 It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting; for this is the end of all men, and the living will lay it to heart. (Ecclesiastes 7:2 RSV)

Data from Tennessee Department of Health (2013)

And just as it is appointed for men to die once, and after that comes judgment, (Hebrews 9:27 RSV)

 I want you to know, brethren, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ; and most of the brethren have been made confident in the Lord because of my imprisonment, and are much more bold to speak the word of God without fear. (Philippians 1:12-14 RSV)

 Yes, and I shall rejoice. For I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I shall not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If it is to be life in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. (Philippians 1:19-22 RSV)

 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again. (Philippians 1:23-26 RSV)

 Praying (vs. 19)  Trusting in God’s Providence (vs. 19)  Preparing for all possibilities (vs. 21)  Welcoming all options (vs. 20)

 We will be confronted with uncertain and fearful futures.  We need to put our lives in God’s hands. (1 Pet. 5:6,7)  We need to commit our lives to glorify Christ by our lives!  We need to be prepared for death at all times!

 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want; he makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. (Psalms 23:1-4 RSV)

 “Joy in the Face of Death” outline by Johnny Felker  Audio Sermon by Sewell Hall.