CHAPLAIN’S PAGE – A.F.T.B.P.W.T.L.
England
You maybe puzzled over the title of this article, at least I hope so. Just eight letters, but the message they stand for is one of the most important in the New Testament. Paul, in one of his letters to the Corinthian Church was encouraging them, and reminding them of the many afflictions he had endured during his ministry. The book of Acts also describes both his and his fellow worker’s sufferings for the sake of the Lord who they loved. Every time I read Acts I only wish that a film director would be moved to make a documentary of the events!
Now, as to the meaning of A.F.T.B.P.WT.L.., the answer is in chapter 5 of II Corinthians, verse 8, Absent from the body, present with the Lord. This wonderful truth is phrased in such a simple, matter of fact way that one could pass over it without realising its implications. From earliest times, the subject of death has played an important part in man’s thinking. So much so that the Pharaohs of Egypt had their bodies preserved. There are even some people today who have their bodies preserved, if they can afford it! People say, ‘ the one certain thing about life is that we will all die’, (Enoch and Elijah excepted.) However, a time is shortly coming when we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air (I Thessalonians 4:17.)
This great gathering of the Elect into the air to meet the returning Lord will be an event utterly beyond man’s understanding. Nevertheless, it will happen exactly as described. Those who have died in Christ will precede the believers who are alive. It won’t be a silent affair, a shout , and the voice of the archangel and a great trumpet call. The subject of death and resurrection is a theme which runs through both testaments, and is a golden thread which holds everything together. Without a sequel to this life everything would be pointless. What is this life but a training period for a future, a future so marvellous we cannot begin to imagine. Whilst the majority of Christians agree, they do not have a national vision! The Old Testament prophets all shared this wonderful truth. There was no doubt in their minds that God’s special love for His nation would result in total restoration. Her training throughout the centuries bears witness to this truth. Times without number the Lord has gently corrected us when we have gone astray , we are very slow learners! Today we have surely sunk to the bottom of the pit. We are supposed to be proud of so called ‘British Values’ whatever that is supposed to mean!
Preparation is what this life is aiming for. To us it is so obvious, but sadly this generation is besotted with technology which has blotted out reality. The 14th Psalm says it all; The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God. No God , no resurrection, what a pointless existence ! Today, we have clerics who deny the truth, and pass on their denial to their congregations, what a terrible state of affairs. Why do they remain in the ministry? Surely, we even expect the double glazing salesman to believe in his product. Blind leaders of the blind,, thus has it always been.
Returning again to Paul’s simple but profound statement, notice, no ifs or buts. He simply expressed the subject of life and death in eight simple words. There are many who insist on ‘Soul Sleep.’ Surely did not Jesus say to the malefactor who asked to be remembered “Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” To accept without doubt Paul’s statement takes the sting and fear away from death. For those, and there are many who have a painful death, they have , as believers, everything to look forward to. Not just some vague wishful thinking that at sometime in the distant future, there maybe ‘something’ but in the meantime, just darkness and nothing.
To quote Paul again, remember these words given to him by the Holy Spirit recorded in I Corinthians 15:55-58
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
 Finally,T.B.LY.T.C!! Which being interpreted is THE BEST IS YET TO COME! Thank you Lord.     Amen
