Got your attention? Good. Have you ever been in a "life and death" situation? You may be in one right now and not realize it. No, I don't mean there is an out of control car headed your way or a meteorite about to crush you into the ground. Allow me to back up and explain where I'm coming from. In the last three days, I have attended a funeral, gotten some unsettling health news about a dear friend, and witnessed a baptism into Christ. But, none of these are "life and death" situations. What? A funeral? Bad health news? Nope. In each case, the person involved was and is a Christian. Both young men gave their lives to Christ and in turn, claimed eternal life and the hope of Heaven. So, I like to think of them as being in a "life and life" situation. Life here or life there. No death. Not really. Suffering, pain, troubles? Yes. But, not death. Death was defeated. God fought that battle and won. Now to the baptism. This young woman was obedient to Christ and showed her faithfulness to His plan by submitting to baptism. By being buried with Christ in the waters of baptism, she was raised to be a new person. Through that act and a faithful life, she puts her gift of eternal life on layaway. It's there waiting on her. Does that mean her life here will be trouble-free and easy? Not at all. I am sure Satan is already preparing darts with her name on them. But, God has her back! He will walk with her through this life right into the next...life and life!
Now, back to you. Do you enjoy this life and life...well, life? Or, are you in a life and death situation because you have not exchanged your submission to His will for that eternal prize? Will your physical death be, well, the death of you? That word eternal means forever. No do-overs, no second chances. You are living your second chance now. Take advantage of it. Take God up on His offer to save you from your sins and set you free! Become part of the family of God that knows death can be a "life and life" situation!
Romans 8:1-2 "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death."
Romans 8:18 "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."
Mark 16:16 "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be damned."
