He is a joyful being. Then He rewards us for doing it. That's the topic of our sermon here. I think it's going to be detailed praise from God for each good work done, every good work you do, every time you give to the needy, and don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. She was married to James Roop on New Years Eve, December 31, 1994. I saw what you did. A key lesson of these parables is that God expects us to gain a measurable increase in our lives. First is praise from God. You have been faithful with a few things. Is it wrong to yearn for praise from Jesus? He is very zealous that you learn to not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that your giving may be in secret and your Father sees what is done in secret and will reward you. The servants must give an account back to the master what they did with the things entrusted. In the context of this statement, this one verse, verse 21, also verse 23, same verse, is the parable of the talents that we looked at in detail last week. Note: Ephesians 2:8-10: Works do not save us, but we are created in Christ to do them. Fourth, Eloise and all good and true Christians will return to this earth to reign with Christ, Revelation 20:6; I John 1:7. Matthew 5, the Sermon on the Mount,"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. When we see Jesus, it will be the most important words we may hear. At his funeral countless numbers of his co-workers all told the same story - this man loved Jesus and loved people. Another book was opened, which is the book of life, and the dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. But the one with the one talent, he goes off and he hides his master's money in the ground. To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, he will give eternal life. What kind of world is it we're heading toward? That's how Jesus became the "way, truth and life" and becomes the best meal we'll ever eat. The property is entrusted to the servant, is given over to the servant to be managed in the absence of the master. Those who have done good will rise to live, those who have done evil will rise to be condemned." His name was Lazarus. I preached the funeral that I could preach for a Rahab, or a Ruth, or the thief on the cross. FUNERAL HOMILY DOROTHY THOMPSON It is a basic tenant of our faith / that human life is sacred, / that the human person is respected, / that we are made / in the image and likeness of God. If you are not yet converted I'm telling you to repent by turning away from your sins. His praise means He is pleased with you and with your service. This is the objective ground of our faith in the coming day of resurrection. John 12:26, says, Whoever serves Me must follow Me, and where I am, there, my servant also will be. Box 15308, Los Angeles, CA 90015. I'm going to put you in charge of many things, enter into the joy of your master." Are you living for yourself when you get money? Where's my father? His mother was dead. Verse 31 tells us that they went to " Decapolis ". Take that one talent away from him and give it to the one who has the five talents. I'm going to close now with Jonathan Edwards' resolution, by way of application. 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. This was the funeral of a very lovely 94-year-old woman in our church, who was a believer. Will we too hear those words, well done my good and faithful servant? Again, and again, this is taught in the Bible. The medal itself means little other than the gold in it. Second, Eloise is fully aware of what is happening to her in Paradise right now. He is a richly generous master, but you must come to Him for forgiveness. Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. We have said many good things about our friend today, and to the best of my knowledge they are all true. II. The one with the two talents reports that he gained two more, and gets the exact same commendation, "Well done, good and faithful servant. W hen Jessica Mitford first published The American Way of Death in 1963, she unleashed a broadside against the entire funeral industry in this country. Joy is a powerful word in the happiness family, it is the most powerful happiness word, I think. 36. On this keen ridge If you want to write to Dr. Hymers by postal mail, his address is P.O. 1) Well DONE James 1:22, KJV But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. Christ will descend to the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. 16. The kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. The second aspect of joy is God's joy in general. No ones in a hurry, no schedule to keep. Actually, God makes three very strong statements about rewards, all of them found in the Book of Hebrews. When we reach the end of our life, unless Jesus comes, it will be the most precious thing said at our funeral. Why do I say this? The alert has been sounded. Check out these helpful resources Biblical Commentary Sermons Children's Sermons Hymn Lists. III. Jesus shed His Blood on the Cross to cleanse you from all sin (I John 1:7). In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. Again, works identified. John's funeral provides us with an opportunity to see what difference faith can make in one person's life. The way it loves to run into battle, the way it snorts, the way it's strong? Scriptures: Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. Give hope. Here comes the punchline, So you also, after you have done everything you were commanded to do should say, we are unworthy servants, we have only done our duty. You have to earn the right to say that. 