Putting an end to the Funeral Gospel.
Several years ago I attended a funeral for a dear friend who lived and ministered in our community for decades.
And, though this friend had a full life, he still – for so many – died at too young an age. As such, his death was an untimely and terrible reality to face for dozens, even hundreds, of family and friends.
As is often the case for funerals such as this, the church was packed.
Well into the service, a pastor took the pulpit and gave a moving message on the love of God and the hope we have in Him.
He told heart-tugging stories, one after the other, of people of faith who have gone before us and whom we are certainly hoping to see again.
He strung together soul-stirring phrase after phrase until the crescendo of the entire service, when he convincingly said, “Don’t you want to know this Jesus?”
Followed by a pulsating, “If you want to see this person again, then make a decision today! Right here, right where you are, repent of your sins and believe in Jesus as your personal savior.”