Rest in Peace

This past Monday, Bobby Vee died at 73 of complications from Alzheimer’s disease. Although I wasn’t a big fan of the singer, his death hit close to home. Bobby’s first concert in February 1959 (following the plane crash in Iowa that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper) was five blocks from the house in Moorhead, Minnesota where I spent most of my childhood. At that time my dad went to Fargo Central High School with Bobby and shared an art class with him. 

Another famous singer who died this past week was Pete Burns of the English band Dead or Alive. They are perhaps best known for their 1985 hit “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)”, a song I used to play as a nightclub disc jockey.

Whenever people die, those who care about them will often say “rest in peace.” Sometimes the initials R.I.P. are engraved on real headstones as well as Halloween decorations. R.I.P. originated from the Latin phrase “requiescat in pace.”

The truth is that all dead people are not resting in peace. When a person dies they either experience great joy in heaven or eternal torment in hell. There is no in-between place such as purgatory. Hebrews 9:27 says, “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.”

One doesn’t magically change into an angel or get a free pass into heaven just because they had a rough life or were “good.” The Lord said in Isaiah 48:22, “There is no peace…for the wicked.” The wicked are not select individuals the world considers “bad people.” All of us have broken God’s laws and need a Savior. 

If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ. Once you do that, then you can truly have rest and peace in this life and the next.

“For those who follow godly paths will rest in peace when they die.” - Isaiah 57:2 (NLT) 

Resurrection Power

An objection some people bring up regarding the gospel is comparing Jesus to other religious figures such as Buddha and Mohammed. My usual response is quoting what Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” 

I also like to point out what happens when Christians obey the Great Commission. Jesus said in Mark 16:17-18, “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” I’ve yet to see someone healed in the name of Allah or Buddah.

Another commandment Jesus gave His disciples was to “raise the dead.” (Matthew 10:8) While I personally haven’t seen a dead body come back to life, I know of other ministers God used to restore life to individuals who briefly died. Romans 4:17 says that God “…gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did.”

The resurrection of Jesus Himself is a key tenet of the Christian faith. Look at 1 Corinthians 15…

16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 

17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 

18 Then also those who have fallen asleep [died] in Christ have perished. 

19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.

During Bible times, there was a religious sect called the Sadducees who denied the resurrection of the dead and the supernatural. As I’ve heard other ministers proclaim, that’s why the Sadducees were “sad…you see.”  

When Martha was grieving over the death of her brother Lazarus, Jesus told her in John 11:25-26, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” Lazarus was soon raised from the dead.

In the next chapter, Jesus said in John 12:24, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain.” Maybe the Lord gave you promises that haven’t been fulfilled yet and has even allowed some of them to “die.” But in His timing, God can bring those dead dreams back to life.

Romans 8:11 says, “…the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you.” Resurrection power is available for every area of your life. So if you know the Lord, then you can proclaim the words of an old Snap song, “I’ve got the power!”

“For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will.” - John 5:21

Thoughts and Prayers

Often when a tragedy occurs such as this past Tuesday’s train wreck in Philadelphia, people will say to victims and family members, “Our thoughts and prayers are with you.”  Many of them may be sincere in expressing their condolences but are they really being helpful just thinking about another person’s calamity? Nowadays people say, “Our thoughts go out to you” because it's politically incorrect to mention prayers. What good are thoughts going to do for someone unless prayers are attached?

It is true thoughts can have an impact on our own lives. Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” In Matthew 5:27-28, Jesus even equated the thought of committing adultery to actual sin.

On the other hand, good thoughts towards others will help only if acted upon. Let’s suppose the Lord puts it on your heart to give something to someone. Would that person benefit just by you thinking about blessing him? Of course not! James 2:16 says, “…and one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit?”

When you come across people going through a difficult time, don’t use the cliché that you are thinking about them. At the very least, pray for them!

“Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” 

- James 4:17

Pass Me the Peeps

Some Christians prefer to call Easter “Resurrection Sunday.” One reason is the word Easter supposedly derived from the name of a goddess associated with spring. Because of this, a few Christians consider Easter a pagan holiday and distance themselves from it.

Nevertheless, modern dictionaries define Easter as a Christian festival. It’s also worth noting the word Easter is found in the King James Bible; “And when he [Herod] had apprehended him [Peter], he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.” (Acts 12:4)

I believe one can get too religious about certain holidays. Psalm 118:24 says, “This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Easter is an excellent time to tell sinners about what the Savior did for them so they have the opportunity to receive eternal life.  

One time in Charleston, South Carolina, I took part in an Easter Party Outreach held in a neighborhood park. We reached out to the community with the love of Jesus by giving away food, Easter baskets, and most importantly the gospel. In and around a prayer tent, I got to lead seven people to the Lord plus encouraged a backslider to “slide back” to God. More people received salvation at the end when a local pastor delivered a short sermon and then conducted a group prayer.

