Sermon: Hope Beyond the Grave

Introduction:

This weekend is an exciting one. I’ll be baptizing Sharron, who has been on a powerful journey of faith. Alongside her, 12 others have come forward to be baptized or re-baptized. There’s something so beautiful about seeing people find hope in Jesus and making the decision to follow Him.

However, we live in a world filled with tragedies—just look at the ongoing war in the Middle East and all the terrible things happening there. People are suffering, and they need hope. I pray that those affected find their hope in Jesus, who offers peace beyond the conflict. Christ promises hope that transcends wars, sickness, and even death. One day, there will be no more sickness, death, pain, or sorrow when Jesus comes again.

Let’s pray together.

Setting the Stage:

1. Suffering and Death

We live in a world where suffering and death seem to surround us. From sickness to natural disasters to wars, these experiences can overwhelm us.

2. Where Can We Find Hope Beyond the Grave?

Many ask: Is there hope beyond the grave? What really happens after we die?

3. Hope Beyond Death

Throughout history, different cultures and religions have offered various theories about what happens after death. Some believe that good people go to heaven while bad people go to hell. Others suggest that we are reincarnated, like a kangaroo hopping from one life to another.

But we’ve all heard the confusion, haven’t we? Like the church sermon where the pastor said, “Uncle Bob is in heaven now,” but later in the message said, “When Jesus comes back, Uncle Bob will be resurrected.” How can Uncle Bob be resurrected if he’s already in heaven? It leaves us with questions.

Point 1: The Bible’s Answer to Death

Thankfully, the Bible gives us clear answers, answers that touch our hearts, bring peace to our minds, and give us hope even in the face of death. Where can we find these answers? Not in human opinion, but in the Word of God.

In Revelation 1:18, Jesus says, “I am He who lives and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.” This tells us something powerful—Jesus conquered death. He has never lost a battle with death.

Many of us have lost loved ones—a wife, a husband, or even a child. As heartbreaking as it is, we can find comfort knowing that Jesus holds the keys to the grave. We can face death in His arms, knowing that He will return one day to reunite us with those we’ve lost.

But we still have some questions: What does the Bible teach about the “immortal soul”? Do we have immortal wings that fly to heaven, or does our body descend to hell?

Point 2: The Nature of the Soul

In Genesis 2:7, the Bible says that God formed the body from the dust and breathed into man the breath of life, and man became a living soul. Notice, the Bible doesn’t say God put a soul into man. The body, combined with the breath of life, is the living soul.

Paul, in the book of Acts, talks about the 276 souls on a ship. What does he mean by “souls”? He’s talking about people. A soul is a living person.

So the question is: Can the soul die? According to Ezekiel 18:4, the soul that sins shall die. The Bible uses the word “soul” over 1600 times, but it never describes the soul as immortal. Job 4:17 tells us that we are mortal, subject to death. Romans 2:7-8 says we are seeking immortality, meaning we do not have it yet.

When do we receive immortality? 1 Corinthians 15:51-52explains that immortality is a gift we receive when Jesus returns.

Point 3: Death as a Sleep

The Bible repeatedly describes death as a sleep. Jesus referred to it as sleep when He spoke of Lazarus in John 11:11-14. If death is like a peaceful sleep, then our loved ones are resting in perfect peace, waiting for Jesus’ call to rise.

In Psalm 146:4 and Ecclesiastes 9:5, we read that the dead know nothing. They aren’t watching over us; they aren’t in pain or suffering. They’re resting.

When Jesus comes again, He will call those who have died in Him to rise. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, we are told that “the dead in Christ will rise first,” and we will be reunited with them in the air.

Illustration:

Think about it this way: Imagine a boy spearfishing, holding his breath underwater. While he’s underwater, he’s not aware of time passing, pain, or discomfort. Then, when he surfaces, it’s like no time has passed at all. That’s what death is like—peaceful rest until the day when we wake up to the glorious light of Christ.

Conclusion:

There is hope beyond death. Our loved ones who have passed away are resting in Jesus, awaiting His return. Death may seem final to us, but Jesus has conquered the grave. When He comes again, He will bring an end to all suffering, pain, and death. Until then, we have the hope that rests in His promises.

Let’s close with a story about Tatum, who experienced a powerful moment of hope in the midst of sorrow. [Insert story here.]

May we all live with the hope that one day, Jesus will return, and death will be no more.