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Modern funerals increasingly look like Pinterest boards and social media tributes rather than Christian worship. How should believers think about death when it comes knocking? We’ll explore why Christians need to write down their funeral wishes, what Scripture teaches about the intermediate state between death and resurrection, and why burial versus cremation matters theologically. Death remains our enemy, but it’s a defeated enemy. Christians mourn, but not without hope. From building relationships with funeral directors to understanding what happens the moment after we die, this conversation tackles the questions we often avoid until it’s too late.

The Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Colby, KS, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to discuss the Christian view of death.

Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected].

Thy Strong Word is graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. Through the mission gifts of people like you, LHF translates, publishes, distributes and introduces books that are Bible-based, Christ-centered and Reformation-driven. Learn more at lhfmissions.org.