I’ve led or taken part in quite a few funerals. Recently we said goodbye to my mum and laid to rest her mortal remains. At the graveside, as the coffin is lowered, it is normal to read out these words or similar. “In that the Lord has chosen to take [name] to himself, we now… Continue reading In sure and certain hope of the resurrection
Tag: death
Biblcal Theology and Isaiah
Biblical Theology helps us to see God’s big story of redemption unfolding on the pages of Scripture. There are a couple of aspects to this. First of all, authors such as Graeme Goldsworthy and Christopher Wright have identified three themes running through Scripture. We can talk about The story that the Bible tells us the… Continue reading Biblcal Theology and Isaiah
Cheating death
When we get difficult or bad news, we often try to negotiate with the bad news, to find a way around it. This kind of denial is a common part of the grieving process. One of the greatest human temptations is to believe that somehow, given enough knowledge, resources and time we’ll be able to… Continue reading Cheating death
Walking with God
Genesis 5 opens with the second occurrence of the statement “These are the generations…” We are now opening up a new section, act 2 if you like, in Genesis. We begin to trace “what became of Adam and his family?” Notice that, Cain’s line has been dealt with separately in the previous chapter. So, Adam’s… Continue reading Walking with God
The verdict
God has come to meet with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, they have been caught in their sin and their guilt and shame is exposed. Instead of taking responsibility they look for ways to blame each other and the serpent. God does not allow them to use the blame game to get… Continue reading The verdict
Two Trees: Two Ways To Live
I believe that there is a single choice running through Scripture. It’s the choice that we find here in Genesis 2-3, it’s offered to the people of Israel at the end of Deuteronomy, it’s the choice that Christ makes at Calvary and we too are called to make that choice in response to the Gospel.… Continue reading Two Trees: Two Ways To Live
How does a Christian doctrine of suffering affect counselling of the bereaved?
In June 2005, my Great Aunt was mugged and knocked unconscious. She died in hospital two days later. As a family we went through the full range of emotions; shock and sadness at the tragic loss, anger at those who did it, guilt at our failure to visit “Auntie” more often. Whilst each bereavement is… Continue reading How does a Christian doctrine of suffering affect counselling of the bereaved?
Organ Donation?
I sometimes am asked my opinion about organ donation. There seem to be two issues at stake. The first is that some people are worried about whether Christians may donate organs such as their heart, kidneys, corneas etc to help others with serious illness or disease. The other issue that comes up is that some… Continue reading Organ Donation?
Saying goodbye to mum: Between joy and grief
On December 2nd at just around 4am in the morning, my mum went to be with her Lord and Saviour. It has been a roller coaster 10 days prior to this. Mum had gone into hospital the week previously for planned surgery knowing that at her age there were risks but confident in Jesus that… Continue reading Saying goodbye to mum: Between joy and grief
Remembering my grandma on her birthday
Today would have been my Grandma’s 106th Birthday. She has now been with her Lord and Saviour for 12 years. Earlier this year as we watched the news that the Queen was dying and her family were hurrying to her bedside, I mentioned that this had brought back memories of a similar dash to Scotland… Continue reading Remembering my grandma on her birthday
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