This present life has a way of making things and happenings of this world seem important–even to the believer.
HOWEVER, there are occasions which compel one to remember EXACTLY what is important–and just how quickly separation from the brief interlude called LIFE can take place.
One of those occasions when one is reminded of the temporary nature of this life is the death of a childhood friend.
The death of a childhood friend may strike a person harder than the passing of a family member because one usually has some warning when a family member’s life is liable to end (sickness, old age, etc.).
When one reads of an old friend’s passing (particularly of a once-childhood pal who–for whatever reason–moved on out of one’s life as both people got older), most likely the first thing to come to mind are a variety of memories.
Good times, bad times, not-so-special times when hanging out as one matures: these are usually one’s first visitors upon learning the news.
Then, thoughts of when last one talked with the person–as well as questions about just exactly WHY the two of you no longer stayed in contact–make their rounds.
As stated, the death of a long-ago friend brings into focus how temporary this present life is.
IF one is honest with one’s self, such an occasion can make a person admit that “One of these days, I’ll be passing away as well.”
It is at times like these that one is reminded of the TOTAL importance of being a member of the kingdom of heaven.
Death holds no terror for a believer.
Perhaps some anxiety as to the particulars, but definitely NO terror.
“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
–1CORINTHIANS 15:55-57
And so, it is at times such as these (when musings of one’s mortality become more immediate than normal), that one is reminded of one’s duties IF one is a believer.
1- Share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Yes, almost everyone who hears the gospel of Jesus Christ will reject it, but then that makes turning away THEIR decision. If one did not share the gospel, then perhaps that decision is taken out of their hands.
THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. ”
–1 Corinthians 15:3-8
2- Thank God for His mercy.
One could not enjoy this life to the fullest and what comes afterward IF NOT for the unending grace of God.
3- Pray for all of those still living to be awakened and obtain eternal salvation.
The prayers of a believer are EXTREMELY important for the salvation of his friends and family–and others as well.
MORE: PRAY FOR THE LOST: The Importance of Believers Praying for the Salvation of the Lost
There are occasions which remind one EXACTLY what is important.
And what IS important is that those occasions belong to a brief life which is followed by another, much better one which lasts, not for a finite number of years, but for ALL eternity.
DOES the reader mull over questions and thoughts of his life upon learning of the death of someone who was once close to the reader?
OR, does the reader dismiss such thoughts as “brainwashing” by those danged Christians?
It is not YET too late: there is still time to change direction (repent), place your faith (hope) for the future entirely on Jesus Christ and enter the kingdom of heaven.
DOES the reader believe he is saved?
Make Your Calling and Election Sure: End Times Survival
DOES the reader believe he is NOT saved?
Time is Running Out: Today is the Day of Salvation
- Gospel of Jesus Christ: Making a Choice
- The Gospel of Jesus Christ
- Gospel of Jesus Christ: The Power of God Unto Salvation
- Gospel of Jesus Christ: The End Times Power of God Unleashed
THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST
“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. ”
–1 Corinthians 15:1-8
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
-–Romans 1:16
MORE: Eternal Salvation Through Jesus Christ: Salvation Messages from End Times Prophecy Report
[Portions of this piece appeared originally in End Times Prophecy Headlines: January 10-12, 2020.]
MORE
- PRAY FOR THE LOST: The Importance of Believers Praying for the Salvation of the Lost
- Praying For the Lost
- 10 Prayers for the Believer’s Prayer List
- PRAY ALWAYS: End Times Preparation
- SPIRITUAL WARFARE: The Explosive Power of the Believer’s Prayers
- EFFECTIVE PRAYER: Importune God
- Answered Prayers: Pray According to the Will of the Father
- Does it Do Any Good for the Wicked to Pray to God?
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- God is in Control
- The Nature of Spiritual Deception
- Tender Mercies of the Lord: Will Not Always Be Available
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by Jeremiah Jameson
–with Mondo Frazier
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