CONVERSION STORY

A FUNERAL SERMON
 

Matthew 11:28 - Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I
will give you rest.
 

We need rest often.

·       Sometimes we need physical rest.  We’ve been working very hard and
have not taken or gotten breaks from our activities. We are exhausted and
in need of rest!  And sometimes our bodies will be sick and we are
exhausted because we have been fighting disease.
·       Sometimes we need emotional rest.  Our minds are in a state of unrest. 
Our minds are always agitated.  We never get any rest and sometimes no
sleep because we are emotionally stressed.
·       Sometimes we need spiritual rest.  We have no peace with God, and
henceforth we are needy spiritually.  Sin is always at the root of spiritual
rest.
 

We’ve all sinned. We’ve all failed God. Hence, there is a lack of rest.
 

Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
 
Isaiah 59:1-2 - Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save;
neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: [2] But your iniquities have separated
between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he
will not hear.
 
Our friend was in that state a few months ago. I believe that he was afraid to
die and needed some spiritual help.  He was in spiritual trouble and he knew it.
He needed spiritual rest. He needed to come to Jesus for help.
 

Matthew 11:28 - Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I
will give you rest.
 

He did come to Jesus.

 

HE CAME HUMBLY   
 

I visited him in the hospital and I asked him a question.

“What if you were to die and found yourself at the gate of Heaven, and God
asked you ‘Why should I let you in?’  I believe that He answered that he didn’t
know.
 

I then explained to him that nobody deserved to go to heaven, including him.

 

Romans 3:10 - As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

 

Ezekiel 18:4 - Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the
soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
 

I further explained that God in His love sent Jesus to die for our sins and rose
from the dead.   
 

2 Corinthians 5:21 - For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin;
that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
 
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also
received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; [4] And
that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the
scriptures:
 

I explained to him that he could not earn his way to Heaven, but he could put
his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
 

Ephesians 2:8-9 - For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God: [9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.
 

He came to Jesus humbly. He prayed by faith to receive Jesus as his Savior.

 

HE CAME HUMBLY
HE LIVED HOPEFULLY   
 

When a person truly puts their faith in Christ, change takes place.  They have a
new hope for the future, knowing that they are going to Heaven.  Others can
see their hope by the change that takes place in their lives.
 

2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old

things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
 

What was new about him?

·       His wife tells me that He was no longer afraid to die.
·       He was interested in attending church and becoming a church member.
·       He was eager to have prayers said for him during the last few weeks of his
life.
 
HE CAME HUMBLY
HE LIVED HOPEFULLY
HE WENT HOME
 

Early Friday evening God welcomed him into his presence.  He had come
humbly and lived hopefully.  Now he is home.
 

Psalm 116:15 - Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
 

2 Corinthians 5:8-9 - We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent

from the body, and to be present with the Lord. [9] Wherefore we labour, that,
whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
 

He is at rest as Jesus promised.

   

And if God did ask him, “Why should I let you into Heaven?”  His answer would
have been something like this, “Father, I don’t deserve to come into Heaven. I’m
a sinner.  But I trusted your Son as my way to Heaven. He died for me. My faith
is in Him. Based on a sincere testimony like that, God would receive him.
 
Matthew 11:28 - Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I
will give you rest.
 

Now what about you?  If you are in spiritual turmoil or lack spiritual rest or if
you are unsure what will happen to you after you die what should you do?
 

COME HUMBLY  
 
Acknowledge before God that you are not good enough to earn your way into
Heaven.  The Bible says that it is …not of works lest any man should boast,
   

Put your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as the one who died for you, and that he
paid for your sins in full.
Receive by faith the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior.
 

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
 

LIVE HOPEFULLY   
 

·       If you truly trust Jesus for eternal life, you will begin to experience spiritual
rest.
·       You will have a desire to learn more about the Lord Jesus, to obey Him, and
to serve Him.
·       You will have a desire to attend church in order to worship God and be with
God’s people
 

2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old

things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
 

COME HUMBLY
LIVE HOPEFULLY
GO HOME   
Having trusted Jesus and having lived a changed life through the power of God,
you will be ushered into the presence of God.   
 

