James Raymond Davis Romans 8:38-39

Introduction:

This is a celebration of life because James (Jim) Davis was a fun loving man who loved people and enjoyed making them laugh.

People in our congregation here at Crete have fond memories of Jim playing funny jokes on them.

Just last Sunday Chris Straley, one of our church members, was reflecting on how Jim used to tap you from behind on the opposite side on which he was standing so when you turned to see who was there no one would be there.

Jim would be standing on the other side laughing because he fooled you into a brief moment of confusion.

I only knew him for the time I have been the pastor here at Crete Church. This is just about three years. And most of that time it was the encounters at Diner on Wednesday evening where I would set by him and Ms. Gerry while we ate.

Yes it was apparent that Alzheimer’s was having an affect on him but it was still also apparent that he loved people and he loved to laugh and have fun.

Before his death I visited with him in his home and I asked him if he knew who I was? He smiled and shook his head in affirmation as he said, “I know who you are.”

But this is also celebration of life because as Christians we know that this life on earth is not all there is.

As a matter of fact this life is just the beginning in preparation of our eternal life with Jesus Christ.

I. Romans 8: 38-39 is a declaration of our eternal hope and security in the love of God in Christ Jesus.

I believe that Romans 8 is one of the most encouraging chapters in all the Bible. The Apostle Paul is writing it to the church in Rome.

And one of the interesting things about this chapter is that he doesn’t let the trials and difficulties of this life define us in terms of our hope and security.

Notice that in verse 38 that death even makes his list as one of the things that is powerless to bring about our separation from God’s love in Christ.

And he even sums up his list with: “nor anything else in all creation.” It is simply like saying that nothing in all of existence is able to separate from the love of God in Christ.

I find this encouraging not only for myself but for my congregation as well.

To know that God holds us firm in His love expressed through Jesus Christ is the most secure place to be in all the Universe and beyond.

There can be many things that can challenge us with insecurity in this world.

As a matter of fact if you read Romans 8, you will find out that the Apostle Paul is not in denial about difficulties and suffering in the world. He just believes that those things are not worthy of comparing with the eternal glory that is to be revealed.

This understanding is why Paul argues that if God is for us who can be against us?

He understands that what God has done on behalf of us through Christ is the demonstration of God’s relentless love extended to His covenant people.

And nothing in all the world can bring separation between us and God in Christ Jesus. And this is something that God has initiated to us in Christ.

Jim Davis knew this and the hope of eternal life in Christ Jesus is the reality in which he currently lives. God is the one who initiated this work in Jim’s life.

And God is here to initiate it in your life today by extending the offer of His grace to you. To call you to be reconciled to Him by faith in Jesus Christ. God’s grace is the means by which that extension of the love of God in Christ is being held out to you.

Conclusion:

Jesus Christ went to a Cross 2000 years ago to pay our penalty on that Cross and it is through Him that our reconciliation to God comes.

A life redeemed and secured by Christ for eternity is a life worth celebrating. Ultimately because of the work of God in Christ Jesus.

May we all rest in that work and may we hope in it for eternity. Let’s Pray!