Today's program has been pre-recorded so our phone lines are not open. Well hey there friends, welcome to another exciting edition of equipped with Chris Brooks! I am so thrilled that you tuned in today. I hope you're having a great day. Why don't you strap on your seat belt? We're going to navigate through the contours of culture, as always, with the lens of the biblical worldview. But before we do that, let me remind you, this is the day that the Lord has made. He is giving it as a gift so that you and I can rejoice and be glad in it. So let's do just that. Let's follow the words of the Apostle Paul. Let's rejoice in the Lord always. And again I say rejoice. And with that, I welcome you into what will be a very informative edition of Equip. This is a theological Thursday. We're going to take up one of the most important theological questions that I think any of us can consider. And that is what happens to me after I die. What happens to you after you die? Can we be certain? Can we be clear? Uh, is death a period or is it simply a comma? Uh, do we have bodies after we die? Will we be reunited with loved ones? Some may even have questions about pets in death. Uh, we're going to cover all of that. We're going to talk about death. Life after death, uh, rewards God's judgment and what we can know for sure. Now, I think this is an important topic and something that is at the forefront of many minds and hearts today, because we've been living through a season in which grief and death has been all too prevalent and all too near, so many of us have experienced the loss of a loved one over this past year. Uh, some because of Covid, but many for other reasons. But yet, I think collectively, not only in this nation but beyond the hard cry of a generation has been am I ready? Am I ready to consider death? Or is it something that I can avoid? And how do I know if I'm ready. And again, what happens after I die? We're going to talk about all of this. But the goal in talking about this is not to have some morbid discussion. So I don't want you to turn that down or to look away. It's to have a hope filled discussion to hopefully get you to a place where I believe Scripture wants us to be, and that is to have certainty and confidence as we consider this subject, so that we would have no fear. Christ has come to free us from the fear of death, what the Bible calls a slavery or a bondage that all men have been in before Christ. But when Christ enters into our lives, we are free from that slavery, that bondage. We are free to live life more abundantly and to look forward to life eternal with Christ our King. Today we're going to take your phone calls at 8775675. That's 877548 3675 on this theological Thursday. If there are questions you have about life and death. We would love for you to give us a call. I'm joined today by Marcus Nader. He has been the senior minister at Saint Peter's Barge in London, in London. And they're London's only floating church since 2004. He is married to Lena and they have four amazing children. Marcus has studied French and German at Cambridge University, where he spent many hours rowing. There he loves rowing. He's also a graduate of Oak Hill Theological College, but he's written a book, a very small, approachable book on this topic. It simply is entitled What Happens When I Die and Other Questions about Heaven, hell, and the Life to Come. Marcus, how are you today?

Today's program has been pre-recorded so our phone lines are not open. Well hey there friends, welcome to another exciting edition of equipped with Chris Brooks! I am so thrilled that you tuned in today. I hope you're having a great day. Why don't you strap on your seat belt? We're going to navigate through the contours of culture, as always, with the lens of the biblical worldview. But before we do that, let me remind you, this is the day that the Lord has made. He is giving it as a gift so that you and I can rejoice and be glad in it. So let's do just that. Let's follow the words of the Apostle Paul. Let's rejoice in the Lord always. And again I say rejoice. And with that, I welcome you into what will be a very informative edition of Equip. This is a theological Thursday. We're going to take up one of the most important theological questions that I think any of us can consider. And that is what happens to me after I die. What happens to you after you die? Can we be certain? Can we be clear? Uh, is death a period or is it simply a comma? Uh, do we have bodies after we die? Will we be reunited with loved ones? Some may even have questions about pets in death. Uh, we're going to cover all of that. We're going to talk about death. Life after death, uh, rewards God's judgment and what we can know for sure. Now, I think this is an important topic and something that is at the forefront of many minds and hearts today, because we've been living through a season in which grief and death has been all too prevalent and all too near, so many of us have experienced the loss of a loved one over this past year. Uh, some because of Covid, but many for other reasons. But yet, I think collectively, not only in this nation but beyond the hard cry of a generation has been am I ready? Am I ready to consider death? Or is it something that I can avoid? And how do I know if I'm ready. And again, what happens after I die? We're going to talk about all of this. But the goal in talking about this is not to have some morbid discussion. So I don't want you to turn that down or to look away. It's to have a hope filled discussion to hopefully get you to a place where I believe Scripture wants us to be, and that is to have certainty and confidence as we consider this subject, so that we would have no fear. Christ has come to free us from the fear of death, what the Bible calls a slavery or a bondage that all men have been in before Christ. But when Christ enters into our lives, we are free from that slavery, that bondage. We are free to live life more abundantly and to look forward to life eternal with Christ our King. Today we're going to take your phone calls at 8775675. That's 877548 3675 on this theological Thursday. If there are questions you have about life and death. We would love for you to give us a call. I'm joined today by Marcus Nader. He has been the senior minister at Saint Peter's Barge in London, in London. And they're London's only floating church since 2004. He is married to Lena and they have four amazing children. Marcus has studied French and German at Cambridge University, where he spent many hours rowing. There he loves rowing. He's also a graduate of Oak Hill Theological College, but he's written a book, a very small, approachable book on this topic. It simply is entitled What Happens When I Die and Other Questions about Heaven, hell, and the Life to Come. Marcus, how are you today?

Very good. Great to be back with you again.

Very good. Great to be back with you again.

It's great to have you. You know, I asked before we came on to the broadcast about the good people of Saint Peter's. You know, this has been a trying time for all of us, and I know so many pastors and churches have experienced a tremendous uptick of caregiving. How are the people at Saint Peter's, the church where you pastor?

It's great to have you. You know, I asked before we came on to the broadcast about the good people of Saint Peter's. You know, this has been a trying time for all of us, and I know so many pastors and churches have experienced a tremendous uptick of caregiving. How are the people at Saint Peter's, the church where you pastor?

Well, we're in a lockdown at the moment and we're just meeting online and that that's okay. But I think it's made us realise how much we value meeting in person. And I think if there's one lesson that we've taken home from the past year, it's that meeting in person as a church family is something we shouldn't take for granted. It's a wonderful, wonderful blessing and we look forward to getting back to that soon.

Well, we're in a lockdown at the moment and we're just meeting online and that that's okay. But I think it's made us realise how much we value meeting in person. And I think if there's one lesson that we've taken home from the past year, it's that meeting in person as a church family is something we shouldn't take for granted. It's a wonderful, wonderful blessing and we look forward to getting back to that soon.

Well, it's a blessing and it's a blessing to be in covenant community with God's people. I believe that so much of the joy of the Christian experience in life comes from living in that type of community, and yet these have been challenging times for so many for, for, for many reasons. But, um, in this country, uh, earlier this week, there was a memorial that was held in Washington, D.C. that reflected on over 400,000 deaths. Marcus. Because of Covid in this nation alone, I don't know where where Britain is at, but I know globally there has been just a massive number of people who have passed away. And it seems that it's provoked a question that your book strives to answer. What happens when I die? You start your book, though not with looking at the global crises. This book wasn't written in response or reaction to that. In many ways, it seems that this question was acutely brought to the fore for you after your father's passing. Talk a little bit about that.

