Untitled Sermon (3)

Scripture

2 Corinthians 1:2–5 ESV

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.

2 Corinthians 1

“The Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.” (KJV)

He comforts us.

We comfort each other.

The comfort is abundant.

How? What comfort is there on a day like this?

We take comfort in the Scriptures.

Romans 15:4 ESV

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

We don’t choose our funeral reading off the New York Times bestseller list, do we?

These Scriptures are read regularly for good reason.

At one point, Paul in his writings says something like, “I write these things that you sorrow not like those who have no hope.” (See .)

I. We take comfort in the beauty of ’s life

Acts 9:36–39 ESV

Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them.

Acts 9:36–40 ESV

Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.

-39

Acts 9:36

Let’s hold up some of Clyde’s tunics today.

STORY: Clyde loved music and loved to share it with other people.

Christian Minister’s Manual General Christian Funeral (Jeff Faull)

Scripture

2 Corinthians 1:2–5

“The Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.” (KJV)

He comforts us.

We comfort each other.

The comfort is abundant.

How? What comfort is there on a day like this?

We take comfort in the Scriptures.

Romans 15:4

We don’t choose our funeral reading off the New York Times bestseller list, do we?

Psalm 23

John 14

Revelation 14:13

These Scriptures are read regularly for good reason.

At one point, Paul in his writings says something like, “I write these things that you sorrow not like those who have no hope.” (See 1 Thessalonians 4:13.)

I. We take comfort in the beauty of ’s life (Acts 9:36–43). Let’s hold up some of tunics today.

STORY: (Share a story of the deceased.)

STORY: (Share a story of the deceased’s love for family.)

STORY: (Share a story of the deceased’s generosity.)

STORY: (Share a story of the deceased’s loyalty and respect.)

STORY: (Share a story of the deceased’s unique and endearing memories.)

And so it is appropriate today to hold up the things that has made in her life. Remember the things she has left us and treasure them even as we weep.

II. We take comfort in the ongoing love of family and friends.

There was a steady stream of people through here last night as well as those gathered here now. And the comfort and the love will not end when the final prayer is said today.

These people are here for you!

We take comfort in God’s love for .

As much love as there is for in this room, there is more in the heart of God. God loves you and me. At this time of death we are strangely reminded of God’s love for each of us.

III. We take comfort in our own relationship with Christ.

This is the greatest comfort of all. Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. If we believe and obey him, he gives us the free gift of eternal life and we will face death confidently because of our trust in Christ.

Conclusion

I remind you of the words of God, “Be still and know that I am God!”

STORY: Clyde was the father that he didn’t have to be. Clyde was the father that he wanted to be.

STORY: Clyde loved Katelyn who cared for him. He wasn’t the same after she passed away.

STORY: Clyde loved to pick on those he loved. He would tell the kids to get up and get dressed for school on a Saturday morning and not tell them it is Saturday until they were fully dressed and awake.

STORY: Clyde passed his love for family on to his children and grandchildren. He may be gone from us but he left a part of him behind in each person that he loved and came in contact with.

And so it is appropriate today to hold up the things that Clyde has made in his life. Remember the things she has left us and treasure them even as we weep.

II. We take comfort in the ongoing love of family and friends.

There was a steady stream of people through here last night as well as those gathered here now. And the comfort and the love will not end when the final prayer is said today.

These people are here for you!

We take comfort in God’s love for Clyde.

As much love as there is for Clyde in this room, there is more in the heart of God. God loves you and me. At this time of death we are strangely reminded of God’s love for each of us.

III. We take comfort in our own relationship with Christ.

This is the greatest comfort of all. Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. If we believe and obey him, he gives us the free gift of eternal life and we will face death confidently because of our trust in Christ.

Conclusion

I remind you of the words of God, “Be still and know that I am God!”[1]

Psalm 46:10 ESV

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”