To whom it may concern:
This is my farewell address. It is to be read/played (if I get it recorded before I die) at my funeral. The CD has songs on it that I wish to have played at any visitations and before the service and after – anyplace and anytime during the process of my bodily burial processing. I wish to have a King James Bible for every attendee at the funeral. Also, they should be able to get a written copy of this if they so desire. If you are in charge of my proceedings, please take care of this for me. Also, I would like to have birthday cake after the service. I believe there will be a reason to celebrate someone’s birthday!
May Christ richly bless all those who have touched my life. May all those whose lives I have touched turn to the Lord with a personal relationship. May they all join me in Heaven by asking the Lord’s forgiveness through the grace of the Heavenly Father.
Sincerely,
Bruce
PS. You might ask why you have been given a copy of this now. Well, I believe God lead me to write this and since I don’t know the timing of my passing or yours, I want to do all I can to include you in my party! It is also entirely possible that I simply vanished from the Earth in what is commonly known as the rapture – see 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 – “[16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. [18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”
Hello, everyone. I initially wrote this information in the fall of 2000. I am not sure what year this is, but I can tell you that I had wanted to do this since the mid 1980’s. While bow hunting on October 7, 2000, I had a talk with The Lord. I frequently did this when I hunted, especially during bow season. He told me that I should do this and that I should not waste any time. It is times like I had with the Lord that fall evening that I believe gave me the insight into some of David’s Psalms.
I want to let you know that this is a little longer than I had hoped, but I followed the leading of the Lord and scripture means so much more than my words, just get comfortable and listen.
Our world continues to turn its back on God. Remember, that means people continue to turn away from God. Simply sitting down and watching children’s cartoons on television will show you a little of what is happening. When I was a child, I watched Atom Ant, Yogi Bear, Dudley Dooright, Looney Tunes, and other “wholesome” programs. Today, more than half of the cartoons that are shown have some type of demonic idea or character. Abortion is legal and we are paying for it, whether you like it or not. Witchcraft is shown as a fun and good thing. Drugs are rampant among young people and old people worldwide. The music and entertainment industries have sold their souls. Television programs like My Three Sons and Leave it to Beaver have been replaced by programs featuring homosexuals and live-in lovers, many times, multiple partner relationships. And even the fact that television plays such a role in our lives is witness to the fact that we have replaced a personal relationship with Christ and the study of His Word with entertainment. The Internet has been filled with trash including perverse and mind-robbing information. Note, however, that there are servants of the Lord who also use this as a tool to spread The Word.
Update from July 2020…. Add to the list of sin all of the homosexuality, trans-sexuality, and all of the evil hatred and anger pouring out on our people. People preaching about the Earth not being inhabitable in 10-12 years…. The worst thing is the minds of people who believe all that stuff…. And now this COVID-19 virus and everything else going on. I hold nothing back. God loves you as much as He loves me. Ask Him to forgive you and open your eyes to His Truth.
Religion has taken place of a personal relationship with God in many churches. Many churches have changed their programs to be more entertaining than teaching and studying. In the Bible, this is called “tickling the ears”. No wonder we spend more time watching television than reading the Bible. That’s what we are being taught in many churches. Many churches have been changing their doctrine and teaching to keep pace with the times. Romans 1:25 says Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. Look at Romans 1:21-32: [21] Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. [22] Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, [23] And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. [24] Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: [25] Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. [26] For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: [27] And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. [28] And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; [29] Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, [30] Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, [31] Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: [32] Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. Yeah, sure I believe that homosexuals are born that way. I don’t believe the Bible. Yeah right.
What has happened to the world is like the story of boiling a frog. Put a frog in hot water and he will jump out unharmed. Put him in cool water and warm it slowly to a boil and he’s cooked. Satan has infiltrated our children with thoughts of demons and made immorality more common than water in the human body. He did not do this suddenly, but slowly. Every day, we sucked it all in and since it was not much worse than the day before, we accepted it. Each of us must do our part to attempt to turn the world back to God. That starts with each person individually. Since I am gone, it is now up to you. Study God’s word, pray, live, work, breathe, talk about Godly things.
