Oh Death

It's a catchy tune but it's about death. You know, that's a little weird right now. It's probably even weirder that it's currently. I would save my favorite song and I'll explain that a little bit. But, you know, I saw one comment when I was pulling up looking for the video that I was going to play with that song and Made me chuckle. It said, you know this should be mandatory to be played at every save person's funeral. I thought about that a little bit and I thought well, Actually I agree with that, you know, I've often thought about that, you know, when my time comes and it's my funeral, I wanted to be happy upbeat songs like this because as a believer, that is how I feel that we should feel about it.

And you know, it probably is weird. That's my favorite song, but if you know me, you know that I'm a little weird so that should click it is totally on brand for me but

Like I said, I want to explain it, why I feel that way and it's a lot of I think the life experiences I have had. Getting me to this point. You know, as I've said before when I've been sitting with people and their families during these times when you know that the end is approaching, you know, that the end is near.

I have often had people say to me. How are you smiley during this time, I remember one particular person in particular that those were her exact words, to me. It was Joyce Nussbaum. And, you know, I remember telling her Joyce, the reason I can be Smiley is because I know where you're going. and to me, that is a big part of Why what has shaped, you know my belief on death? You know why I did this weird project when I was a senior in college I had a class that was about death and dying. well, we had to write a thesis paper, of course at the end of it and I wrote my thesis about the fact that it is easier for someone who has faith in Jesus Christ. To accept death than someone who does not. And the way I did this research was I actually went to IU Hospital and visited with patients who were in that time. You know who were facing the end then? In this class, my professor was not a believer. So we debated this subject on a couple occasions and he finally did towards the end of the semester. say to me that He didn't understand what I was saying. He did see that point of view.

and, you know, part of that view got shaped for me because Having faced the heart surgeries that I had faced up till that point in my life. You know, when you face that at a young age it changes your view on some things. I know I've shared this story before 2, but when I was having my second surgery afterwards, they were having problems controlling my blood pressure, and it was extremely high. And I remember praying Lord, if it's my time. That's okay, I'm ready. And very audibly. I heard the Lord. Tell me I'm not done with you yet. And when I heard that almost immediately, all of my stats and numbers fell right back to where they should be. And that heart surgery like pretty much all my heart surgeries. I was only there four days in and out. And I know sometimes you think Waltz, you've never had anything major done trust me. What I've had done to about as major as it can get when the cardiologist at Parkview. Look at it. They're just like, hey, do you still know the guys in Indy? Go see them. So like said they don't even want to touch it anymore but, you know, God has brought me through those five surgeries and the last time I had to have won the doctor's like, well, you know how soon do you want to have it done? I said, what are you doing this afternoon? And he's like, no seriously and I'm like, I am serious. I'm like, I don't care if you want to go do it. Let's get it done as soon as possible. And I don't have a fear of that, and I know my wife, wishes, I had more of a fear of those things at times, but honestly don't and I know that a sixth heart surgery, is most likely in my future, here some time, but that's okay. I'm not worried about that one either. It'll happen when it happens.

But, you know, my whole thing goes back to that. I firmly believe that is a child of God. I have no reason to fear death. your death is one of those things that we should fear, right? It's probably one of the most natural fears that is there. You know, that keeps us from doing stupid things, you know, being afraid of the fact that we could get injured or worse

What's the reason I like this song is like I feel for me. It finally puts into words or song I guess more literally. The way that I feel about death. You know, that's why I don't have a fear of it. That's why I can be Smiley when I know that someone might be in their final hours. That I can still be positive knowing that, you know, when that believer in Christ passes, they aren't really dying. They are going from Life To Life.

No, I had a kind of impromptu funeral this week impromptu meeting. I got a call Monday at lunch asking if I could do a funeral then at 8 pm. Asked you? Okay. Here's the scripture. Can you do it tomorrow? So did a funeral Tuesday and You know, just doing that. And we had a passing of someone else this week that I shared this at the funeral that I did that. You know, when a Believer passes they go from Life To Life. They take their last breath here on this Earth and they take their first breath in heaven as the very next one. That was the way the pastor who did my, dad's funeral explained it and I have always loved. That explanation. Cuz I think his Believers were so worried about that of, he know what happens, none of us really know because none of us have talked to someone who has died and come back. Right? So we wonder And this song is deeply rooted in the scriptures and it was written by this group because all of them have experienced a lot of loss in their lives. That led them to write it in the Scriptures. It goes off of our 1st Corinthians, 15 verses 55 to 58. And of course, Psalm 23. Reading. 1st. Corinthians chapter 15 verses 55. 258 says where o death is your victory. Where o death is your Sting. The sting of death is sin and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God. He gives us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ there for my dear brothers and sisters stand firm. Let nothing move. You always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because, you know, that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

You know, that Central Point is. You know, death has been defeated. Oh death. Where is your victory?

