![]() “Is it alright to have my body cremated when I die?” When I first started preaching I didn’t get this question much, but as the years have gone by it comes up more and more. Here is what I gleaned from the Bible about it. Burial was the customary and honorable practice of both Hebrews and Christians throughout the Old and the New Testament. The first explicit reference is in conjunction with the death of Sarah (Genesis 23:3-4).
1 Comment
![]() When I speak of “the church”, I’m usually talking about all of God’s people that have been saved through Jesus Christ. Sometimes, I use the phrase when referring to a local congregation or to an assembled group of God’s people. The New Testament speaks of “the church”, in each of these ways (e.g. 1 Corinthians 1:2; 10:32; 11:18; 14:19, 28, 35). ![]() Lance wrote to tell me that though he grew up in the church, he hasn’t been in many years. His faith is shattered. He suffers from a serious disability. And, because of his selfish and promiscuous life he doesn’t think his marriage is going to survive. His cheating led to a little girl and he can’t forgive himself. Now he is drinking too much, ashamed and depressed. He writes, “This is too much to bear…Need God in my life and someone to talk to.” ![]() Yes, that’s exactly what we read in 1 Peter 3:21. But, doesn’t the Bible teach that Jesus saves us? Of course! He is the only Savior (Acts 4:12). Without Him we cannot come to the Father (John 14:6). We could never pay for our sins, but His blood paid for our sins (1 Peter 1:18-19). So, what does baptism have to do with it? ![]() Is Hurricane Irma another of many signs heralding Christ’s coming at the end of the world? Not if you believe what Jesus said about His coming. Jesus said that nobody but the Father knows when He is coming (Matthew 24:36). If there will be signs of His coming anyone could know. Doesn’t that mean that if someone says there are signs that Christ is about to come that he doesn’t know what he is talking about? ![]() There is a new norm in society today. Men and women are living together without being married. Even those who plan on getting married have decided to live with each other before their marriage. Most people don’t seem to think that there is anything wrong with this but rather accept it as perfectly normal behavior. In fact, more and more voices are decrying the idea of marriage as old fashion and impractical. Some would never even consider marriage as an alternative to just living together. |
AuthorRobert Dodson is the Preaching Minister for the Northwest Church of Christ. Archives
January 2023
Categories
All
|
|
|