Many people were concerned that the end of the world, Christ’s second coming, etc., would happen on January 1, 2000. Remember “the millennium bug?” Well, I have some thoughts on the timing. I know the Bible says, in I Thessalonians 5:2 and 2 Peter 3:10, He will come as a thief in the night. We don’t know when He will return, but you can be assured, He will surprise many. I look at it similar to the Genesis flood and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. I don’t know how many people were alive when the flood came, but only 8 were saved (see Genesis 7:13 and Genesis 7:21). When Lot fled the destruction, (see Genesis chapter 19) I am not sure how many people were destroyed then. I think that when the percentage gets similar to those circumstances regarding believers and non-believers, that’s when He’ll return. The way things are going, it could be soon. Some of the world’s largest religious groups are giving people false hopes and teaching them ungodly things. 1Timothy 4, verses 1-3 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. People have been sucked into this for centuries and continue to do so. Galatians 6:7 says Be not deceived; God is not mocked. Don’t let others tell you how to believe. Read the oldest, most original documentation you can find. If you can’t read Hebrew or Greek, it would be the King James Version of the Bible. You first need to realize the Bible must be your foundation for your faith. All others are false. Using other items for your foundation is disastrous. I must also tell you that I am not dead. I am alive. I will live forever. That’s called “everlasting life.” John 3:16 says For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Everyone will live forever. The question is will it be in Heaven or in hell. The eternal damnation of hell is called the “second death.” See Revelation 20:14 and Revelation 21:8. Please, I beg of you, read the Bible and pray to the only one true God. Ask Him to forgive you and apply the blood of Jesus to your sins. Simply believing that God exists will not get you into Heaven. Satan himself knows God exists. After all, he was created as an angel and was in Heaven with God until he was cast out by God. In Matthew, chapter 7, verses 22 and 23, Jesus is talking about religious leaders when he says: [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. So, not all those who are religious will get into heaven. Religion can never take the place of a personal relationship with God. No man can forgive your sins. No man can cleanse you from sin. No man can stop you from asking Christ into your heart. Beware of false teachers, no matter how many followers or how long the history of the religion. God has warned you in His word and now you have been warned by me.
I want you to know that I don’t want this to be a sad time. I know, or at least I hope, that all of you here were touched by me and will miss me. I want this to be a celebration of life. I know many people want this for their funeral. I want something a little different. I don’t want this to be a celebration of MY life, but rather YOUR life. You will hopefully understand more as this goes on.
Many of you realize that I can be a little wordy and rather long-winded. Sorry, that’s just me. So, without further hesitation, let’s get started.
I want to tell you first about the music that you might have heard playing at the visitation or before and after my funeral. The music selected, I believe, by God and me, is what was important to me when I wrote this letter to you. How Great Thou Art says it all. When out in the woods, I usually start singing that song to the Lord, silently. Sometimes, I would find myself singing out loud. Amazing Grace is just that. By grace alone, I know I will be with the Lord in Heaven. It is so amazing! I wanted them to be sung in a strong, spiritual fashion. I think the artists performed them well for this purpose. The other songs have either been very instrumental in my walk with the Lord in the past or when I wrote this. I ask you to listen to the words and think about me singing them. OK, my voice is not as good, sorry. Anyway, these songs all had special meaning in my life. The Chasing Song by Andrew Peterson talks about how we keep chasing ourselves. It also says “I wish that I could say that at the close of every day, I was happy with the way that I’m behaving”. Jesus chased my sin and caught it on Calvary’s hill. Wow. Not About Me by Corey Emerson explains a simple thought, life has never been about me, I should not have been chasing myself. Sometimes By Step by Rich Mullins gives God the glory and says I will do what I should – always follow Him. The problem is that sometimes we act like children following a parent through a store – we allow things to distract us from the way to get home safely. Jesus Is The Answer by Andraé Crouch – what more needs to be said? Great Expectations by Steven Curtis Chapman says we have been invited to come and believe the unbelievable, receive the inconceivable, and see beyond our wildest imagination! How true! I Am Nothing by Ginny Owens simply says that even with all the good works I could do, without love, I am nothing. Bruce Carroll, in The Great Exchange, says the undeserving servant will never be the same since the great exchange. We are the undeserving servant. The exchange is our salvation for Christ’s life. When I Think About The Lord by Christ For The Nations is another simple thought, when I think about the Lord, it makes me want to shout! The Solid Rock by 4 Him is an old hymn that tells that Christ is the Solid Rock, all other ground is sinking sand! Power In The Blood by Andraé Crouch should get your own blood flowing. Redeemer and On My Knees by Nicole C. Mullen tell that my redeemer lives and getting on my knees is where I can humble myself enough to boldly come before the Lord. Generations by Sara Groves explains that whatever we do will pass on ideas and thoughts to our children throughout many generations. Those will result in curses or blessings. My Tribute by Andraé Crouch – how can I say thanks for what Christ has done for me? Andraé Crouch wrote this to say thanks. There is another song by Wayne Watson titled Merciful Heaven that has a particular phrase I would like to share. Wayne sings, “Some people want what they deserve. Not me, I know my heart too well.” Thank God for His mercy and grace! I hope and pray that all of the songs here, but more so the thoughts, touch and affect your lives as much as they did mine. There are so many more songs I would have liked to add, but there is not enough room. Plus, I wanted to complete this before it was too late!
