Fear not! Death is part of life...are you ready to go?Today's Scripture:
To me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:21
Many people fear death. They worry that it could be painful, or extended. For humans, death is the ultimate enemy none of us can defeat on this earth. All religions in some way try to deal with the problem of death, making great promises about an afterlife or about another chance in this life. Christianity alone possesses the only One who has beaten death: Jesus. When Jesus rose from the dead after being crucified, he destroyed the devil's final bastion of power of over humankind. Jesus proclaimed that anyone who believe in him would also defeat death.
The apostle Paul faced death many times. Romans, Pharisees, and emperors threatened him. But he never gave in, and he never feared. While Paul lived on earth, he would know and experience Jesus all the more. And if he died, he would go to the presence of Jesus and live with him forever. For Paul, death was a chance to gain even more of what he had on earth, but with one difference: he would never have to die again.
Perhaps you have a great fear of death. Push those thoughts away.
Jesus promises that death is the doorway to the adventure of an eternity.
Death holds no scary monsters or demons. Death will be the ultimate journey of joy. And ready or not all of us must face it when it is our time.
Selah people' and friends Paul gave this antidote for men and women of all ages: live for Jesus. Do all you can to please him. That way, when the end comes, it will be a welcome move from the pains of this world to the glories of the next.
"May today we refocus our mind and our energy into living for Jesus instead of worrying about how or when we may die. For us, to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
Your pastor,
Rev Patrick Muston ~Via Mobile ...Mount Olive, NC
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