COME HUMBLY
LIVE HOPEFULLY
GO HOME
 
 
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ALL THAT SHE (HE) HAD – A FUNERAL MESSAGE FOR A BORN AGAIN CHRISTIAN
                                                  BASED ON THE “I AM’S” IN THE GOSPEL OF JOHN
 
All that she (he) had of real importance in this life can be summed up in four
words: THE LORD JESUS CHRIST!
 

JESUS WAS HER (HIS) BREAD OF LIFE

 

John 6:47-48 - Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath

everlasting life. [48] I am that bread of life.
 

JESUS WAS HER (HIS) LIGHT

   

John 8:12 - …I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in
darkness, but shall have the light of life.
 

JESUS WAS HER (HIS) DOOR

 

John 10:9 - I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall
go in and out, and find pasture.
 

JESUS WAS HER (HIS) SHEPHERD

 

John 10:11 - I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the
sheep.
 

John 10:14 - I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of
mine.
 

JESUS WAS HER (HIS) WAY, TRUTH AND LIFE

 

John 14:6 - Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man
cometh unto the Father, but by me.
 
JESUS IS HER (HIS) RESURRECTION
 

John 11:25-26 - Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that
believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: [26] And whosoever
liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
 
 
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Psalm 16:11
A FUNERAL MESSAGE
 

Psalm 16:11 - Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of
joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
 

This little verse will help you enjoy life now and forever.
Three words help us explain this verse.
PATH
PRESENCE
PLEASURES   
 

PATH - Thou wilt show me the path of life.

 

Almost everyone wants to go to Heaven. They want eternal life.

 

There is a hindrance to eternal life. It is called “sin”. Sin is disobedience to God.

 

Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
 

Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death…

 

So people are looking for a way to forgiveness and everlasting life.

 

Some people think that there are many paths to Heaven.

There is only one.
 

Matthew 7:13-14 - Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad
is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
[14] Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life,
and few there be that find it.
 

John 14:6 - Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man
cometh unto the Father, but by me.
 

My friend, Jesus the sinless Son of God died for your sins. He did for you what you
could not do.
 

2 Corinthians 5:21 - For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that
we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
 

How does one get on the path of life? It is simply a matter of trust.
 

John 1:12 - But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the
sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
 

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
 

Put your total faith in Christ and get on the path of life.   
   
PRESENCE – …In thy presence of fullness of joy…
 

Jesus wants this life to be a life of joy for those who trust Him. 
   

John 15:11 - These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in
you, and that your joy might be full.
 

John 15:4-5 - Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself,
except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. [5] I am the
vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth
forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
 
John 15:7 - If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye
will, and it shall be done unto you.
 
As we practice the presence of Jesus in our lives through prayer, reading of His
Word and the guidance of His Holy Spirit we will have fullness of joy.
 

PLEASURES - at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

 

As we said the path of life is eternal life. That means that there are pleasures in
the physical presence with Jesus that will last forever.
   

Revelation 22:1-5 - And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as

crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. [2] In the midst of
the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which
bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves
of the tree were for the healing of the nations. [3] And there shall be no more
curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall
serve him: [4] And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their
foreheads. [5] And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle,
neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign
for ever and ever.
 
 
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FEAR NOT
(A FUNERAL MESSAGE)
 

Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is
the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
 

The message of Psalm 27:1 is “Fear not!”

I would like you to walk away from this message saying,
I WILL NOT FEAR BECAUSE JESUS IS MY LIGHT.
I WILL NOT FEAR BECAUSE JESUS IS MY SALVATION.
I WILL NOT FEAR BECAUSE JESUS IS MY STRENGTH.   
 

We have lots of fears.

·       We fear the future.
·       We fear poor health.
·       We fear getting old.
·       We fear what people think.
 

The loss of a beloved relative or friend can increase our fears.

 
·       What’s going to happen to me now that he’s gone?
·       Who’s going to take his place?
·       Where do I turn when I once turned to Him?
 

Jesus says “Turn to me!”

Matthew 11:28 - Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I
will give you rest.
 

Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is
the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
 

You need to say,

I WILL NOT FEAR BECAUSE JESUS IS MY LIGHT.   
 

What does light do?  It illuminates the darkness.

You may feel that you are in the darkness of fear, worry, and uncertainty.
Jesus says in John 8:12 …I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall
not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
 

You need to come to the Lord Jesus and ask Him for the light of His guidance.
He will guide you through His Word.
He will guide you through His Spirit.
He will guide you through Christian friends.
 

Admit your fears to the Lord Jesus and ask Him for help.
 

I WILL NOT FEAR BECAUSE JESUS IS MY SALVATION.

   

Salvation means to be saved.  To be saved is to be rescued.

From what do we need saving or rescuing?
 

Every one of us has failed God. 

 

Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
 

Isaiah 64:6 - But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are
as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have
taken us away.
 

God is a righteous and holy God.  He demands punishment for sin.

Ezekiel 18:4 - …the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
 

Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death…

 

God is a righteous God, but He is also a loving God.

That’s why He sent His Son to earth on a rescue mission.   
 

The Lord Jesus was sinless and didn’t need to pay for His sins because He had
done.  Therefore He could die for your sins, and that’s exactly what He did.
 

2 Corinthians 5:21 - For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that
we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
 

He died for you, was buried and rose again. He’s living in Heaven.
 

He died to rescue you, to save you.

All you have to do is accept His free gift, turning from sin and trying to earn your
way to Heaven and trusting that Christ paid for your sins in full.
 

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
 

This will change your life.

 

2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old

things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
 

This will remove the fear of standing before God and not knowing what to say.   
   

What about you? Can you say, “Jesus is my salvation I will not fear”?   
 

I WILL NOT FEAR BECAUSE JESUS IS MY STRENGTH.    

When Jesus is your savior, He will be the strength of my life.
We will be able to say with the Apostle Paul in Philippians 4:13, I can do all things
through Christ which strengtheneth me.
 

Jesus will give you the strength to face the passing of the deceased.
Jesus will give you the strength to face your own passing.
Jesus will give you the strength to face whatever you need to face in this life.   
 

Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is
the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
 

The message of Psalm 27:1 is “Fear not!”

I would like you to walk away from this message saying,
I WILL NOT FEAR BECAUSE JESUS IS MY LIGHT.
I WILL NOT FEAR BECAUSE JESUS IS MY SALVATION.
I WILL NOT FEAR BECAUSE JESUS IS MY STRENGTH.   
 

 
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FOUR THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU DIE.
(A FUNERAL MESSAGE)
 

I remember the first time I ever went to an Outback Steakhouse.  The waiter
asked if we had ever been to an Outback before.  When we said “no”, he
proceeded to teach us some of the things that we should know about ordering at
an Outback Steakhouse.
 
I like amusement parks.  Have you noticed at the bigger parks they have signs
telling you who should not ride the thrill rides?  And when you do get on the ride
they give you instructions for riding the ride safely.  They think that there are a
few things you should know before you ride a roller coaster!
 

I am not a fisherman.  Some people are. Can you imagine what a fisherman would
do if he took a rookie like me fishing?  He would probably say, “Preacher, there’s
a few things you need to know, if you are going to fish with me!”
 

We all have something in common.  Some day you and I are going to be in the
casket at a funeral.  We are going to die.  And although we don’t know when that
will be, there are a few things that you should know before you die.  I can’t the
deceased.  But I can help you!
 

1.     GOD IS AWESOME
 

Take a look at nature and enjoy all the beauty that is around you.  It is an
awesome God who created the universe, the world and everything in it.
 