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? In addition, quoting the deceased loved one's favorite poems or lyrics or your own can help illustrate a life well-lived. I love what happened with that, and I want you to enter into my joy in their achievements." The only comfort some funeral sermons bring is when they are over! Funeral Message for a Faithful Christian "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." Psalms 116:15 Precious is not the word that expresses our feeling concerning . He speaks of wrestling, boxing, running, winning the race, winning the prize, and winning crowns. 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. In 1 Corinthians 4:5, what we get is praise from God. Well done." But . Then, with a contented sigh, the person would "slip away" - entirely unafraid. Thirdly, enter into the joy of your Master, the joy of God. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. My Father will honor the one who serves Me.Isn't that incredible? You will learn both things to avoid and practices to emulate. Funeral Sermons For A Good Man. There's going to be no depression, no discouragement, just happiness. James says, "Show me your faith without deeds, I'll show you my faith by what I do." He uses it for all eternity, so there it is, that's praise. Nuts and Bolts: Things to Know About Your Sermon and the Funeral Process. For we must all [who are true Christians] appear before the judgment seat of Christ (II Corinthians 5:10). To hear those words, "Well done, good and faithful servant," from Jesus, first make sure you are saved. That's staggering when you think about it, unjust. IT is remarkable that David should say, in the sixteenth Psalm, "Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption," and yet that Paul should say concerning him, when preaching at Antioch, that he "saw corruption . The master replies, "You wicked, lazy servant. Emotions ride high, and one must be careful and compassionate when delivering the message. You too could have this wonderful hope for the future. Jesus said to the converted thief, who was dying on the cross next to Him, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise (Luke 23:43). By the way, whoever does not have what? Edward Smith, we can not help but consider the song that the choir just sung. Were all enjoying Jesus, just kneeling at His feet. I am now turning the service over to the funeral directors. All of my biblical training is saying I should be praising Him. 33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. Sorrow and sighing shall flee away, Dr. John R. Rice said it well in the song Mr. Griffith sang before this sermon. Quite frankly, lost people, people who are dead in their transgressions and sins, they have no good works. Goodbye competition. Words fail on a day like this. I saw such strong similarities between the story of Dorcas and Elaine's story. Often, preachers see these funerals as a mere duty every clergyman simply must do. Speaking at a funeral or memorial service is a somber moment. The rewards Christ will give at this time will determine the position the Christian will have in Christs earthly kingdom (Luke 19:12-26). And we shall reign on the earth (Revelation 5:10). And concerning fasting, be sure that no one knows that you're fasting. You're going to be busy. 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. XXV. In Luke 19 we see that the nobleman "called ten of his servants, delivered to them ten minas [one each], and said to them, 'Do business till I come'" ( Luke 19:13. Aren't you glad? The story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11) is particularly helpful on this point. There will be non-Christians in the crowd, and believers who need comfort and assurance from God. He's going on a journey, the master is going to be away for a key period of time, so the servants are going to be able to function without him visibly right there. The horse, what I made. Paul says if you do that, you're not really a Jew. All of it taken away. Now by way of review, you've known the reading of the parable of the talents is rich and full. Praise can be given to a created being without it being worship. You have a sense, though it doesn't ascribe that statement to God, that God is saying it. On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. It's the story of redemption, of God's love extended to one whom many thought beyond his reach. 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). This morning we are celebrating Stewardship Sunday. : The Supernatural Life of a Christian (Matthew Sermon 14 of 151), Heart Righteousness or Hypocrisy: Good Deeds Sifted (Matthew Sermon 15 of 151), The Lord Teaches Us to Pray: The Lord's Prayer, Part 1 (Matthew Sermon 16 of 151), The Lord Teaches Us to Pray: The Lord's Prayer, Part 2 (Matthew Sermon 17 of 151), Storing Up Heavenly Treasure: Jesus Protects Us From Loss (Matthew Sermon 18 of 151), Trusting Your Heavenly Father: Jesus Protects Us From Anxiety (Matthew Sermon 19 of 151), Eye Surgery for Eye Surgeons: Jesus and Judging (Matthew Sermon 20 of 151), Spiritual Beggars Satisfied: Jesus Teaches Us to Ask and Act (Matthew Sermon 21 of 151), The Narrow Gate: Jesus Commands Us to Enter the Kingdom (Matthew Sermon 22 of 151), False Prophets, False Professions (Matthew Sermon 23 of 151), Built Wisely Is Built to Last: Jesus Prepares Us For Judgment Day (Matthew Sermon 24 of 151), The Supernatural Healing Ministry of Jesus (Matthew Sermon 25 of 151), Counting the Cost of Following Christ (Matthew Sermon 26 of 151), What Kind of Man is This? Medals of honor, medals of valor, medals of glory, medals of achievement, medals of bravery, medals of service. And then to the goats, He will