Stan Martin's Promotion

In December 1989 I had only been born again two months when I graduated from my Air Force training in Australia. I was posted to a base just outside of Brisbane and the first Christian I met was a man called Stan Martin who had recently been promoted to Corporal.

Stan was kind enough to have Bible study with me in the chapel, invite me over to his house for dinner, and patiently listen to my rantings about the King James Bible. Stan was one of those Christians who never had a high public profile or got noticed by too many people. But he was a rock of provision for his family, a pillar of faithfulness in the local church, and a steadfast witness in the military.

Well last week Stan finally got promoted again - this time to glory in the presence of his Lord and Savior. All who attended his funeral found these words inside the order of service:

THE GOSPEL

One of Stan’s greatest passions in life was to tell other people “the gospel” – which is the good news about Jesus Christ. In honour of Stan, we would like to tell you about it. Would you please carefully consider the following message?

Mankind has become separated from God because of sin. Sin is breaking God’s law. Perhaps you feel you are a good person, who doesn’t need anything. Here’s a quick test of that, based on some of God’s laws.

Have you ever told a lie (including fibs), stolen anything (the value is irrelevant), or hated anyone? Have you used God’s name as a swear word, or jealously wanted what other people have?

If you are honest, you know you will be guilty when you stand before God. God, however, doesn’t want to send you to hell. Jesus Christ suffered and died on the cross, so you could go free. That shows how much God loves you.

We have broken God’s laws, but Jesus paid our fine. Then He rose from the grave and defeated death. If you repent (which is turning away from your sins), and trust in Jesus, God will forgive your sins and give you eternal life.

God demonstrated His love toward us like this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. - Romans 5:8

Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. - Isaiah 53:4-5

Well done, good and faithful servant; Enter now into the joy of your lord. - Matt 25:23

For to Live is Christ but to Die is Gain.

Precious in the sight of God is the death of His saints.

Jesus said: ‘I am the Resurrection and the life; he that believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.’