Genesis 1:1 - In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
 

Psalm 19:1 - The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth
his handywork.
 

Psalm 139:14 - I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:
marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
 

God’s creation is awesome.  It is God the Son that not only worked to create, but
He holds everything together!   
 

Colossians 1:17 - And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
 

God is Omnipresent.
Psalm 139:7-10 - Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from
thy presence? [8] If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in
hell, behold, thou art there. [9] If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in
the uttermost parts of the sea; [10] Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy
right hand shall hold me.
 
God is Omniscient.
 Psalm 139:1-6 - O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. [2] Thou
knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought
afar off. [3] Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted
with all my ways. [4] For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou
knowest it altogether. [5] Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine
hand upon me. [6] Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot
attain unto it.
 
God is omnipotent.   
Romans 11:33-36 - O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge
of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
[34] For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his
counsellor? [35] Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed
unto him again? [36] For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to
whom be glory for ever. Amen.
 

GOD IS AWESOME!
2.     SIN IS ANNOYING
 

What is sin? 
Sin is anything that displeases God.
You don’t have to be a murderer or a bank robber in order to be a sinner.
 

Romans 3:10 - As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

 

Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
 

Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death…

 

Ezekiel 18:4 - Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the
soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
   

Isaiah 64:6 - But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are
as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have
taken us away.
 

Sin is annoying because it separates us from God.

Sin is annoying because it can keep us out of Heaven.
Before you die you need to recognize that you are a sinner and that you don’t
deserve to go to Heaven.   
 

GOD IS AWESOME
SIN IS ANNOYING
3.     FORGIVENESS IS AVAILABLE
 

God loves you.  God realized that we would need help, if we were ever going to
get to Heaven. 
Someone had to pay for our sins.  But for someone to take our place and die for
us, the person had to be sinless.
So God sent His sinless Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to pay for our sins.  Out of His
love God sent Jesus to die for you.
 

Romans 5:6-8 - For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died
for the ungodly. [7] For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet
peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. [8] But God
commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died
for us.
 

My friend Jesus died for you!  Forgiveness is available.

All you have to do is to turn from trying to earn your way to Heaven and put your
full faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as you Savior.   
 

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
 

Romans 5:1 - Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through
our Lord Jesus Christ:
 
Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
 

Will you receive Jesus as your Savior and trust Him for forgiveness and eternal
life?   
 

GOD IS AWESOME
SIN IS ANNOYING
FORGIVENESS IS AVAILABLE
4.     GRACE IS AMAZING
 

In a moment we will play a hymn.  The first verse goes:

 

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.
 

When you trust Jesus as your Savior you become a recipient of God’s grace, or
unmerited favor. He gives you what you don’t deserve.
Among other things,
 
·       GRACE DEFEATS THE PAST
 

All your sins are forgiven.  God does not hold them against you!
 
Psalm 103:12 - As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our
transgressions from us.
 

·       GRACE DEALS WITH THE PRESENT

 

God gives you favor so that you can live the Christian Life differently from how
you lived in the past.
 

2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old

things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
 

·       GRACE DELIGHTS IN THE FUTURE

 
If you place your faith in Jesus Christ, by His grace you will be with Him in Heaven. 
That will be delightful!
 

1 John 3:2 - Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear
what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him;
for we shall see him as he is.
 

There are four things you need to know before you die.   
 
GOD IS AWESOME
SIN IS ANNOYING
FORGIVENESS IS AVAILABLE
GRACE IS AMAZING
 
 
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DON’T WAIT
A FUNERAL MESSAGE
 
NOTE – This message was given at the funeral of a man I led to the Lord the day
before he died.  You may use the same outline for someone who was saved for
a long time or even unsaved, just adjust your introduction accordingly.
 
When you love someone, you tell them the truth.
And because I love you, I’m going to tell you the truth.
_________ was no boy scout.  He had his faults and yes his sins.
 

