Not a Tragedy to Go to Heaven!

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"Your faith in the Lord and your service are like a sacrifice offered to him. And my own blood may have to be poured out with the sacrifice. If this happens, I will be glad and rejoice with you.  In the same way, you should be glad and rejoice with me."

Philippians 2:17-18

Some people believe that "sacrifices" are no longer part of being a follower of the Lord.  That is quite wrong.  "Animal" sacrifices did cease, but presenting God with a sacrifice is alive and well!

Today there are at least two ways of making an acceptable sacrifice to the Lord.  These verses in Philippians say that your faith and service are a sacrifice to God.  And Paul said that he might have to pour out his blood along with their sacrifice. 

And then Paul said that if he were to give his life for Jesus he would be glad and rejoice and he wanted his brothers and sisters to rejoice with him!

I have never questioned the authenticity of the faith of a man or woman who would not renounce Jesus and then died for that refusal!  Remember that on the other side of the sword that takes your life for being a follower of Jesus is the most Glorious Reality you could ever imagine!  Think about the Words of Jesus when He told one of those crucified with Him, "Today you will be with Me in Paradise!" (Luke 23:43)

So today you can sacrifice by living for Jesus or you can sacrifice by dying for Him!  Either way, Paul says you can be glad and rejoice, no matter what happens!  It is not a tragedy to go to Heaven!

"Lord Jesus, thank You for the sweet assurance of Heaven and the Hope of an Eternity with You!  May Your Name be praised now and forever.  Amen."