In John 17:3, Jesus defined eternal life saying, “This is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” 

Author: Evangelist Daniel Sushanth

Experiencing emotions is a common response to emotional movies or stories, as I recently discovered while watching a documentary. Specifically, the narrative of the mother in “Notes for My Son” affected me on a deep level.

In the documentary, “Notes for My Son,” the mother was facing a terminal illness and decided to write a notebook for her son as a memento of her. The idea of not being able to witness her son’s growth and the anguish of her son being left without her is truly devastating. It’s a poignant reminder that life is unpredictable, and we cannot foresee what the future holds.

Our future, life, and destiny are in the hands of God, and therefore it is important to rely on Christ as the author of life to guide and anchor our lives, rather than relying on our own strength to steer it.

A teenage boy who had not received any religious education or guidance from his father falls seriously ill and is on the verge of dying. He asks his father why he had never taught him about Jesus, and his father realizes he has failed to provide his son with a foundation of faith. The father prays for help and tells his son about Jesus. The boy accepts Jesus into his heart and finds comfort in the knowledge of eternal life, even though his physical condition does not improve.

“This story emphasizes the significance of readiness and accountability as parents to instruct your children about Christ. The father acknowledges his inability to impart a basis of faith to his son. I urge parents to dedicate time to instilling the light of Christ in your children”

• John Wayne – the legendary actor was raised in a Presbyterian family but reportedly rejected Christianity as a young adult. However, he had a deathbed conversion and was baptized shortly before his passing.
• Steve McQueen, who was known for his roles in films such as “Bullitt” and “The Great Escape,” became a Christian shortly before his death.

John 17:3 records Jesus Christ praying to God the Father, stating that eternal life is achieved through knowing God, the one true God, and Jesus Christ, whom He sent. This verse is commonly interpreted to mean that developing a meaningful and profound relationship with God and Jesus Christ is the fundamental aspect of attaining eternal life, rather than just existing endlessly in the afterlife.

This relationship not only grants access to salvation and admission to heaven but also imparts a sense of satisfaction and significance to our lives on earth. As a result, spiritual knowledge and relationships carry more significance than material possessions and accomplishments.

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During a recent interview with In Depth With Graham Bensinger, Dolph Lundgren, famous for his portrayal of Ivan Drago in Rocky IV and for delivering the memorable line “I must break you,” revealed that he was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2015. Following surgery to remove a tumor from his kidney, it was discovered to be cancerous. Lundgren also shared that he has tumors in his lung, stomach, and spine, and his doctor advised him to prioritize spending time with his loved ones. Although he was given an estimated two to three years to live, Lundgren suspected that his time may be even shorter. This experience has taught him to value and cherish his life even more.

The fact is that, even today, medicine cannot save life, its purely in the hands of God.

Father, We come before you in prayer, acknowledging that knowing that Jesus Christ is the key to eternal life. We recognize that eternal life is not just about living forever, but it is also about having a deep and meaningful relationship with You. We ask for Your guidance and wisdom in our daily lives so that we may draw closer to You and Jesus Christ.May we always remember that our true purpose in life is to know You and Jesus Christ, and to share Your love and light with others. Thank you for the gift of eternal life through Your Son, Jesus Christ. May we always treasure this precious gift and live our lives in a way that brings glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

##Living by Faith##