373. Fear of Death (Fear)

In this episode, Pastor Keith reflects on the weight and perspective that come through regularly shepherding in funerals. Surrounded by stories of lives well-lived, he is reminded of his own mortality and the importance of living with eternal purpose. While acknowledging that life is brief, he encourages listeners not to let that reality lead to fear, but to wisdom.

Rooted in Scripture, this episode points to the believer’s hope: to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Death is not the end, but the beginning of being with the Lord. With the recent passing of a faithful pastor as a real-life example, listeners are reminded of the joy awaiting those who know Christ.

Pastor Keith calls believers to live each day for God’s glory, free from fear, trusting in His sovereign care even in death. For those who do not yet know Jesus, this episode is a clear and urgent invitation to turn to Him and be saved. The episode closes with thoughtful questions, helping listeners examine their lives, their fears, and their readiness to meet the Lord.

Transcript

Funerals And Facing Mortality

Scripture Hope Over Fear

Questions To Examine Your Heart

Invitation To Gather At Bethel

Closing Blessing And Farewell

SPEAKER_00 0:07

Happy Monday, friend, on this March the 23rd. This is Moments of Worship, and I'm your host, Pastor Keith McMahon. This podcast is brought to you by AbidingGod.org. This podcast seeks to be an encouragement to you in the worship of Almighty God each weekday. Hope you had a great weekend and a great Lord's Day. We continue our series on fear. As one of the pastors here in our church, I often participate in funerals. I see the slideshows of pictures of the loved ones who have passed, and I listen to the heartfelt eulogies from a spouse or their grown children, and I often find myself thinking, Boy, I really wish I would have known that person like that. Nearly every funeral leads me to reflect on my own mortality, on my wife Joy and our kids and my mom and Joy's parents. If I'm not careful, I can grow too somber and dwell on death more than I should. Now it is right to want to live our lives to count for Christ, to leave it all on the field, so to speak. A healthy awareness that life is a vapor is good for us, but it should never lead us into fear. Philippians one twenty one through twenty three for to me to live is Christ and to die is gain or Second Corinthians five eight away from the body and at home with the Lord. Friend when we die we will be with King Jesus. Hallelujah. As a pastor, I deeply appreciated ministry of Steve Gaines, and this past Saturday he went to be with the Lord. He is now with the Savior he so faithfully and humbly proclaimed. Psalm ninety verse twelve, teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Lord give us this wisdom to live each day for your glory with kingdom minded hearts. James four fourteen. For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Friend, are you afraid of death? Sometimes it's not death itself, but the way we might die that grips our hearts. But even there, God is sovereign, isn't he? His providence will carry you all the way to your final breath. Friend, if you know the Lord, you need not fear. We walk in his resurrection and we dwell with him forever. And if you do not know Jesus, today is the day. Confess your sins, call upon his name and be saved. As we come to a close of this episode today, here are a few questions to consider. Are we living today for Christ or for the things that won't last? How are we living today? Are we investing in the kingdom? Is there any fear of death you need to place into God's hands? What aspect maybe do you worry about? If today were your last day, are you ready to be at home with the Lord? I pray you are.org. We're going to have main session speakers on the nature and character of God, breakout speakers. We're going to have regional worship teams leading. It's going to be great for the low cost of$35 so that we can feed you and care for you. I hope you'll join us here at Bethel. Well, friend, until tomorrow and forever, may we worship Jesus Christ. Thank you for listening.