Well, it's a blessing and it's a blessing to be in covenant community with God's people. I believe that so much of the joy of the Christian experience in life comes from living in that type of community, and yet these have been challenging times for so many for, for, for many reasons. But, um, in this country, uh, earlier this week, there was a memorial that was held in Washington, D.C. that reflected on over 400,000 deaths. Marcus. Because of Covid in this nation alone, I don't know where where Britain is at, but I know globally there has been just a massive number of people who have passed away. And it seems that it's provoked a question that your book strives to answer. What happens when I die? You start your book, though not with looking at the global crises. This book wasn't written in response or reaction to that. In many ways, it seems that this question was acutely brought to the fore for you after your father's passing. Talk a little bit about that.

Yes, I think I mean, death is the elephant in the room, isn't it? We all know that we're going to die one day, but at some point, for all of us, death becomes up close and personal. For me, that was when my father died. This was some 20 plus years ago now. And I can remember that, Um, I was in London with my brothers for a weekend, and then we suddenly got this phone call out of the blue. And it was a good family friend saying that your father's just collapsed, and we're not quite sure what's happening. Ten minutes later, I got a phone call saying that he had died, and he was in his early 60s. He had no health problems, of which we were aware. It turned out he had some undiagnosed heart condition. And so for me, that was my first really personal experience of death up close of a loved one of a parent. And yeah, it brings it home to you. We all know that we're going to die. But as someone said, no one really believes in their own death. But death is so painful that the death of loved ones. My father was a godly Christian church minister and we rejoice that he's with the Lord. But death itself is still. It's. Bereavement is a very painful experience to go through.

Yes, I think I mean, death is the elephant in the room, isn't it? We all know that we're going to die one day, but at some point, for all of us, death becomes up close and personal. For me, that was when my father died. This was some 20 plus years ago now. And I can remember that, Um, I was in London with my brothers for a weekend, and then we suddenly got this phone call out of the blue. And it was a good family friend saying that your father's just collapsed, and we're not quite sure what's happening. Ten minutes later, I got a phone call saying that he had died, and he was in his early 60s. He had no health problems, of which we were aware. It turned out he had some undiagnosed heart condition. And so for me, that was my first really personal experience of death up close of a loved one of a parent. And yeah, it brings it home to you. We all know that we're going to die. But as someone said, no one really believes in their own death. But death is so painful that the death of loved ones. My father was a godly Christian church minister and we rejoice that he's with the Lord. But death itself is still. It's. Bereavement is a very painful experience to go through.

You know, you quoted Sigmund Freud and we don't often quote him on this program, but I do believe this is a quote worth considering. No one really believes in his own death. What do you think he meant by that?

You know, you quoted Sigmund Freud and we don't often quote him on this program, but I do believe this is a quote worth considering. No one really believes in his own death. What do you think he meant by that?

Well, although death is all around us, and as you've said in your introduction, with the coronavirus situation and the death toll numbers in the papers, we're all very aware of death. But there's this sort of feeling that surely I'm not going to die myself. We just don't think that one day I myself am going to die and I need to get ready for that. And that's why we don't like to talk about death. It is the taboo subject, but the fact is, it's the 1 in 1 statistic that one out of every one people die. It's going to happen to me, it's going to happen to you. And it may happen sooner than we think. And so the thought that I can just leave any thought of death until I'm in my 80s or 90s is wishful thinking. And maybe the coronavirus situation has brought that home to us, that we're aware that death is maybe closer than we we maybe like to to think.

Well, although death is all around us, and as you've said in your introduction, with the coronavirus situation and the death toll numbers in the papers, we're all very aware of death. But there's this sort of feeling that surely I'm not going to die myself. We just don't think that one day I myself am going to die and I need to get ready for that. And that's why we don't like to talk about death. It is the taboo subject, but the fact is, it's the 1 in 1 statistic that one out of every one people die. It's going to happen to me, it's going to happen to you. And it may happen sooner than we think. And so the thought that I can just leave any thought of death until I'm in my 80s or 90s is wishful thinking. And maybe the coronavirus situation has brought that home to us, that we're aware that death is maybe closer than we we maybe like to to think.

All right. So another quote from your book. You say this the trouble with running from the reality of death is that one day it will catch up with us. And the question is, what then? What does happen when you die? You quote Shakespeare, who described death as an undiscovered country from which no traveler returns. So here's the question, my friend. How can anyone possibly know for sure what happens? I mean, you've written a book about what happens, but can we really know for sure if Shakespeare is right that death is an undiscovered country from which no traveler returns?

All right. So another quote from your book. You say this the trouble with running from the reality of death is that one day it will catch up with us. And the question is, what then? What does happen when you die? You quote Shakespeare, who described death as an undiscovered country from which no traveler returns. So here's the question, my friend. How can anyone possibly know for sure what happens? I mean, you've written a book about what happens, but can we really know for sure if Shakespeare is right that death is an undiscovered country from which no traveler returns?

Well, that's where he was actually wrong, wasn't he? That Jesus is the one traveller who has returned and who can tell us with authority what happens when we die? Now, not only because of his resurrection from the dead in history, but from the very fact that He Himself has come down from heaven. He reveals to us eternal spiritual realities. So that's how we know for sure what happens when we die. It's revealed to us in God's Word in the Bible. And so we mustn't be ignorant. It's very clearly laid out in Scripture what happens when we die that there is, as Hebrews nine says, we're destined to die once and after that to face judgment. And following that, there's the eternal reality of heaven and hell. And so it's very black and white in the Bible. And that is why it's so imperative that we get ready for death, and we know for sure where we're heading after death, and that we know for sure it's going to be God's eternal kingdom and not being alienated from him forever. It's the most important issue in the world.

Well, that's where he was actually wrong, wasn't he? That Jesus is the one traveller who has returned and who can tell us with authority what happens when we die? Now, not only because of his resurrection from the dead in history, but from the very fact that He Himself has come down from heaven. He reveals to us eternal spiritual realities. So that's how we know for sure what happens when we die. It's revealed to us in God's Word in the Bible. And so we mustn't be ignorant. It's very clearly laid out in Scripture what happens when we die that there is, as Hebrews nine says, we're destined to die once and after that to face judgment. And following that, there's the eternal reality of heaven and hell. And so it's very black and white in the Bible. And that is why it's so imperative that we get ready for death, and we know for sure where we're heading after death, and that we know for sure it's going to be God's eternal kingdom and not being alienated from him forever. It's the most important issue in the world.

My wife and I have spent a lot of time this year talking about life insurance. What happens to the family if one of us were to pass away? These are sobering conversations. Why is it so hard for most of us to have these discussions?

My wife and I have spent a lot of time this year talking about life insurance. What happens to the family if one of us were to pass away? These are sobering conversations. Why is it so hard for most of us to have these discussions?

Well, death is painful, isn't it? Not. The process of dying itself can be painful for many people, and none of us look forward to that. But also the most painful thing about death with relationships is the separation. Now, if you're a believer in Christ, you know for sure that when you die, you will go to be with the Lord. And as the Apostle Paul said in Philippians one, that is better by far. So for the person who's dead, life has never been better. If they trust in the Lord, they're with Christ. Um, but for those who are left behind, it's incredibly painful. Yes, they know for sure that their loved one, if they were a follower of Christ, is with him. But for those left behind, bereavement is extremely painful. For my mother, for example, who'd been married for almost 40 years when my father died, there were very, very difficult years ahead for her, although she herself had a strong faith in Christ, and she knew where her husband had gone and where she was going to be reunited with him in the end. The loneliness is still a very real thing that believers have to deal with. Um, so bereavement is painful and we mustn't minimize that.

