THE QUESTION

Months of planning and organizing goes into a wedding, the birth of a person, career change, a speaking engagement, the purchase of a home and other temporal pursuits or events in life. Much as these are temporal events there is only one permanent event in life that no better preparations can be made due to its unpredictability as to when it will happen. That event is death and what happens after we die. President Mills who passed now knows the answer to this question. He knows he made the right decision to accept Christ and to seek for God in his presidency. What about you? You see, the result of this event is completely irreversible and undisputable once it is over. Everybody is supposed to make room for this event because of its high degree of randomness. Additionally, it affects all categories or levels of people that is white or black, rich or poor, young or old, Christian or non-Christian, believer or non-believer, atheist, gay, lesbian, Buddhist ,presidents, vice presidents, senators and so on.

The fact is that this event even though permanent does not give room for excellent preparations prior to its happening. Its results would be for eternity and no one is exempted. Now, the questions is, do we place the same importance on preparing for this event? It is the most important event in our lives and the only event whose results will last for eternity. Unfortunately, it cannot be postponed neither can any better preparations be made. Nevertheless, there is a way out. The only way out is to seek for the one who has control over this event. His name is Jesus Christ. He is the only One who has the answer to this problem.

THE WAY

Jesus is the only One who was able to boldly say that He has the keys of hell and of death because He died and rose again conquering death (Revelation 1:18). Also, Jesus said I’m the way the truth and the life and no one can come to the Father (God) but by me (John 14:6). It is true that there are several masters who profess to be God’s servant and are a way to God. However, there is only one way, one master and mediator between God and man and that is Jesus.

THE GOOD NEWS

The good news is that man condemns but Jesus convicts. Man disgraces but Jesus graces. Man rejects but Jesus restores (John 8:11, 15). There are many of us who have been condemned, disgraced and rejected by people because we are drug addicts, fornicators, adulterers, sexual perverts, gays, lesbians, armed robbers, trouble makers, prisoners but we want you to know that Jesus condemns you not. Jesus says let your condemnation bring you closer to me that you may be convicted and receive eternal life.

We know of a woman in the bible who committed adultery, was caught in the act and brought to Jesus for condemnation but Jesus did not condemn her (John 8:3-11). But the fact here is that the condemnation of the woman brought her closer to Jesus, was convicted and that was her hour of deliverance. We also know of another woman in the bible who had a menstrual disorder (the woman with the issue of blood – Luke 8:43-48) and was condemned by society but her condemnation brought her to Jesus, was convicted and that was her hour of deliverance. The condemnation you experience as a married woman because of divorce is supposed to bring you close to God for He loves you. The condemnation you experience among your friends, family is supposed to drive you to Jesus. The condemnation you experience in your work place should drive you to God.

Above all, the condemnation you experience from the devil because you have sinned is supposed to drive you to God. So whatever your situation do not lament over the condemnation of man and the devil but let it rather cause you to seek God because Jesus loves you. He is rather interested in your conviction not your condemnation. He wants you to experience and enjoy His abundant grace where it is not your works that saves you but the grace of God through faith in Christ. This is a gift from God and you need no earthly qualifications to receive it. Jesus longs to see your restoration and restitution. He does not condemn you no matter who you are and what society and the devil have stereotyped you to be. He is willing to be the friend of the friendless, your Savior if you give Him the chance today. Don’t let the condemnation of man and the devil depresses you but let it drive you into the waiting arms of Jesus Christ. He loves all (regardless of race, color, status in society e.t.c) and wants to love you too. Jesus died for you and wants to give you a place in Heaven for eternity where you will know no sorrow but all joy and peace. God bless you.

Charles Horace Ampong

International Central Gospel Church Chicago

www.icgcchicago.com www.charliepee.blogspot.com www.icgcchicago.wordpress.com