YouTube feeds people to our website. Funeral Sermons May Be the Greatest Opportunity to Influence I personally believe that people in attendance at a funeral tend to remember more of what is shared because they are listening more intently. It does to me, but it is true. Well done, you good and faithful servant. That's praise of the servant's character, he's good and faithful. Whenever Jesus came to a funeral in the gospels, it stopped being a funeral. Randy Alcorn's bookHeavenargues for hundreds of pages against the concept that we're going to be floating on some cloud strumming a harp. May 25, 2022. Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord (Matthew 25:21). It is one of the greatest motivators to live the Christian life. Story #4: In My Father's House. Jesus shed His blood on the cross that you might have eternal life, and as we're going to find out in this message so much more than that. Are you living for yourself when you get money? So on July 27, I did not preach the funeral I dreaded. 5. He's just happy. Through trust in Jesus, Richard had become so united to Jesus that his last breath was like Jesus' last breath on the cross, his body giving way was like Jesus' giving way, and when Richard finally fell asleep to the world early in the morning Sep. 22, he opened his eyes to behold his Lord and Savior saying, "Well done. Christ shed His blood to cover our sins, but that's not all, He also gives us a fruitful life of service that's going to count for eternity. But we also know from the world around us / the struggles and the conflicts / the pre-determined attitudes and fixed mind-sets / which do not uphold those But in the middle of it all is you get a sense of God's joy in what He's made. There are certain verses in Scripture that become the strength of Christians. If you want to write to Dr. Hymers by postal mail, his address is P.O. Matthew 25:23 in all English translations. Fourth, Eloise and all good and true Christians will return to this earth to reign with Christ, Revelation 20:6; I John 1:7. Therefore, the famous assessment in Isaiah of good works done by an unbeliever. Look at verse 21 again, his master said to him, "Well done, good and faithful servant, you have been faithful over a little. Garden of Eden restored that day! As soon as he won, he turned and looked right to his father, and he climbs up over and around and through people to get up there and embrace him. What does he do? So obviously, then, your sermon needs to be shorter than a traditional Sunday sermon. the funeral sermon? Those who have done good will rise to live, those who have done evil will rise to be condemned." That's the topic of our sermon here. What three rewards can you find in here. How can you believe, Jesus said, If you accept praise from one another and yet you make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God? Back at the beginning of the sermon, I said that Napoleon said people are motivated by a yearning for praise and honor, God made that. Nuts and Bolts: Things to Know About Your Sermon and the Funeral Process. In other words, I'm willing to fight and claw and struggle and suffer and strive and study and sacrifice and hurt and wear myself out, turn my back on any earthly pleasure to embrace any earthly hardship. Well done." But . You have been faithful with a few things. The Bible goes way beyond this though, on the issue of good works, not just identifying whether you're going to heaven or hell. An unregenerate person cannot improve his or her status in God's sight one fraction of an inch by his good works. I baptized her in 1989 and was her pastor for 29 years. All of these wonderful things will be experienced by Eloise Roop. Thus we are told that Christ will descend from Heaven into the atmosphere above the earth. Jesus said that he stands up and prays about his favorite topic, himself. Ever. Come along now. And we shall reign on the earth (Revelation 5:10). He says in Hebrews 11:6 that we must believe in rewards. All of my biblical training is saying I should be praising Him. The first thing we must know, and we can't say it too often, we must know that we can never be justified by our good works. Well done, you good and faithful servant, you have been faithful over little. That is his praise for the deeds done, for the actual work done, so the character of the servant and the work are both focus of praise. You have a master who has authority and is the owner of all things. Turn away from your sins and trust Jesus with all your heart. What's it going to be like in the new heaven, the new Earth? When we see Jesus, it will be the most important words we may hear. And here we are at a funeral this morning, mourning the loss of a loved one, someone we know and love. And he said unto me, It is done. Is that enough for you friends? I go to prepare a place for you. We're going to be judged by our works, assessed by them. The purpose of this website is to provide