Mom and Dad’s headstone was still the same. As were my memories. The tears were new, though. Amy read a sweet reflection on death as an answer to Christ’s prayer in John 17. The grave is an altar of incense. A fresh grave was dug nearby. I pray that family is comforted by Jesus. In the distance a family released balloons. I pray they will see their child soon. And […]
“For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven” (Mk 12.25). The Sadducees were the 1st-century version of the 21st-century liberals. They denied all things supernatural, especially any notion of bodily resurrection from the dead (cf. Mt 3.7; 16.1, 11-12; 22.23, 34; Lk 20.27; Acts 4.1-2; 5.17; 23.6-8). Sola Torah (Torah alone) was their creed. They didn’t believe anything […]
“In him was life” (Jn 1.4). “No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative” (Jn 10.18). “It is finished” (Jn 19.30). In Jesus was life. We might say something similar, ironically, at a funeral. Our friend lived vibrantly, spontaneously, infectiously. Our relative had such “life” about them. They lived life to its fullest. But not really. They did not live necessarily. […]
Like most with gray hair, I spend most mornings reading the newspaper over a cup of coffee. Yes, an actual newspaper tossed in my driveway. News I must unwrap, not turn on, scroll through, or scan. There is something nostalgic about catching up to yesterday’s news, and washing the black residue from your fingertips. Although, a Keurig microbrewed my coffee so I’m selectively old-fashioned. One reason I appreciate an actual newspaper is the […]
Along with parts 1 and 2, I offer five reasons why I’d rather be buried than cremated unless otherwise providentially hindered. While not imposing my convictions on anyone else, I do hope my wife will remember them at them at the funeral home! 4. Jesus was buried and I want be like Jesus. This isn’t the same thing as saying Jesus wore sandals so I wear sandals, or Jesus grew […]
Read Part 1 to catch up but here are two more reasons why I intend to be buried rather than cremated unless providentially hindered. Cremation is no cardinal sin but we should allow Scripture to define how we live and die. 2. In Scripture, the burning of the body was an expression of disgrace toward the person who died. Though not without possible exception (see 1 Sam 31.12), the burning […]
As a pastor I was often asked about cremation. It’s a good question. We believe all Scripture is breathed out by God to adequately equip us for every good work (2 Tim 3.16-17). How we care for the body at death falls within the realm of “every good work.” Therefore, Scripture adequately equips us to answer this question. What should Christians think about cremation? Should we think about it? […]