Today, instead of talking about prophecy or beasts in Revelation, let’s talk about the very essence of why we are here. Why do we Christians open the Bible and study it? It’s not a game. It’s not just to become more intelligent. It’s not so that we can quote more verses than someone else can.

The time the Bible meant the most to me in many years was when I was laying in the hospital, with a bunch of pipes in me, not really knowing whether I was coming or going. Yet, I knew that God is there, that his son Jesus Christ is there, and that I had renewed my contact with them. I realized right then that if I were to just close my eyes and fall asleep, it really wouldn’t matter to me. It is at that time, when the chips are really down, that we realize what we believe.

Today we’ve lost a loved one—a very dear man that we’ve known for so many years. He was our friend—a kind, gentle friend—and now he’s not with us anymore.

The righteous perishes, and no man lays it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.