Dear friends:

A famous comedian once shared that the first thing he does every morning is to read the obituary section of the newspaper.  He explained, “I want to make sure I am not in there.”
 
He may be the same rich comedian who also once quipped, “If I can’t take it with me, I’m not going!”
 
Well, he eventually went, and reports are that he didn’t take it with him.
 
I also try to read the obituary section every day, but not for the same reason as that comedian.  I want to find out if anyone I know, or once knew, is in there.
 
This happened recently.  One morning I was shocked to see a photo and article about the passing of a great man whom I was privileged to briefly meet at a Christmas party amongst Christians in December 2006.

The obituary extolled the business and personal virtues of this wonderful man.  It described him as a "leader, volunteer, philanthropist and benefactor."

He was also a committed Christian, faithful church member, and supporter of Christian ministries.  He said he actually built the church where he had attended for so long.

One day last year I gave him a follow-up telephone call.  I was looking for some information and thought he could help.  He did, and we conversed about a few things, including spiritual things.  In the conversation, this great Christian man made a shocking admission, which later made me realize why I was led to call him.  He said one thing that always concerned him is that he has never been sure that he would go to heaven when he dies.  This came from a man who sat in church week after week for decades and had done many great works for the Lord.  But as the late Dr. Bill Bright taught, this sad problem is common throughout the churches in America and the world.

I ministered to him how from God's Word he can be assured of his salvation.  I shared with him 1 John 5:13: "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life." I shared some other confirming Scriptures, and pointed out the need to simply trust what God says.  He seemed to immediately understand.  It was as though a light bulb came on in his mind and spirit.  I then I asked if he would like to pray with me, affirming his faith in God's Word and the reality of his salvation, thanking God.  He eagerly said yes.  We prayed.  My call and our conversation was a divine appointment, all orchestrated from above.

Afterward, he said that he had a new peace, and expressed his gratitude for my call and ministry.

That conversation in early 2007 was the last time we spoke.  Now, just a few months later, my new friend has gone to be with this great Savior, who shed His blood for him, and who gave him His assuring Word.  Before he left in peace, my friend was at last persuaded that God was able to keep that which was committed unto Him against that day.
 
Do you have that problem of assurance?  If so, just reread and believe God’s promises.  He cannot lie.  And your salvation does not depend on what you do for Him, but what He has done for you.  Jesus paid it all.  All to Him we owe.  Sin has left a crimson stain, but He washed it white as snow.
 
This subject comes up today because just yesterday I learned that three former high school friends and classmates have recently left this world and gone into eternity.  While we have been out of touch, thankfully in the past 20 years I have been able to share Jesus and the gospel with two of them.  I do not know if they received the message, but I pray that they did.  I did my part.  The rest was up to God.
 
Do not be shy about Jesus with friends and acquaintances.  That inescapable Day is coming for every person.  Someday they will be in the obituaries.  You may be their only opportunity they will ever have to discover God’s love and forgiveness available to them through Christ’s great sacrifice. 
 
God bless you,
 
Jim