Books & Reccs for unsaved dying if cancer?

Q: I need book recommendations (for a sister in Christ counseling someone) for an unbelieving friend who has terminal cancer. Anyone know of a book like that? (And perhaps, hopefully presents the Gospel in it as well?)

A: It’s a tough needle to thread - obviously we know there’s much the unbeliever ought to be afraid of. 

After presenting the gospel to your friend, mark chapters or books in the Bible to read. You can also mark and tag pages for the unsaved person to read in books noted below.  

I hope these resources can help.

James White was a hospital chaplain and he has a book called “Grieving: your path back to peace”.(1)  I’m not sure it’ll be for the person in your friend’s situation, but maybe. There’s also a book by R.C. Sproul called Enjoying God that might be helpful. I haven’t read these, but I know the people who are trustworthy to give a full gospel presentation. I’ll pray for your friend.

The fear of death book, by Ray Comfort,(2) might be another one. There's also a video they made of same title. 

I have a foreign friend in the faith, his brother in Christ, wrote this book The Big C; Hope in the face of death, by Jeremy Marshall(3)

(on cancer) and recently passed. This can be a good book also. They have a US and UK shop site. 

 

The Gospel According to Jesus by John MacArthur(4) and Billy Graham book Nearing Home(5) might be helpful. 

In closing, I would also consider the following: 

1. Share the gospel video NeedGod.com 

2. Consider reading those books, and compiling Scripture verses with helpful thoughts on a personal audio recording that the unsaved person could listen to vs reading a bunch of those books. Some might feel overwhelmed, others cant hold a book or tablet, or/& could use a distraction of sorts stuck in a hospital bed, during a transfusion, or hospital appt, or related where they have time to listen to something for an hour. They could replay it, and you can follow up about thoughts on it, and discussion. Plus gives you a chance to ask what would prevent them from being saved and living beyond this life in the blessed paradise of God? To lead them to taking action not just mulling it over. 

Prayers for your friend. 

P.s. you certianly can (prayerfully) give them a copy of the best book among the ones you review you feel would be best for them to have for further reading. But boldly lovingly engage them, as their time is near. 

Footnotes:

Credit to Bard ai search:

(1) James White's book Grieving: Your Path Back to Peace does not specifically mention disease or cancer related to death, but it does offer general guidance on how to cope with grief and loss.

White writes that grief is a normal and natural response to loss, and that it is important to allow yourself to grieve. He also writes that grief is not a linear process, and that there are no right or wrong ways to grieve.

White offers a number of suggestions for coping with grief, including:

• Talking to someone you trust about your feelings.
• Joining a support group for grieving people.
• Engaging in activities that you enjoy.
• Taking care of your physical and mental health.
• Seeking professional help if needed.

White also emphasizes the importance of finding hope and comfort in the midst of grief. He writes:

Even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. Hope is what helps us to carry on when we think we can't go on. Hope is what gives us the strength to face the future.

White's book is a compassionate and helpful guide for anyone who is grieving. It offers practical advice on how to cope with grief, as well as encouragement and hope.

Here is a summary of what White says about grief in his book:

• Grief is a normal and natural response to loss.
• There are no right or wrong ways to grieve.
• It is important to allow yourself to grieve.
• There are a number of things you can do to cope with grief, such as talking to someone you trust, joining a support group, engaging in activities you enjoy, taking care of your physical and mental health, and seeking professional help if needed.
• Even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.

(2) In "The Fear of Death" book, by Ray Comfort, is there discussion on disease &/or cancer related to death? If so give an actual summary of what is said on that in the book [only give a reply for on what is actually in the book]

Yes, Ray Comfort's book The Fear of Death discusses disease and cancer related to death. In Chapter 3, "The Problem of Death," Comfort writes:

"Disease is one of the most common causes of death. Cancer, heart disease, and stroke are just a few of the diseases that can kill us. These diseases can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, environment, and lifestyle choices."

Comfort goes on to say that disease and cancer can cause a great deal of pain and suffering, both for the person who is dying and for their loved ones. He also writes that these diseases can be a reminder of our own mortality and can lead to fear and anxiety about death.

In Chapter 4, "The Solution to the Problem of Death," Comfort offers a Christian perspective on death and dying. He argues that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins and that those who believe in Him will have eternal life. He also writes that Christians can have hope and peace even in the face of death.

Comfort writes:

"If you have a relationship with Jesus Christ, you don't have to fear death. He has conquered death and offers you eternal life. When you die, you will go to heaven to be with Him forever."

Comfort's book is written from a Christian perspective and is intended to offer comfort and hope to those who are facing death or the death of a loved one. He argues that the only way to truly overcome the fear of death is to have a relationship with Jesus Christ.

A summary of what is said on disease and cancer related to death in the book:

Disease is one of the most common causes of death. Cancer, heart disease, and stroke are just a few of the diseases that can kill us. These diseases can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, environment, and lifestyle choices. Disease and cancer can cause a great deal of pain and suffering, both for the person who is dying and for their loved ones. These diseases can be a reminder of our own mortality and can lead to fear and anxiety about death. Christians can have hope and peace even in the face of death, because Jesus Christ has conquered death and offers eternal life. 

