Grieving with Hope: The Christian Response to Death

Devotional

Day 1: Assurance of Salvation for Loved Ones

It is vital to know that your family and friends have a personal relationship with Christ. This assurance cannot be left to chance or assumed; it must be confirmed through their profession of faith and the evidence of their Christian walk. This knowledge brings peace and hope in the face of death. [07:46]

As Christians, we understand the importance of ensuring that our loved ones have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This is not something that can be assumed or left to chance. It requires intentional conversations and observations of their faith journey. The assurance that our family and friends have made a true profession of faith and that there is evidence of their Christian walk brings immense peace, especially when faced with the reality of death. Knowing that our loved ones are secure in their salvation allows us to face the future with hope and confidence.

This assurance is not just for our comfort but also for the eternal well-being of those we care about. It is a reminder that salvation is a personal relationship with Christ, and it is our responsibility to ensure that those around us have had the opportunity to know Him. This knowledge transforms our perspective on life and death, giving us a sense of urgency to share the gospel and live out our faith authentically.

2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV): "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!"

Reflection: Think of a loved one who may not have a clear profession of faith. How can you initiate a conversation with them about their relationship with Jesus this week?

Day 2: Grieving with Hope

As Christians, we grieve differently from the world. Our grief is infused with hope because of the promises of God. This hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation based on the reality of Jesus' resurrection and the promise of eternal life. [10:42]

Grief is a universal experience, but as Christians, we have a unique perspective on it. Our grief is not devoid of hope; it is deeply rooted in the promises of God. This hope is not mere wishful thinking but a confident expectation based on the reality of Jesus' resurrection and the promise of eternal life. When we lose a loved one, we mourn their absence, but we also hold onto the assurance that we will see them again in heaven. This transforms our grief, allowing us to navigate the pain with a sense of peace and hope.

The world grieves without hope, facing the finality of death with despair. In contrast, our hope in Christ gives us a different outlook. We can grieve with the assurance that death is not the end, and that our loved ones who knew Jesus are now in His presence. This hope sustains us and gives us the strength to continue living, knowing that we will be reunited with them one day.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (ESV): "But 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. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you experienced grief. How did your hope in Christ shape your experience of that grief?

Day 3: The Sting of Death

While death is painful and leaves a sting, it is not the final word. The victory of Jesus over the grave assures us that death has been swallowed up in victory. This transforms our grief, allowing us to mourn with the assurance of eternal life. [12:17]

Death is a painful reality that leaves a sting, but as Christians, we know that it is not the final word. The victory of Jesus over the grave assures us that death has been swallowed up in victory. This profound truth transforms our grief, allowing us to mourn with the assurance of eternal life. The sting of death is real, but it is temporary. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our hope, giving us confidence that death has been defeated.

This victory over death changes everything. It means that our loved ones who have died in Christ are not lost forever; they are alive in Him. This assurance gives us peace and strength to face the future, knowing that the grave is not the end. The promise of eternal life with Jesus is a powerful source of comfort and hope, enabling us to live with a sense of purpose and joy even in the midst of loss.

1 Corinthians 15:54-55 (ESV): "When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: 'Death is swallowed up in victory.' 'O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?'"

Reflection: How does the victory of Jesus over the grave change your perspective on death and loss? How can you share this hope with someone who is grieving?

Day 4: Personal Testimonies of Loss

Sharing personal stories of loss, like the story of my daughter Victoria, helps illustrate the profound pain of losing a loved one and the sustaining hope we have in Christ. These testimonies remind us that we will be reunited with our loved ones in heaven. [14:41]

Personal testimonies of loss are powerful tools for illustrating the profound pain of losing a loved one and the sustaining hope we have in Christ. When we share our stories, we not only express our grief but also highlight the hope that sustains us. These testimonies serve as reminders that we are not alone in our suffering and that there is a greater hope beyond this life. The story of losing a loved one, like the loss of a daughter, can resonate deeply with others who have experienced similar pain, offering them comfort and encouragement.

These personal stories also reinforce the promise of reunion in heaven. They remind us that our loved ones who have died in Christ are not lost forever; we will see them again. This hope of reunion transforms our grief, giving us a sense of anticipation and joy even in the midst of sorrow. Sharing these testimonies can be a source of healing for both the storyteller and the listener, as they point to the ultimate hope we have in Jesus.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."

Reflection: Think of a personal story of loss that you have experienced. How can sharing this story with someone else provide comfort and hope to them?

