◄ Our friend . . . sleeps. ►

I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished… But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

When all the people had completely crossed over the Jordan, … the Lord spoke to Joshua, saying: … “Take for yourselves twelve stones from here, out of the midst of the Jordan, from the place where the priests’ feet stood firm… These stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.” § This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. § Witnesses chosen before by God … who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead.