Think Spot

Think Spot 5th November 2012

“For me to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1: 21) “What do you mean we must be born again? Isn't this a Christian country?” These two questions plus a tug on my arm as I walked down the centre aisle after the mid week service were put to me by a lady who had been going to our mission church for a long while but never normally said too much. Mrs D had been diagnosed with cancer and was on a tablet system to hold back the cancer from spreading. The problem was that when she arrived in church on a Sunday or Tuesday evening she usually fell asleep especially during Bible teaching time. (The tablets had that effect on her.) This particular night she had looked sleepy on arrival but as i continued in my studies through the book of john. we had arrived at john3:3, a very important verse -“You must be born again, except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Jesus words were being addressed to a religious leader named Nicodemus. I had explained that just because you hold a high position in a church doesn’t mean you are a christian. Anyone, everyone must be born again to get into heaven. Everyone needs a supernatural work done in them by TheHoly Spirit to bring them to the new spiritual birth. Mrs D was angry as she said “Surely this is a Christian country isn't it? I sent up an arrow prayer quickly and then said calmly ”Mrs D what do you think?” She surprised me by saying' Well with all the horrible things going on here I suppose it isnt and Mr Allis please help me I want to become one. I was only too pleased to advise her as to the next step. “Mrs D, I will visit you in your home.“ Shortly after this her daughter rang me and told me her mum had been rushed into hospital and would have to have an operation. Whether she would pull through the operation or not was not certain. The next time I visited the hospital Mrs D had been operated on and was lying there unconscious. I approached the bed and prayed for her knowing she could hear me but could not respond. That was the last time I saw her alive. She died peacefully safe in the arms of Jesus. For her only a short life as a born again Christian on earth but now for her to die was gain. Death is but a doorway into a life eternal of bliss. The psalmist wrote “In your presence is fullness of joy and at your right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Paul imprisoned under house arrest was chained to a guard. before he was sent for trial and ultimately died as a martyr he said while chained to a guard. “for me to live is christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1: 21. Paul had no doubt about his future eternal existence which he looked forward to so much. He loved serving his Lord on earth but if he were to die whether by force or old age he knew that through His Saviour he had the promise of eternal life. Do you have that same confidence as Mrs D and Paul the apostle? It is important that you can answer that question in the affirmative. Joys Prayer When we consider martyrs who have died for their faith they have marched towards the stake singing hymns of triumph and glory seeing only Jesus in their vision. We are sure Lord that Jesus draws near to the dying saint to encourage and make us ready for the big day. Amen Right Mouse click to save this as an audio mp3 file

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