Christian Living

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What a wonderful opportunity there is on these
occasions to tell the whole truth of the gospel. Sad
to say, very often in these "let’s-not-upset-anyone"
days the moment is lost by timid pastors and
ministers. They seem more afraid of admonishment from
"head office" than from God.

The congregation at these milestones of life and death
usually comprises many non-believers. There’s Uncle
Joe who hasn’t attended church since he got married 20
years ago, and Aunt Barbara, who last graced a pew at
her father’s funeral in 1976. If she’d heard the
gospel then, it might not be so.

Our mortality is never more obvious and so painfully
close than at a funeral. We look at that lavishly
decorated wooden box containing someone who once was a
breathing, laughing, alive human being. Now the body
is still, lifeless, helpless - dependent entirely on
the creator.

How sobering it is to observe, to realize our turn is
coming, and death is inescapable. That is, unless
Jesus returns first and we have repented and are born
again.

If ever there is a time to present gospel truth it is
at a funeral service, when the awesome reality of life
and death confronts everyone. They should be told
there is not just one death but a possible second,
though in the presence of grieving relatives it has to
be said tactfully.

On a brighter note: a church wedding is the occasion
to not only present the full gospel, but to emphasize
that Jesus wasn’t the no-alcohol killjoy and author of
dead, dreary "religion" that many guests in the church
think He is. Here is a chance to tell them the Lord
was a guest too! He celebrated at a wedding - and
furthermore turned water into wine!

A christening is the time to dispel the myth that
because the baby is christened it is automatically
going to heaven when grown. That has probably been
explained beforehand to the parents, but what about
the relatives present? The minister needs to have the
guts to tell them too, then emphasize all adults must
respond to the gospel or be eternally doomed.

Three of life’s occasions; three vital opportunities
(each maybe occurring several times a year) for the
one officiating to convey the meaning of Jesus’
sacrifice on the cross. Let’s not forget the
additional opportunities at Christmas and Easter.

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