One of the passages I like to share when visiting the institutionalized is Isaiah 2:3:

Are you feeling lonely? One of the emotions that chaplains encounter in all of the institutions they serve is loneliness. People living in institutions are cut off from family and friends. Loved ones often can’t visit them because they are behind doors that are locked. Some of these locked doors are physical while others are emotional. What’s more, being institutionalized means that you are no longer visible in the lives of others. You cannot attend family gatherings or take part in family traditions and special events. Neighbors no longer “bump into you” in the grocery store or see you walking down the street.

Sooner or later, in every discussion about eternal life, the question comes up: “Will we know each other in heaven?” The idea that God will turn us into angels or generic spiritual beings or something is an idea that just doesn’t seem to go away. Do we lose our identities when we get to heaven?

Funerals aren’t usually on our planning agendas, yet they are a blessing from God. In a very short time, we have said goodbye to four friends. Three of them had been Staff or Board members. All of them are dear to our hearts. Many people dread funerals. That’s because they haven’t experienced the wonderful comfort which God provides at funerals. This comfort is given on many levels.

With the increase of crime in our country, there has also been an increase in fear and concern among its citizens.  Inevitably, several questions arise; one in particular has considerable relevance. Are there opportunities to keep ourselves safe, lessen our fear, and reduce the pressure on police? 

Did Old Testament believers understand the promise of eternal life?