God was very gracious to __________.  He came to know Christ as his Savior in
what we might call, “the eleventh hour” or “the last minute”.  In my 31 years of
doing funerals, and I’ve done a lot of them, I can only remember one other
person besides _____________ who made his decision for Christ at the last
minute.
 

So my message to you this morning is “Don’t Wait”.

 

DON’T WAIT – YOU MAY NOT GET ANOTHER CHANCE

 

2 Corinthians 6:2 - …behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of
salvation.
 

Psalm 90:10 - The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by
reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and
sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
 
DON’T WAIT – YOU’LL MISS GOD’S BEST
 

John 10:10 - The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I
am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more
abundantly.
 

DON’T WAIT – YOU MIGHT BE FOOLING YOURSELF.

 

2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old

things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
 
Matthew 7:21 - Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the
kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
 

Summarize the Gospel

Give Invitation
Pray
 
 
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SO WHAT HAPPENED?
A FUNERAL MESSAGE (TOPICAL)
 
(This outline came from my mentor, Rev. George Headley Junior, who is now
with the Lord)
 
____________ was a believer.
He believed that he was a sinner.
He believed that Jesus died for his sins, was buried and rose again.
He believed that Jesus was the only way to Heaven, and at a specific moment in
time, trusted Jesus as His Savior.
 
So what happens to a believer when he dies?
 
PASSAGE THROUGH THE VALLEY
 
Psalm 23:4 - Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will
fear no evil: for thou art with me;
 
PEACEFUL HOME GOING
Psalm 116:15 - Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints
 
PROMOTION TO HEAVENLY HOME
 

John 14:2-3 - In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would
have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for
you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye
may be also.
 
PERPETUAL GAIN
 
Psalm 16:11 - Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of
joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
 
Psalm 23:6 - Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
 
 
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Psalm 16:11
A FUNERAL MESSAGE
 
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right
hand there are pleasures for evermore.
 
THERE IS A PATH OF LIFE
THERE IS FULLNESS OF JOY
THERE ARE PLEASURES FOREVERMORE
 
 
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Psalm 27:1
A FUNERAL MESSAGE
 
When someone as well loved as _____________ passes away, there is sorrow,
and anxiety, and worry and fear.  When we face times of uncertainty such as this
one, it is comforting to know that there is help and encouragement in these times
of sorrow. 
 

Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is
the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
 

V     FOR TIMES OF DARKNESS THE LORD GIVES LIGHT

V     FOR TIMES OF UNCERTAINTY THE LORD GIVES SALVATION   
V     FOR TIMES OF WEAKNESS THE LORD GIVES STRENGTH
 
 
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PEACE
A FUNERAL MESSAGE
 
If I could bestow on you one gift this morning, it would be the gift of peace. 
People lack peace not only at funerals but as they go through their every day
activities.There is a universal lack of peace in this world. God wants each of us,
including you, to have peace.

PEACE IS NEEDED

Why do we lack peace?  Why is there such much turmoil in our lives, the lives of
those we know, and in the world in general?
 
There is no peace, because we are all sinners. 
 

Isaiah 64:6 - But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are
as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have
taken us away.
 
When we are involved in sin, God does not give us His peace.
Isaiah 48:22 - There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked.

Isaiah 59:2 - But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and
your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

And to make matters worse, this lack of peace leads to eternal separation from
God.
Ezekiel 18:4 - …the soul that sinneth, it shall die.
 
Romans 6:23 - The wages of sin is death…
 

So, peace is needed. We don't have peace because God hates sin.  That's the
bad news.  Now for the good news!
 

PEACE IS NEAR

Peace is near because of the Lord Jesus, God’s Son

Isaiah 53:3-6 - He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and

acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was
despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried
our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But
he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for ouriniquities: the
chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All
we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and
the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all."

2 Corinthians 5:21 - For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin;
that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also
received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that
he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
 
PEACE IS NOW!

