There is Hope

This is a unique and treasure-laden book that provides a rich resource for the preacher tasked with preaching into the important but often difficult occasion of a funeral. In the hands of a master exegete and honed pastor the reader is led on a hope-filled journey that models how one can powerfully yet sensitively bring the good news of Jesus into the nuances of grief and loss in a multitude of contexts. This is an excellent book, and it ought to be on the shelves of every preacher. * Rev Jitesh Patel, Assistant Director of St Mellitus College East Midlands, convener of the New Wine Preaching Conferences *
I wish I had been given this book when I first entered ministry. The Biblical exegesis is extremely helpful which should come as no surprise given his academic rigour, and his ability to communicate is second to none. I devoured this book like a hungry man presented with a hearty meal, and I would encourage anyone involved in the ministry to the bereaved to feast on its delights too. This is a great book, and it deserves to be widely read. * Pastor Rob James BA BD, Baptist Minister, Writer and Broadcaster Executive Chair Evangelical Alliance Wales *
Thoughtful, appropriate, well-researched, theologically literate, interestingly communicated and with a fitting evangelistic edge: a wonderful resource which will enrich the ministry of many. * From the foreword by Derek Tidball, former pastor and principal of the London School of Theology *
There is Hope It is biblically rich in content and theologically challenging in tone. It is pastorally full of practical insights as the author generously shares from his comprehensive experience of ministering to the bereaved. The rising popularity of direct cremations and humanist ceremonies reflects the spirit of the age, which has little to say about life after death. This book skilfully demonstrates that funerals are the opportunity to exercise pastoral care to the bereaved whilst ministering God’s grace to those who mourn. Death is a moment in life when our human vulnerabilities are left bare. There is Hope bears witness to the unique Christian tradition of the funeral service. Tributes are given to a good life while celebrating the unsurpassed goodness of the God of all comfort. * The Revd David Coffey OBE, Former General Secretary of the Baptist Union of GB, Past President of the Baptist World Alliance. *
I sometimes think that funerals in churches presided over by ministers of the gospel demonstrate the worst of the church, not the best. Either the very lack of confidence in the Christian hope results in an absence of the story of Jesus, replaced merely by the fine words of a eulogy about the deceased; or a hectoring evangelism that exploits the congregation at a sensitive moment, and probably confirms in the minds of those who do not normally attend church the very reasons they avoid church as much as possible. Thankfully, Paul Beasley Murray, as an experienced and wise pastor and skilful exegete, avoids both and instead provides preachers at funerals with sermons, and the principles behind them, that contain faith-filled content and sensitivity of heart, profoundly declaring the Christian hope, without abusing those grief-stricken individuals in the congregation with a shallow evangelistic appeal. There is both the generosity of God's mercy and the truth about Jesus in these sermons. * Revd. Dr. Paul Goodliff, General Secretary, Churches Together in England *