the importance of the gospel in death

Today was the funeral for the good Beth Karn. She was 87. She loved Jesus. She died a death that pointed people to the greatest news that has ever been told.

There is never an inopportune time for the sharing of the Gospel, but there are few that are as appropriate as a funeral. Death is part of the curse that came when Adam and Eve disobeyed the command not to eat. Death is a fearful thing for many people. Death keeps us from experiencing eternal life.

Ah, but death met its maker when Jesus came and died. And, to the praise of the glorious God in heaven, it was not victorious. Death could not hold Jesus in the grave, it had no power over God. And now, because of Jesus glorious resurrection we have the same hope.

We no longer have anything to fear by death. We have no longer any reason to wonder at what happens after we die. We don't need to mourn the inevitable. But, if we don't believe in Christ, we have much to fear.

There is life after death. It can either be one of great joy, surpassing joy, overwhelming, unending, soul-quenching joy. Or, it can be one of pain, torment, anguish, guilt, fear and unceasing loneliness. It is death that leads to these things.

And so, the appropriateness of the Gospel at a funeral is seen. There is no hope without the Gospel. There is no good that comes aside from the Gospel. And as we mourn the death of a person, we see in them our own selves awaiting the day of our own lifelessness. But, with the Gospel we have hope. We can live our last days filled with joy because, truly, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

The first few verses of Hebrews 12 give us a picture of life with an end. We are called to throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangle and run the race set before us looking, only, to Jesus for he looked to the joy set before him and was able to endure the cross. His life had an end. Our lives will end. But how great is the knowledge and truth that if we look to Him and believe we will also have a great joy awaiting us that we can fix our eyes on and endure all things.

If death is sure, then Christ is the guarantee of a better life to come. Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus.

-joe

adoption

here's an interview with Thabiti Anyabwile that addresses the topic of transracial adoption.
If you, or someone you know, is interested in adoption, consider adopting through this agency: Carolina Hope.

-joe

race

rachel had a post today about race...
i can't listen to the video right now because my computer doesn't have a sound card, but i imagine that it will be good when I do listen.
---edit at 10:15 sept. 17---
i listened to the video. my heart broke. may God heal our land. it is broken as well.
---end edit---

rachel, you should glance at my blog a few days ago on race in Scripture
there has been a bit of chatter on various blogs, (mark dever and 9 marks among them, on race and its problems within the church. i'm pretty naive when it comes to race issues. i've never had issues with anyone over the color of their skin, but...i don't really know very many folks who are racially different than me. most of those that have a different color skin have the same basic cultural background..middle class america.
i think, after reading the stuff below, as well as some other stuff awhile back that i can't find at the moment, that there is, indeed, a huge deficit in the church regarding race. i highly recommend reading through these pastors and friends respond to the question of race in the church.

here's some articles and posts for thought. i'd welcome feedback on this post as well.
email exchange between Jonathan Leeman and Thabiti Anyabwile
forum of pastors on race
john piper on topic...this dude knows practically everything.
anyabwile on some more things

-joe

race in Scripture

anyone who has ever thought about the Christian aspect of race should take a look at this blog and read the links provided: timmy brister's blog


timmy does a good job of giving the over-arching inclusiveness of God to every race and people. let us all consider how better to welcome all into the kingdom of God. to quote the bumper sticker "every tribe, tongue and nation or BUST!"

-joe