On Sunday we continue looking at our subject ‘Matters of Life and Death’ and we’ll be looking at the issue of death. Before we get too morbid, let’s remind ourselves that, in Christ, death is not the final curtain but the gateway that takes us into the very presence of the Lord. The apostle Paul asked the question in 1 Corinthians 15:55, ‘Where, O death, is your victory?’ and ‘Where, O death, is your sting?’ He was really saying that, while we might go through the experience of death, it does not have the final victory; Christ does, and his assurance of everlasting life is part of the fruit of his grand defeat of sin and death, achieved through his crucifixion, sacrifice and resurrection!
Our greatest hope and the pinnacle of our faith is that one day we will be released from this fallen world and these ageing bodies, and we will marvel in the presence and the glory of God forever. Meanwhile, we have much to do and many kingdom adventures to live, so I encourage you not to be fearful, but to live life to the full, as commanded by Jesus. Enjoy the days that you have been given and endeavour to glorify God through it all and in all circumstances. Remember that your times are in his hands! (See Psalm 31:15.)