Day 5: The Hope of Resurrection

John 11:25 assures us that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. This promise is the cornerstone of our hope, giving us peace and confidence to continue living, knowing that the grave is not the end. This hope defies the sting of death and transforms our grief. [16:05]

The hope of resurrection is a central tenet of the Christian faith. John 11:25 assures us that Jesus is the resurrection and the life, and this promise is the cornerstone of our hope. It gives us peace and confidence to continue living, knowing that the grave is not the end. This hope defies the sting of death and transforms our grief, allowing us to face the future with assurance and joy. The resurrection of Jesus is a powerful reminder that death has been defeated and that eternal life awaits us.

This hope is not just for the future but also for the present. It shapes how we live our lives, giving us a sense of purpose and direction. Knowing that we have eternal life with Jesus motivates us to live faithfully and to share this hope with others. The promise of resurrection is a source of strength and encouragement, enabling us to navigate the challenges of life with confidence and hope.

1 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you."

Reflection: How does the promise of resurrection shape your daily life and decisions? How can you share this hope with someone who is struggling with the fear of death?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we delved into a topic that touches every one of us: death and how we, as Christians, should respond to it. We began by acknowledging the inevitability of death and the importance of ensuring that our loved ones know Jesus. This is crucial because a preacher cannot preach someone into heaven; salvation is a personal relationship with Christ. We must be certain that our family and friends have made a true profession of faith and that there is evidence of their Christian walk.

We then explored the different ways people grieve. For those who know Christ, we grieve with hope. This hope is not mere wishful thinking but a confident expectation based on the promises of God. In contrast, those who do not know Jesus grieve without hope, facing the finality of death with despair. We referenced 1 Thessalonians 4:13, where Paul encourages believers not to grieve like those who have no hope.

I shared a personal story about the loss of my daughter, Victoria Caroline McCombs, to illustrate the profound pain of losing a loved one and the hope that sustains us. Despite the deep sorrow, there is a comforting assurance that we will be reunited with our loved ones in Christ. This hope transforms our grief, allowing us to mourn with the assurance of eternal life.

We also touched on the sting of death, acknowledging that while death is painful, it is not the end. The victory of Jesus over the grave gives us hope and confidence. John 11:25 reminds us that Jesus is the resurrection and the life, and anyone who believes in Him will live, even though they die. This promise is the cornerstone of our hope.

In conclusion, we emphasized that Christians do not grieve like the world. We have a hope that defies the sting of death, rooted in the victory of Jesus Christ. This hope gives us peace and confidence to continue living, knowing that the grave is not the end.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Ensure Your Loved Ones Know Jesus: It is vital to know that your family and friends have a personal relationship with Christ. This assurance cannot be left to chance or assumed; it must be confirmed through their profession of faith and the evidence of their Christian walk. This knowledge brings peace and hope in the face of death. [07:46]
2. Grieve with Hope: As Christians, we grieve differently from the world. Our grief is infused with hope because of the promises of God. This hope is not wishful thinking but a confident expectation based on the reality of Jesus' resurrection and the promise of eternal life. [10:42]
3. The Sting of Death: While death is painful and leaves a sting, it is not the final word. The victory of Jesus over the grave assures us that death has been swallowed up in victory. This transforms our grief, allowing us to mourn with the assurance of eternal life. [12:17]
4. Personal Testimonies of Loss: Sharing personal stories of loss, like the story of my daughter Victoria, helps illustrate the profound pain of losing a loved one and the sustaining hope we have in Christ. These testimonies remind us that we will be reunited with our loved ones in heaven. [14:41]
5. The Hope of Resurrection: John 11:25 assures us that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. This promise is the cornerstone of our hope, giving us peace and confidence to continue living, knowing that the grave is not the end. This hope defies the sting of death and transforms our grief. [16:05]
### [16:05]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[06:25] - Community Involvement
[07:46] - Ensuring Loved Ones Know Jesus
[09:16] - Grieving with Hope
[10:42] - The Sting of Death
[12:17] - Personal Story of Loss
[14:02] - Chaplain's Comfort
[14:41] - Hope in Reuniting
[15:25] - The Meaning of Life
[16:05] - The Hope of Resurrection
[17:08] - Mourning with Confidence
[18:17] - The Reality of Eternity
[19:08] - Encouragement and Conclusion

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to 1 Thessalonians 4:13, how does Paul describe the way Christians should grieve compared to others? [10:42]
What does 1 Corinthians 15:54-55 say about the finality of death for believers? [12:17]
In John 11:25, what promise does Jesus give about life after death? [16:05]
How did Pastor Chris describe the importance of ensuring that our loved ones know Jesus? [07:46]

