God created us to live forever but because of sin our body will eventually die. But our soul will continue to live and will spend eternity somewhere. The only real answer we have on this must come from God's Word, the Bible. The Bible does not teach anything about purgatory or soul sleep. For the believer 2 Corinthians 5:7 tells us that to be absent from this body is to be present with the Lord. Those who have not accepted Jesus as Savior will not enter heaven. There is no second chance, no redemption, no prayers for the dead to help them make it to heaven. Jesus makes it very clear in John 14 that it is only through belief in Christ that we can come to the Father, who is in heaven.
0 Comments
You experienced what the Bible calls in First Corinthians 12, two of the nine spiritual gifts that are mentioned. The first was tongues and the second was the interpretation of tongues. This is explained further in First Corinthians 14. Basically, it is the manifestation of the Holy Spirit bringing a message to the people that were present. The speaking in tongues is a sign to any unbelievers and the interpretation or prophesying is speaking forth the message that God had for the believers that were present. Funerals have changed a lot over the last few decades. Most families use to be connected to a church and their minister would be asked to officiate. Now it seems that I often officiate at a funeral where I have never met the person. The funeral is a time to share memories, say our goodbyes and contemplate the reality of life and death. I will always have a prayer, some scripture and make sure to mention that God is not willing for anyone to perish and miss heaven. That faith in Jesus is the only way for any person to see the kingdom of God. Yes, the funeral is for the family, but it is also a time to realize that there is also eternal life after death.
All of these things are areas that affect everyone of us in one way or another. I believe that Pastors have an obligation to address these issues and what the Bible teaches regarding the principles surrounding these very pressing concerns facing our society. The Word of God tells us in 2 Timothy 2:3 “For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.” Some people may not want to hear the truth about want God says concerning killing innocent children or how God made us male and female, or how the misuse of drugs can even be connected to demons, but it is my prayer that Pastor’s will preach and teach the truth. |
Archives
January 2020
|