Taking the Sting Out of Deaththe Ultimate Conversation Scripture and Resources slides only. Sandy Dunbar, RN-BC, FCN

Transcription

1 Taking the Sting Out of Deaththe Ultimate Conversation Scripture and Resources slides only Sandy Dunbar, RN-BC, FCN

2 A Christian is not afraid to die, because the risen Christ has conquered death and we have the promise of heaven. Phil. 1: 18 For me to live is Christ, to die is gain.

3 What the Bible Says Rev. 21:4- He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. Rom. 4:23- For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 3:16- For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

4 What the Bible Says (cont.) John 6:40- For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. Psalm 23:4- Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Hebrews 2:14- Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil.

5 What the Bible Says (cont.) 2 Cor. 5:8- Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 1 John 4:18- There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. 1 Cor. 15: For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

6 What the Bible Says (cont.) 1 Cor. 15: When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law: but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

7 What the Bible Says (cont.) Isaiah 25:8- He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from the earth, for the Lord has spoken. I Thess. 4:13- But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.

8 God-Given Principles that Guide a Christian in End-of-Life Decisions Human life is sacred (Psalm 139:13, Jer. 1:3, and Acts 17:25) There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every event under heaven- a time to give birth and a time to die--- (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2) God does call His people home (Ps. 90:3) and our time is in God s hands (Matt. 6: 27 and Ps. 31: 15- My times are in Your hands- is a statement of acceptance)

9 Things to Consider Is the condition terminal? If the condition is terminal, is death imminent (e.g., death will come in a short time, no matter what treatment or care is given)? We will not all make the same decisions in what may appear to be similar circumstances (Example: Roms.14 re: eating of meat sacrificed to idols) Rewording this example, He who continues medical treatment does so to the Lord who has entrusted him with the sacred gift of life, and he who refuses medical treatment does so to the Lord who is calling himself to heaven.

10 Things to Consider (cont.) We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God. (Acts 14:22). Physical suffering before death, may be among those hardships St. Paul, If we live, we live to the Lord; if we die, we die to the Lord. (Rom.14:8)

11 Closing Thoughts: Communication with our loved ones about our end-of-life wishes is a loving way to help them cope with our death. May our words and actions proclaim as Job once did, the Lord gave and the Lord has taken away, may the name of the Lord be praised. (Job 1: 21)

12 Website Links for Communication Tools Prepare for Your Care: The Conversation Project: Let s Have Death over Dinner: My Gift of Grace (a conversation card game for living and dying well):

13 Advance Directive Websites Georgia State Advance Directive Form: d/dhr-das/dhr- DAS_Publications/GEORGIA%20ADVANCE%20DIRECTIVE%20F OR%20HEALTH%20CARE-10.pdf Five Wishes (Aging with Dignity): Georgia POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment):