A Tale of Two Funerals What man can live and not see death? Can he deliver his life from the power of the grave? - Psalm 89:48

A Christian’s Funeral For Christians Sorrow over not seeing a loved one again on this side of eternity Acts 20:36-38a And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 37 Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him, 38 sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. …

A Christian’s Funeral For Christians In spite of the sadness, there is great comfort for the Christian. 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:8, Romans 8:18, 38-39 Luke 16:19-31 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

A Christian’s Funeral For Christians God has revealed how to please Him. Romans 8:16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, (1 Corinthians 2:13, 16) John 12:48  He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. John 8:31-36, Romans 6:23 By their fruits we know them. Matthew 7:15-20

A Christian’s Funeral For Christians We understand the righteousness of God’s judgment. Psalm 96:13 For He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with righteousness, And the peoples with His truth. Acts 17:31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”

A Christian’s Funeral For Christians We understand the righteousness of God’s judgment. Jeremiah 17:10 I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give every man according to his ways, According to the fruit of his doings. Revelation 2:23b …and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.

A Christian’s Funeral For Christians We are assured of God’s love and mercy. Romans 5:6-11 Ephesians 2:8-10 Ephesians 1:7, John 14:6 The fear of death is gone. Hebrews 2:14-15 1 Corinthians 15:54-55 Ephesians 1:7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace Those outside of Christ sorrow without hope even at a Christian’s funeral.

A funeral for someone outside of Christ A celebration of life with no religious reference Focus on worldly accomplishments Testimony of what a good person they were Solace only in memories No hope for eternity Usually goes one of two ways

A funeral for someone outside of Christ Preach the deceased into heaven God is not fooled. Galatians 6:7-8 Psalm 33:13-15 Hebrews 4:13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Even those who attend are incredulous.

What kind of funeral will you have? Will those you leave behind sorrow with no hope?