There are two kinds of peace that you need.  And you must have the first kind of
peace in order to have the second kind of peace.

1. Peace with God:

Romans 5:1 - Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Quote John 3:16 - Quote
 
Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

PEACE WITH GOD COMES WHEN SOMEONE TRUSTS CHRIST AS SAVIOR AND IS
BORN AGAIN!

PEACE WITH GOD IS AVAILABLE NOW!

2. Peace of God:
The peace of God is only found by those who first make peace with God.

John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world
giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
 
Isaiah 26:3-4 - Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on
thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD
JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:
 
Philippians 4:6-7 - Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and
supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And
the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and
minds through Christ Jesus.
 
PEACE IS NEEDED
PEACE IS NEAR
PEACE IS NOW!
 
 
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1 Timothy 4:7
FAITHFUL
 
A Funeral Message for a Christian (I used this outline for my Father’s eulogy)
 
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
 
HE WAS COMMITTED TO HIS FAMILY
HE WAS COMMITTED TO HIS FRIENDS
HE WAS COMMITTED TO HIS FAITH
 
 
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Genesis 23
ABOUT DEATH
 
In this chapter Abraham deals with the death of his beloved wife, Sarah.
Some things about death have not changed since the days of Abraham.
 
DEATH IS A TIME OF SORROW - Vss. 1-2
 
DEATH IS A TIME OF SUPPORT - Vss. 3-6
Dealing with the death of a loved is easier when there are those there to
support you.
In Abraham's case, the Sons of Heath were supportive, offering to him a place
of burial of his choice.
Praise God for those Christians who "…weep with them that weep." (Romans
12:15)
 
DEATH IS A TIME OF SPENDING - Vss. 7-16
Abraham purchased a field with a cave in order to bury Sarah.  We can't
escape expenses when someone dies.  However, I personally feel that we can
spend too much.  Although a casket is necessary, I don't think it needs to be
the most expensive.  After all, the body is only a shell that God will raise
again.
 
DEATH IS A TIME OF SEPARATION - Vss. 8, 17-20
A dead person is placed out of sight. - Vs. 8
The dead person is gone.
The dead person is separated from the land of the living and his loved ones
and friends.
For the Christian however, this separation is temporary.  2 Corinthians 5:8-9,
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
 
 
Job 19:25-27
LIFE!
 
Those of us who know Christ as Savior realize that we have life beyond the
grave.
That's because we have:
 
A LIVING REDEEMER - Job 19:25a - "For I know that my redeemer
liveth..." Isaiah 53
 
A LIVING REIGN - Job 19:25b - Job 19:25  "...and that he shall stand at the
latter day upon the earth:" Psalm 2, Isaiah 11
 
A LIVING REALITY - Job 19:26-27 - "And though after my skin worms
destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself,
and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed
within me."  1 John 3:1-2, 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18
 
 
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Psalm 116:15
THE DEATH OF HIS SAINTS (A Funeral Message)
 
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints."
 
The death of a saint (born again Christian) is precious because of:
 
1. THE PERSON WHO DIED - A CHILD OF GOD - John 1:12,  
    Romans 8:15-16
2. THE PRICE THAT WAS PAID - THE SHED BLOOD OF CHRIST -
    1 Peter 1:18-19
3. THE PLACE THAT HE HAS GONE - HOME - Philippians 1:21, 2
    Corinthians 5:6-8, Revelation 21:1-4
4. THE PROMISE OF RESURRECTION - RAPTURE -
   1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
 
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Matthew 11:28
THE GREATEST INVITATION
 (A FUNERAL SERMON)
 
As we go through life, we receive many invitations.
Lately we have received invitations to graduation parties and weddings.
We also get invited out for dinner, to go to parties, and to attend sporting
events.
We are used to getting invitations.
 
Today I would like to share with you the greatest invitation anyone has ever
given. The Lord Jesus Christ gave it.
 
