When It's Time To Die
By Dr. Bill Rains, Senior Pastor | May 24, 2026
Father, thank you Lord for loving us. Thank you for all the men and women who have loved our nation so much that they paid the ultimate sacrifice. And Lord, if there's anyone here who does not have salvation, help them to turn their heart to Christ today.
On May 24, 2026, Dr. Bill Rains preaches When It's Time To Die from Luke 2:25-32. On this Memorial Day weekend, he calls us to reflect not only on those who died for our freedom, but to face the reality of our own mortality and live with readiness to meet God.
1. The Reality of Death
The Bible shows us a man named Simeon in Jerusalem who was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel. The Holy Ghost revealed to him that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Yet even in this great blessing, death was still coming. As Job 30:23 declares, "I know that thou wilt bring me to death, and to the house appointed for all living." And Hebrews 9:27 reminds us, "It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." No one can cancel this appointment. Whether young or old, death is real for every person.
2. The Regrets at Death
Simeon had no regrets when his time came. He had walked faithfully with God. In contrast, many will face death filled with regret. The Bible warns that some Christians will stand before the Lord with works of wood, hay, and stubble that will be burned up. Others, like the rich man in Luke 16, died without Christ and lifted up their eyes in torments. Many on their deathbed have expressed deep sorrow: regretting not raising their children in church, not staying faithful, and not living fully for the Lord. Regrets at death's door are real and tragic.
3. The Readiness for Death
What a beautiful picture we see in Simeon! After taking the baby Jesus in his arms, he blessed God and said, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation." He was ready. Believers can have this same readiness through Christ. Dying grace is given when we need it. Like the Apostle Paul, we can say, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." If you are not ready today, you can be. Turn to Jesus, confess your sins, and trust Him for salvation.
Death is coming for every one of us.
Will you meet it with regret — or with the peace of knowing Christ?
This Memorial Day, as we honor those who gave their lives for our country, let us also prepare to meet our God. Get saved today. Live faithfully. So when it's time to die, you can say with Simeon, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace."