Category Archives: Death and Eternity

To help us celebrate the life that Sheila lived to the full, and the hope of the future that then opened for her into eternal life and immortality, we asked three questions – concerning her past, her present and her … Continue reading →

We had gathered for those few precious minutes to bring closure to the death and, of course, the earthly life of Nicky; but also to celebrate the hope of a future opening for her into eternal life and immortality. To … Continue reading →

Lynn, a widow in her sixties, had a rare genetic condition – CREST – that had caused the loss of several fingers from each hand. During her brief stay in our town she had recently discovered our church. Having given … Continue reading →

It is generally accepted that personhood starts with a baby’s first breath. In the beginning ‘the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground’ physically; then ‘He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and … Continue reading →

Having sold our house in Bolton to David and Lesley Moore, we had moved with our four children across the Pennines. Three years later I paid a rare visit to what had been our home church back there and was … Continue reading →

Death is usually inconvenient An elderly friend or relative who has been sick for some time and whose death has been expected soon can actually pass away while we are off on holiday. And we can wrongly assume that our … Continue reading →

‘The last enemy’ The phrase ‘the elephant in the room’ refers to any situation in which everyone present is aware of an embarrassing ‘beast of a problem’ but no-one will dare to mention it, all pretending not to notice it. … Continue reading →

The young visitor told me her name was Anastasia. ‘That’s beautiful,’ I remarked, ‘and unusual; a big name for a little girl.’ Daddy reminded me, ‘It means resurrection.’ That was years ago, prompting me to examine the Greek term anastasis … Continue reading →

Hell is on everyone’s lips as a slang word, but is it a myth just to frighten us into unselfish behaviour? Will it give us real torment between death and judgement day to reform us for heaven? Will it burn … Continue reading →

Which heaven? [] Is it the popular venue with terrestrial TV? – ‘If mother’s watching up there, she’ll be proud of my achievement.’ Are ‘loved ones in glory looking this way,’ as we sang in my childhood? Surely they are … Continue reading →

Life’s exits and entrances ‘All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players; they have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts.’  So mused the doleful Jacques in Shakespeare’s … Continue reading →