The Hour Is Late
J. Allen Blair
Do you know that hell is crowded with procrastinators? Many of these people had good intentions, but they never followed through. Although some were good people, assets in their community, they failed to make the most important decision of life.
A businessman who knew he needed a burglar alarm finally made an appointment to have one installed. The night before the appointment, his store was burglarized, and thousands of dollars worth of merchandise was stolen. Had there been an alarm, in all probability there would not have been a robbery. In this case, only one day's delay made the difference.
In spiritual matters also, delay can be extremely costly. Many people know they should care for their soul's eternal welfare. Yet, the usual response is "I'll take care of that later." The Bible tells us about those who delay who are suddenly cut off, and that without remedy, as we read in Proverbs 29:1.
You see, car accidents and heart attacks are never planned. In temporal matters, delay can sometimes be justified because of the expense involved. But delay is never justified where the safety of the soul is concerned.
Stop to realize that millions of people die in the world every year. This means that today there are thousands of people who will die of various causes. Hundreds of deaths will occur as the result of accidents. Many people will leave their home this day, and will never return.
The Bible teaches that it is appointed unto men once to die. Our appointment with death is as certain as the sunrise or sunset. God asks in Psalm 89:48 What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? With this in mind, don't you think all of us should make some preparations for the future life?
The Psalmist made a worthwhile statement in Psalm 90:12 when he said teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. I have met many intelligent people; college professors, hard working crafts-people, and those in skilled professions. I have been amazed to find that they gave no thought to life after death.
I can understand why there might be this kind of reaction to the future if one had no knowledge of the future. But God, in His Word, has told us about eternity. He has instructed us regarding heaven and hell, as well as giving us the only possible remedy for our sins, so that we might go to heaven and escape hell.
It was the Lord Jesus Christ who paid the price to redeem us from sin. To receive Him as Savior and Lord costs us absolutely nothing. God says in Romans 3:24 that we are justified freely by His grace. Of course, it cost the Father the blood of His only begotten Son, but to us there is no cost. God calls: Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price (Isaiah 55:1). There you have it - without money and without price.
How can a person be saved and prepared for eternity? God's plan is very simple. One need only to invite Jesus Christ to come into his or her life. Tell the Lord you are sorry for your sins, and ask Him to become your Savior. He will respond immediately.
Now, you may ask, "Is this all a person has to do? Then, can he go out and live any way he desires?" Well, in a certain sense, yes, because Christ will put new desires in his heart. You see, salvation is a miracle. God not only forgives us of our past, but he implants new desires within the life whereby we have victory over the former temptations and lusts. We desire to walk with Him and please Him rather than satisfy the sinful appetites of our flesh. It is a wonderful thing to have all things settled with God, to be certain that all is well with your soul.
One night, when D. L. Moody and Ira Sanke were holding their citywide services, they noticed a man, still seated after everyone else had gone. Moody sat down beside him and found that he had been a constant attendant at the services and that he had determined that he would not leave the building until he had settled the question of his soul's salvation. After prayer and looking into the Bible, the matter was settled. He returned to his home and the next day entered the mine where he worked. Several hours later, there was a shattering explosion. The man was among those rescued. He was seriously injured and sinking fast.
While giving first aid, the emergency medical worker noticed that the man's lips were moving. Though he could not hear him, the injured man seemed to be repeating something, over and over again. His words then became faintly audible. This is what he was saying. "All is well. It's a good thing I received Jesus last night. All is well. It's a good thing I received Jesus last night." Indeed, it was. A short time later this man passed into eternity to be with his Lord, Jesus Christ.
Friend, if you haven't done so, it would be well for you to receive Jesus Christ right now. For though it may be convenient to wait until later, it may not be feasible.
Before I leave you, let me give you four solemn facts. I hope you will give thought to them. First, not everyone will be saved - not because they cannot, but because they will not. Second, the majority of people will be lost. Many of them will be too busy to take time for God. And the third solemn fact is many will perish in hell, in spite of the fact that they were religious. Nowhere in the Bible are we told that religion saves. It is Jesus Christ who saves. And the fourth fact I want to leave with you is, today may be somebody's last opportunity to personally receive Jesus Christ. Could that somebody be you?
Oh, dear friend, do not frustrate the grace of God by failing to receive Christ as your Savior and Lord. Right now, take Him into your life. Get things settled once and for all, so that you can say with God's servant I know whom I have believed, and you can know you are saved.
I know not why God's wondrous grace
To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.
I know not when my Lord may come,
At night or noonday fair,
Nor if I walk the vale with Him,
Or meet Him in the air.
But I know Whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I've committed
Unto Him against that day.
Daniel W. Whittle, 1883
Books around The World
This year we have given away books each month. The fruit of this is evident in the notes we have received from those who requested, received, and read them. We give a word of thanks to those who support this ministry, making it possible to broadcast the Good News over the air and to distribute it in print. We only offer them in the USA, but where are they now? The free book we offer this month is a study of the Epistles of First, Second, and Third John. Dr. Blair titled this one, Living Confidently. Your free copy is ready to be sent. Ask!
Testimony of a Supporter
"Dear Gary, Thanks for the e-mail. I am in Okinawa, Japan, located in typhoon alley. We have been spared the devastation that has occurred in the PI and surrounding countries.
Glad to be used by God to help the ministry there. I used to listen to Dr. Blair on the radio when I was in Savannah, GA. Although we don't get Dr. Blair by radio here, I can always pick up one of his books. Keep up the good work! Take care."
Neglect
Imagine that you missed the flight because you didn't pay attention to your watch or your PDA? And, imagine that you overlooked the due date on the house note...the bank will call. Dr. Blair's message in print emphasizes the importance of paying attention to a far more important issue. The title, The Time Is Now. We have your free copy. Where do we send it?
Book Sale December 2009
All 10 of Dr. Blair's books - $50.00 this month. Price includes tax and shipping in the USA. And, you'll receive a copy of Dr. Blair's and a copy of Mrs. Blair's autobiography, Free!
Dr. Blair's Booklets - $20.00 total cost (8 booklets)
Acquire one each of these booklets during the month of December 2009. Booklets average 30 pages, multiple chapters, and normally cost $3.00 each (includes tax and postage in the USA).
Heartaches
How to Live without Worry
Prayer, Our Remarkable Privilege
Trouble - Trial or Opportunity?
You Can Be Happy
You Can Master Your Problems
Your Marriage Can Be Happy
What Follows Death (not a question!)