free sermon manuscripts and sermon videos to pastors and missionaries throughout the world, especially the Third World, where there are few if any theological seminaries or Bible schools. A tornado watch is in effect, so to speak. In addition, quoting the deceased loved one's favorite poems or lyrics or your own can help illustrate a life well-lived. Were all enjoying Jesus, just kneeling at His feet. In-Depth Biblical Content by Pastor Andy Davis, The Person and Purpose of Jesus Christ (Matthew Sermon 1 of 151), The Visit of the Magi (Matthew Sermon 2 of 151), A King's Selfish Cruelty and the Fulfillment of Prophecy (Matthew Sermon 3 of 151), A Great Man Fearlessly Tells the Truth: John the Baptist (Matthew Sermon 4 of 151), The Coronation and Testing of the King (Matthew Sermon 5 of 151), An Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew Sermon 6 of 151), The Heart of a True Christian: The Beatitudes, Part 1 (Matthew Sermon 7 of 151), Seeing the Needy and Seeing God: The Beatitudes, Part 2 (Matthew Sermon 8 of 151), Character that Advances the Kingdom: The Beatitudes, Part 3 (Matthew Sermon 9 of 151), Salt and Light: Christian Influence on Society (Matthew Sermon 10 of 151), Christ, the Christian, and the Old Testament (Matthew Sermon 11 of 151), Christ Judges the Heart: Anger (Matthew Sermon 12 of 151), Heart Righteousness and the Law (Matthew Sermon 13 of 151), What Are You Doing More Than Others? He's anticipating it. So, it will not be obvious to men that you're fasting, but only to your Father who's in heaven, and your Father sees what is done in secret and will reward you. Then He says, generally, about all of this,"Do not store up treasure on Earth where moth and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal but store up treasure in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal, for where your treasure is there, your heart will be also." Denomination: But not so fast, dear friends. "There is no one who does good, not even one,"[Romans 3:12]. Then that one with the one talent comes in and insults the master, not a good way to begin your Judgment Day encounter. The dead rose from the grave. And why? In this time of grief, you must honor the deceased, comfort their family and friends, help people mourn, and ultimately share the good news of the hope we have in Jesus Christ for eternal life after death. There are great chapters on this at the end of Job. The one who had taken the one mina and got five, he's entrusted with five cities to rule and to be in charge of. We came to this strange mountain lake that was incredibly salty. It's a moment in time where the significance of a person's life crystallizes. He came to find us, to forgive us, and to free us from the power of sin. 34 And Jesus said, ''Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.''. Enter into the joy of your master!' 24 Finally, the servant who had . I think it is. Including words or songs from others in your funeral sermon can be "meaning-making.". She invested her talents in her love for ***. John 5,"Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out. He's going to keep teaching you joy more and more because our God is in heaven. Words like, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:21) Or Revelation 2:10, "Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life." You wouldnt want me to leave this place if you could see me now. And my mind landed on the story about this woman named Dorcas from the Book of Acts. I want to go where there's happiness. I dont know if I can say "I did everything God wanted me to do today". And every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. The idea is powerful, the more faithful we were in this world, the more responsibility we're going to have in the next. Look at the procedure we see in the stories. 22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. While recognizing the brevity of a funeral sermon (15 to 20 minutes), give them Christ. B. The purpose of this website is to provide free sermon manuscripts and sermon videos to pastors and missionaries throughout the world, especially the Third World, where there are few if any theological seminaries or Bible schools. Did you know that? But when Christ returns, she will come down to this earth with Him in her resurrected body, walking and leaping and praising God in Christs 1,000-year earthly kingdom! Isn't it beautiful? Wow. They must be used for the glory of God. My prayers have all been answered, Ive finally arrived. We are here this evening for the joyful funeral of Mrs. Eloise Roop. Do you know how long you'll have that? There would be no rewards, but thanks be to God by his sovereign grace, He can make bad trees like you and me good and get some good fruit out of us. IV. The occasion is very serious and many there are thinking of eternal things who have not done so in quiet a while. Her body will go into the grave in a few days, awaiting the rapture.. I want