Before we get into it, just so you know, I don’t put myself in the same “class” as David or Paul, but I know we are together. Just some similarities are noted.
Many people have the 23rd Psalm read at their funeral. Same here. But, I want to share the 23rd Psalm with you the way I believe it was meant. So many times, the “valley of the shadow of death” is the “highlight” or low point of the event. We’ll see about that. Hopefully, by the time we are into the 23rd Psalm, you will understand that it was written with much life to look forward to. Protected and guided life.
If things go as I hoped, you should each have a Bible. This is the King James Version. This Bible is meant for you to take home with you. Read it. I know I never read my Bible enough. Please put my Bible knowledge to shame. Read it, pray about what you read, before and after you read. Put the Lord first in your life and follow His leading.
Please turn to Psalm 23.
First of all, we have to understand when this Psalm was written. I am not exactly sure when, but you can tell it was written when David was still a shepherd boy. Before he became king. I really like the Psalms David wrote when pasturing his sheep. I believe we had similar thoughts and conversations with The Lord.
Let’s begin with verse 1. The Lord is my shepherd. Shepherds do several things for their flocks. First of all, they find pastureland. Secondly, they take care of the flock; each member of the flock is valued above the shepherd’s life, in his own mind. That’s the kind of shepherd David was. He killed a lion and a bear to protect his flock. He knew God took care of him better than he took care of his own flock. That’s how he related to God, as a shepherd. One who valued each and every member of his flock above his own life.
I shall not want. As a shepherd, he had to make sure his flock did not see the grass was greener on the other side of the valley. A wanton animal will instinctually go to where the pasture is better if it is not satisfied. David wanted for nothing. God took care of him and made sure he was satisfied. He had no need to wander; God was meeting all his needs.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. Well, the “maketh” should be more like “giveth.” A shepherd does not “make” his sheep lie down in green pastures; he gives them green pastures in which to lie. They are satisfied. The greener the pasture, the softer the bed. Those of you who have taken a nap in the grass can understand. Or how about walking barefoot on dead, brown grass vs. plush green grass? Get the idea? Comfort and satisfaction. That’s how David felt about what God gave him.
He leadeth me beside the still waters. Rushing waters are dangerous. Any person should know that a swift current could cause death or injury. David made sure his flock had required water available safely. God took care of David in the same fashion. Even though there was plenty of rushing current, God led David into safe areas to drink.
He restoreth my soul. Oh, what a thrill I get when reading these 4 words! MY SOUL! Your soul can get tired. With all the care going on and the rush of everyone and everything around us, we can get tired just thinking about “the rat race.” The sheep had the same thing. With wild animals disrupting the flock, the animals would get tired and scared. The shepherd had to calm them down. David went through the same thing. He needed his soul restored. God gave him peace and rest.
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. This statement has to go together. A shepherd would not lead his flock into danger – it would not be good for his flock or his reputation. Because of who God is, He would not lead His flock down dangerous or improper paths. David knew God was leading him and God could be trusted. The flock knows that about the shepherd. The shepherd must be trusted. He knows what’s ahead, the flock is too interested in what’s in front of their noses. Sounds just like me. More concerned about what I can see than what the future holds. How about you?
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. This is an interesting piece. First of all, we have to realize exactly what the shadow of death is. To understand, look at Mark 10, verse 25: It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Christ said this. This is to be taken literally. Does that mean that no rich man can enter into Heaven? No it does not. There was an entrance to Jerusalem that was very small. The entrance is a stone entrance that is narrow and short. It is called “The Needle’s Eye.”
