We never move past the gospel.

Written Thursday, January 20, 2011 at 2:38am

Mom has a group of faithful, strong, and compassionate ladies who have been right by her this whole process. Last night they stayed with her at the hospital so the rest of the family could go home and sleep in our own beds. This morning our family gathered in the conference room at the hospital and talked with the doctor. They had just gotten back the results from a cerebral blood flow study which determines the activity of the brain. They said there was no activity and they suspected that he passed away some time during the night. We spent the next 45 minutes or so sharing memories of Dad, his kind heart, generosity, and vivaciousness. There were tears, laughter, and sometimes both at the same time. After that we had a few decisions to make. Trey Boden, Buddy Hoffman, and Brian Krawczyk came over and were very helpful to our family in the process of planning a service. Being a pastor isn't just their vocation, it's in their hearts as well. They are all very precious to me.

My uncle Jim drove down from Maryland and arrived today. It's been great to have him around. There were many faithful friends who visited and were of great encouragement to us. The notes on facebook were fortifying as well. When getting discouraged I would often log on and read the latest wave of constant messages that were coming through.

At about 6:00pm the family gathered back into the room one more time to say our last goodbyes to dad. Then we went home.

How we are doing:
It's been a roller coaster day to be sure. We miss dad and hurt that we can't be with him anymore. The pangs come without warning, and can be triggered by anything. I'm so thankful for how my family works together, and are strong for one another. We are steadily putting together plans for the service while fellowshiping with one another.

Things to pray for:
1. Our family - There's a tear in the fabric of our family. Pray as we learn what life is going to look like from here on out.
2. God's name be lifted up. I believe the most healing thing for our family would be to see God glorified because of this. I firmly believe he is sovereignly working this for our good and His glory, and if it works into His purpose I want to see it.

details:
We will have a service remembering dad Sunday the 23rd at 1400 Dogwood Road, Snellville, GA 30087 at 1:30pm. There will be a reception following the service to give friends an opportunity to express their condolences. We are looking to stream the service live on the Internet for those of you who live far away and can't make it. I will talk with the video pastor tomorrow and post further instructions on how to participate in that on Sunday.



The Gospel:
The bible is packed to the brim with the gospel. It was one event with an infinite amount of ramifications. We sinners have so many needs, and there are so many suitable places where the gospel is unfolded for us in scripture. My Father gave me one such place today.

"For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. " -1 Thessalonians 5:9-11

God destined my dad to obtain salvation: Before my dad was ever born, God looked at him, a helpless sinner, and said "I choose to love him. I will pay his debt, I will freely give him my righteousness, I will care for him, and bring him home with me to live forever". Not only has God done this for dad, but for our whole family. God has secured for us the reality of seeing dad again.

Christ died so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him: The greatest news of the gospel is not that we have some hope of an afterlife, but that WE GET JESUS! This is the truth that carries us through the tragedies in life: JESUS is enough! The one who never leaves, never forsakes, who knows our thoughts before they come into our head, the one who feels our pain, the one that sustains us, the one who holds us together, the one who rules, the one who is the king of kings, HIM! HIM! WE GET HIM! This the heart of the Christian life: that we rejoice in Christ for the glory of God!

Encourage one another with the gospel: The gospel is not just how we were saved. It is the life we need every day. It is what kept our family from self-destructing. We will NEVER move past the gospel. We will NEVER outgrow our need for it. It is our solace. This is where we find courage: Both for dad who is asleep, and us who are awake, Christ is with us.


-James