you to look at this new Earth. God says, "I'm going to teach you joy that you havent known before. He says there's no need in a funeral to make any pronouncement about the faith or non-faith of the deceased. What are you going to do with the fact that most knowledgeable Christians if you ask them and say, "What is the one thing you'd want on Judgment Day?" Now, let's look at verse 21, and what I'm going to do with verse 21 is tell you what rewards you'll get. So, we have to be told over and over again, we are never going to be justified or vindicated or forgiven for our sins by any good thing we can do. Even though it may come after a long season of illness, even though there may be a sense of its closeness, death always catches us off guard, always comes as a surprise. Then finally, there is accountability. The unbelieving will never hear those words, for "without faith it is impossible to please God" ( Hebrews 11:6 ). 21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Come and share your master's happiness" We serve God faithfully week in, week out. Funerals: For the Care of Souls (Lexham Ministry Guides) Regular price: $12.99 Preaching Hope in Darkness: Help for Pastors in Addressing Suicide from the Pulpit Regular price: $16.99 The Hardest Sermons You'll Ever Have to Preach: Help from Trusted Preachers for Tragic Times Regular price: $15.99 Create an account She invested her talents in her love for her, children - all of them. John's funeral provides us with an opportunity to see what difference faith can make in one person's life. Remember when God's just celebrating all the stuff He's made, the stars, and the animals and all that sort of stuff, and basically putting Job in his place. WHEN YOU WRITE TO DR. HYMERS YOU MUST TELL HIM WHAT COUNTRY YOU ARE WRITING FROM OR HE CANNOT ANSWER YOUR E-MAIL. What Jesus did was great, it was infinite. Goodbye pride. Would he not rather say, Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me. Come on in, you who are on the outside, you lived on the outside of my joy, I want you to come inside to my joy now. This is going to be full immersion joy, like diving into an endless sea of joy to have joy underneath you and all around you buoying you up. Sorrow and sighing shall flee away! To the first two servants Jesus said, "Well DONE! Just salivating for it, couldn't wait for it. His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! Worked a large farm on her own in Kentucky. Goodbye jealousy. He says to the sheep, to the righteous, to the redeemed,"Come, you who are blessed by my Father, take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. The Napoleonic Wars resulted in the deaths of perhaps as many as six million human beings. He is blameless and upright, a man who fears God, he lives a righteous life. He's celebrating Job, a human being. Emotions ride high, and one must be careful and compassionate when delivering the message. It is to the glory of God for you to be a spiritual athlete and go after joy. But, Jesus and His men do not go straight back to Jewish country. Wait until the Lord comes the Second Coming of Christ, He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts, and at that time, each will receive his praise from God.. But for those who are self-seeking, who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger." Aren't you glad? Solo Sung Before the Sermon by Mr. Benjamin Kincaid Griffith: John, chapter fourteen, verse one. First of all, God's happy with what you did, just in the context that He gives the five talents and says, "I want you to know how happy I am with the talents, what you did. Can I back it up? Dr. John O. Pete. Sometimes they are the words that they use at their funeral, or put on their headstone, or ask that their funeral sermon speak those words. Come and share your master's happiness!'. He won it seven times, but this one was different because his father was there to see it for the first time. Jonathan Edwards, in his 22nd resolution said, Resolved to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness in the other world as I possibly can, with all the power, might, vigor and vehemence, yea, even violence, I am capable of or can bring myself to exert in any way that can be thought of. Okay, and if that's not plain, I just rephrase it a bit. See, here is what belongs to you." . However, all of Dr. Hymers video messages, and all other sermons on video Speaking at a funeral or memorial service is a somber moment. is absolutely true. Take that one talent away from him and give it to the one who has the five talents. Matthew 25:23New International Version. We're all enjoying Jesus, just kneeling at His feet. Scriptures: Mark 4:35-41. You should have put my money on deposit with the bankers. It says in Romans 14:23, "Everything that does not come from faith is sin." I thank you, God, that I'm not like other men, robbers, evildoers, adulterers, or even like this tax collector over here. Please help Mr. Leslie Hymers and Mr. Kunz keep the center of the foyer open for the pallbearers and the deacons to come through with the casket. If God would not leave his Son in the grave, he will not abandon those who trusted in his Son. Such a man's praise does not come from men, but from God. He speaks of wrestling, boxing, running, winning the race, winning the prize, and winning crowns. I love what happened with that, and I want you to enter into my joy in their achievements." Actually, God makes three very strong statements about rewards, all of them found in the Book of Hebrews. