Evangelistic Funeral Service

He said, AGod is not the God of the dead but the God of the living@ in Matthew 22:32.

We are also reminded by the words of Saint Paul that no eye has seen and no ear has heard all of the things that God has prepared for those who love him (1 Corinthians 2:9).

So I say to you - our life on this earth is only a beginning. And because of this, the essence of Jesus= teaching is that we should put our hope and trust in God.

Listen once again to the reassuring words of Psalm 91, AHe who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, >He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.=

We live in a changing world - I know. Nothing remains the same. Our communities change, our children change, our seasons change. We live in a world which is constantly changing.

Change has become a natural part of our life. But there is one thing that will never change. Our peace and comfort which is found in Jesus Christ will forever remain the same!

As we daily progress and move into the future we can be sure that the love, the comfort, the protection of God will never move, it will never diminish – it will never change.

Jesus said, AI am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live.@ (John 11:25)

And so, if you put your faith in Christ - even the change from life to death will not separate you from His love and protection.

So, as you try to process and deal with the pain and the emotions of the loss Milton - a father, a brother and a friend – I want to remind you that security and hope, peace and promise, comfort and joy are truly found only in one place - and that is the ASheltering wings of the Most High@.

I want to close now by praying for you. If you have never fully put your trust in Christ…but you recognize you need for his forgiveness and salvation – then this is your day. Along with forgiveness comes hope, peace and strength to face tomorrow.

Would you bow you heads and agree with me?

In your heart, simply echo this prayer to God …and say:

Heavenly father, I have lived too long without you. But no longer! I understand that Jesus died on the cross for my sin. He gave his life out of love for me so that I could live with You forever. I ask you now, would you forgive me of my sin (where I have missed the mark) and come into my life. Give me hope, peace and inspiration. Help me to face tomorrow with joy. And as you do, I will do my best to live for you. Help me to walk the rest of my days on this earth with you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen!

Now, if you prayed that prayer…you may not feel much different, but the Bible says that Christ now lives in you and your sins have been forgiven. This is your day of hope!

Milton’s niece (Melinda) is coming again to share another song with you. Then I will dismiss with closing prayer.

8. Prayer:

Lord, again we thank you for the promise of peace and strength during difficult times. Continue to under gird this family as they face the days ahead. Bless them I pray, in Jesus name – Amen!

9. Dismissal: