March 31, 2016

A Life Of Faith

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. -- John 3:18

This verse isn’t one you normally hear at a funeral. It doesn’t necessary fit with a celebration of life. And, then, it does.

The wonderful lady whose life we celebrated had a deep, deep faith. She was a tireless volunteer, a woman of character, a woman who loved her husband and children. She was quick to smile and always seemed to see the best in others.

The beauty of her death is that she is now reunited with her husband of more than 63 years. We joked that she has been talking his ear off since she left this earth early Easter morning. We have that hope, that promise, that death is not a final goodbye. At least for believers.

That was the message. Her nephew preached an awesome sermon on salvation, laying out Scripture and testimony of the truth of Jesus Christ and all He has done for us. His audience was getting a little antsy. He called them on it. The Holy Spirit was present, he told them, and he had more to say. So he continued.

I don’t know who needed to hear that message. Maybe we all did, believers and nonbelievers alike. But I think maybe he had someone in mind. Because nothing matters more to believers than knowing the people they love will be joining them in heaven one day.

Have you ever heard someone say they’ll take their chances when you try and tell them about Jesus? It’s not about chances. It’s not about being a good person. It’s not even about having plenty of time because none of us know when our time will end.

Here’s the truth: Those who believe in Jesus, believe He came and lived a perfect life and died on a cross and was raised again three days later and now sits at the right hand of God will have eternal life. Those who don’t believe will spend eternity in hell. It really is that simple.

Today we celebrated a beautiful life of faith. Her family found comfort in that faith. Will your family be comforted by your faith when you are gone?