The size of it was meant to prevent enemies from attacking by charging into the city. A camel had to have nothing on its back and literally crawl through the opening. I am not an expert on camels, but just imagine! That would take some time and a lot of effort. A rich man carries a lot of baggage. He needs to drop that baggage he loves so much to humble himself before the Lord to admit that he needs God. That’s what Christ said. In looking at Mark 10, verse 24 with verse 25, Jesus said: “Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” My translation would be that it is easier for a camel to pass through the needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven – it requires a lot of effort and losing the baggage. So, with that in mind, think about the cliffs and outcroppings and the shadows that are cast during the twilight or dusk hours. The sounds you might hear of wild animals and the shadows moving when the wind moves trees, leaves, and grasses. Quite a scary situation. Now, is that exactly what David is talking about? I think so. But even in the scariest of situations, he will not be afraid. The flock moving through this would probably get rather restless as the dim light casts moving shadows that they could not tell if a wild animal was lurking and moving or if it was simply a shadow.
For Thou are with me. Man, oh man! Who is Thou? The Lord! When David left the flock, I am sure the flock would get a little nervous. Look at young children. Many times, when a parent leaves the eyesight of their child, the child begins to get nervous, scared, and just plain upset. David knew that the Lord was with him. There was nothing to worry about. It is as simple as that.
Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. The rod and staff are used to keep the flock in line as well as fend off enemies. David used these items to tap the flock to keep them moving and behaving. He also used them to protect the flock by hitting wild animals that attack the flock. David knew the Lord was keeping him in line and protecting him from evil. Now, of course, some people would ask, “why do bad things happen to good people.” To cover that would take too much time. Who here is good? Come on, raise your hand? OK, who is good compared to God? Enough of that, all things work together for good to them that love God and are called to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) Even John The Baptist was beheaded, Stephen was stoned, and Christ Himself was hung on a cross. Are you any better than they are? God allows bad things to happen for His gloirification.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Many times, the plush grasslands were filled or surrounded by fierce animals. Yet, this was the best place to feed the flock. When drought hit, the grassland would be less and more animals, fierce and calm, would be forced closer together. The water that was once plentiful would be scarce. The flock had to be watered and fed, no matter where it was. David knew that some of the wild animals would attack him just to get at the flock. Yet, that’s where God had led him. He was to tend the flock for days at a time. Yet, the Lord prepared everything, so it was safe. Just as David had led the flock to the dangerous grass and water area.
Thou anointest my head with oil. This, I have a problem explaining. I can only say that sometimes, the flock would get injured. Many times, it would be their head that would get injured. Either from attacks or butting each other. How much of that is still happening in our flock? Well, they would use oils as salves to help heal the wound. The oil would both help heal and protect the injury. We all have injuries. David had his share, I guarantee you. He had many older brothers, you know. David saw the Lord as taking care of his injuries and protecting him from further damage. Here’s one of my adjustments – I heard a message saying the oil would keep nasty flies away that would get into the ears and cause infections leading to death. Kind of like the Holy Spirit sealing us.
My cup runneth over. Too much? When you eat a large meal, many times you get tired. I can recall many times that after thanksgiving dinner, we would all fall asleep while watching football (GO LIONS!). David knew his flock had to have more than enough or they would wander. As close as David was to the Lord, he could see that he was very blessed. Ephesians 3, verse 20 says: “…(He) is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us”.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. Notice this comes a ways after the valley of the shadow of death. The flock was made to be perfectly content. If the shepherd did his job properly, the sheep would know to follow the shepherd and nothing but good things will happen. David knew that as long as he followed the Lord, that’s what life would be like. Now, don’t start that questioning about bad things happening again. There is not enough time to cover that. Well, I could, but you want to go home sometime. I am already there!
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. That’s where I am, at least if I am dead by now. And if things go right, David and I are discussing this Psalm to see if I understood it the way he meant it. And the Lord is taking care of us.
Look at the 23rd Psalm as when David wrote it. He had his whole life ahead of him. He felt the presence of the Lord and knew the Lord was protecting him and providing for him. David used the shepherd/flock relationship because that’s how he could put things into words. Use those verses to give yourself strength to carry on daily. Don’t just think about the death thing, David was celebrating his life and relationship with the Lord in this Psalm.
