A HEART. It’s just possible the Lord might have done something in that person’s life of which you are unaware. George G. Vink, Visalia, Calif. It is not necessary for us to have all the answers. The content of these funeral sermons is the property of www.more-free- ... John believed those words of Jesus and he accepted Jesus Christ as the way, the truth, and the life. 2) You the minister are there to comfort others “with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Corinthians 1:4). There are few Biblical texts that cover all of these bases as well as that of Jesus raising Lazarus. The material goods will be parceled out. God is our Comfort. 7) One of the best things you can do for yourself, pastor, is to drop in on funeral services being conducted by other ministers whom you know and respect. There is so much to be said regarding funerals and giving the Lord’s comfort to the grieving. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. Write from your heart. They are the thread that runs through everything I will say to you. Bottom line to all this: If you have no good news to share, please decline the invitation to preach this service. They are grieving or tired or eager to get this over with.) Multitudes live without hope in Christ. “Let not your heart be troubled” These words by Jesus let you know, that he knows the … [A new window will open. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. “John was a great friend to many of you...”. –an audience for a litany of stories about “what happened to me” and “something I heard someone say one time” or “something I’ve been thinking about.”. Be of Good Comfort. 5. Behold, I make all things new. “Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). As sad as death seems, how much worse it must be to die in some distant place with no one around to give you comfort. He was voicing the humility we should all possess as we deal with eternal matters. We who are called into the ministry must not claim this funeral prerogative as our divine right. Include poetry and music. If the Apostle Paul could say “we see through a glass darkly,” it’s a safe bet that you and I do, also. This morning’s sermon is very relevant to all of us, especially since death has been a very prominent feature in the news lately – e.g. A funeral service such as this is a service offered out of love and ... these words: “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you ... Take comfort in them. –prospects for his church who need to be convinced that doctrines they’ve always believed are wrong-headed and every preacher they’ve ever heard misguided. 800 have perished in airplane crashes this year. The comfort God provides through Christ is not just for our private consumption 3. Among all the fears associated with death, one of the greatest must be that we will die alone and forgotten. If He chooses to convert your hearers, let Him do it. Perhaps if we are faithful, we can be His servants in sharing that comfort. This works well when the minister did not know the deceased. I’m praying for you and hoping you’ll find some comfort. Thereafter, I began every funeral service with my opening words being some glorious pronouncement of a Scriptural promise: “I am the resurrection and the life….”  Or, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me….” Or, “Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever!”, (I have seen ministers walk to the pulpit and fumble their way through the opening sentences. God is the God of truth. If you have “been there and done that,” as the saying goes, ask yourself what comforted you most. We shall this day light such a candle by God’s grace, in England, as I trust never shall be put out.” Amen." Sitting in on a service where I knew no one except the minister is how I came away with one of the best ideas ever. “I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. We will see them again in Heaven. The voice of him that ...read more. Write a script. (Final note: In sending this forth, we do not mean it to be the last word on anything. Offer comfort. The word for "blessed" is actually praise -- Praise be to God. Be committed. The source of hope is the promise of God Himself. A good funeral sermon is considerate of the grief of those attending, affirms the lovingkindness of God, considers the question “why,” and points to Jesus as the Lord of life and death. He said if He were lifted up, He would draw people to Himself. One told of a preacher who hung around funeral homes and informed grieving families that “the deceased had told me he wanted me to do his service,” whether he actually knew the individual or not. Rate this sermon from 1 to 5 'stars' with just a click, then close.] I look up and see this man's eyes. For not as the world giveth, givest thou, O Lord of souls: that which thou givest thou takest not away: for life is eternal, and love is immortal, and death is only the horizon, and the horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight. 10. D. It should be as personal as possible. And so, Dr. Blackwood helpfully instructed me, the opening words of the funeral ought never be something like: We welcome you today...”. The Holy Spirit is the Great Comforter. This is especially helpful if you did not know him/her very well. Thoughts of Comfort. Sermon #60: Death & Bereavement - Comfort for the Grieving Losing a loved one can be quite a shock. If the funeral matters to you–we admit that many people simply do not care, so this does not pertain to them!–then you will want to choose well who leads it. That message was called “good news” for good reason. All other ground is sinking sand. We don’t, so let us quit acting like we do. Isaiah 40:1-11, "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. To repeat, they are not wondering a) what happens to the soul at the moment of death, b) did our loved one go to heaven, hell, or some in-between place, c) do we become angels, d) do we live in mansions on streets of gold and play harps, and e) does my dog go to heaven also. My theology tells me that it is not right to lie, even if my intended purpose is to bring about a good outcome. 1. “Let us turn to Scripture...”