Cremation or Burial...

Does it matter?

I really appreciated -- and agreed with -- this assessment from John Piper.

The bottom line from Piper's response: it doesn't matter ultimately, but cremation is not a custom that the New Testament would naturally lead us to.

Give his response a read and let me know what you think...

Piper at Angola Prison

Michelle and I give monthly to Desiring God. Watching this made me really glad to make that regular investment (click through to the blog if the video doesn't appear in your feed reader):

May this be the motto of all Christ's people:

“I would rather die now than to live a life of oblivious ease in so sick a world.”

Nate Saint, killed by the Auca Indians in Ecuador at the age of 32.

I'll be 32 in three months. Very sobering.

A tribute to Roi

I know Gerry says that Jeff Coffin is a better sax player, but I love the saxophone because of this man:



He passed away a year ago today.

MJ, Farrah, you and me

Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett; two people who had all the admiration and affection of the masses. They also had all the money they could ever dream of.

Yet yesterday, it all meant absolutely nothing. Their popularity and wealth could not help them escape that great enemy called death. John Piper wrote:

"Farrah Fawcett (62), Michael Jackson (50) and 150,000 others: 'A flower of the field; the wind passes, and it is gone.'"

There is only one deliverer from death; and his name is not money, or fame.

Let's grieve their loss, and celebrate what a great hope is found in Christ.

(Justin Taylor weighs in with a great little reflection on Jackson's death.)

What happens when you die?

Today my church family said goodbye to a beloved brother in the Lord. Our friend John Anderson passed away last week at the age of 49.

I know that some of our church family reads this blog, and thought it might be beneficial to link to a 4-sermon series that John Piper preached several years ago called What happens When You Die?

In my estimation, this is an area where there is a lot of confusion, even within the Church. And it's of great importance that we be intimately acquainted with the hope that is awaiting us because of Christ. I think Piper expounds upon that hope with great clarity and conviction in these messages.

This link enables you to read, listen to, or download the sermons. I hope they are a blessing to you.

Death is Not Dying

This video has been circulating many of the blogs I frequent, but for those who have not yet seen or heard of it:

Here's how the Desiring God blog explains the video:

Rachel Barkey is a 37 year-old wife and mother of two who is dying of cancer. She only has weeks to live.

On March 4, she addressed 600 women and in 55 minutes delivered one of the most God-centered, gospel-soaked, honest, moving, and beautiful messages I have heard. Check out Rachel's website where you can watch or download the video and audio. You will not regret the 55 minutes. Very little is more important than the things she says.

I have not yet watched the video, but Michelle has seen it and has told me that it is a must-see. I look forward to watching it and being strengthened by this godly woman's courage and hope in the midst of her incomprehensible pain.

When You Can't Find Anyone Who Can Say a Bad Thing About You

Sometimes when people pass away, one of the flattering things that people say about the deceased is, 'You can't find anyone who can say a bad thing about (insert name here)'

But it doesn't seem like Jesus would be impressed with such a eulogy. He says,

'Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.' (Luke 6:26)

Christians ought to strive not to be liked by everyone, but to be faithful to Jesus. If we do that, some people will love us. And others will have plenty of bad to say about us.