Great Disasters
On September, 11, 2001, terrorists crashed two hijacked airliners into the twin towers of New York’s World Trade Center, killing thousands of people. In January 2001, a major earthquake in India killed over 20,000. In 1991, 131,000 died when a cyclone devastated Bangladesh. In 1990, an earthquake struck Iran and 50,000 perished.

The AIDS epidemic has already killed more than 25 million people world-wide. Between 1998 and 2001, over 2.5 million were killed by rebels in Congo. And religious persecution in Sudan, forced starvation in Somalia, and “ethnic cleansing” in Rwanda and other countries have killed millions. These examples tell us we live in a day of great disasters. And all the victims have one thing in common — death!

Greatest Disaster
The Bible tells us to be prepared for death at any moment. Whether it’s a terrorist attack, earthquake or disease, when disaster strikes, the eternal destiny of immortal souls is at stake. God’s Word says that all of us will spend eternity either in the punishment of hell or the joy of heaven (Revelation 20:15; Luke 12:4-5; 23:43).

You may never be directly affected by the disasters around the world, but sooner or later you will die. Wouldn’t it be the greatest disaster of all to die and end up in hell? That’s what happened to the rich man in the story Jesus told about the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31).

The Bible says that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” and that “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 3:23; 6:23). Death is not simply the end of life as some people think. Without a Saviour, death means eternity in hell!

Greatest Joy
You can turn your coming death into eternal joy by accepting the salvation God has provided through Jesus Christ. His death on Calvary’s cross paid for all your sins. His resurrection says that you too can spend eternity in heaven.

But to go to heaven, you must do one thing. Romans 6:23 says that “the wages of sin is death,” but it also says that “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus.” In other words, to go to heaven, you must confess your sins and accept Jesus as your Saviour. The Bible says that “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life” (1 John 5:11-12). It’s that simple!

Great Opportunity
Sooner or later you will have to face the disaster of death. Everyone does. But Christ has already offered Himself as a sacrifice for your sins. Accept His gift of salvation now and you will avoid life’s greatest disaster!

C. Darling
Want to know more about avoiding life’s greatest disaster?
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