Well, death is painful, isn't it? Not. The process of dying itself can be painful for many people, and none of us look forward to that. But also the most painful thing about death with relationships is the separation. Now, if you're a believer in Christ, you know for sure that when you die, you will go to be with the Lord. And as the Apostle Paul said in Philippians one, that is better by far. So for the person who's dead, life has never been better. If they trust in the Lord, they're with Christ. Um, but for those who are left behind, it's incredibly painful. Yes, they know for sure that their loved one, if they were a follower of Christ, is with him. But for those left behind, bereavement is extremely painful. For my mother, for example, who'd been married for almost 40 years when my father died, there were very, very difficult years ahead for her, although she herself had a strong faith in Christ, and she knew where her husband had gone and where she was going to be reunited with him in the end. The loneliness is still a very real thing that believers have to deal with. Um, so bereavement is painful and we mustn't minimize that.

Your book really looks at and surveys scripture and takes a theological account. But both of us are pastors with a deep pastoral heart. And I just want to say to those that are listening, maybe you are processing through death and loss. You've heard me talk a lot here on this program, and many of you have been a huge support to my wife and I, as we've lived in the aftermath of the loss of our son. Marcus talks about the sudden, unexpected death of his father. If you've lost someone close to you, those are very hard moments to live through. Whether you're a wife or a mother, a father, a son or a friend. We want to take your calls today. Maybe we can pray with you at 8775675. That's 877548 3675. But also we have to understand what the Bible teaches. And before we go to our first break, here's the good news. It seems to me that a proper understanding Marcus of Scripture leads us to a place where we not only conclude that the Bible has much to say about death, but that God has actually provided a solution for death in the person of Jesus Christ, which should bring us to rejoicing. Talk about God's solution to death.

Your book really looks at and surveys scripture and takes a theological account. But both of us are pastors with a deep pastoral heart. And I just want to say to those that are listening, maybe you are processing through death and loss. You've heard me talk a lot here on this program, and many of you have been a huge support to my wife and I, as we've lived in the aftermath of the loss of our son. Marcus talks about the sudden, unexpected death of his father. If you've lost someone close to you, those are very hard moments to live through. Whether you're a wife or a mother, a father, a son or a friend. We want to take your calls today. Maybe we can pray with you at 8775675. That's 877548 3675. But also we have to understand what the Bible teaches. And before we go to our first break, here's the good news. It seems to me that a proper understanding Marcus of Scripture leads us to a place where we not only conclude that the Bible has much to say about death, but that God has actually provided a solution for death in the person of Jesus Christ, which should bring us to rejoicing. Talk about God's solution to death.

Well, the solution is Jesus himself. So that wonderful incident where Jesus was at the grave of Lazarus in John 11 and Jesus stands up and proclaims, I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live even though he dies. So that promise of life beyond the grave, Jesus demonstrated he could deliver on that through raising Lazarus out of the grave. But then, at the end of John's gospel, the ultimate proof is Jesus Himself risen from the grave. That is the proof that he is who he claimed to be and that he has conquered death. And there's a wonderful verse in the pastoral epistles in Timothy which says that Jesus has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. He's abolished death, um, because of who he is, because he is the Lord. He has conquered death through his resurrection. And that is why he can offer us a sure and eternal hope of life beyond the grave if we trust in him.

Well, the solution is Jesus himself. So that wonderful incident where Jesus was at the grave of Lazarus in John 11 and Jesus stands up and proclaims, I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live even though he dies. So that promise of life beyond the grave, Jesus demonstrated he could deliver on that through raising Lazarus out of the grave. But then, at the end of John's gospel, the ultimate proof is Jesus Himself risen from the grave. That is the proof that he is who he claimed to be and that he has conquered death. And there's a wonderful verse in the pastoral epistles in Timothy which says that Jesus has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. He's abolished death, um, because of who he is, because he is the Lord. He has conquered death through his resurrection. And that is why he can offer us a sure and eternal hope of life beyond the grave if we trust in him.

Yeah, absolutely. Love it. You quote in your book Hebrews two, verses 14 and 15, which simply remind us so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death, that is the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. We no longer have to fear death, do we, Marcus?

Yeah, absolutely. Love it. You quote in your book Hebrews two, verses 14 and 15, which simply remind us so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death, that is the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. We no longer have to fear death, do we, Marcus?

We don't have to fear it. And we can, even although it sounds an odd thing to say, we can even look forward to it. Um, I mean, life here is short. Just a few years. Eternity with God and a renewed creation is something we can actually look forward to.

We don't have to fear it. And we can, even although it sounds an odd thing to say, we can even look forward to it. Um, I mean, life here is short. Just a few years. Eternity with God and a renewed creation is something we can actually look forward to.

I appreciate that many are calling in at 8775675. We're going to get to your calls as well before it's all said and done, Marcus and I seek to answer the questions. How can I be sure of what happens after I die? What will life be like in eternity, and what will dying feel like? We're going to talk about all those and much more on the other side of this break. Next up on equipped. When it comes to prayer, do you find yourself praying the same things in the same way? Doctor Donna Whitney offers a refreshingly simple solution pray the Bible back to God. I want you to experience meaningful conversations with God every day. That's why I chose Doctor Whitney's book, Praying the Bible as Our Gift. When you support equip this month, I'll send you your copy with a gift of any amount. To equip, simply call 888644 4144 or visit Equip radio.org. Chris Brooks here reminding you that today's program is pre-recorded. While we won't be taking calls, we do want to connect with you on social media. Hey there friends, welcome back to equip with Chris Brooks. Phone number is 8775675. We're talking about what happens when I die. One of the newest books by Markus Notter published through The Good Book Company. We appreciate our friends there. Uh, we'll make links available for you to order a copy by going to our website, equip radio.org. Before we go back to the interview, I want to say thanks to some new friends who have supported the program. It's always great to have those friends who have been walking with us for a long time, but it's awesome to start with new friends. So Nancy from Stroudsburg, Illinois, thank you for joining the Equip family. Raymond from Lake Village, Indiana. So appreciate you. Uh, Marsha from Niles, Illinois, thank you so much for your support as well. All of you are new supporters of the program and we could not be more thrilled. Maybe we have been a blessing to you and you have really been encouraged through the program. We would love your support. A gift of any amount, and I mean that. Seriously, a gift of any amount means the world to us. And so if we've been an encouragement, please dial the number 888644 4144. That's 888644 4144. Before we go to the phone lines, Marcus, I sometimes love to ask this question. What's wrong with this statement? What's wrong with this statement? You quote in your book that Larry King, former CNN broadcaster, said this, my biggest fear is death because I don't think I'm going anywhere now. If I had time, I would open up the phone lines and say, what's wrong with this statement? But let's jump to the conclusion and the answer to the question, what is wrong with that statement that Larry King made? Marcus?

