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Stepping Into Eternity-Encountering Jesus at the Moment of Death is a teaching and testimony book revealing the experiences of people at the final moments of life. Written by Pastor Tom Parrish the book chronicles his 25 years experience as a Christian pastor at the bedside of the dying.
Below is a brief outline and exposition of the contents:
Chapter 1: The Trip of Discovery. Tom and his wife Jan stumble upon the work of famed cardiologist Dr. Maurice Rawlings. Dr. Rawlings explains his unexpecteddeathbed experience with a postal worker who “died” on the operating table. The postal workers numerous episodes of dying while Dr. Rawlings is desperately trying to save his life opened a doorway to what happens at the moment of death.
Chapter 2: A Conversation with Jesus Christ. A short time after hearing Dr. Rawlings on the radio Tom is present at the death of his mother-in-law Beatrice. Her finals words, after having been in a coma for three days, thrust Tom into the exploration of death. Her words, at that final moment, that Jesus was present for her gave new insight into the words of Jesus in John 14:2b-3 I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
Chapter 3: Searching the Scriptures for Biblical Answers. Tom began to search the scriptures to discover what it actually says about the end of life on earth. Expecting only a few passages Tom was startled to uncover many passages that illuminated the truth of what happens between heaven and earth.
Chapter 4: Knowing What to Expect. It is not enough to merely know what happens at the end of this life. It is important to know what to expect and how to “see” the presence of the Lord for the dying. Tom reveals seven things to look for in those final moments.
Chapter 5: Communicating Words of Life. There are right things and wrong things to say in those final moments. Tom prepares family members to speak words of life in the midst of death so that there are no regrets when they have departed.
Chapter 6: What to Do in the Presence of the Dying. How should we listen and what kind of questions are appropriate for the dying? Tom reveals how to effectively listen, pray with, and talk to those facing eternity.
Chapter 7: Christian Death and Near Death Experiences. Truth stories of how many have encountered Jesus in those final moments as they pass from this life to the life to come.
Chapter 8: Dying without Jesus Christ. Does it matter if we know Jesus or does any belief system satisfy the dying? Discover what it means to die with Jesus and what is means to die without him.
Chapter 9: Ministering to Those Who Want to Die. How do we minister to those who have wanted to die but have not? What is the purpose of living when it seems there is nothing to live for?
Chapter 10: Facing the Fear of Death. Death is the greatest fear of all humankind. How can we face it with confidence and realize that we are not going to be alone?
Chapter 11: Stepping Into Eternity. Tom reveals seven observations at the point of death. He also reveals how to be prepared for that final moment of life.