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'Christ in You...'
by Dale Krebbs
Some live their lives as though they really CAN take it with them - whatever they really want to take with them when they die. Perhaps their philosophy is like a well known comedian who said he was not taking the chance of not being able to take it with him; he was sending his on ahead of him. This nearly always gets a laugh. Why? Because they "know" no one can do that. Not many believe (I hope) that's possible with material things. Some believe that they can do neither one. When its over, it over. They can "only go around once".
But what if they are wrong?
What if they can send something on ahead that can be had after they die? Can you take anything at all? What greater disaster could there be? On the chance that you can take something, then what can you "take with you"? In a sense, the comedian was correct in his proposed intention - he really could have sent something on ahead. Did you know you can, too? I can. Others can. But, are they willing to prepare that which can be sent on ahead when they die, so that it can be sent?
No, you can't "take it with you". But the incredible irony: you can send "something" on ahead of you. IF - if you know what, and how.
You and I will probably never meet. This being probable, I must say this to you: you can send something ahead of you before you die. Some have made what is supposed to humorous statements about those who believe in Jesus Christ, as trying to get a "one way ticket to heaven". Sometimes jokes are made by those who are afraid that those who have given their lives to Christ just might be right - they make jokes and ridicule mostly in a friendly way, and it eases their fear. But the truth you can send your life ahead of you when you die; actually before you die!
If you decide to turn from who you are - no matter how good you are, or how good of a life you have tried to live, or how much of a good person you are - if you will give all of who you are without reservations to Jesus Christ, turning from all your natural goodness or badness, He will guarantee that when you die, the other you that He has built into you will go on ahead of you. The real, the new "you" will be preserved - not your body that has died, but your spirit, that which contains all that you have been made into, and He will give you a new body. It will look basically the same, but without any flaws.
When Jesus Christ returns He will resurrect you, and give you your new flawless body. You can never die again. You will live forever, in a new body, in a new world.
There is much, much more.
However, there is danger in delay. Many have said in their minds, "...maybe someday..." But they didn't. But since you are reading this, you still can.
I implore you, yes, I beg you to surrender your life to Jesus Christ, get to know Him through the Bible and praying to Him. He will change you by a supreme makeover that will then be able to live for all eternity. without a pain, without a worry, without sorrow, without ever getting old, sick, or being worried, afraid, or uncertain about anything. Happiness like you cannot imagine now...
Take notice! I tell you a mystery (a secret truth, an event decreed by the hidden purpose or counsel of God). We shall not all fall asleep [in death], but we shall all be changed (transformed). In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the [sound of the] last trumpet call. For a trumpet will sound, and the dead [in Christ] will be raised imperishable (free and immune from decay), and we shall be changed (transformed). For this perishable [part of us] must put on the imperishable [nature], and this mortal [part of us, this nature that is capable of dying] must put on immortality (freedom from death). And when this perishable puts on the imperishable and this that was capable of dying puts on freedom from death, then shall be fulfilled the Scripture that says, Death is swallowed up (utterly vanquished {]forever) in and unto victory." - 1 Corinthians 15:51-54 (AMP)
No matter what your reaction may be to what has just been written, please read and ponder the following quote:
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain that which he cannot lose" - Jim Elliot, Missionary
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