I appreciate that many are calling in at 8775675. We're going to get to your calls as well before it's all said and done, Marcus and I seek to answer the questions. How can I be sure of what happens after I die? What will life be like in eternity, and what will dying feel like? We're going to talk about all those and much more on the other side of this break. Next up on equipped. When it comes to prayer, do you find yourself praying the same things in the same way? Doctor Donna Whitney offers a refreshingly simple solution pray the Bible back to God. I want you to experience meaningful conversations with God every day. That's why I chose Doctor Whitney's book, Praying the Bible as Our Gift. When you support equip this month, I'll send you your copy with a gift of any amount. To equip, simply call 888644 4144 or visit Equip radio.org. Chris Brooks here reminding you that today's program is pre-recorded. While we won't be taking calls, we do want to connect with you on social media. Hey there friends, welcome back to equip with Chris Brooks. Phone number is 8775675. We're talking about what happens when I die. One of the newest books by Markus Notter published through The Good Book Company. We appreciate our friends there. Uh, we'll make links available for you to order a copy by going to our website, equip radio.org. Before we go back to the interview, I want to say thanks to some new friends who have supported the program. It's always great to have those friends who have been walking with us for a long time, but it's awesome to start with new friends. So Nancy from Stroudsburg, Illinois, thank you for joining the Equip family. Raymond from Lake Village, Indiana. So appreciate you. Uh, Marsha from Niles, Illinois, thank you so much for your support as well. All of you are new supporters of the program and we could not be more thrilled. Maybe we have been a blessing to you and you have really been encouraged through the program. We would love your support. A gift of any amount, and I mean that. Seriously, a gift of any amount means the world to us. And so if we've been an encouragement, please dial the number 888644 4144. That's 888644 4144. Before we go to the phone lines, Marcus, I sometimes love to ask this question. What's wrong with this statement? What's wrong with this statement? You quote in your book that Larry King, former CNN broadcaster, said this, my biggest fear is death because I don't think I'm going anywhere now. If I had time, I would open up the phone lines and say, what's wrong with this statement? But let's jump to the conclusion and the answer to the question, what is wrong with that statement that Larry King made? Marcus?

If he was right, there wouldn't actually be much to fear. So if death was the end and it was just nothing and you were annihilated, although that's obviously sad, it wouldn't it wouldn't be such a terrible thing to fear. But why we do need to fear death is that after death is judgment. So it's not nothingness. It's appearing before God the judge. And I think one of the most sobering scenes in the whole Bible is in revelation 20, where it talks about the final judgment, where everyone who has ever lived will be standing before God and judged by him and those who haven't trusted in Christ, whose names are not in the book of Life, it says, will be thrown into the lake of fire, and the only way to escape it is through having your name in the book of life, through trusting in the Lamb of God, in Jesus. So yeah, I think once we understand what happens when we die, we have a lot to fear. And that is why we need to flee to Jesus from the wrath to come. As one verse says.

If he was right, there wouldn't actually be much to fear. So if death was the end and it was just nothing and you were annihilated, although that's obviously sad, it wouldn't it wouldn't be such a terrible thing to fear. But why we do need to fear death is that after death is judgment. So it's not nothingness. It's appearing before God the judge. And I think one of the most sobering scenes in the whole Bible is in revelation 20, where it talks about the final judgment, where everyone who has ever lived will be standing before God and judged by him and those who haven't trusted in Christ, whose names are not in the book of Life, it says, will be thrown into the lake of fire, and the only way to escape it is through having your name in the book of life, through trusting in the Lamb of God, in Jesus. So yeah, I think once we understand what happens when we die, we have a lot to fear. And that is why we need to flee to Jesus from the wrath to come. As one verse says.

Yeah, we need to come back to these books. The book of deeds, the book of Life. You read about them in your resource here. And so many have asked questions about what is the book of life? What is this book of deeds? We're going to talk about that the phone number 87756758775483675. I want to go to Angel, who is in, uh, Darien, Illinois. Uh, I so appreciate you giving a call. Let's go to the phone lines. Uh, Angel, you're in Darien, I believe. How can we pray for you today?

Yeah, we need to come back to these books. The book of deeds, the book of Life. You read about them in your resource here. And so many have asked questions about what is the book of life? What is this book of deeds? We're going to talk about that the phone number 87756758775483675. I want to go to Angel, who is in, uh, Darien, Illinois. Uh, I so appreciate you giving a call. Let's go to the phone lines. Uh, Angel, you're in Darien, I believe. How can we pray for you today?

Yes. I just need to get more strength on my feet because my wife recently passed away in January 6th.

Yes. I just need to get more strength on my feet because my wife recently passed away in January 6th.

I'm sorry to hear that.

I'm sorry to hear that.

And, uh, I'm struggling a lot with with missing her on the daily basis. I used to be a caregiver for her. Yeah, I love her a lot.

And, uh, I'm struggling a lot with with missing her on the daily basis. I used to be a caregiver for her. Yeah, I love her a lot.

Yes.

Yes.

And, uh. Well, I know that the Bible says that. That we cannot see each other again in heaven.

And, uh. Well, I know that the Bible says that. That we cannot see each other again in heaven.

Yes.

Yes.

Am I going to be able to recognize her or to see her or be able to speak? And we just don't want to see each other, and we're just going to be like, like people, you know?

Am I going to be able to recognize her or to see her or be able to speak? And we just don't want to see each other, and we're just going to be like, like people, you know?

First off, let me just give you my condolences, brother. Um, losing a wife is not something that is is easy. It is very difficult to lose a spouse. And so I sympathize with the ache in your heart. I'm grateful that she was a woman of faith in Jesus Christ. And I'm so grateful that we get a chance to pray with you today. Uh, concerning your question, will you recognize her when you arrive in heaven? Uh, Marcus, uh, what would be your response to our brother's question?

First off, let me just give you my condolences, brother. Um, losing a wife is not something that is is easy. It is very difficult to lose a spouse. And so I sympathize with the ache in your heart. I'm grateful that she was a woman of faith in Jesus Christ. And I'm so grateful that we get a chance to pray with you today. Uh, concerning your question, will you recognize her when you arrive in heaven? Uh, Marcus, uh, what would be your response to our brother's question?

Well, I echo what you said in terms of condolences. And, you know, our heart goes out to you. I think the short answer is that, yes, you will. Uh, When Jesus was raised from the grave, he was recognizably Jesus, the Jesus who had died and who had been buried. And when on the Mount of Transfiguration, the disciples recognized Moses and Elijah meeting with Jesus, albeit in spirit form. They recognized them as people. So yes, you will definitely recognize each other in the age to come and you will enjoy a relationship together in the age to come. Although the Bible says there's no marriage in heaven, and we struggle to understand that, I think it will mean that all of our relationships will be on the same kind of level of, uh, of wonderful closeness which you've enjoyed with your wife during this time of your earthly life.

Well, I echo what you said in terms of condolences. And, you know, our heart goes out to you. I think the short answer is that, yes, you will. Uh, When Jesus was raised from the grave, he was recognizably Jesus, the Jesus who had died and who had been buried. And when on the Mount of Transfiguration, the disciples recognized Moses and Elijah meeting with Jesus, albeit in spirit form. They recognized them as people. So yes, you will definitely recognize each other in the age to come and you will enjoy a relationship together in the age to come. Although the Bible says there's no marriage in heaven, and we struggle to understand that, I think it will mean that all of our relationships will be on the same kind of level of, uh, of wonderful closeness which you've enjoyed with your wife during this time of your earthly life.

I want to pray for you, brother. Father. He has called in today in need of your strength, and I know that you give us strength. You promise that you are a very present help in our time of need. I thank you that we can turn to you when we are weary, and we will find rest for our souls. And so, Lord, I pray that my brother would rest in you, that his trust would be in you. Thank you that you give us the spirit, the Paraclete, the helper who comforts us. And Lord, I pray that today he would be comforted, that angel would be encouraged, and that your grace would sustain him each day comforting him. And, Lord, we thank you for blessing him with such a wonderful wife, and may the love of Jesus Christ continue to encourage his heart and his soul. Surround him with good and godly friends, Lord, so that he's not walking this journey alone. Have mercy upon my brother. We pray in Jesus name, Amen and amen. Um, so grateful that we're able to be here for one another. And part of my great joy is to be able to pray with you. Uh, Marcus, I want to go to the phone lines. Then we'll come back to the book, if that's okay. Cindy is listening in Macomb, Illinois. Cindy, thanks for calling. What's your question?

