Plexit

In the UK we have been suffering through two years of Brexit, and the arguments why we should stay or leave the EU, depending on which side of the debate fence you sit on. Whichever way you look at it, at least we are talking about it ad nauseum (literally!).

At the same time, there is another referendum which is more serious, but few talk about it. Let me introduce you to Plexit, the vote we all have but few cast, on what we do to prepare for the sure and certain event called ‘Planet Exit’. I suggest that we don’t have to give it much thought, because we have been convinced that everybody goes to heaven anyway. We will make a few exceptions for some murderers and peopophiles, but other than a few exceptions heaven is a cert! Really?

If you think we are here on this earth as a result of chance, an accident of nature, or a mutation of evolution, then you should have no worry about leaving this earth, because it then stands to reason that there can be no heaven or hell. But most people agree that there is a God, whether they go to church or not. In the same manner, they have convinced themselves that this loving God would never send any of His creation to hell. Ergo, it’s heaven!! How convenient.

On the other side of the debate are the Christians who believe by faith in a glorious heaven, and know it in their heart.They are also very aware of the real existence of the devil and his hell. The Bible talks a great deal about both heaven and hell and leaves the decision to us. This is a choice we make in the here and now. We can’t change our mind when we get to the wrong place in eternity. What are we doing to prepare, because the Bible is clear?

Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2Corinthians6:2NKJV

We Can Certainly Do It

We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it. Numbers 13:30

We are surrounded by good friends who would do anything to help in your time of need. When you look at them, they are in no fit state to help anyone, or so you think. But they step up where others step back, and put their shoulder to the wheel and set themselves against the job to be done. That, my friend, is selfless.

Have you ever noticed that they usually are the ones who seem weak, with enough of their own issues, and least able or likely to help, but are the true friends who, with a broad grin will lend that ungrudging helping hand? I have seen it first hand, and the images don’t go away.

I have taken a liberty with the text, and used bold and underline colour to highlight and make my point. As I become older and have seen more of life, it has occurred to me that people who have their own serious struggles have an outlook which is at odds with their condition. Or so we think. They don’t see it that way. When you are faced with the brevity of life, it all takes on new meaning. There is nothing to prove now. You don’t have to feel obliged. Faith is real and unquestioned. All the minor problems of faith don’t count, because you now know without any shadow of doubt, what is true. And more importantly, Who is true. Jesus Christ is the author of their faith, it is no longer theory, and they KNOW it. Be thankful for the Spirit of God you see plainly in the hearts and lives of those who battle any serious illness, and we all know some who will give their best for the sake of others, and their Saviour. It’s the least they can do. I know it and you do too! The Word of God has echoed their sentiment clearly.

I can do all this through Him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

I know that You can do all things; no purpose of Yours can be thwarted. Job 42:2

Hope

Brothers and sisters, we want you to know about those who have died. We don’t want you to be sad like other people—those who have no hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:13

‘Hopeless’ is a sad and empty word, but we throw it around carelessly and sometimes in fun. This week I have attended the funeral of two friends, both of whom were good people, kind, gentle  and the sort of person you would easily warm to if you met them. All funeral services have similar characteristics, like sadness, grief, a eulogy that helps the deceased’s remaining family good, friends who gather to show their respect, and tears of grief.

On this earth, we are endowed and blessed with free will, and some use that freedom to reject the gift of salvation. A gift known about, and yet not believed or accepted. The tributes to my friends were fulsome and sincere, but these services were clearly conducted to honour the past of the one who died, and the respect of those left behind, but they were incomplete. Hope was missing.

There was no recognition of a beautiful heaven, final bodily healing, the love of a Saviour, redemption, or meeting loved ones again someday. In the true meaning of the word, these services were ‘hopeless’, and very cold. The apostle Paul recognises the sadness of death for those who remain, but he stresses that he doesn’t want us to be sad like those who have no hope. The only people who have this eternal hope, which means it isn’t a hopeless life or death, are the body of believers who call themselves Christians. No others. I am thankful for this assurance of hope we can have and profess.