Topic > Christian Beliefs > Future > Death >
In Transition
People post obituary notices on billboards and concrete block walls in Ghana regularly. Headlines such as Gone Too Soon, Celebration of Life, and What a Shock! announce the passing away of loved ones and the approaching funerals. One I read—In Transition—points to life beyond the grave.
When a close relative or friend dies, we sorrow as Mary and Martha did for their brother Lazarus (John 11:17-27). We miss the departed so much that our hearts break and we weep, as Jesus wept at the passing of His friend (v. 35).
Yet, it was at this sorrowful moment Jesus made a delightful statement on life…
How (a close encounter with) death shaped my perspective on life
Have you ever wondered when you might take your last breath? Mine almost came a few weeks ago. While standing on the pavement next to the road, I was almost hit by a car when the reckless driver nearly mounted the curb, missing me by inches.
How I Dealt With The Loss of a Loved One
How do you remember a loved one who has passed away? For some, it could be through their daily conversations as they recall fond memories, while for others, it could be through mementos such as photographs.
Editor’s Picks: Top 3 Articles | Heaven & Hell
It’s time to remember the greatest act in history. It’s the day God stretched out his hands to show His unconditional love for us. It’s a truth that has lifted our spirits in our deepest grief, darkest moments and everyday living.
Just Sleeping?
A euphemism is “a polite expression used in place of words or phrases that otherwise might be considered harsh or unpleasant to hear.” Instead of saying, “We ended our dog’s life,” we say, “We put our dog to sleep.”
Through It All
God not only created us and knows us, but He is in tune to our every thought and emotion. He is there when we are anxious, excited, nervous, delighted, and heartbroken. He is there, and He understands.
“Are you there God? Do you see me?”
Christian music artist Tammy Trent’s faith in Jesus was her firm foundation but that desire for an authentic, growing relationship with God was tested when the unimaginable happened. It caused her to ask God questions like, “Do you see me?” “Do you hear me?” “Are you even there?” Discover how in the midst of tragedy God is near to the brokenhearted.
Mortality and Eternity
Mortality motivates and eternity influences. These two things motivated and influenced Puritan leader Richard Baxter, who is credited with saying, “The face of death, and nearness of eternity, did much to convince me what books to read, what studies to prefer and prosecute, what company and conversation to choose. It drove me early into the vineyard of the Lord, and taught me to preach as a dying man to dying men.” Baxter’s mortality made him discriminating as to how to use his time. When we look at the Scriptures, it’s clear that they influenced his understanding.
What Can’t be Seen
On a Thursday, my friends’ 10-year-old daughter was laughing and playing with her family and friends. The following Monday, she was in heaven.
Why I Cried Over A Dream
It was still fresh in my mind when I woke up that morning. It wasn’t a bad or sad dream. In fact, it was one of the sweetest dreams I’ve had in a while. I was sharing a chocolate ice-cream cone (that wasn’t why it was a sweet dream) with my father.
“It ain’t over ’til it’s over” – Ed Dobson’s Story
When Ed heard the diagnosis that he had only two to five years to live, he was forced to examine what he truly believed about God. But over a decade has passed since he received that death sentence, and he knows the Lord still has plans for him. Discover how Ed learned to live in the present where faith is found rather than in the future where fear resides. Find insight and inspiration for whatever trials come your way.
Smile
I once met a beautiful East African girl named Mercy, a patient at a hospital where I volunteered in Kampala, Uganda. During one of my visits, the girl’s teenage brother summoned me to his sister’s bed. He explained that their parents had died and he, at age 14, was his sister’s sole caregiver. “I have learned you and a Mzungu man [my friend, David Kuo] gave pillows to the patients last week,” he said. “My sister, named Mercy, wasn’t here when you came. She has never slept on a pillow before. Would you please bring her one?”
A broken heart mended – Gerard’s Story
Gerard was a gifted athlete, successful businessman, and the head of a prominent Christian ministry. But nothing he had accomplished could prepare him for the death of his teenage son. Discover how God’s grace carried Gerard through his season of pain and grief.
Deadly Perspective
During the Middle Ages, some monks kept a skull on their desks to remind them of their mortality and eventual death. The bony paperweight was a vivid reminder that life is fleeting and that they needed to keep their priorities in line.
