
- “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” Heb. 9:27
- “So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”
I Cor. 15:54-55
“The wages of sin is death. There is no minimum wage!” — Author Unknown
For the believer, there is nothing to fear when one dies. For the unsaved, there is much to be afraid of. Are you sure you are saved and going to Heaven one day?
Here is what the Bible says one must do to have the assurance of Heaven:
- Know that you are a sinner:
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23 Also: Romans 5:12, I John 1:10.
- Hell is the payment for all who have sinned.
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Rom. 6:23
“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” Romans 5:12
- BUT, there is good news! Jesus’ death on the cross is the payment for the sins of all that call upon Him for salvation!
“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:9
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Rom. 10:13
That is what the Bible says one must do to be saved. Now, it is up to you to ask Jesus to save you. Please do it now! If you want to discuss it with someone, please e-mail me at brinkworth@frontier.com. I would be honored to talk to you about your salvation.
“Strive to live so that when you die, even the undertaker will be unhappy.”