GOD’S WORD FOR  APRIL 28

We are reading from a daily devotional  called “Running To Win” written by Erwin Lutzer  and the late, great D.L. Moody.   Erwin Lutzer is a light in our day as D.L. Moody was in his.  Besides his many ministries, and many books, Pastor Lutzer was Senior Pastor at Moody Church in Chicago for 36 years and now serves as Pastor Emeritus there.  He is Chancelor and a former professor at Moody Bible Institute, where he taught Theology and Ministry, and now has numerous radio teachings.

DEATH:  THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CURTAIN

John 14:2

“In my Father’s house are many rooms.  If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?”

(incidentally, I find the translation of this verse above in the English Standard Version (ESV) more understandable than any other translations.   In the English language it makes far more sense than the others that say “if it were not so, I would have told you.”   I always thought, ‘ why would anyone assume that He would tell them something “isn’t so”  instead of just telling them what IS so?  But this, I believe, is the idea He had in mind because of the difference in word  positioning between Greek and English.   This is why it’s good to check out some verses in several translations and use commentaries)

D.L. MOODY

What has been, and is now, one of the strongest feelings in the human heart? Is it not to find some better place, some lovelier spot, than we have now?  It is for a place of rest that men everywhere are seeking, and they can have it if they will; but instead of looking down, they must look up to find it.  As men grow in knowledge, they vie with each other more and more in making their homes attractive, but the brightest home on Earth is but an empty barn compared with the mansions Jesus has gone to prepare. 

ERWIN LUTZER

Although Jesus conquered death, it is still our enemy.  It ruptures relationships.  I brings tears.  It brings loneliness.  It brings heartache.  This side of the curtain —mystery?  Yes!   Fear?   Yes!  If we are unsure what lies on the other side, we know it could be worse than what we’re experiencing right now.

But the good news is that the Bible sheds some light as to what we can expect when we die.  Jesus has the “keys of Death and Hades” (Revelation 1:18),  and stands ready to welcome those who belong to Him into their heavenly home.  Jesus has gone to heaven to prepare a place for us, and He promised to return to receive us to Himself (John 14:2-3).

Paul, facing the prospect of death, longed to “depart and be with Christ, for that is far better!  (Philippians 1:23).  When Stephen was being stoned, he saw Jesus in heaven, standing, ready to welcome him.  (Acts 7:55).

As for those who do not trust Christ, the prospect of death is terrifying.  On the other side is outer darkness, weeping and wailing.  A terrifying external existence.  Knowing Christ makes the difference.   Have you acknowledged Him as your PERSONAL Lord and Savior?

PRAYER

Father, thank You that Jesus has opened heaven’s door for me.  Please help me to live in light of eternity.

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John 10:27-29

My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me:  And I give unto them eternal life: and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.  My father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.

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Ephes. 1:13

In whom you also trusted, you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation in whom also after you believed, you were sealed with that Holy Spirit of Promise

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Psalm 37:18

 The LORD knows the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.

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James 1:12 

 Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

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I Corinthians 2:9

But as it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

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John 14:19

…Because I live you shall live also.

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Revelation 21:23

    “The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.”

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Revelation 22:5

    “There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign forever and ever.”

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Revelation 7:17

    “For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

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Isaiah 51:11

    “Those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”

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