I want to pray for you, brother. Father. He has called in today in need of your strength, and I know that you give us strength. You promise that you are a very present help in our time of need. I thank you that we can turn to you when we are weary, and we will find rest for our souls. And so, Lord, I pray that my brother would rest in you, that his trust would be in you. Thank you that you give us the spirit, the Paraclete, the helper who comforts us. And Lord, I pray that today he would be comforted, that angel would be encouraged, and that your grace would sustain him each day comforting him. And, Lord, we thank you for blessing him with such a wonderful wife, and may the love of Jesus Christ continue to encourage his heart and his soul. Surround him with good and godly friends, Lord, so that he's not walking this journey alone. Have mercy upon my brother. We pray in Jesus name, Amen and amen. Um, so grateful that we're able to be here for one another. And part of my great joy is to be able to pray with you. Uh, Marcus, I want to go to the phone lines. Then we'll come back to the book, if that's okay. Cindy is listening in Macomb, Illinois. Cindy, thanks for calling. What's your question?

Um, one. I had a dream that I was going to die, and I was overdosed and I was brought back, but I went through the white light in the tunnel, so I knew that I went to heaven. My children were babies, so God graciously saved my life. Um, my question is, my life is really in danger every day, and I'm very afraid of dying only because of that. And because I've studied the word so much since my overdose. I think that's why my fear is so much more. And I need prayer so desperately. And I listen to you every single day. Every day.

Um, one. I had a dream that I was going to die, and I was overdosed and I was brought back, but I went through the white light in the tunnel, so I knew that I went to heaven. My children were babies, so God graciously saved my life. Um, my question is, my life is really in danger every day, and I'm very afraid of dying only because of that. And because I've studied the word so much since my overdose. I think that's why my fear is so much more. And I need prayer so desperately. And I listen to you every single day. Every day.

I'm grateful for that. Thank you. Cindy. Marcus, what would you say to our sister?

I'm grateful for that. Thank you. Cindy. Marcus, what would you say to our sister?

I think to be, um. I think the word of God reveals for sure exactly what it's like on the other side. So what I'd urge you to do is to to make sure that you you do trust in Jesus, that your name is in the book of life, so that you can be completely sure that when you do one day die, which will happen to all of us one day, that you can be fully assured that you will be with Christ. Um, so I think that's the main thing for all of us. And our prayer is that for you as well, that you would be trusting in Christ today and his death for you, so that you would know that when one day you stand before God, you stand there forgiven because of the righteousness of Christ and accepted by him.

I think to be, um. I think the word of God reveals for sure exactly what it's like on the other side. So what I'd urge you to do is to to make sure that you you do trust in Jesus, that your name is in the book of life, so that you can be completely sure that when you do one day die, which will happen to all of us one day, that you can be fully assured that you will be with Christ. Um, so I think that's the main thing for all of us. And our prayer is that for you as well, that you would be trusting in Christ today and his death for you, so that you would know that when one day you stand before God, you stand there forgiven because of the righteousness of Christ and accepted by him.

Yeah. Cindy, all of us, the emotions that you're expressing, all of us have them. And I think that, as Marcus has said, the only thing that causes us to have peace as it pertains to facing death is when we have a relationship with Jesus Christ, because he is the one who protects us, not only in this life, but in the life to come. So let me ask the question have you put your faith and trust in Christ alone for the forgiveness of your sins and for salvation?

Yeah. Cindy, all of us, the emotions that you're expressing, all of us have them. And I think that, as Marcus has said, the only thing that causes us to have peace as it pertains to facing death is when we have a relationship with Jesus Christ, because he is the one who protects us, not only in this life, but in the life to come. So let me ask the question have you put your faith and trust in Christ alone for the forgiveness of your sins and for salvation?

I have, but there are many of these people, and I'm still fearful.

I have, but there are many of these people, and I'm still fearful.

Yeah, well, I think then, if you have put your faith and trust in Christ alone, then all of us need daily to be reminded of what His Word teaches and his promises. So I'm going to have you. I'm going to pray for you. But I do want you to hold on, because I want to get you a copy of this book. But so much then, after you have given your life to Jesus Christ, is being in a, in a in a Bible believing community that builds you up on the Word of God so that your worldview can be changed. The way you view the world can be through the lens of God's Word, and not through the lens of this culture. And if you're looking at life and death through the lens of God's Word, then what the Bible promises us is peace. And so I would encourage you to live in covenant community. It's so important that you live in covenant community. It sounds to me that you have trusted in Christ, which is the first step, the most important. But second to it is living in a covenant community of believers. To be in a local church where you are growing in your knowledge and application of God's Word. So I'm going to pray for you. Lord, thank you for sending. Thank you for her trust in you, her confidence in you. Lord, I pray that if she doesn't have it, that you will place her in a local church of believers. And I pray that her knowledge, understanding and trust in the Word of God would grow daily. Give her peace, the Lord. Your peace. In Jesus name. Amen. Uh, we're going to take a short break. When we come back, we are going to talk to Marcus about what is that? Lamb's Book of Life and so much more. 8775675 is the number. We'll be right back right after this. You know, I've heard that for every one person that sends a gift to support equip, there are probably ten others that don't. But I can tell you this, we deeply appreciate every single one of you who support this program. Your impact is huge. Maybe it's been a long time since you've contacted equip, or maybe you've never responded. Isn't it time to call? Here's the number. 888644 4144 or equip radio.org. Chris Brooks here reminding you that today's program is pre-recorded and we won't be taking your calls. Hey there friends, welcome back to equip with Chris Brooks, having an important conversation about life, about death, and what happens after we die with Marcus Nodder. I, Marcus is a senior minister at Saint Peter's Barge from London, England, and he is also the author of the book What Happens When I Die? And other questions about Heaven, hell, and the life to Come. The phone number to join us is 8775675. That's 877548 3675. We're going to take your questions. And also, if you are living in the aftermath of a loss of a loved one, we'd love to pray for you and with you as well. Marcus, what is the book of life?

Yeah, well, I think then, if you have put your faith and trust in Christ alone, then all of us need daily to be reminded of what His Word teaches and his promises. So I'm going to have you. I'm going to pray for you. But I do want you to hold on, because I want to get you a copy of this book. But so much then, after you have given your life to Jesus Christ, is being in a, in a in a Bible believing community that builds you up on the Word of God so that your worldview can be changed. The way you view the world can be through the lens of God's Word, and not through the lens of this culture. And if you're looking at life and death through the lens of God's Word, then what the Bible promises us is peace. And so I would encourage you to live in covenant community. It's so important that you live in covenant community. It sounds to me that you have trusted in Christ, which is the first step, the most important. But second to it is living in a covenant community of believers. To be in a local church where you are growing in your knowledge and application of God's Word. So I'm going to pray for you. Lord, thank you for sending. Thank you for her trust in you, her confidence in you. Lord, I pray that if she doesn't have it, that you will place her in a local church of believers. And I pray that her knowledge, understanding and trust in the Word of God would grow daily. Give her peace, the Lord. Your peace. In Jesus name. Amen. Uh, we're going to take a short break. When we come back, we are going to talk to Marcus about what is that? Lamb's Book of Life and so much more. 8775675 is the number. We'll be right back right after this. You know, I've heard that for every one person that sends a gift to support equip, there are probably ten others that don't. But I can tell you this, we deeply appreciate every single one of you who support this program. Your impact is huge. Maybe it's been a long time since you've contacted equip, or maybe you've never responded. Isn't it time to call? Here's the number. 888644 4144 or equip radio.org. Chris Brooks here reminding you that today's program is pre-recorded and we won't be taking your calls. Hey there friends, welcome back to equip with Chris Brooks, having an important conversation about life, about death, and what happens after we die with Marcus Nodder. I, Marcus is a senior minister at Saint Peter's Barge from London, England, and he is also the author of the book What Happens When I Die? And other questions about Heaven, hell, and the life to Come. The phone number to join us is 8775675. That's 877548 3675. We're going to take your questions. And also, if you are living in the aftermath of a loss of a loved one, we'd love to pray for you and with you as well. Marcus, what is the book of life?

