There is nothing in the Bible that tells us what eternal life is like except for the ‘room’ prepared for us and the presence of Jesus. As a people with imagination and a hope of continuing some version of our earthly life, we create heaven to suit us. No one has the full picture, for obvious reasons. The price of admission is death and only once.

I was given a small review by a dear friend from my Navy days. His name is Chuck, and at the moment of his death, appeared for a few seconds to me and said; “It’s better than you said!” A message from my dear friend’s wife confirmed the time. Chuck was in Maryland when he died, and I was in a Baptist church in Wisconsin. Some people I tell this story to dismiss it as a made up story or a hallucination. I was there, it’s true and was a world changer for me. It’s part of my testimony of Faith. After all, Faith is the very gift of God.

Why was I given this very rare gift of seeing and hearing a friend entering paradise? What did I tell him? Whatever it was, it fell short of what happened and I am is excited about that for him. Not first choice to join him right now, but a reality for my future which is very soon according to scripture. The last time I saw Chuck when he was in hospice in Maryland I asked him to greet me when it was my time to ‘cross the bar’ a.

I don’t know how that works but God gave me the sight of Chuck entering paradise. It would seem logical that applies to Chuck and for me.

Our life here is just a vapor. Usually enough time though to make some decisions about eternity. One of my favorite authors wrote a short story about his vision of the decision and the veil lifted when entering in to forever life, better than we can imagine. The story is called “The Great Divorce” by C.S. Lewis. I recommend this short read.

Why would anyone prefer the Christian viewpoint of life, the universe and everything (Douglas Adams) We all have ‘the question’ of what’s the point? (another recommended book, “What’s the point?” by Misty Edwards.) What indeed is the reason for our existence? Evolution can’t give us any answer. It’s an impossible ‘religion’ of life’s meaning. Embrace it and indeed it will be ‘dust to dust’.

None of the other religions offer anything but a child’s imagination to that deepest question of our heart. I am well aware of an answer to that question and it is found in the most popular and well read and authenticated book on the planet: The Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, all the words tell us over and over again about a Savior who has many beautiful names, the most recognized is Jesus. No chapter and verse need be mentioned because scripture is rich with names and descriptions of this Man who is, impossibly, God as well. Wonderful, Son of Man, Son of God, Lamb, Good shepherd, Adoni, Messiah, and many more.

I know I would have been puzzled and angry at Jesus too for telling the truth. The revelation that this Man knows everything in my heart would be too intimate and shameful to bear. The realization that we are not nice, not pleasant beneath our public face, it is universal truth. Look in your heart and be truthful to yourself. There are thoughts and actions and desires hidden, even from ourselves! The evil and wickedness of the world is not ‘them’. In the wise words of a cartoon character, Pogo: “I have met the enemy and it’s us”

The miracles that happened when Jesus asked for them are stunning and impossible. Does anyone know somebody that raised a man dead? It’s rare to hear about that thing. Not resuscitation Per Se’ but very dead. Jesus turned the world upside down with more incredible acts and words than are possible for only a ‘good teacher’ or as some say, ‘just a man’.

At His execution by torture a Roman officer suddenly stated; “Surely this man was the son of God” Why was this statement made and recorded? Jesus being baptized by John with the audible words as Jesus came up from the water; ‘This is my Son in whom I am well pleased’ How about the thief on the next cross asking for remembrance when Jesus came into HIS Kingdom? That thief was granted forgiveness on the spot for his simple heart statement. I am stating recorded facts from many authors before and after the life of Jesus of Galilee.

My favorite is when King David was given the vision of his future great great… grandchild: “Yahweh said to Adoni, sit at my right hand and I will make your enemies your footstool” (Psalm 110.) Take it and embrace it or argue it away. Life or death, your choice. Always is, always will be. Track me down if you want and I will speak truth. It’s pretty good. Norman Peterson / Jack Gator

a. crossing a sand bar as a sailor comes into port.