“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” (Hebrews 9:27)

Introduction: Death is a topic that no one likes to talk about, but it is a reality of life that we all will have to face one day. We have a birth-date, where we enter into this world and live life; until we reach our death-date, and we leave this world, never to enter its atmosphere again.

There are four ways by which death can come to man:

• Natural death – one dies of natural causes
• Accidental death – car accident, accidental shootings, etc.
• Senseless death – violence, suicide, etc.
• Death by sickness and disease – cancer, aids, heart disease, etc.

Three facts about death:

• Death is a reality – it strikes families all over the world daily
• Death is inevitable – it is a certainty
• Death is eternal – there is no reincarnation

Question: When it is time for you to meet your appointment with death, and you are standing before God at Judgment, what will your verdict be? Where will you spend eternity?

Matthew 7:21-23: “(21) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

Question: How are you spending your life here on earth? There are only two ways that you can spend life here on earth:

• Serving God
• Serving self

An Example of someone who served himself: the rich man (Luke 16:19-31). Look at some things about this rich man:

• He was selfish
• He had no compassion
• He was prideful
• He did not love his neighbor
• He did not love God

Note: you hear people say all the time: “God knows my heart.” And He does. But when Jesus becomes Savior and Lord of your life, He does not leave you the same; He changes you. He gives you a heart transplant; taking away that heart of stone; giving you a heart of flesh, a heart that seeks after Him, a heart of love and compassion for others (Matthew 25:31-46).

Conclusion: Again I ask you two questions – and please give great consideration to them:

• How are you living your life here on earth? Are you living for God or for yourself?
• After you have lived your last day here on earth, the day that you take your last breath, and you are now standing before God at judgment – Where will you spend eternity?