So it's mentioned in revelation chapter 20 that at the final judgment of all people standing before God's throne, it says that the, uh, our deeds are recorded in the books. So everything we've ever thought and said and done is recorded there. And on that basis we would be condemned. But it says there is a book called The Book of Life, and if your name is found written in there, you're not thrown into the lake of fire. You're eternally saved. And so the Book of Life is the register of God's people. It's a book of names. So it's not a book of deeds. It's not a book of what we've done. It's a book of names. And so the key thing to make sure is that your name is in the book of life. Now we get into the book of Life through trusting in Jesus and His death for us. If we do that, then we are in what's called the Lamb's Book of Life.

So it's mentioned in revelation chapter 20 that at the final judgment of all people standing before God's throne, it says that the, uh, our deeds are recorded in the books. So everything we've ever thought and said and done is recorded there. And on that basis we would be condemned. But it says there is a book called The Book of Life, and if your name is found written in there, you're not thrown into the lake of fire. You're eternally saved. And so the Book of Life is the register of God's people. It's a book of names. So it's not a book of deeds. It's not a book of what we've done. It's a book of names. And so the key thing to make sure is that your name is in the book of life. Now we get into the book of Life through trusting in Jesus and His death for us. If we do that, then we are in what's called the Lamb's Book of Life.

Another question that we often encounter, and depending on what religious background you come from, this may be prevalent for you. But should we pray for the dead?

Another question that we often encounter, and depending on what religious background you come from, this may be prevalent for you. But should we pray for the dead?

We should certainly give thanks for the dead. I've got my the funeral of my auntie coming up in a week or two's time, and she was a wonderful, godly woman. So we'll definitely be giving thanks for her. But there's no point me praying for her because we can't change anything that happens to people once they die. That if, like her, they are with the Lord. She doesn't need us to pray for her. She doesn't have any needs. We're the ones who have. Who have needs, not her. And if it's someone who didn't trust in Christ, sadly, there's nothing we can do now to change that. So now I think praying for the dead. Uh, there's no point in doing that. But we can. Certainly we should give thanks for them.

We should certainly give thanks for the dead. I've got my the funeral of my auntie coming up in a week or two's time, and she was a wonderful, godly woman. So we'll definitely be giving thanks for her. But there's no point me praying for her because we can't change anything that happens to people once they die. That if, like her, they are with the Lord. She doesn't need us to pray for her. She doesn't have any needs. We're the ones who have. Who have needs, not her. And if it's someone who didn't trust in Christ, sadly, there's nothing we can do now to change that. So now I think praying for the dead. Uh, there's no point in doing that. But we can. Certainly we should give thanks for them.

We're going to take your calls at 8775675. That's 877548 3675. What I love about Marcus's book is that it's a very approachable book. It answers these questions and many more. We're just kind of scratching the surface, and I'd love for you to get a copy. You can find links on how you can order a copy at our website. Equip radio.org at Equip radio.org. Ultimately, what Marcus and I would love is for you to put your trust and faith in Christ. It's the only way. Friends, that we can have peace in this life concerning death, which is guaranteed for all of us. And unless Christ's return prior to but 100% of us, if Christ is not returned in our lifetime, we'll experience death. And so the only way you can have peace is if you've trusted in Christ, and the only way you are promised life eternal is with Christ. And so ultimately, that's what my encouragement is. If you know that you need to surrender your your life to the Lord, if you know that you have yet to repent of your sins and trust in him for your salvation, please call the number now. 8775675. That's 877548 3675. Let's go to Charleston, South Carolina. Richard is listening there. Richard, thank you so much for calling. What's your question, brother?

We're going to take your calls at 8775675. That's 877548 3675. What I love about Marcus's book is that it's a very approachable book. It answers these questions and many more. We're just kind of scratching the surface, and I'd love for you to get a copy. You can find links on how you can order a copy at our website. Equip radio.org at Equip radio.org. Ultimately, what Marcus and I would love is for you to put your trust and faith in Christ. It's the only way. Friends, that we can have peace in this life concerning death, which is guaranteed for all of us. And unless Christ's return prior to but 100% of us, if Christ is not returned in our lifetime, we'll experience death. And so the only way you can have peace is if you've trusted in Christ, and the only way you are promised life eternal is with Christ. And so ultimately, that's what my encouragement is. If you know that you need to surrender your your life to the Lord, if you know that you have yet to repent of your sins and trust in him for your salvation, please call the number now. 8775675. That's 877548 3675. Let's go to Charleston, South Carolina. Richard is listening there. Richard, thank you so much for calling. What's your question, brother?

Well, I've always had this real bad fear of death. I was brought up in the church back when I grew up. It was God, family and work. You know, we went to church and we fellowshipped after church with our family. But I had this fear of death. Now I'm getting close to death because I'm going through chemo and radiation for cancer. So I might not live that much longer if it don't work. And I love the Book of Revelations. And the older I get, the more I get into revelation, because it's such an important book and it tells you what's going to happen. But I've done so many things wrong, and I still have a lot of bad habits. I have trouble just putting them away and walking away from them, and I always go back to them. But yes, now I got this desk coming up finally. You know, it scared me because I went through hell in this life. You know, I'd hate to go to hell.

Well, I've always had this real bad fear of death. I was brought up in the church back when I grew up. It was God, family and work. You know, we went to church and we fellowshipped after church with our family. But I had this fear of death. Now I'm getting close to death because I'm going through chemo and radiation for cancer. So I might not live that much longer if it don't work. And I love the Book of Revelations. And the older I get, the more I get into revelation, because it's such an important book and it tells you what's going to happen. But I've done so many things wrong, and I still have a lot of bad habits. I have trouble just putting them away and walking away from them, and I always go back to them. But yes, now I got this desk coming up finally. You know, it scared me because I went through hell in this life. You know, I'd hate to go to hell.

Yeah. So let me first say to you, Richard, I'm so grateful that you called. And, um, what a what a blessing it is that we have this opportunity. Our friend, my friend, to talk together. Uh, death is is is real. And you're in a moment right now where you are facing that reality with chemo. And I do pray that the treatment would work well. But I believe, brother, that the only way you're going to have peace is if you have fully trusted in Christ. And that means that you have taken your sins to him for forgiveness, because he's the only one that can forgive you, and that you have accepted that he is the only one who can save you. That trusting in him that you can't do it through your good works, your own effort. But it's trust in him, that faith in him that saves any and all of us. All of us are sinners, Richard. All of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. But today, if you would put your trust in him, then you can have blessed assurance, the assurance of knowing that you will spend eternity in in heaven. I love what you said, and I think in many ways you are right. You have lived through so much of hell on earth. In many ways, this the reality of living in a broken and fallen world. Why would you choose hell for eternity when heaven is available to you? So I would encourage you, Richard, today, to confess your sin before the Lord, your need for him and to put your faith and trust in him. And I want to give Marcus an opportunity to speak with you. But I also want to pray with you before we let you go, brother. Um, Marcus.