As a kid, I received candy from “the Easter Bunny.” When I later found out the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, and the Tooth Fairy were fictional characters, I questioned God’s existence for many years. Parents shouldn’t deceive their children like that. Easter is not about some rabbit delivering candy but a risen Savior who delivered us from eternal damnation. 1 Corinthians 15:17 says, “And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!”  

Let’s tell the world what Easter is truly about...and if offered to me, I will still enjoy some Easter candy. Pass me the Peeps!

“So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.” 

- Colossians 2:16-17

Never Die?

Recently while evangelizing on the streets of Tampa, Florida, I talked with a man who claimed God told him he would never die. He affirmed this belief even after I quoted Hebrews 9:27, “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” It amazes me how some individuals think they will be an exception and live forever on this earth. Although God wants us to have a long life (Psalm 91:16), we still live in a cursed world. People die unexpectedly every day from diseases, accidents, murders, and other tragedies.

John 11 contains a passage that appears to be contradictory...

25 Jesus said to her [referring to Martha], “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 

26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

27 She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

Scripture shows there are two different kinds of death: physical and spiritual. Except for Enoch and Elijah, every person mentioned in the Bible experienced a physical death. That’s when their spirit separated from their body. Everyone who dies without knowing the Lord will experience spiritual death. Four times in the book of Revelation it’s referred to as the second death...

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” - Revelation 2:11

“Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.” - Revelation 20:6

“Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” - Revelation 20:14

“But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” - Revelation 21:8

Except for Christians who are alive when the Lord raptures His church, everybody will die someday. If the trumpet sounded right now, would you be ready to meet Him in the air?

“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.” 

- 1 Corinthians 15:22

Believe in the Lord

During my teens, the Bee Gees were my favorite singing group. Ever since two of its members died (twins Maurice and Robin Gibb in 2003 and 2012 respectively), I’ve often wondered if either of them made it into heaven. Recently while searching the Internet concerning that, I found a music video of a Bee Gees song I never heard before. From a 1970 album and film called “Cucumber Castle”, Maurice performed “The Lord” with his brother Barry. This may be the closest the Brothers Gibb ever came to writing and recording a gospel song. Here’s a portion of its lyrics…

What do you get for trying?

Minute you're born, you're dying

The body is six feet down

The Lord said the soul sticks around

Well, you can believe what you wanna

But I know what I'm gonna do

I'm gonna believe in the Lord

When I’m out street evangelizing, a frequent response people give when asked why they would go to heaven is, “I believe in God.” That’s a good start…certainly better than not believing there is a God. Still that alone won’t result in anyone passing through the Pearly Gates. James 2:19 says, “You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!” The Amplified Bible renders the latter part of that verse as, “So do the demons believe and shudder [in terror and horror such as make a man’s hair stand on end and contract the surface of his skin]!”

The devil certainly believes in God. After all, that fallen angel was created by the Almighty and has even seen Him. Do you think Satan will spend eternity in heaven? Absolutely not! Matthew 25:41 says that hell was prepared for the devil and his angels. Unfortunately many people who died believing in the existence of God go there everyday. 

There is another step one must take to ensure he or she receives eternal life. Romans 10:9-10 says, “…if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Have you done that yet?

“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” – John 3:3

Help From Above

How many times have you heard someone say, “God helps those who help themselves”? Some people quote that like it came directly from the Bible. Yet that phrase is found nowhere in Scripture.

Psalm 46:1 tells us that God is “a very present help in trouble.” He is willing to guide us through any problem we find ourselves in. But in James chapter 2, both verses 20 and 26 say, “Faith without works is dead.” Some Christians expect God to do everything for them when they need to take corresponding action to what they believe.

For example, let’s say you need a job. The first thing you should do is pray for God to lead you to the right one. But unless God gives you specific instructions to wait on Him or apply at a particular place, you might need to fill out a few applications. It’s unlikely an employer will come looking for you. Jesus’ exhortation to “seek and you will find” (Matthew 7:7) could apply here.

 

At the beginning of 1996 I had just received the revelation that I was called to full-time ministry. After attempting to step out as a full-time evangelist, the Lord quickly showed me it wasn’t time to do that yet. So I resumed working through a temporary agency. But then God instructed me to get a permanent job. I applied for a full-time position at a couple pf places but didn’t have peace in my heart. For the next few days, I got a little anxious because I couldn’t discern where the Lord wanted me to work.

Then one morning, I was at a prayer meeting when the thought popped in my mind about working for Billy Graham. At that time, the world’s best-known evangelist had his ministry headquarters in Minneapolis (which has since moved to Charlotte, North Carolina). Since I knew Billy’s ministry produced films, I inquired about doing audio/visual work for them. At the time, there weren’t any openings in that department. So I initially applied for a mailroom position.