(3) The book "The Big C; Hope in the face of death", by Jeremy Marshall discusses disease and cancer related to death.

In the book, Marshall recounts his own experience with cancer and how he found hope in the face of death. He also discusses the various ways that people cope with cancer and death, and he offers advice for those who are facing these challenges.

One of the key themes of the book is that it is possible to find hope, even in the face of death. Marshall writes:

"Hope is not about denial. It's not about pretending that everything is going to be okay when it's not. It's about finding meaning and purpose in the midst of suffering. It's about believing that even in the darkest of times, there is still good in the world."

Marshall also discusses the importance of community in the face of death. He writes:

"No one should have to go through cancer alone. It's important to have a support system of people who love you and care about you. These people can offer you emotional support, practical help, and spiritual guidance."

The Big C is a hopeful and inspiring book that offers guidance and support to those who are facing cancer and death. It is a must-read for anyone who is looking for hope in the face of darkness.

A summary of what is said on disease and cancer related to death in the book:

Cancer is a disease that can cause a great deal of pain and suffering. It is important to have a support system of people who love and care about you when facing cancer. It is possible to find hope and meaning in the midst of suffering. Even in the darkest of times, there is still good in the world. No one should have to go through cancer alone. 

(4) In this book, The Gospel According to Jesus by John MacArthur, is there discussion on disease &/or cancer related to death? If so give a summary of what is said on that.

Yes, there is some discussion of disease and death in John MacArthur's book The Gospel According to Jesus. In Chapter 9, "The Gospel and Suffering," MacArthur writes about the man born blind, whose healing is recorded in John 9. He notes that Jesus healed the man, but He did not explain why he was born blind in the first place. MacArthur writes:

Jesus never explained why some people suffer from disease and disability, while others do not. But He did make it clear that suffering can be used for His glory.

MacArthur goes on to say that Jesus' healing of the man born blind was a sign of His coming kingdom, where there will be no more suffering or death. He writes:

When Jesus healed the man born blind, He was giving a glimpse of the new creation that He would one day bring about. In the new creation, there will be no more sickness, suffering, or death. All tears will be wiped away, and all pain will be gone.

In Chapter 10, "The Gospel and Death," MacArthur discusses Jesus' resurrection and its implications for death. He writes:

Jesus' resurrection is the ultimate victory over death. It shows that death is not the end, but that there is life after death for those who believe in Jesus.

MacArthur goes on to say that Jesus' resurrection gives Christians hope in the face of death. He writes:

Because of Jesus' resurrection, we can face death with confidence. We know that death is not the end, but that it is simply the gateway to eternal life.

MacArthur does not specifically discuss cancer in his book, but his comments on disease and death in general are applicable to cancer as well. Cancer is a disease that can lead to death, but it is not the end for those who believe in Jesus Christ. Jesus' resurrection gives us hope that even in the face of death, we can have eternal life.

Here is a summary of what MacArthur says about disease and death in The Gospel According to Jesus:

Disease and death are a result of the fall of humanity into sin. Jesus came to earth to redeem humanity from sin and its consequences, including disease and death. Jesus' healing miracles were a sign of His coming kingdom, where there will be no more suffering or death. Jesus' resurrection is the ultimate victory over death. It shows that death is not the end, but that there is life after death for those who believe in Jesus. Because of Jesus' resurrection, we can face death with confidence, knowing that it is simply the gateway to eternal life. 

(5) Can you provide answer for same question In Billy Graham book Nearing home. 

Yes. In his book Nearing Home, Billy Graham discusses disease and cancer related to death in several chapters. In Chapter 6, "Facing Death with Confidence," he writes:

Death is the one thing that is certain in all of life. We will all face it one day. But for those who believe in Jesus Christ, death is not the end. It is simply the gateway to eternal life.

Graham goes on to say that death is a natural part of life, but it is also a reminder of our sinfulness. He writes:

Death is a reminder that we are all sinners. We are all separated from God by our sin. But God loves us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins. When we repent of our sins and put our faith in Jesus, we are forgiven and we have eternal life.

Graham also discusses the suffering that often comes with disease and death. He writes:

Suffering is a part of life for all of us. But for those who believe in Jesus, suffering can be used for His glory. When we suffer, we have the opportunity to show the world the love of Christ. We can also learn to trust God more deeply.

Graham's book is a message of hope for those who are facing disease, death, or any other kind of suffering. He reminds us that God is with us in the midst of our pain, and that He has promised us eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Here is a summary of what Graham says about disease and death in Nearing Home:

Death is a natural part of life, but it is also a reminder of our sinfulness. Jesus Christ died on the cross to forgive our sins and give us eternal life. Suffering can be used for God's glory, and it can help us to trust Him more deeply. God is with us in the midst of our pain, and He has promised us eternal life through Jesus Christ.