Yeah. So let me first say to you, Richard, I'm so grateful that you called. And, um, what a what a blessing it is that we have this opportunity. Our friend, my friend, to talk together. Uh, death is is is real. And you're in a moment right now where you are facing that reality with chemo. And I do pray that the treatment would work well. But I believe, brother, that the only way you're going to have peace is if you have fully trusted in Christ. And that means that you have taken your sins to him for forgiveness, because he's the only one that can forgive you, and that you have accepted that he is the only one who can save you. That trusting in him that you can't do it through your good works, your own effort. But it's trust in him, that faith in him that saves any and all of us. All of us are sinners, Richard. All of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. But today, if you would put your trust in him, then you can have blessed assurance, the assurance of knowing that you will spend eternity in in heaven. I love what you said, and I think in many ways you are right. You have lived through so much of hell on earth. In many ways, this the reality of living in a broken and fallen world. Why would you choose hell for eternity when heaven is available to you? So I would encourage you, Richard, today, to confess your sin before the Lord, your need for him and to put your faith and trust in him. And I want to give Marcus an opportunity to speak with you. But I also want to pray with you before we let you go, brother. Um, Marcus.

Well, just to add that, um, Psalm 23 I think is a wonderful psalm to read and to meditate on, which says that the Lord is our Shepherd, and that wonderful assurance that even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. That if, as Chris was saying, if we trust in Christ, then we can be assured that Christ will walk with us not only through life, but he will walk with us through death and out into his eternal kingdom in the other side. So we all have to die one day, and we fear the loneliness of dying. But Christ will walk with us hand in hand through death and take us into his eternal kingdom if we trust in him.

Well, just to add that, um, Psalm 23 I think is a wonderful psalm to read and to meditate on, which says that the Lord is our Shepherd, and that wonderful assurance that even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. That if, as Chris was saying, if we trust in Christ, then we can be assured that Christ will walk with us not only through life, but he will walk with us through death and out into his eternal kingdom in the other side. So we all have to die one day, and we fear the loneliness of dying. But Christ will walk with us hand in hand through death and take us into his eternal kingdom if we trust in him.

Now, Richard, every single one of us comes to the point where we have to make this decision. So let me ask you this question, my friend. Are you ready to put your trust in Christ alone, for the salvation of your soul and the forgiveness of your sins?

Now, Richard, every single one of us comes to the point where we have to make this decision. So let me ask you this question, my friend. Are you ready to put your trust in Christ alone, for the salvation of your soul and the forgiveness of your sins?

Yes. Have trouble to stop sinning. All these habits, you know, they've been. I've done them all my life. Yeah. I forgive other people easy. But I can't forgive myself. And if I'm still sinning when I die, even though I believe in Christ. What? What happens? I mean.

Yes. Have trouble to stop sinning. All these habits, you know, they've been. I've done them all my life. Yeah. I forgive other people easy. But I can't forgive myself. And if I'm still sinning when I die, even though I believe in Christ. What? What happens? I mean.

Yeah, those are all phenomenal questions. I think it all starts, my brother, with the reality of what you just said. You cannot forgive yourself. You cannot save yourself. Ultimately, you can accept that Christ has forgiven you, though. And what the scriptures teach us is that if anyone calls upon the name of the Lord, that's anyone. That's you. That's me. The hardest of sinners. If we call upon the name of the Lord, he will in no way cast us out. We will be saved. And so the question again before you is not can you clean yourself up? The verdict is in on that. You can't clean yourself up. You can't fix yourself. But Christ can. And so I don't want you to look at your own weakness. I don't want you to look at your own sinfulness. I much rather you look at the strength and the perfection of Christ. Christ alone is able to save you and to free you even from those strongholds, bondages and habits that you keep referring to. Christ alone is able to do that. So again, brother, the question that I would place before you is, are you ready to surrender your life to him, trusting that he will free you from not only the consequence of sin, but free you from the the hold of sin on your life?

Yeah, those are all phenomenal questions. I think it all starts, my brother, with the reality of what you just said. You cannot forgive yourself. You cannot save yourself. Ultimately, you can accept that Christ has forgiven you, though. And what the scriptures teach us is that if anyone calls upon the name of the Lord, that's anyone. That's you. That's me. The hardest of sinners. If we call upon the name of the Lord, he will in no way cast us out. We will be saved. And so the question again before you is not can you clean yourself up? The verdict is in on that. You can't clean yourself up. You can't fix yourself. But Christ can. And so I don't want you to look at your own weakness. I don't want you to look at your own sinfulness. I much rather you look at the strength and the perfection of Christ. Christ alone is able to save you and to free you even from those strongholds, bondages and habits that you keep referring to. Christ alone is able to do that. So again, brother, the question that I would place before you is, are you ready to surrender your life to him, trusting that he will free you from not only the consequence of sin, but free you from the the hold of sin on your life?

Mm. That's tough fighting the flesh.

Mm. That's tough fighting the flesh.

But so. So here's the question. Are you going to fight that fight alone? Or are you going to let Jesus fight that fight for you?

But so. So here's the question. Are you going to fight that fight alone? Or are you going to let Jesus fight that fight for you?

Yeah, I got to have him because I done lost all my family and I don't have friends or family anymore. So it's me and God alone. Now. There's scriptures about that too.

Yeah, I got to have him because I done lost all my family and I don't have friends or family anymore. So it's me and God alone. Now. There's scriptures about that too.

Well, it sounds like brother and I. And I love your honesty. And it sounds like you're processing through this, and I don't want to force you into an answer, but I do want to encourage you that you need to consider even now. You need to seriously consider tomorrow is not promised to anyone, and I would hate for you to face eternity, and you have not settled in your heart and mind that Christ is your Lord and Savior. And it starts with you recognizing your deep need for him and just simply asking him to be Lord of your life. If you're willing to do that. I'd love to pray with you for that. But if you're willing to do that, we can do that now. If you want more time to think and process that through, I'd be more than willing to send you Marcus's book.

Well, it sounds like brother and I. And I love your honesty. And it sounds like you're processing through this, and I don't want to force you into an answer, but I do want to encourage you that you need to consider even now. You need to seriously consider tomorrow is not promised to anyone, and I would hate for you to face eternity, and you have not settled in your heart and mind that Christ is your Lord and Savior. And it starts with you recognizing your deep need for him and just simply asking him to be Lord of your life. If you're willing to do that. I'd love to pray with you for that. But if you're willing to do that, we can do that now. If you want more time to think and process that through, I'd be more than willing to send you Marcus's book.

I'm ready, I'm ready, and I could use the prayer. Definitely.

I'm ready, I'm ready, and I could use the prayer. Definitely.

Let's do it right now. Let's do it right now. Richard. Just, just just repeat after me, brother. Repeat after me. Say dear Jesus.

Let's do it right now. Let's do it right now. Richard. Just, just just repeat after me, brother. Repeat after me. Say dear Jesus.

Dear Jesus.

Dear Jesus.

Today I confess.

Today I confess.

Today I confess.

Today I confess.

I'm a sinner.

I'm a sinner.

I'm a sinner.

I'm a sinner.

In need of your grace.

In need of your grace.

In need of your grace.

In need of your grace.

I surrender my life to you now.

I surrender my life to you now.

I surrender my life to you.

I surrender my life to you.

Now I ask you to be Lord of all.

Now I ask you to be Lord of all.

I ask you to be Lord of all.