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Box 15308, Los Angeles, CA 90015. All of them, and these works cannot justify us. Let them leave with a sense that Christ is the hope of . If these sermons bless you send an e-mail to Dr. Hymers and tell him, but always include what country you are writing from. Thus, by their fruit, you will recognize them." Good job". Praise from God. Again, and again, this is taught in the Bible. It's like the honor and glory given to an Olympic athlete who wins the gold medal. His father had never gone to any of his major tennis matches. That's after you've done everything you were commanded to do. He always agrees, provided they don't mind that he speaks Christian truth. 3 Finishing strong can only be done by a life that has chosen Christ as Savior and Lord. As Napoleon was talking with the captain of the Bellerophon, the ship that would carry him to his exile, he was in a pensive and somewhat ironic mood. I'm pleased with your offering. Our whole lives should go into gaining that honor and glory that God will give to faithful servants. Baptist. James tells us how the mechanism works. I never had the privilege of meeting this loved one, but I do know several of her family that I love very much, and I am . Copyright 2003-2023 | Outreach, Inc., All rights reserved. Is it wrong to yearn for praise from Jesus? I sought to point out that our comfort (and hers) in the face of death was not based upon her age and physical condition, but rather in Christ. The only comfort some funeral sermons bring is when they are over! Eloise was sick with cancer before she died. Third, Eloise, and all true Christians, will appear before Christ to receive rewards. You should be yearning to please Him so that He praises what you've done. The third reward is an experience of joy. For most of us, that means there is still a lot of work to do in repenting of sins and in making a good unburdening confession, in engaging in self-denial, and in going out . See, I have gained two more.' 23 His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You know that I'm a hard man harvesting where I have not sown and gathering where I have not scattered seed. 2021 14 Dec. His Lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. There's also going to be responsibilities in the new Heaven, the new Earth, there's going to be jobs up there. I fast twice a week and I give a tenth of all I get." Jesus said. We do this by providing free biblical content online for the good of Christs Church and for the glory of God. This will happen after the rapture. Isn't it beautiful? Just as the converted thief went to be with Christ, so the spirit of Eloise Roop entered into Paradise to be with Christ the moment she died. Even after getting stoned, Paul didn't give up. This is the focus of the rest of our time. "Throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Like Paul, in his vision, Eloise was caught up to the third heavenup into paradise (II Corinthians 12:2, 4). That's what it looks like when somebody does good works to be justified by them. It's of the essence of the life that God has implanted in our hearts, in our souls. #4. Sit down and eat. He made it for Himself. At the end of Job 39, He talks about the horse, and He says, Did you give the horse its strength? Write a script. As many money giving opportunities and prayers up in secret and actions done and gospel shared, and fear overcome and everything you need to do to store up your Father's praise for you. In 1 Corinthians 4:5, what we get is praise from God. Now I know that "celebrating" is not the usual term applied to this day. She was a real Christian for many years. If you've not been trustworthy with someone else's property now, who would give you property of your own? Here are some things to know: A funeral service is a short service. You are presently, right now, auditioning for the role you're going to play in that eternal play. He says later,"As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead." A Funeral SERMON: MAT. Flee away that glory day! No one's in a hurry, no schedule to keep. Third, Eloise, and all true Christians, will appear before Christ to receive rewards, II Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 25:21; I Corinthians 15:58; Luke 19:12-26, Revelation 2:26; 5:10. Now, isn't it incredible that God, Almighty