Ep. 336 A Very Personal Story about Death and God’s Goodness

Shows Main Idea – When a loved one dies, it’s a painful experience for all those left behind. Indeed, we know “he is better off” if he’s a believer, but what if he isn’t or if you’re unsure? In this episode, Rick retells the horrific death of his brother, how the Lord magnified Himself, and the process he went through regarding the end of life and eternity.

Show Notes

You may want to read:

• Five Things to Know When Unbelievers Die
• When Christianity Disappoints You: the Death of My Brother
• From Despair to Hope: Grieving the Death of a Loved One
• The Reason I Stopped Hating My Dad
• How to Tell If a Person in Trouble Is Genuine about Wanting Help

The texts I was thinking about that formed my passion for the salvation of my family:

But now, if you will forgive their sin—but if not, please blot me out of your book that you have written” (Exodus 32:32).

I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh (Romans 9:1-3).

I shared this story at my brother’s funeral and applied it to my family:

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:25-31).

This is the verse my brother had highlighted:

Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident (Psalm 27:3).

Need More Help?

1. If you want to learn more from us, you may search this site for thousands of resources—articles, podcasts, videos, graphics, and more. Please spend time studying the ones that interest you. They are free.
2. If you want to talk to us, we have private forums for those who support this ministry financially. Please consider supporting us here if you would like to help us keep our resources free.

Rick Thomas

Rick launched the Life Over Coffee global training network in 2008 to bring hope and help for you and others by creating resources that spark conversations for transformation. His primary responsibilities are resource creation and leadership development, which he does through speaking, writing, podcasting, and educating.

In 1990 he earned a BA in Theology and, in 1991, a BS in Education. In 1993, he received his ordination into Christian ministry, and in 2000 he graduated with an MA in Counseling from The Master’s University. In 2006 he was recognized as a Fellow of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).