Introduction

Welcome and Prayer

Good afternoon and thank you for coming. We are gathered here today to mourn the loss of Patricia. We are here to share in the pain and sorrow, to weep and to wonder why.

We may not have all the answers, but it is important for us to be here. In the book of Ecclesiastes, God tells us that it is better to be at a funeral than at a party. Death is a reality that we all must face, and it is important for us to take this to heart.

Today, we will remember Patricia and celebrate the life that God gave her. We will say our goodbyes and reflect on our own lives.

Prayer

Message

Message

Today, many of us are searching for answers. We may be wondering why this had to happen. In times like these, it is natural to question and seek understanding.

There is a story in the Bible that addresses some of the same emotions we are feeling today. It is found in the Gospel of John, chapter 11. This story tells of a funeral filled with questions, deep emotions, and a glimmer of hope.

The deceased in this story is Lazarus, a man who had two sisters, Mary and Martha. Lazarus was a close friend of Jesus. When Lazarus fell ill and eventually died, his sisters were devastated. They couldn't help but wonder why Jesus hadn't come sooner to save their brother.

Some of you may be asking similar "if" questions today. "If only I had spent more time with her." "If only I had been kinder." These questions are normal, but we should not blame ourselves or God for what has happened.

We may never fully understand why Patricia died, but we can trust that it was her time to go. As Ecclesiastes 3:2 reminds us, there is a time for everything, including birth and death.

In the story of Lazarus, we see Jesus himself weeping at the funeral. This shows us that it is okay to cry and express our grief. God understands our pain and wants to be with us in our sorrow. He knows what it's like to lose a loved one, as He too experienced the death of His own son.

Today, I want to ask you a question: Where will you go when it's your time to die? Jesus said in John 11:25-26, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

Jesus didn't just talk about resurrection; He claimed to be the resurrection. He promised that those who believe in Him will have eternal life. Our time on earth is temporary, but our souls will continue to exist in eternity. There are only two possible destinations: eternal joy or eternal torment.

To enter into resurrection life, all we need to do is believe that Jesus died for our sins and rose again. It's not about being good or going to church; it's about putting our faith and trust in Jesus as our Savior and Leader.

Today, I urge you to make a decision. Don't leave this place the same way you came. Don't put off this important choice. Decide now to put your hope in Jesus and secure your place in eternity.

Gospel Presentation

A – Admit that you are a sinner in need of forgiveness.

B – Believe that Jesus died for your sins and rose again.

C – Commit your life to following Jesus as your Savior and Leader.

Prayer

Committal

Conclusion

Now that Patricia's spirit has departed, we commit her body to its final resting place. We acknowledge that all flesh will eventually return to the earth. But in God, we find our eternal hope.

Closing Prayer

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