Beautiful People, 

We celebrated the life of Gary Force last Sabbath, and I was humbled and encouraged by the self-sacrificing life he lived. Losing someone you love is difficult; our prayers, thoughts, and love are with the Force family. Christ defined Gary Force’s character. He impacted the lives of his students and colleagues because Christ was in him. He left us a legacy that we will share with him when Christ returns. To be in Christ is a transformative and heavenly gift. The Bible says there is nothing new under the sun except for a soul that has accepted Jesus Christ as their savior—a savior that provides characterological and psychological change.
 
In Christ, our old attitudes and behaviors are dead, and we are alive to the realities of Heaven, to the character that Heaven desires for all people to have in joy and peace. In Christ, our highest joy is to bring praise and glory to God (Romans 15:7) instead of redirecting praise to ourselves. In Christ, we bear good fruit that nourishes the souls of a dying world (John 15:16). In Christ, we are no longer slaves to fear or timidity; we are bold and courageous ( 2 Tim. 1:7). In Christ, we put off falsehood and any perceptions of evil because we see sin as it truly is (Ephesians 4:25). In Christ, we are made whole and eagerly await His second return. While we wait, out of love, we share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a world deceived by a devil that seeks to kill, steal, and destroy. In Christ, like Gary Force, we point others to the source of life. In all we do today, may it be to the praise and glory of Jesus Christ. To be in Christ is the highest joy that anyone can experience. Thank you, Mr. Force, for living this truth.