You know, we always tend to think of death as the final thing, right? Truth is, it's a very brief thing. It's actually just the step that ushers us into eternity.

And you know this song is just declaring that we don't have reason to fear it. And the sting has been removed because we know in the resurrection of Christ that he defeated both sin and death.

You know, the song also.

Uses that phrase walking through the valley of the shadow of death.

No.

Seems like I've been to and done a lot of funerals this last year.

The very common passage to get shared. And like I said, really, it's the passage that kind of kicked off this entire Series, has to be looked at Psalm 23 in the whole idea of God leading Us beside, the Still Waters and difficult times.

Listen to Psalm 23 from the new King James Version. Does the Lord is my shepherd? I shall not want. He makes me lie down in Green Pastures, he leads me beside Still Waters, he restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his namesake. Yea though, I walk through the valley of the shadow of death. I will fear no evil for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me. The last week I talked a lot about the huge contrast that we see here in this verse. You know we're talkin about something like the Valley of the shadow of death but it's also talking about Green Pastures still waters, you know. God providing a place of rest, a place of Peace but yet then we're also talking about the Valley of the shadow of death. That's very different. But you know what it's talking about is that even in difficult circumstances God is their God is present, he's providing his peace in his soul. and it's also promising us that God will not just be with us through the difficult times but God will lead us to the Green Pastures. He will lead us beside Quiet Waters where we can rest.

But you know a central theme is Christ victory, over death.

Do you truly believe that is that something that is a core of your blades? because according to this scripture and others, you know, that we read from 1st Corinthians there, you know the source of fear and power behind death Isn't there anymore? For us as Believers that has been eradicated. It's been dealt with Christ has achieved the final Victory. You know, I said it was kind of like trying to get home to watch a sports game that you recorded not wanting anyone to tell you the final score because they're going to ruin it for you, right? Cuz we know who wins in the end. We know how it goes. that's part of why we don't need to fear death, because we know who wins, We know Christ has defeated it once and for all.

And, you know, in the song, if you watch the actual music video of it, there's lots of Hino dancing and stuff in it. And that's what that reference, you know, of the person saying, you know, this should be played at every Believers funeral was, you know, as Believers when we know that someone we love is moving from this life, filled with pain and trouble to life eternal with Christ. It is something that should be celebrated.

But we often don't do it that way.

You know, in essence to the song is kind of spiritual Anthem that celebrates the power of Christ's death over the power of death. You know, the whole reason Christ had to die was he had to go through that to be able to go and defeat sin and death once and for all he died, the death he did for us so that the sting of it's gone. We don't have to worry about it.

And, you know, the ultimate question that really I've been leading up to throughout this entire series is that if we truly believe that the resurrection of Christ happened, and if we believe that it is proof of his victory over sin and death, Why do we fear it so much?

I think a lot of our mindset towards death is created by our medical system, which says they can't read anything, right? They can beat anything. You know, we don't have to live with it. But well, we often do.

There's a lot of things are. Medicine can treat. but death isn't one of them still the only remedy for that comes in Christ, and if we truly believe that Christ has defeated sin and death, And we have no reason to fear it. if there's no reason for me to fear death,

Why do I fear? So many other. Much more trivial things. Why do I let fear control me? Why do I let fear impact the decisions? I make how I live my life, how I live out? My face?

In Romans chapter 8.

Verses 31 through 39. I read this. It says What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own son, but gave him up for us all. How will he not also along with him? Graciously, give us all things. Who will bring any charge against Those whom God has chosen. It is God, who justifies who then is the one, who condemns no one. Christ Jesus, who died, more than that. Who was raised to life is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ. Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine, or nakedness or danger or sword as it is written. For your sake, we Face death all day long. We are considered as sheep to be slaughtered know and all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Prime convinced that neither death, nor life, neither angels, nor demons, neither present nor future nor any powers neither height nor depth. Nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God. That is in Christ Jesus, our lord.

There is a whole lot of theology in that passage of scripture. Yeah, that's what I love about the book of Romans is there is so much packed in it, but this particular passage, you know, it's emphasizing the security and assurance that Believers have in God's love. In Christ was the ultimate demonstration of that the life, he lived the death that he faced him Rising again. You know, it was proving to us that nothing we go through which includes all the suffering that we experience in this world, all the trials, all the hardships or even death. None of those things can separate us from the love of God. And as long as you aren't separated from the love of God, you really have nothing to fear because that should be the most viable thing to you.