Interpretation Questions

What does it mean to grieve with hope, as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:13? How does this differ from worldly grief? [10:42]
How does the victory over death described in 1 Corinthians 15:54-55 provide comfort to believers? [12:17]
How does Jesus' statement in John 11:25 shape our understanding of life and death? [16:05]
Why is it crucial to confirm that our loved ones have a personal relationship with Christ, according to Pastor Chris? [07:46]

Application Questions

Reflect on your own family and friends. Are there any loved ones whose faith in Jesus you are unsure about? How can you lovingly approach this topic with them? [07:46]
Think about a time when you experienced the loss of a loved one. How did your faith in Jesus influence your grieving process? [10:42]
How can the promise of resurrection in John 11:25 give you peace and confidence in your daily life? [16:05]
Pastor Chris shared a personal story about the loss of his daughter, Victoria. How can sharing personal testimonies of loss and hope in Christ help others in their grieving process? [14:41]
In what ways can you remind yourself and others of the victory over death that Jesus provides, especially during times of mourning? [12:17]
How can you support someone in your community who is grieving without hope? What practical steps can you take to share the hope of Christ with them? [10:42]
How does the assurance of eternal life with Jesus change the way you view your own mortality and the mortality of those you love? [16:05]

Sermon Clips

1. "You want to know if your loved ones know Jesus. If they don't know Jesus, listen, this is serious. You're a preacher can't preach someone to heaven. I can't preach a funeral and it's all going to be okay. You need to be real with this. You need to know and there's no shame in that. You need to be real with this. You need to know and there's no shame in that this you need to know do do my parents do my grandparents do my children do I know that I know that I know that I know that I know continue that out but they know Jesus." [07:46] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "We grieve with hope when we grieve with someone that's lost that doesn't know Jesus it should really really hurt deep within why this person didn't come to know Jesus and and to know that we know that probably we won't see that see them in eternity that's that's a sad thing but then there's those that grieve that don't know Jesus and they're of the world they they don't know any different you could say but they grieve with no hope see we have hope and this is this is whole thing hope is not just this opportunity it's not just this opportunity it's not just this opportunity it's not just this optimistic thinking things will be better or things will be a certain way you know hope hope here is evidence when god speaks of hope it's not wishful thinking it's a reality it's just not achieved yet and we've not faced death yet but when we do or when others do and we know they're in the lord we grieve with hope." [09:16] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Death may have sting in this physical life, but eternity is forever. John 11, 25 is very clear. Jesus is speaking. I am the resurrection and life. Anyone who believes in me. Even though he dies, shall live. Jesus is telling us that in him, there's something greater. In him, there is something that goes beyond this grave. In him is resurrection and life. This is the hope that we have. Christian, this is the hope that you have." [16:05] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "This is the hope that goes beyond death. This is the hope that defies death sting. Death is swallowed up in victory. The victory of Jesus. And because of Jesus, we have life. I don't know that we always realize that, but in the midst of death, may we grieve with hope. In great loss, may we know there's great victory. As we miss those that we loved. As we mourn those that have gone on. As we have memories, good and bad, of people that influenced our lives." [17:08] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "If we didn't have that, what would be the meaning of life? Life would be a void. It would be. There'd be nothing. I mean, death would be it. It would be just more cruel than it already is. And so God is wanting us to know you don't grieve without hope. You have hope. You have the hope of Jesus Christ. Death may have sting in this physical life, but eternity is forever." [15:25] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "I know that all who are in Christ to die will be there. I know she's the innocent one. I know that she is with Jesus. Would I would like to have life with her? Absolutely. Would I have loved to have had my daughter here on earth? Absolutely. All that I missed, all that we'll never know that we've lived out with Savannah and Macy and Samuel. They've had, you know, we got to experience the walking, the talking, the eating, the living life together. Now going out into the world and getting jobs and college. We didn't have any of that with Victoria. But we know someday we'll be with her in heaven. And that gives us hope." [14:41] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "I find great peace. And I have a confidence to keep living. Because I know that the grave is not the end. Because Jesus conquered the grave, I know Victoria has conquered the grave. Because Jesus conquered the grave, I know that my grandparents, great-grandparents, and someday my parents here, maybe soon, and others that I have loved, they've won. And I know that I'll win too. And I know that all of you that are in Christ, every funeral I will ever do, for those that are in Christ, I know this is just the evidence of the reality of your eternity. That you're with Jesus, and I have great hope and confidence in that." [18:17] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Hey, I hope you found some hope today. And I hope that you can look at death differently as we're having these difficult conversations that are good conversations that the Bible's not absent about. God gives us a glimmer of that hope so that we can cling to that in the living. Hey, God bless you. Have a great day. We will see you here tomorrow." [19:08] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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