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Dealing with Death Advice

Death

Suggested Scriptures:

John 3:16  "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should notperish but have eternal life."

Romans 8:37-39  "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through  him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

1 Corinthians 15:25-26 " For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death."

Introduction:

Birth and death are the only experiences everyone has or will experience, so it isn't surprising that death often comes up when ministering to people. The questions people raise can be as diverse as the people themselves. One thing is for sure, facing death can be painful. Some inquirers will want to know what happened to a loved one who died. Others might be facing a terminal illness and considering their own mortality. Still others might be seeking help for something other than physical death, like the death of a dream or a relationship.

As a 1-2-1 Connector, knowing what the Word of God says about death is essential.

As a Christian, you probably view death differently than an inquirer in the 1-2-1 Connections system. For believers, "Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord." (2 Cor. 5:8) The apostle Paul also wrote in 1 Thessalonians 4:13But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope." As Christians, we know that Christ defeated death on our behalf.

On the other hand, to many inquirers, the prospect of death is the most fearful thing imaginable.

When you consider the cost of death to a non-believer, it makes sense. We should realize that without Christ, human beings are spiritually dead while physically alive. Millions live in spiritual darkness. God's priority is delivering them out of spiritual death and into eternal life through a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ.

What to Share:

Our goal is to direct inquirers to the hope of eternal life Christ offers without sounding condescending. Christ's hope can help them face death in its many forms with peace in their hearts. So what are the essential truths we should share?

1) The hope of eternal life overcomes the fear of death. Jesus said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life." (John 6:47)


2) Relationship with Christ begins with confession and belief. The Apostle Paul wrote, "because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your hear that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)


3) Paul also wrote that death comes as the result of sin. All of us have sinned, whether or not people consider us to be "good." Fortunately, Christ paid the price for your sin. The required payment was death, but the gift God freely offers you is everlasting life found in Christ Jesus. (Romans 6:23) "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."


4) Ultimately, everyone faces physical death. We can experience death through loss of relationships too. The solution to either form of death lies in our faith in Christ.

Conclusion:

God's Word provides answers to both an inquirer's felt-need and the deeper spiritual need that often lies beneath. Direct the inquirer to Christ by responding to his/her concerns with both your compassion and God's wisdom from the Bible.

God can use you to help inquirers overcome their fear of death and discover God's offer of eternal life through Christ Jesus.