1. I WILL … BEFORE I DIE GENESIS 45:26-28

2. Death Is Sure Psalms 90:10 The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years, yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Job 14:1-2 "Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble. He comes forth like a flower and fades away; He flees like a shadow and does not continue.” James 4:14 Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Ecclesiastes 9:5 For the living know that they will die; Hebrews 9:27 It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,

3. Death Is In The Best Interest Of Man God never intended for man to live on this earth eternally. Death came into the world because of sin. Genesis 2:17 “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.'' Physical deathSpiritual death Ecclesiastes 12:7 Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it. II Corinthians 5:1 For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. It is not good for man to live in sin and rebellion.

4. These bodies we have right now are not adapted for heaven. Death is especially in the best interest of a Christian because: It’s a gainIt’s precious in the sight of God Philippians 1:21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Psalms 116:15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. I John 3:2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. Philippians 3:20-21 Notice I Corinthians 15:50-57

5. Whatever We Intend To Do We Must Do It Before We Die Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no planning or activity or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going. Three questions are answered in this verse. What?Whatever your hand finds to do How?With all your might Why?For there is no planning or activity or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going While we are still alive we have the opportunity to do what needs to be done, but after death there is no opportunity.

6. The Story Of The Rich Man And Lazarus Luke 16:19-31 Neither man went to purgatory. The rich man realized he had waited too late to make preparation. He also realized the time to listen and obey God’s teaching is while we are alive. He also realized there is no second chance after death. Hebrews 9:27 And just as it is appointed for men to die once, and after that comes judgment. Each person must hear God’s word and make adequate preparation while there is still time.

7. “Now” and “Today” Are Important Words In The Bible II Corinthians 6:2 For He says: “At the acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.'' Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. Hebrews 3:12-13 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today,'' lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. Again He designates a certain day, saying in David, "Today,'' after such a long time, as it has been said: "Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.'' 4:7

8. Today, We Should Make Peace In This Life With All men Brothers and sisters in Christ Family, friends, & acquaint- ances outside of Christ. Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men. We are told to love our neighbor, Matthew 22:39 We are told that if a brother has something against us we should try to make amends. Matthew 5:23-24 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

9. Philippians 2:3-4 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. God Matthew 22:37 `You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. I Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts,

10. Matthew 6:33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. The result: Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Peace Matthew 25:34 "Then the King will say to those on His right hand, `Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: Revelation 22:14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. In this life And the life to come

11. Jacob said: “I will go and see him before I die.'' IS THERE SOMETHING YOU NEED TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE? HOW LONG ARE YOU GOING TO PUT IT OFF? IS YOUR HEART RIGHT IN THE SIGHT OF GOD? IF NOT, WHEN ARE YOU PLANNING TO MAKE IT RIGHT?

12. Given by David Hamlin on July 25, 2010 am Hollister, Missouri church of Christ www.hollisterchurchofchrist.orgwww.hollisterchurchofchrist.org