say, "Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. Eyes of the blind will be opened then; We can't say it too often, why? I want the cup of cold-water reward. While recognizing the brevity of a funeral sermon (15 to 20 minutes), give them Christ. Christ is there in Paradise, seated at the right hand of God the Father (Romans 8:34). If this is all there was to life it would seem like an . I'm pleased with your offering. Our whole lives should go into gaining that honor and glory that God will give to faithful servants. life and death. "Throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Do you see it? See, here is what belongs to you." We have good stewardship on display with the one who had received the five talents; he goes at once, no procrastination, focuses on the talents and he gains five more. They do it, says Paul, to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Secondly, He says, we must desire the rewards that God has in store for us. 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. Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. He says in Hebrews 11:6 that we must believe in rewards. If you could see me now, Im walking streets of gold, if you could see me now, Im standing tall and whole, if you could see me now youd see the pains erased, if you could see me now youd know Id seen His face. 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? Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? We want to be immortal, that is, we want to live forever. Usually, it's 30 minutes long. They testify to our relationship with Him. II. The siren is going off. An unregenerate person cannot improve his or her status in God's sight one fraction of an inch by his good works. Please click here to learn how you can make a monthly donation to help us in this great work of preaching the Gospel to the whole world. II Timothy 4:7-8: I have fought the good fight, finished the race, kept the faith. James tells us how the mechanism works. Come and share your master's happiness" We serve God faithfully week in, week out. Secondly, it's not becoming. Jesus said that he stands up and prays about his favorite topic, himself. God is an incredibly joyous being. Thats on page 1135 of the Scofield Study Bible. Clearly, since immortality is not something we seek for God, these are self-referential things. God praising me? 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. Matthew 7:16-20, "By their fruit, you will recognize them. That gold medal is a symbol of a lot of self-sacrifice of some extraordinary skill, and at the key moments when the time came to perform, winning that race or that contest and winning that gold medal. The first answer is that God raised his own Son from the dead. How good is Jesus, how good is Jesus Christ for giving us these things? II. The occasion is very serious and many there are thinking of eternal things who have not done so in quiet a while. Let's go over it, let's sit down and watch a little video of what you did. She invested her talents in her love for her, children - all of them. He's going to keep teaching you joy more and more because our God is in heaven. 3. Second, Eloise is fully aware of what is happening to her in Paradise right now. "There is no one who does good, not even one,"[Romans 3:12]. . In Luke 17:7-10, Suppose one of you had a servant plowing looking after the sheep. This will happen after the rapture. Have all of Andy's new content emailed to you every Thursday! Her body will go into the grave in a few days, awaiting the rapture.. Ironically, though we focus on remembering and celebrating the life of the deceased, the funeral service is ultimately for those who attend. My prayers have all been answered, Ive finally arrived. The dead rose from the grave. I know. We do this by providing free biblical content online for the good of Christs Church and for the glory of God. Remember that picture of Jim Craig with the American flag around his shoulders, scanning the crowds, and you could see, you could read his lips. Invested in the kingdom, God can multiply, A. Sorrow and sighing shall flee away! When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites out in the streets, but go into your room and close your door and pray to your Father who's unseen, and your Father who sees what is done in secret, he's going to reward you. Do you think of what you can do with this to enhance your earthly situation, or are you thinking like a steward saying, Lord, what do you want me to do with this money?. Every time you go into your room and close the door and pray for a missionary, a brother and sister in Christ, somebody sick, somebody struggling, a marriage is struggling. To save items to a SermonFolder, please sign in to your account. I want to go where there's happiness. Hope in death and dyingin Christ: evangelisticfuneral sermon for preachers. How part? Intro: The passage opens with Jesus leaving the Gentile cities of Tyre and Sidon headed back to Galilee. Jesus will save you for all time and all eternity if you turn from your sin and trust Him. 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. To finish strong is to have a concentrated life. I. Turn away from your sins and trust Jesus with all your heart. I have no doubt that Brother Moore has already heard those words that await every faithful follower of Christ: "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.". She died at 3:04 PM on December 13, 2017 at the age of 71. The Bible goes way beyond this though, on the issue of good works, not just identifying whether you're going to heaven or hell. His own Funeral Sermon "For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep." Acts xiii. He says there's no need in a funeral to make any pronouncement about the faith or non-faith of the deceased. Part of that is an instinct, rightly, to make little of the creature, we are just created beings. yet look below! Actually, amazingly, the Scripture says, not only is it not wrong, but we must also yearn for it. (When Jesus Comes to Reign by Dr. John R. Rice, 1895-1980). You don't tell anybody, you weep for somebody that's lost, God sees it, He knows, and He will reward you. 4. