Memorial Service for Rob Roath

There are three things Rob would want me to talk about today and one that he wouldn't. First, the thing he wouldn't want me to talk about is him. Well, I'm going to have to let him down on that one.

But the three things Rob would want me to tell you about are these:

First, let me talk for a moment about Rob's love for his family.

1. His love for his family.

If you knew Rob very well, you likely knew he loved music. For many years his favorite artist was John Denver. I read up a little on Mr. Denver. He was actually born Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr. He described his life as the oldest son of a family that was shaped by a stern father who could not show love for his children. As I read that description of Denver's dad, I was stuck by the stories and memories that the family has shared with me about Rob. Rob loved his family and his family knew it.

2. His love for Candy.

His lady. His partner in life. His insane co-skydiver.

And the third thing and honestly, the most important thing Rob would want me to tell you about is Jesus.

3. He would want me to tell you about his Jesus.

Rob's faith journey.

He was not afraid.

"He works in weird ways but He works."

Text: Various passages

Sermon Note: This funeral sermon is intended to be shared at the service of someone who is a

follower of Jesus. The sermon could be adapted if the person was not a follower of Jesus to have

even more evangelistic appeal.

Today, we gather to celebrate the life and homecoming of [the deceased].

1. DEATH SEEKS TO BRING AN END TO LIFE

Let's read Romans 5:12

Romans 5:12 ESV

12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—

Death and suffering seek to end all of our lives.

Death came into our world as a result of the entrance of sin.

The curse of sin will seek to destroy us and those we love, both physically and spiritually.

For the follower of Jesus, death and sin do not have the final word!

2. JESUS OFFERS NEW LIFE ON THIS EARTH

I will read John 10:10

John 10:10 ESV

10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Jesus offers us new life here on this earth.

[The deceased]'s life was changed by her/his relationship with Jesus.

So, even though sin and death would seek to destroy [the deceased], Jesus gave him/

her new life on this earth.

Much greater, Jesus also offers new life for all eternity!

3. JESUS OFFERS NEW LIFE FOR ALL ETERNITY

Let's now read Romans 6:23 and Romans 8:18

Romans 6:23 ESV

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:18 ESV

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

God offers us an eternal escape from sin and death through Jesus Christ: eternal life with

Jesus!

[The deceased] is now in the midst of his/her eternal life.

We cannot imagine the glories that are a reality to [the deceased] now.

4, THERE IS NEW LIFE FOR ALL THOSE IN CHRIST

Let's read Romans 8:1

Romans 8:1 ESV

1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

God offers new life for all of us who have trusted Jesus.

[The deceased] is in eternal glory forever, and he/she is experiencing joy beyond our

imagination. The door is open for all of us to join him/her there.

Illustration suggestions.

Trv to incorporate stories of the deceased into the biblical message aspect of the funeral

service

Speak or now everything that has life (plants, animals, batteries, lightbulbs) Is SloWly

aying. Nothing ever gains new life, except througn the power or Jesus.

Application:

Challenge the attendees to take hope In the promise or life found in the gospel or Jesus

Christ

Challenge the attendees to consider if the hone of new life is there for them. Chalenge

them to reach out to vou or a follower of Jesus to find out how thev

can nave

• new life