Celebration of Life Maxine Leroy

10:45 am - Instrumental music playing as people are being seated. 11 am opening song.

Song

Welcome/Prayer - Pastor Brett Pagan

Selected Scripture Readings - David Hellmig

Isaiah 41:10 CSB

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.

John 11:25 CSB

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live.

John 14:1 CSB

“Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.

2 Corinthians 5:1 CSB

For we know that if our earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal dwelling in the heavens, not made with hands.

2 Timothy 1:10 CSB

This has now been made evident through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Eulogy-Pastor Doug Ray

Song

Message :Living and Dying in Christ - Pastor Brett Pagan

Benediction - Pastor Doug Ray

Closing song

Dismissal

Instrumental music playing as people exit.

Message

Intro:

These type of gatherings are never easy. Many here today feel a deep sense of loss as they say goodbye to a mother, grandmother, and friend. It is normal to grieve and to reflect on what the future will be like without Miss Maxine as well as remembering all of the good times that were spent with her. However today also takes on a different meaning for those who have placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Today we also gather with Hope. The hope of seeing our loved ones again.

The apostle Paul made a statement about death that is very intriguing.

Philippians 1:21 CSB

For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Is there truly something to be gained by death? When we think about life in this world we think about both the good times as well as the hard times. Life is a mixed bag of good times and trials. In fact, the close family and friends are in the midst of a trial right now in saying good-bye to Miss Maxine. Generally speaking when we think of a loved one passing we do not think about gain, we typically only see loss.

So what was Paul saying? How can their be anything gained by death?

It is because a life that is lived in Jesus Christ reaps the rewards of eternal life.

Paul was saying while I am here on earth. I will make Christ my priority. I will live for him. But when I die. I have not lost but gained. I have gained the inheritance granted to me through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Miss Maxine Leroy as you have already heard lived for Christ. Maxine had placed her faith in Christ and while works do not save us, she is now reaping the rewards of her faith

So while we grieve our loss , we must recognize that in Christ she has gained everything. She is now living a life free from pain. Those who knew her new she battled a lot of physical pain these last several years. She has gained eternal life free from physical pain. She no longer feels the sting of the death of her husband or parents. She has not lost but gained. She no longer has to be burden down with the cares of this crazy world we live in. She is now in perfect peace with our Savior, Jesus Christ.

This was what Paul was saying.

Philippians 1:21 CSB

For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Philippians 1:22 CSB

Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose.

Philippians 1:23 CSB

I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ—which is far better—

Philippians 1:24 CSB

but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake.

Paul understood that while he was here on earth he had a job to do, fruitful work. It wasn’t that he was wishing to die but rather he knew that when that time came he was ready. When the time came for him to meet Jesus face to face. He was not losing but gaining. Gaining the reward of knowing Jesus as savior and Lord and living for him. Today Miss Maxine is enjoying the reward of her salvation and life spent serving Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:21 CSB

For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Maybe your hear today and in your heart you know that you do not have that same assurance. Maybe during this memorial you’ve realized that you have never put your faith in Jesus Christ. According to scripture all those who have not recieved the gift of salvation are dead in their trespasses and sins.

Romans 6:23 CSB

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

We see very clearly in this passage that the payment or the reward for sin is death, eternal death in hell separated from God forever. However the very next word is only three letters yet it brings the greatest hope. “But” The gift of God. The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. God has offered us freely the gift of His Son Jesus Christ.

Mark 1:15 CSB

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

To repent means to give control of your life to Jesus Christ to turn from your sin and believe the gospel. If you will do that scripture promises us in

John 3:16 CSB

For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

You like the apostle Paul and Miss Maxine can say.

For me to live is Christ but to die is gain.

Pastor Doug come give the benediction.