If you are at my funeral, many of you will say, “He couldn’t have made it into Heaven, I was with him when he did this…” Well, let me tell you, I was a good sinner and a poor Christian. At least that’s how I feel. I was a good sinner. I did not beat my wife, I worked hard, I helped others, and I treated most people nicely. So, why could I not get into Heaven? What were my sins? Well, hopefully, everyone here knows that we were all born in sin. If not, I failed once again as a witness. Every child born has hell to look forward to if they do not turn away from the world before they die. That does not mean I think babies go to hell, it is simply to say that “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6). My sins were not just those I was born with. I did many things against others. I am truly sorry for any wrong I did to any of you. Not just now, but when I wrote this and afterward. Well, a couple of you might say, “a poor Christian, I thought he was a strong Christian.” Well, if I changed between when I wrote this and when I died, I might have become a strong Christian. I did not witness enough. I was always afraid people would hear my words of witness, but see the world in my life and ignore the witnessing. As Paul, I also struggled. “That which I wanted to do, I did not do and that which I did not want to do, I do. Oh wretched man that I am.” See Romans 7:15-25. Anyway, how can I be so sure that I am in Heaven?
Let me warn you that if you don’t believe the Bible, I Corinthians 1:18 says: For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
Now, allow me take you on a little trip down the Romans Road.
Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God
Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 10:9-13 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Romans 8:1-4 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
That is the Romans Road. There is none that deserves to go to heaven. Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. The best of the best things that we do are garbage to God. None of us can do anything good enough for God to forgive our sins. But God had a plan, John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Don’t believe what your parents, your grandparents, your great-grandparents, and so many others may have believed, Mark 7:7-9 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Check things out for yourself, I John 4:1, Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. The only way to test the spirits is by the Word, the Bible. II Timothy 2:15, Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. II Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. And I Thessalonians 5:18, Pray without ceasing.
Only one person that ever walked the face of the Earth is worthy of going to Heaven. That person is Jesus, the Christ, the Son of the living God. The only way to get to Heaven is by the grace of God made available to us through the blood of Christ on the cross. Nothing you can do will ever be good enough to get you into heaven. You have to rely on the grace. Ephesians 2:8-9, For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
So, if you have not asked God to cover you by the blood of Christ, I beg of you to do so now. If you want to do it silently, that’s OK. God can hear you.
Pray to God the Father. Here’s a sample.
O Heavenly Father, be merciful to me, a sinner. I don’t deserve anything from You. Please forgive me of all my sins. Please apply the blood of Your Son to my sins to do away with them. Please accept a sinner like me and redeem me from my problems. Help me to live the life You want me to live. I pray this in the precious name of Jesus, amen.
If you prayed this prayer, I will see you in Heaven. Now, this is the time to celebrate your life and your new birthday!
Now, even if you were saved before, I ask you to make sure you attend a bible-believing, bible-teaching church. Get a personal relationship with God. Spend some quiet time just talking to Him. He always was my best friend. I know I was frequently not a good friend in return.
If you are saved now or if you become saved before you die or before Christ returns, I will see you in heaven. If you do not accept Christ and ask God to accept you, you will spend eternity in the lake of fire. That is where the devil and his angels will spend eternity. And don’t just read or listen to the Word, James 1:22 says, But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. Tell others.
Oh, still the question, “how can Bruce know he was going to Heaven before he died?” Look at I John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
May God guide your paths and use your life to give Him glory.
See you later or good-bye – the choice is up to you.
Songs:
The Chasing Song by Andrew Peterson on Carried Along
Not About Me by Corey Emerson on Love’s Pure Stream
Sometimes By Step by Rich Mullins on The world as best I remember it, vol. 2
Jesus Is The Answer by Andraé Crouch on Hall of Fame
Amazing Grace by Heart of Worship Classics on A Capella Hymn Classics
Great Expectations by Steven Curtis Chapman on Speechless
On My Knees by Nicole C. Mullen on Nicole C. Mullen
I Am Nothing by Ginny Owens on Without Condition
The Great Exchange by Bruce Carroll on For The Record
The Solid Rock by 4 Him on Hymns – A Place Of Worship
How Great Thou Art by Heart of Worship Classics on A Capella Hymn Classics
Power In The Blood by Andraé Crouch on Hall of Fame
Redeemer by Nicole C. Mullen on Nicole C. Mullen
When I Think About The Lord by Christ For The Nations Institute on Makes Me Shout
Generations by Sara Groves on Conversations
My Tribute by Andraé Crouch on Hall of Fame
He Lives – sung by all in attendance