A week later when it came time for my interview, I was told another position had “just opened up.” I immediately knew this was the job God wanted me to do there. Six days later I started work at World Wide Pictures, the film ministry of Billy Graham. My job was calling pastors around the country scheduling evangelistic films to be shown in their churches. I worked there off and on for three years until the Lord told me to leave for good and go on the mission field full-time.

In his book, “It’s Your Move”, Kenneth Hagin Jr. compares our Christian walk to a chess game. When we make a move, then God makes a move. Some believers are reluctant to step out until they see the total picture. But as his father Kenneth E. Hagin often said, “It is easier to steer a car when it is moving than when it is parked.” The Lord usually leads us one step at a time.

On the other hand, many people go the other extreme and try to accomplish things without any reliance on the Lord. Deuteronomy 8:17-18 warns, “then you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’ And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” 

Maybe you recall facing a financial dilemma you didn’t know how to resolve but God came through at the last minute. Perhaps you had a sickness in your body that no doctor could cure but the Lord miraculously healed you. No amount of self-help materials would have assisted you out of those situations.

The truth is God helps those who cannot help themselves.

“When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.” - Romans 5:6 (NLT)

Raised From the Dead

Recently I got together with an old friend for coffee. Her expressing interest in going to Germany inspired me to show her photos on my laptop from the times I went there. A few of the photos were from a Reinhard Bonnke meeting at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. During which, a Nigerian pastor testified of being raised from the dead after receiving glimpses of both heaven and hell. My friend’s attitude suddenly changed as she called that “satanic” and said, “I’ll bet you a million dollars this is not true!” When I mentioned Jesus’ commandment in Matthew 10:8 to “raise the dead”, she said that was for the Jews only.

I found out my friend believes “Paul’s gospel” and claimed the apostle didn’t raise anyone from the dead. In response, I reminded her of the incident of Eutychus falling out of a window. My friend insisted it was Peter who God used to bring that dead man back to life. Not wanting to debate doctrine with my friend, I changed the subject. But when I got home, I read the following verses in Acts 20…

9 And in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep. He was overcome by sleep; and as Paul continued speaking, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead.

10 But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, “Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him.”

11 Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed.

12 And they brought the young man in alive, and they were not a little comforted.

The next day I got together with my pastor for a prayer meeting. When I told Pastor Chuck what happened the night before, he reminded me of Paul himself coming back to life in Acts 14…

19 Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.

20 However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

Paul also wrote about a third heaven experience he had in 2 Corinthians 12:2-5. Therefore, it is scriptural for Christians to receive glimpses of eternity before they leave this earth for good. During a hospital stay in 1986, my grandmother went into a coma and later revealed she saw deceased relatives in heaven who basically told her it wasn’t time to go yet (Grandma Post lived another fourteen years before she went home to be with the Lord in 2000). Since then, I’ve met numerous individuals who had briefly died but came back to life.

Again I don’t want to stir up strife with my friend. But it would be nice if she had the million dollars she offered to bet me. Then I’d have more than enough finances to fly back to Germany.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

- Hebrews 13:8

The King of Pop and the King of Kings

Last night I received the news that Michael Jackson had died. The singer dubbed the “King of Pop” was only 50 years old. Michael’s career impacted many people’s lives including my own. In my late teens, I bought copies of his “Off the Wall” and “Thriller” albums. At 20 when I started pursuing a secular music career, I purchased a jacket similar to the one Michael wore in the “Thriller” video. While working as a nightclub disc jockey, I often played Michael’s music, which usually packed the dance floor.

After committing my life to Jesus in 1991, I frequently prayed for Michael Jackson’s salvation. Because he was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness, I was concerned about his eternal destiny. A few years ago Michael reportedly met with preacher/motivational speaker Paula White. I had hoped Paula talked with Michael about the necessity of being born again. But then I also found out that Michael supposedly embraced Islam last November largely through the encouragement of his brother Jermaine who had became a Muslim.

So is Michael Jackson in heaven right now? Only God knows for sure. One of my Facebook friends informed me that gospel musician Andrae Crouch (who previously worked with Michael) prayed with the King of Pop three weeks before his death. Andrae later clarified Michael didn’t specifically pray for salvation. Still I’m hoping Michael is now moonwalking on the Streets of Gold. It would be a tragedy if the Lord told Michael at the pearly gates to "Beat It."

In the meantime, there are still people alive who aren't born again. Let's get our attention back to reaching the lost. We can also pray for laborers to reach the rest of the Jackson family so that they all come to know the King of kings.

“These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” – Revelation 17:14