Matthew 11:28 - "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy ladden, and
I will give you rest."
 
There are times in our lives, especially at a time of sorrow like this one, that
we sense a need for rest. We feel like the whole world is caving in on us. We
wonder where to turn. The Lord Jesus Christ invites us to turn to Him!
 
Jesus Christ, the Son of God says, "Come unto me!"
He says "I will give you rest!"
 
There are two types of rest needed that Christ will provide in this current
situation:
 
REST FROM SIN
 
Each and every one of us has sinned.
Each and every one of us has failed almighty God.
Most of us are not bank robbers or murderers.
However, we have been unreasonably angry.
We have been disobedient.
We have had bad attitudes.
We have not done things we knew we should have done.
We have done things we knew we shouldn't have done.
We have thought things we should not have thought.
The Bible says "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."
Romans 3:23
The Bible says "There is none righteous, no, not one." Romans 3:10
The Bible says, "The soul that sinneth, it shall die." Ezekiel 18:4
 
There is guilt and punishment associated with sin.
We need someone to relieve the burden of sin.
 
On the cross Jesus made the way to relieve the guilt and burden of sin. 2
Corinthians 5:21
On the cross Jesus took the punishment for your sins and mine on his own
shoulders. He died in our place!
But Jesus didn't stay dead. He arose from the dead.
Because He is alive, he still says, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are
heavy ladden, and I will give you rest."
 
So, how do we come to Him?
 
John 3:16 - We come to Christ by faith, trusting Him alone for forgiveness of
our sin, believing that He took care of it on the cross. If you haven't found rest
from sin, I invite you to put you faith in Christ.
 
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy ladden, and I will give you
rest."
 
REST FROM SORROW
 
There are many sorrows in this world.
We are experiencing just one of them right now.
However, the Lord Jesus says to us "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are
heavy ladden, and I will give you rest."
Bring you sorrow to the Lord Jesus.
First, find rest in Him from sin.
Then, find rest in Him for sorrow.
Come, and pour out your heart to Him and find His peace. John 14:27,
Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:7
 
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy ladden, and I will give you
rest."
REST FROM SIN
REST FROM SORROW
 
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John 14:1-6
BE AT PEACE
(A funeral message)
 
INTRODUCTION - Vs. 1 - "Let not your heart be troubled..."
 
A PREPARED PLACE - Vs. 2 - "I go to prepare a place for you..."
Jesus is preparing a place for us in Heaven.
But, in a real sense He already prepared a place for us by dying for our sins on
the cross. Without the cross there would be no forgiveness. Without forgiveness
there would be no place in Heaven. 2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 5:6-9
 
A PROMISED RETURN - Vss 3-4 - "I will come again..."
Jesus will return for the resurrection of all believers. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
But when a believer dies, his spirit enters into Heaven. Therefore, in a sense,
Jesus has already come for that individual. Philippians 1:21, 2 Corinthians 5:8
 
A PERSONAL WAY - John 14:5-6 - "I am the way..."
Jesus is personally the way to Heaven.
Each person must personally trust Christ as his Savior. John 3:36
 
Note - This outline is offered in loving memory of my mentor, Rev. George
Headley Jr. who went home to be with the Lord a few years ago. I adapted his
notes to form this outline. Pastor Headley was a tremendous help and
encouragement to me down through the years.
 
 
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John 14:1-6
HE’S (SHE’S) DEAD BUT…
A FUNERAL MESSAGE
 
HE’S DEAD BUT JESUS CAN BE TRUSTED – Vs. 1
The dead Christian has trusted Jesus as Savior
 
HE’S DEAD BUT JESUS PREPARED FOR HIS ARRIVAL IN HEAVEN – Vss. 2-3
 
HE’S DEAD BUT JESUS CAME AGAIN FOR HIM – Vs. 3
 
HE’S DEAD BUT JESUS IS SUFFICIENT – Vss. 4-6