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. It's like the honor and glory given to an Olympic athlete who wins the gold medal. Galatians 6:9 - And let us not be weary in WELL DOING: for in due season we shall reap, .read more To most sons, if it's not the central desire, it's important. If you're here today and you're lost, if you don't know Jesus, and the rest of the sermon is going to be about rewards, just know this, if you stand before God on Judgment Day without Christ as your Savior, you will have no rewards, there will be none, nothing but wrath and anger for sin. 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. 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." Adeney We cannot but be struck with the cheerful tone of these generous words. They will tag us as believers in Jesus Christ. A monthly gift of $5 helps us reach 400 additional people a year! Revelation 20,"I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. You wouldnt want me to leave this place if you could see me now. As Jesus said in Matthew 12:33, "Make a tree good and its fruit will be good or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is known by its fruit." The nations will walk by its light. The master comes back and settles accounts with these servants. It's a life that's characterized by, as he puts it, "Persistence in doing good, seeking glory, honor, and immortality." FUNERAL SERMON. The following is a sermon given at a funeral for a 19-year-old who took his own life (see blog post).All names are changed, but all the sad facts are true. You should have put my money on deposit with the bankers. Righteousness fill all the earth, and peace Watch our worship service. Write a script. First of all, it's not your place. Be in charge of 10 cities because of what you did. There are great chapters on this at the end of Job. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him." B. You may telephone him at (818)352-0452. Try, Slow Down, Big Fellawhat A Motorcyclist Taught Me About Preaching, Spit-Shine Tomorrow's Sermon Before You Go To Bed Tonight. Read full chapter. But not so fast, dear friends. Most importantly, she loved her Lord and she. She loved playing the organ for her Lord. We're going to share it together, and I'm going to tell you how I felt when you prayed or gave that money, etcetera." I'm going to put you in charge of many things, enter into the joy of your master." He reflected back over his amazing military career and the immense sacrifices that soldiers had made to win him an empire, and he uttered some famous words, "A soldier will fight long and hard for a bit of colored ribbon." The healing that has been delayed, has now been realized. This sermon is Chapter 8 of A Minister's Treasury of Funeral and Memorial Messages by Jim Henry, former pastor of First Baptist Church Orlando, Florida. We may not wait . 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. And he said unto me, It is done. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil, first for the Jew, then for the Gentile, but glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good, first for the Jew, then for the Gentile, for God does not show favoritism.". 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. 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.. Wow. You know that I'm a hard man harvesting where I have not sown and gathering where I have not scattered seed. Can we all say that? He was talking about his different triumphs and different things that happened, and he said the most memorable championship he ever won was his last championship at Wimbledon, seventh championship. God isnt going to dock you for your not gaining as much as those with more. They will ask you to go out through the back door to the street and to the foyer. Can I back it up? ). You can write to Dr. Hymers in any language, but write in English There's going to be things to do in Heaven, responsibilities. They must be used for the glory of God. A Funeral SERMON: MAT. 5. If you could see me now, I'm walking streets of gold, if you could see me now, I'm standing tall and whole, if you could see me now you'd see the pains erased, if you could see me now you'd know I'd seen His face. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Ephesians 2:8-10, Matthew 25:14-30, Revelation 21:4, 52-week preaching calendar to help you plan your sermons, Customizable sermon manuscripts for verse-by-verse preaching, Preach with creativity and impact throughout the year, [NEW YEAR] 4-Week Series to kick off 2023, [PRODUCTIVITY] Fulfill your full potential, [FOUNDATIONS] Getting back to what matters most. I want to talk about the doctrine of Christian rewards. Rarely is it longer than an hour. The sermon manuscripts are not copyrighted, so preachers can use them without our permission. The Bible also tells us that rewards are given to us by grace, dear friends, we cannot demand them, and we know we don't deserve them. As a matter of fact, Jesus criticizes His Jewish enemies, his adversaries, for not seeking praise from God, but rather praise from one another. When Jesus comes to reign. Sit down and eat. We are here this evening for the joyful funeral of Mrs. Eloise Roop.