Are you prepared to die? We tend to avoid thoughts of death, especially our own. In this message, Pastor Cynthia shares how thinking about death can lead to life.

Thinking About Death

Psalm 90:12 “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” – NLT

Tips for Dying Well - Not a bucket list, a way of life.

1. Be an Apprentice of Jesus

Then [Jesus] said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” – Luke 9:23 NLT

And now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame. 1 John 2:28 NLT

1. Maintain a Clear conscience: Repent, Forgive, Live in Peace

a.     Repent 

“Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.”  Acts 3:19 NASB

Psalm 139:23-24 NIV

b.     Forgive 

Mark 11:25 NIV

“Father, forgive them” – On the cross, Jesus released and forgave others.

c.      Live in Peace

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Romans 12:18 ESV

3.     Resist Fear/Walk in love  1 John 4:16-21

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:18-19 ESV

Psalm 23:4 

God’s love drives fear from our lives. God is love. In His presence we know love.

When you are in that position of accepting His great love, fear loses its power over you. 

1. Prepare Others

Jesus prepared his followers for his death.

Jesus told his followers: “I am going to Him who sent me… and you will see me no longer… you will weep and lament… you have sorrow now, but I will see you again.” – John 16:5,16,20,23 ESV

We have the responsibility as apprentices of Jesus to help others in our family and in our community be prepared to die.

1. Anticipate going home.

Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord. – 2 Corinthians 5:8 NLT

“For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.” – Philippians 1:21 NLT

People should die anticipating entering the presence of their loving Father.    

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints Psalm 116:15 

`Into your hands I commit my spirit.' Jesus quotes Old Testament scripture, but he makes it personal and intimate by using the word “Father”. Even on a cross, Jesus died like a child falling asleep in his love." 

Question: Are you prepared to die? Are you ready?