God, the one whose eyes are like blazing fire, will actually look at you and praise you? I think it's because inside each one of us is a yearning for glory and recognition, for honor and praise. Actually, amazingly, the Scripture says, not only is it not wrong, but we must also yearn for it. He's celebrating his creative beings. The Pharisee stands up and prays about himself. Luke 16: Whoever can be trusted with very little can be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will be dishonest with much. If you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, then who would hand you true riches? It says that you will never lose your reward. And when that happens, you know, the funeral's pretty much over. Garden of Eden restored that day! Fourth, Eloise and all good and true Christians will return to this earth to reign with Christ. Every once in a while you meet someone you'll never forget. In our service in the church and in the community. First of all, it's not your place. XXV. I will do whatever I can to maximize my heavenly happiness. Her body will go into the grave in a few days, awaiting the rapture, I Thessalonians 4:16-17. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, Pastor of Alfred Street Baptist Church, provides a homily entitled, "Well Done" at the Memorial Service of Rev. Verse 31 tells us that they went to " Decapolis ". I'd like 100 cups of cold-water rewards. 23 "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! A funeral service is an event unlike any other. Why is that? The third aspect of joy is he's going to teach you to rejoice in everything he rejoices in, in detail. A. I think it comes in three senses. He might say, "Do you realize what this individual did, this Martyr, this missionary, this evangelist, this Pastor, this servant? You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Give hope. The master comes back and settles accounts with these servants. "Well done, good and faithful servant." Each receives the same invitation: "You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Can we all say that? That's genuine ownership. Secondly, He says, we must desire the rewards that God has in store for us. No, he didn't reach millions but he was faithful right where he was. Napoleon said these motivate men more than just about anything he knew. A monthly gift of $5 helps us reach 400 additional people a year! He's not making a mistake here, He's not forgetting himself and worshipping created beings, not at all. It's the story of redemption, of God's love extended to one whom many thought beyond his reach. That's staggering when you think about it, unjust. The sermon manuscripts are given in 46 languages to about 120,000 computers each month. God praising me? He is among us; He is in us; He is our very life. They testify to our relationship with Him. To save items to a SermonFolder, please sign in to your account. I think the idea for this book was born that day. As we remember Miriam Smith, Tom Jacobs, and Bro. Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. All of it taken away. James says, "Show me your faith without deeds, I'll show you my faith by what I do." seminaries or Bible schools. Be in charge of 10 cities because of what you did. How good is Jesus, how good is Jesus Christ for giving us these things? 'well Done, Good and Faithful Servant', a Sermon, Preached After the Funeral of J.W. Put oil on your head and wash your face. B. Sit in the back and see what they do. Youre auditioning right now for your heavenly position. Rest from thy loved employ; The battle fought, the victory won, Enter thy master's joy." 2 The voice at midnight came, He started up to hear; A mortal arrow pierced his frame; He fell, but felt no fear. Flee away that glory day! . He does it even more clearly at the beginning of the entire book of Job, when He says to Satan, Have you considered my servant Job? Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Eloise was the church pianist and later she was the church organist. He is a joyful being. The master replies, "You wicked, lazy servant. Rev. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. Please stand and turn to John, chapter 14, verse 1. Watch our worship service. When Jesus comes to reign. The first answer is that God raised his own Son from the dead. 4. As soon as the casket is in the hearse, please come upstairs for a wonderful Chinese meal and time of fellowship as we watch a video of the life of Mrs. Eloise Roop. Well done, good and faithful servant, you've been faithful to a few things, now I'm going to put you in charge of many things. The implication of this is just staggering, friends. Our good works are generally motivated by pride and self-focus, I feel good about myself, and I look good to others when I do good works, like the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. Jesus will save you for all time and all eternity if you turn from your sin and trust Him.