I ask you to be Lord of all.

I trust you for my salvation.

I trust you for my salvation.

I trust you for my salvation.

I trust you for my salvation.

In Jesus name.

In Jesus name.

In Jesus name.

In Jesus name.

Amen.

Amen.

Amen. Yeah. I struggled with my mom when my daughter died. That was just terrible. But.

Amen. Yeah. I struggled with my mom when my daughter died. That was just terrible. But.

Well, I want you to stay on the line, Richard. I'm grateful for you, brother. I want you to stay on the line. Our team is going to get your information. I promise you that we'll do all that we can to pray for you, support, and encourage you through this season. I also want to send you a copy of Marcus's book, so stay on the line. I would love for you to get into a local church community as well, because you need to grow in God's Word and grow in his grace. Richard, we so appreciate you. Love you brother. Father, I pray for Richard. I pray for your sustaining grace and power to give him strength. I pray for your mercy. And yes, we do pray that even the treatment would work well. But ultimately we know that this life is only for a moment. But life with you is forever. Thank you for saving my brother. In Jesus name, Amen.

Well, I want you to stay on the line, Richard. I'm grateful for you, brother. I want you to stay on the line. Our team is going to get your information. I promise you that we'll do all that we can to pray for you, support, and encourage you through this season. I also want to send you a copy of Marcus's book, so stay on the line. I would love for you to get into a local church community as well, because you need to grow in God's Word and grow in his grace. Richard, we so appreciate you. Love you brother. Father, I pray for Richard. I pray for your sustaining grace and power to give him strength. I pray for your mercy. And yes, we do pray that even the treatment would work well. But ultimately we know that this life is only for a moment. But life with you is forever. Thank you for saving my brother. In Jesus name, Amen.

Amen.

Amen.

Um, Marcus, um, some people asked the question, what will happen when I die? What do you want them to know?

Um, Marcus, um, some people asked the question, what will happen when I die? What do you want them to know?

That if they trust in Christ, they will go immediately to be with him. As Jesus said to the thief on the cross, he said, today you will be with me in Paradise. So we go straight to be with the Lord if we trust in him in spirit, and then one day we will be physically raised as well. But if we don't trust in Christ, then we will be. We won't go to be with him. We'll be alienated from Him and His goodness forever. So that's why it's so critical, what we've just done and what Richard has just done now to put our trust in Christ before we actually die, where after we die, it's too late. And as someone had on a badge that I went past once in the street, they had a badge on which said, eternity is too long to get it wrong. And I think that puts it well.

That if they trust in Christ, they will go immediately to be with him. As Jesus said to the thief on the cross, he said, today you will be with me in Paradise. So we go straight to be with the Lord if we trust in him in spirit, and then one day we will be physically raised as well. But if we don't trust in Christ, then we will be. We won't go to be with him. We'll be alienated from Him and His goodness forever. So that's why it's so critical, what we've just done and what Richard has just done now to put our trust in Christ before we actually die, where after we die, it's too late. And as someone had on a badge that I went past once in the street, they had a badge on which said, eternity is too long to get it wrong. And I think that puts it well.

We're going to take a short break, and when we come back, we'll take more of your phone calls. Christine in Tennessee, you hang on the line. I promise you, we'll come to you right after this short break. Others are calling in. Phone number is 8775675. Maybe. Like Richard, today can be the day of salvation for you. Wouldn't that be a beautiful thing to know that Christ is my Lord, that my sins have been forgiven and that eternity is will be with him in heaven forever? Praise God for that. It gives a peace that surpasses all understanding. 8775675 is the number. Also, you can get a copy of Marcus's wonderful book, What Happens When I die? Go to our website, find out more. Go to equip radio.org. Our social media platforms are available for you as well, if that's easier. If you have questions or comments. Finally, call support the program at 8886 44 4144. Much more to come. Next up on equip. Do you want to deepen your prayer life but you don't know where to start? Praying the Bible. By doctor Don Whitney shows how anyone can have meaningful prayer times using Scripture as our guide, this transformative book reveals how the Bible, especially the Psalms, can fuel your prayer life with fresh language and God centered thoughts. Get your copy today. When you give a gift to equip, call 888644 4144 or give online at Equip radio.org. Chris Brooks here reminding you that today's program is pre-recorded and we won't be taking your calls. Welcome back to equipped with Chris Brooks. I wish we had more time, but I'm grateful for the opportunity we've had with Marcus Nader. We're going to take another call here. Christine is listening in Tennessee. Christine, thank you so much for your patience. How can we pray for you today? Christine, are you there? Oh, I think we may have technical problems here. Uh, why don't we try to see if we can reconnect with Christine while we're waiting to reconnect with Christine? Marcus? Um, some have have wondered about cremation or burial. Is there any strong direction on this?

We're going to take a short break, and when we come back, we'll take more of your phone calls. Christine in Tennessee, you hang on the line. I promise you, we'll come to you right after this short break. Others are calling in. Phone number is 8775675. Maybe. Like Richard, today can be the day of salvation for you. Wouldn't that be a beautiful thing to know that Christ is my Lord, that my sins have been forgiven and that eternity is will be with him in heaven forever? Praise God for that. It gives a peace that surpasses all understanding. 8775675 is the number. Also, you can get a copy of Marcus's wonderful book, What Happens When I die? Go to our website, find out more. Go to equip radio.org. Our social media platforms are available for you as well, if that's easier. If you have questions or comments. Finally, call support the program at 8886 44 4144. Much more to come. Next up on equip. Do you want to deepen your prayer life but you don't know where to start? Praying the Bible. By doctor Don Whitney shows how anyone can have meaningful prayer times using Scripture as our guide, this transformative book reveals how the Bible, especially the Psalms, can fuel your prayer life with fresh language and God centered thoughts. Get your copy today. When you give a gift to equip, call 888644 4144 or give online at Equip radio.org. Chris Brooks here reminding you that today's program is pre-recorded and we won't be taking your calls. Welcome back to equipped with Chris Brooks. I wish we had more time, but I'm grateful for the opportunity we've had with Marcus Nader. We're going to take another call here. Christine is listening in Tennessee. Christine, thank you so much for your patience. How can we pray for you today? Christine, are you there? Oh, I think we may have technical problems here. Uh, why don't we try to see if we can reconnect with Christine while we're waiting to reconnect with Christine? Marcus? Um, some have have wondered about cremation or burial. Is there any strong direction on this?

I would say there isn't strong direction, biblically, and certainly from God's point of view. It doesn't matter whether you've been cremated or buried, as in, it's not more difficult for him to raise us physically to life, whether we've been cremated or buried. Certainly the early practice of Christians was burial rather than cremation. Cremation was a Greek and Roman practice, but it's not a problem from God's point of view. I think the main thing is that we treat the body with respect and with dignity. When someone has died. But I don't think we should feel unduly troubled if a loved one has been cremated or buried, and we're wondering whether it was the right thing to do, it's not a sinful thing either way. I think both are sort of godly options. My personal preference would be for burial. So I think in terms of God's, uh, God's promise about the future of the body and Um. Burial to my mind signifies that we believe this body has a future, that we're sort of planting the body in the ground. And one day this body is going to be raised to life. And I think that's maybe something that as Christians, we don't think about as much as we should, that we believe that when we die, we go to heaven, which is wonderfully true. But the Bible actually says more than that. It says that one day we will be physically raised to life and our bodies have a future. And so we maybe need to just be thinking about that when we think about funerals and think, well, okay, this body has a future, so what would be appropriate?