To this passage is meant to assure Believers that if God has for them. Then you've already want. You've already achieved that final Victory because the ultimate photo out there deaf and number to send Christ has defeated them both. You don't have to worry about those if you live your life. Truly grasping the love of Christ and what he has done for you and how much the father loves you. Yeah, this passage talks about God's love and support. That very opening phrase, you know, if God is for us, who can be against us? It's setting the tone for the entire passage, you know, saying, okay, God is for you. God is in your corner. God is fighting for you. He supports you, he backs you in everything that you're doing.

in as long as you know, that you should be pretty confident, right? God is not an absentee father, who's never there for anything, he's there for everything. He wants to be involved. He wants to stand behind you and everything that you do. And we can have that confidence. We can have that Assurance because of Christ sacrifice and knowing that he is standing there beside the father interceding for us.

You know, he's continuing And sometimes, when I think about that, I know we think interceding me automatically think prayer and I think that is happening, but there's also times when I Think Jesus is cheering for us. That's part of his interceding, he's cheering us on, he's encouraging us you know kind of like when you're at a track meet and you they all for your kid they keep going.

Or in anything that you encourage them to keep on pushing to achieve their goal. That's what's happening. But the scripture also reminds us of that. Unbreakable Bond that's there. Casino it proclaims that. No, tribulation no distress, no persecution. You know, we don't face some of the things that names like famine or nakedness, or I have never faced a sword. But you know, it's talking about dangerous things things, it would have been very common to the people of that time is scene of ways that could impact them in a very negative way, basically ways that they could die things that could lead to that.

what he's trying to share is that no matter what you come up with,

if you are a believer in Christ, none of those things can separate you from Christ. Love None of them.

Show a hands, how many people had a bookmark or a poster or something with the more than conquerors on it? At one point in their life when it was a very popular verse for a while. I think I had a poster in my college dorm room of it, but it was a very popular verse and for good reason.

if you ever really sat and thought about that whole idea of more than conquerors, Through him, who loved us. What do you think that means to be more than a conqueror mean to conquer? Something means you overcome it right. You defeat at you now have control over. Its, you're now the one in charge,

So it says that we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

So the idea is that God isn't going to just get you through this by the skin of your teeth. You're going to be more than a conqueror.

You will come through this. And be better on the other side of it than what you were going into it.

Sometimes, I think that's hard for us to grasp. Especially when we see the end result. Being deaf. How is that more than conquering? How is that coming out better on the other side of it.

Will the whole reason we see it that way is because again going to get harsh on our medical system out there, that's defeat right? If they don't save the patient. They didn't win.

but as a Believer, even in the midst of that,

We went. Yes, those of us who are left here on this side of Eternity. We lose something. but what we have to remember as we lose it, temporarily

Because as a Believer, we should know that we will see them again.

Cuz the truth is you know, God's Eternal purpose. Is that as we go through this life we would accept crisis are safe here and then ultimately joined him for eternity in heaven. That's his ultimate purpose for any of us.

And you know that's hard for us. Because we go through difficult things, we suffer through things in life and no one likes to think about pain and suffering. But it's a part of the world that we live in. It's a part of what many of us experienced everyday.

But I think the way you can face that with hope is knowing that no matter what it is, it is temporary. God will lead you through to the other side of it and when he does you will be better than what you were at the beginning. even if that end stage is deaf,

you know, another place in scripture, Paul says, he know to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

Isn't that really what we're doing? I mean, if that's not what we're doing, why do we come to church every week? If we're not seeking to eventually spend eternity with Christ.

Then really, our faith doesn't have a point. We need to understand that we need to truly Embrace what it means. That Christ defeated sin and death once and for all.

and, you know, I hadn't ended this to be the last in this series.

but unfortunately, some things I saw this last week with the funeral I did, and with a viewing that I attended later this week, There's going to be one more next week. Just the Lord. Really led me to know there's a little more you need to say about this. but the big point I want to get across today, is that If God has given you the Freedom From Fear, even to not need to fear death.

Don't allow fear to continue to control. You don't allow it to continue to impact your life. You can live your life boldly as a Christian knowing. ultimately, your goal is to spend eternity with him.

Please join with me in prayer.

Heavenly father as we come to you today, Lord.

Death is a subject. Nobody likes to talk about.

the Lord, I pray that You will help us to see death the way you do.

Nord to you, death is not a permanent thing.

Art to you. Death is just us. Merely shedding this fragile broken human form that were in

For our Heavenly for Lord, for the way you intended for this world to be without sin in it. Lord, as we know from your scripture, the wages of sin is death.

But Lord, we have no need to fear death because Christ has won that final victory.

Lord help us to not be paralyzed by fear.

Or to not allow it to control us and Lord. When we do face trials and tribulations and health challenges Lord, I pray that we can truly put it in your hands. And Trust.

That at the end of this, no matter what the result is, we will be more than conquerors. And Lord, we pray this on your most holy name. Amen.