Revelation 22:17

A Fitting End

/ Ragamuffingospelfan / Leave a comment

“I’ve read the last page of the Bible, it’s all going to turn out all right” (Billy Graham).

I read today where Billy Graham will be buried in a simple pinewood casket made by inmates at the Louisiana State Penitentiary. I find that very fitting for a man who saw himself as a humble Southern Baptist preacher blessed to be able to present the Gospel to so many over a long and faithful life.

I think Billy Graham himself would say that it’s only his mortal shell that’s being put six feet deep in the ground. He is face to face with Jesus, hearing the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” He is reunited with his wife Ruth. He is home.

I think he’s finding out how true those words he spoke so long ago are. If you’ve read the last page of the Bible, then you know that it’s truly going to be all right.

In case you haven’t gotten to the end of the Bible, spoiler alert– here’s how it ends.

“The Spirit and the Bride: Come.

And let everyone who hears these words say, ‘Come.’

And let those who thirst come.
All who desire to drink, let them take and drink freely from the water of life” (Revelation 22:17, The Voice).

I believe Billy Graham would want his funeral to be one more opportunity for people to be able to respond to a Gospel invitation. He would want his death to result in more people coming to faith in Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Maybe you can be one of those who will join Billy Graham in heaven.

https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/salvation-through-christ-a-matter-of-faith.html

 

 

Always Open

/ Ragamuffingospelfan / 1 Comment

One of my favorite things is the open sign. I know, it sounds weird and a little like “maybe they should make pills for this,” but I have a reason.

The open sign means that I’m welcome inside.

There’s few things more frustrating to me than wanting to go somewhere, buy something, see something, and not be able to get in because the place is closed.

I’ve mentioned it before, but one of my favorite places is an Episcopal church that is open 24/7. I love to go inside and sit in the silence and pray, meditate, or just be still.

I believe that if Heaven has a sign, it’s the open sign.

God’s throne room is always accessible to those who have need or to those who simply want to adore and say thanks.

God will never turn away anyone who seeks Him in faith and repentance though Jesus. Never. He will never shut the door in the face of anyone who earnestly desires salvation.

That’s why I love that neon open sign. It’s a reminder to me of a God who invites me to come before Him boldly at any time and a Heaven where the inscription on the entrance could read “whosoever will,” meaning that God’s salvation is for whoever will trust in Jesus and believe.

The Bible closes with an open invitation:

“The Spirit and the Bride: Come.

And let everyone who hears these words say, ‘Come.’

And let those who thirst come.
All who desire to drink, let them take and drink freely from the water of life” (Revelation 22:17, The Voice).