"Pistol Pete" and Eternity

Studies show that 72% of Americans believe in heaven. 58% of them believe in hell. But there’s a groundbreaking new study out that tells us 100% of people will die!

The Bible says “it’s appointed unto man once to die, and after this the judgement.” No matter how we try to distract ourselves from it, deny it, or delay it – we all one day will pass from this life. After death, we will all stand before God.

God raised Jesus from the dead to defeat death. Death doesn’t have to be a question mark. We don’t have to wonder about it or what happens after it. Death doesn’t have to be a period either – it’s definitely not the end of the story. With Jesus, death is just a comma – a transition from earthly life to eternal life!

When I was growing up, my childhood hero was the legendary basketball player "Pistol Pete" Maravich. He set all kinds of records and won championships, but perhaps his biggest record still stands. When he played basketball at LSU from 1968 to 1970, he set the NCAA scoring record with 3,667 career points. Did I mention that this record was set before the three-point line was implemented?

Shortly before he died abruptly and tragically, “Pistol Pete” Maravich looked back on his life and said:

“On a November night in 1982, I sat in my den staring at the television. Around midnight, I turned off the set and quietly slipped into bed. I pondered the impact alcohol had on my life and my family. For hours, I lay awake tortured by my memories; I had a revelation. I saw all my sin. I then heard a voice. “Be Strong. Lift Thine Own Heart.” The words were delivered as “loud as thunder.”

Having experienced a transcendental moment, I prayed for salvation. With tears in my eyes, I said, “Jesus, I know you are real because I have tried everything else.” When I took God into my heart, it was the first true happiness I ever had.I am saved through the grace of God by Jesus Christ. I won every trophy and award in my life and I always wanted more. Jesus Christ was placed on the cross to save us. The thing about Christianity is that it is your choice. You cannot work or earn it and I understand it now. All of the awards are pale to the glory of God and what the Lord has done in my life. I would not trade my position in Christ for a thousand Hall of Fame rings or a hundred million dollars. There is nothing like the joy of Jesus Christ in my life.”

Do you have that type of joy in your life? You can have it… it’s found through finding out who you are in Jesus Christ.