Week Forty-Three, 2023
Bryan Johnson’s goal is to never die. Yes, he’s planning to live forever.
According to a lengthy article by Philip Cheung for Time.com, Johnson, a multimillionaire tech entrepreneur swallows 111 pills a day. Sleeps in a laser-face-shield for collagen growth and wrinkle reduction. And has spent in excess of $4 million developing a life-extension system he calls “Blueprint.”
Like some other ultra-rich middle-aged men, Johnson has both the time and resources to pursue this wild dream, that consumes his every waking hour. And, even in his sleep.
While Cheung presents a fascinating account as he visited Johnson’s home, observed his lifestyle, eating habits, and strict daily regiments, it is clear that neither he nor any of the medical experts believe this is possible.
“Most people assume death is inevitable,” Johnson admitted. However, he is trying to prove otherwise. Of course, medical experts disagree. “Death is not optional; it’s written into our genes,” says Dr. Pinchas Cohen, dean of the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology at the University of Southern California.
Likewise, Biblical writers disagree. The Psalmist rhetorically asked, “What man can live and not see death? Can he deliver his life from the power of the grave? (Ps. 89:48). The wise man observed, “There is a time to be born, and a time to die” (Eccl. 3:1). Yes, “It is appointed for men to die,” affirms Hebrews 9:27.
The Bible teaches because of sin, death entered the world. And because all people sin, then “death spread to all men” (Rom. 5:12-17). Human observation, medical science, and scripture all remind us of the stark reality of death.
Johnson’s quest reminds us of Ponce de Leon’s elusive pursuit for the Fountain of Youth. The idea of eternal youth has long been the subject of myths and legends for centuries. In the 6th century B.C. Greek historian Herodotus, wrote about such magical waters where people lived exceptionally long lives. It’s said that Alexander the Great was also in search for such a fountain.
Ironically, Johnson and others of like pursuits are overlooking the one true source of living forever. Jesus Christ. To the Samaritan woman at the well, Jesus proclaimed “I am the water of life.” In the discussion that ensued He contrasted physical water with spiritual water and offered this promise.
“Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him, will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life” (Jn. 4:7-14).
The truth is if you are seeking immortality, forget about taking dozens of pills, engaging in rigorous exercise, or following Johnson’s Blueprint plan, commit your life to Christ. John affirmed that in Jesus is life, “the light of men” (Jn. 1:4). So, He would call us with the assuring promise, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (Jn. 14:6).
When Job asked the question, “If a man dies, shall he live again?” (14:14), he may not have understood all of the implications and answers to that query. But, the fact is when we live for Christ, although we will die physically, we will live eternally with Him in heaven. Or as Paul put it, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21).
Sadly, those like Johnson, are missing out on what life is all about. Serving God. Praising God. Living for His purpose. And seeking to glorify Him. “For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s” (Rom. 14:7-9).
Johnson’s obsession ought to be a reminder to ALL Believers, not to become too enamored with longevity of life. But to be more concerned about the quality of life. The purpose of life. The fullness of a spiritual life in Christ.
Yes, you will live forever. Just not in this world.
Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES
Words of wisdom from Pastor Edgar Aponte:
• The supernatural power of God will protect His people.
• God is calling us to invest in the future of His church.
• While we live in the world, we must resolve that the world will not live in us.
• Too often we want to blend into the culture of our community and isolation leads to indoctrination. We must hold onto our beliefs no matter how beautiful culture tries to make it seem.
• If you can change the beliefs of the people, then you can easily change the laws of their nation.
• As disciples of Jesus, our integrity of heart should be reflected in our speech.
• Do not try to hide a heart issue by looking for loopholes in the Law of God.
• To follow Jesus is to live under a constant oath of integrity.
• Saved people are marked by a radical honesty. Tell the truth!
• Trust the sovereign Lord. He is not surprised with what is happening in the world today.
• The world around you wants to disciple and reprogram you. Resolve to be shaped by the Word of God.
• Resolve that the world will not win over your mind and affections, so you can be a blessing to the world.
Think like a missionary!!
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Heart Attacks Drop by One-Third
A groundbreaking new study holds heartening news for older Americans.
Since the mid-1990s, the number of seniors who suffered a heart attack or died from one dropped dramatically — evidence that campaigns to prevent heart attacks and improve patient care are paying off, Yale University researchers said.
The efforts have focused on lifestyle changes, including adoption of healthy eating habits and getting more exercise. They have also helped patients reduce their blood pressure and cholesterol, two key contributors to heart attacks.
In-hospital care is also better now than it was in the 1990s, said lead researcher Dr. Harlan Krumholz, a professor of cardiology. Patients who arrive at the hospital with a heart attack are now treated within minutes, using procedures to open blocked arteries, rather than the hour it used to take, he noted.
And more patients are leaving the hospital with prescriptions for blood pressure drugs, aspirin, and statins, which help prevent a repeat heart attack.
QUOTES YOU CAN USE
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14: 5-6
Everyone should have three homes, a family home, a church home and an eternal home. Adrian Rogers.
Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well. Philip Stanhope
Experience is not what happens to a man. It is, what a man does with what happens to him. Aldous Huxley
Nothing is more intolerable than to have to admit to yourself your own errors. Ludwig Van Beethoven
Wisdom is what’s left after we’ve run out of personal opinions. Cullen Hightower
It’s not about working… it’s about accepting. Marty Stubblefield
The risk of a wrong decision is preferable to the terror of indecision. Maimonides
Never regard study as a duty, but as the enviable opportunity to learn Albert Einstein
God is not in a hurry to accomplish His work. He is waiting for the perfect time, the opportune moment. Dan Shock
I always entertain great hopes. Robert Frost
Always be excelling in the work of the Lord; continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile nor wasted… I Corinthians 15:58
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