. That’s where they are anyway, and nothing you and I do will change that. Unless you know what it is to grieve and then receive the balm of the Holy Spirit settling your heart and lifting your spirit, the help you have to offer others will be of little value. … Let them echo through this day and carry you into the next. Words … His grace, mercy and peace be with you, now and always. C. It should be positive and uplifting. Joe I’ll add something that pastors may find useful: I have asked the grieving family if there is something they would like me to say about the deceased (favorite memories, etc.). Offer comfort. One pastor told of a visiting preacher who had been invited to have a prayer and “bring a word” before the pastor himself would preach. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD’S hand double for all her sins. 4. When I invited Facebook friends to share their tales of preachers who drove people away by their funeralizing, the response was immediate. If there is anything that overcomes and sees us through death it is love, a lo… 18. In fact, John lived out his life ... and comfort. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 3. What God creates God loves, and what God loves God loves everlastingly. Preached at Life BPC 8am & 1045am Svc, 2014-08-17. Try not to get in His way. I suggest you find what those reasons are and build your sermons on that soil. But at a funeral you have a unique opportunity to set forth the one hope that lifts despairing people—Jesus Christ as revealed in the Gospel. Be intentional. Here are our strong recommendations on what a funeral service should be, no matter whether the deceased was a believer or not. (I’m betting no questions are bugging them. Every pair of eyes in attendance at the funeral feel like individual sources of heat radiating in my direction. I would not say to you that everything is all right. A. Be assured as Christ is the way, the truth and the life. Most agreed that these horror tales were the exception, and for that we are grateful. –a time to vent his anger at some heresy he has encountered in the past when some other preacher or celebrity or denominational person corrupted the true message. He makes me lie down in green pastures. This is above your pay grade, friend. THE ASSURANCE OF HOPE. God bless you as you go forth to serve and bless.). 2 Thessalonians 2: 16–17 ~ God’s Mercy. Time appears to freeze. If we are invited to “preach a funeral,” someone wants the comfort we are able to give because of Jesus Christ. You will learn both things to avoid and practices to emulate. Because it’s not and you know it. You’re doing a funeral, pastor. They know a funeral is the saddest time for a family and that they are there to do one thing: to bring the comfort of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In short, try not to do anything dumb or say anything stupid. But your memories will last forever. I’m guessing it was the assurances of God’s word. This is not the place nor the time. I would take nothing away from the grief you feel today. 1) You the minister are there to bring the comfort of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Grant that this service of comfort, which we now hold in your name, may bring to all a sense of heavenly nearness and great trust in you. They see funerals and the grieving mourners as: –captive audiences who cannot get up and walk out, and are thus required to sit there and listen to the preacher’s pet theories about heaven and hell, salvation and judgment. 5) You are not there to answer all the questions which you presume are bugging the people sitting before you. The list is endless. 1:3]. by Jerry Watts. Do not preach a full-fledged sermon. Or to heaven, for that matter. The funeral provides absolutely unique opportunities to speak real comfort to people who are almost all suffering at that moment. Most preachers get this right. Do not squander this opportunity. Source of comfort (v. 18). Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort [2Cor. You do not know. John 14:27. How blessed we are if … “On behalf of the family...”. Take comfort in your memories, and be thankful. Otherwise, it’s a flip of the coin whether the deceased is properly honored and your family suitably comforted and instructed. Required fields are marked *. I. My heart aches when I see his sorrow as he is … In fact, there’s not a word in the Bible about the necessity to even have funerals. The best suggestion in all the above may be to find a couple of veteran preachers–the kind you hope to grow up to be!–and make appointments with them (separately, of course) to pick their brains on this subject. It’s perfectly fine to leave these matters in the hands of the Almighty. Your email address will not be published. o that there is a dwelling place for those that follow his new commandment of love for one another as Christ has loved us. I heard Billy Graham say once, “I hope to go to heaven when I die.”  Now, I thought the same thing you probably thought: “Man, if he doesn’t make it, there’s no hope for the rest of us!”. Learn how your comment data is processed. TO COMFORT OTHERS... 1. Funeral Service. Jane was born on February 29, 1941 in a mining village in England called Smithville. He restores my soul. And he said unto me, It is done. I hope that all here gathered today to share in this ceremony celebrating the life of .................... , will hear the reassuring … We are not to “do evil that good may come” (Romans 3:8). So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. Let’s go over them one by one. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. "...that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble" - 2Co 1:4 2. Do not preach the philosophies of men. Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. 2 Corinthians 1 Recommend this sermon to others. Know your limitations. Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley were two men burned at the stake for their faith in Oxford in 1555. Singularly Important Do not preach condemnation. Give the comfort of the Lord Jesus Christ to everyone. Perhaps people should ask around before they line up a funeral preacher. Funeral Sermon O Lord, you who are the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort; look with compassion, we pray, upon all gathered here now, that our minds and hearts shall be at your command. Psalm 23 says: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He leads me beside still waters. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. Sit in the back and see what they do. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. First, let’s make the point that nowhere does Scripture say preachers have to preach funerals. This means you share His word, His message, His presence, and not your pet ideas, your favorite convictions, and your personal stories. We are to give comfort and uplift and help. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 1. They want to help you. “We gather to remember…”. Find out what this guy does in such services and what that one can be trusted to do. That message was called “good news” for good reason. Lying is a violation of God’s character and will. James, the half-brother of our Lord Jesus, writes in 4:14, ''What is … The body will be buried. Scripture: Isaiah 40:1-11. “Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled” (John 14:1-6, 27) Let not your hearts be troubled. This sermon calls us to imagine our own funeral and asks the question: How do we want people to remember us? Tips to Start Writing and Planning a Funeral Sermon. You are there to represent the Lord Jesus and to share His comforting word. So, he tells the story and uses his time to attack that individual. God made us so that we can have relationships with one another and when that relationship is lost we feel pain. By Rev Charles Seet. God of All Comfort. Start thinking ... 2. You are representing One who said, “God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him” (John 3:17). However, the visitor kept talking and eventually delivered a full-length message, after which there was nothing for the host pastor to do except lead a hymn and speak the benediction. Sample Funeral Message for an Older Person Prayer Scripture Reading. We must be wary of too much bullish overconfidence that “I know that I know” and should speak with reverence of judgement and the afterlife. This is not the time to put off writing your sermon until the morning of the service, or on your way to the funeral. Do not send anyone to hell. Funeral Sermon Memorial Service of Menno H. Epp Dear Family and Friends, We have gathered here as family, relatives and friends to mark the end of a life well-lived, to grieve the loss of Menno Epp, who has been a part of each of our lives, and to support the family in this time of grief. So, don’t over-task yourself. According to sources, as the flames leapt up, Latimer was heard to say calmly, “Be of good comfort, Mr. Ridley, and play the man! Again, most pastors seem to get this right. 2. The only comfort some funeral sermons bring is when they are over! We shall be with them worshiping the Lord one day. When a believer dies there is hope. There are among us preachers who try to turn funerals into everything except what they should be. Now, I know that no hope can be given in some cases, for we are called upon to preach the funeral of the worst sinner as well as the best saint. 6) If you know anything negative about the deceased, keep it to yourself. What to Say for the Sermon at an Unbeliever's Funeral. –an opportunity to promote a new sermon series he’s beginning next Sunday. Sermon prepared by Rev. But there is a great deal about comforting the grieving and hurting. Then preach those. NOTE: In this Special Edition you will find that we have not included an opening illustration, as that time will normally be filled with a eulogy, or other words about the deceased. “So many times as we go through life….”  Or, “I know many things are on your heart today…”  How much better to announce the glorious hope of the gospel and thus set a high tone for the service to follow.). Your email address will not be published. Another way to do it would be to ask family members to tell you about their departed loved one. –a spot for a full-grown sermon that some congregation in the past appreciated, and that would surely work in this situation. You hurt. Know your place. They speak a truth about Brian and about you. Rossiter W. Raymond (1840-1918) The sorrow normally is so powerful that it casts a dense and dark shadow over the bereaved. And we know you will hurt for a long time. You are not the judge nor the prosecuting attorney. Call to worship: Psalm 113:1-4 "The Name of the Lord" or Psalter Hymnal #146 God's Greeting: "Greetings in the Name of the Lord, Who made you. Will people remember how, like Jacob, we grappled with God and would not let go? They usually work it out before hand so that the minister knows how many and who should be called forward. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 - Comfort and Hope in Loss. Note that I’m not looking for arguments or trying to stir up a controversy, but simply trying to introduce a note of common sense to a difficult situation…. Feel free to edit, mix and match, and use whatever is appropriate for your particular service. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that … 4) You are not there to convert anyone. Some of my friends encountered funeral preachers who judged the deceased, usually sending them to hell, who preached sermons of an hour or more, and who seized the opportunity to convert all the mourners to their version of the faith. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. If you are new to this and unsure about what to do and how long to take, seek out two or three trusted veteran preachers and pick their brains. You are a New Testament preacher with good news to share. If you can’t find the words to say, try offering some of these simple condolences: “I’m sorry for your loss.” Sometimes there is nothing else that you can say. Proposed Order of Service. Sometimes friends or family of the deceased are asked or will ask to give the eulogy. 1) You the minister are there to bring the comfort of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” There are three tremendous parts to this great hope in Christ Jesus: the assurance of hope, the certainty of hope, and the victory of hope. If the mourners want to believe he/she went to heaven when you think otherwise, again, keep it to yourself. That is my message to you today–to you, the friends and family members; to you, the fellow members of Redeemer; and especially to you, Robert–to all of you who mourn the death of our dear sister, Edith. I do not give to you as the world gives. 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