PART I
INTRODUCTION
Eulogy
Remarks
Welcome to this “going home celebration, of Brother Somebody.” At this time I offer my sincere condolences and prayers of comfort to all here present, in this assembly. To Somebody’s wife (Her Name), his children (sons and daughters) and grandchildren, immediate family; church family, and host of friends gathered here today; in honor of the life and faith of this beloved servant of God.
Text: Philippians 1:20-21. Read the text reverently.
At times like these, there is always great sorrow and heart ache in the passing of a love one – as with this husband, father and brother. If we fully understand the text before us; we can find comfort and peace during this time of loss. Let me review quickly what Paul wrote regarding the church at Philippi, before our text.
He first reflects on their sincere fellowship with him; their faithfulness to Christ; and their commitment to Paul’s ministry in Christ (Philippians 1:1-8). Then he encourages the Philippians to: “Abound in love more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that they may approve things that are excellent; and that they may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ: Being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God,” (Philippians 1:9-11).
Finally, after thanking them and praising God, he makes mention of his own state, as a prisoner in Rome. Notice: “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain,” (Philippians 1:20-21).
Like Paul, these were also the words of Brother Somebody, whose life also was spent in service and devotion to Christ, and the church. We give thanks and praise to God Almighty, for this servant of God. Someone might ask….
BODY OF LESSON
First, what is meant: “For me to live is Christ?”
When the Apostle Paul wrote this stirring Letter to the church at Philippi, the place, as well as the circumstances of his life weren’t exactly ideal. He was in prison - under house arrest – chained to a Roman soldier, in Rome. He was a prisoner of Christ; and to Rome. Yet, this letter speaks entirely of “his hope of deliverance and triumph in this trial of faith.”
This letter is filled with words like, “love”; “joy”; “comfort”; “peace”; and “trust in the Lord.” I pray that the God of all comfort and peace; will grant your hearts and minds: “A peace that passeth all understanding, through Jesus Christ,” (Philippians 4:7). Speak to the moments of remembrance that surely will come… In the months and days ahead.
Beloved in the Lord, the real ensample of Christian faith is seen in the believer’s demonstrating the, “life and mind of Christ;” on a daily basis, regardless of the difficulties or circumstances faced, at any given moment. For we, “have set our affections on things (that are) above, and not on the things on the earth. For we are dead (with Christ), and our lives are hid with Christ in God,” (Colossians 3:1-3).
Brother Somebody, might have lived the last years of his life as a prisoner in his own body, due to his affliction and sickness – yet, he seemed to have endured it without complaint – as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. He seemed to have continued to manifest love, joy, peace and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, during his affliction and sickness. May I remind you of the Psalmist words?
David wrote: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all,” (Psalms 34:19). This is Gods promise to us all! And TODAY – we have gathered to rejoice and give thanks to God for Somebody’s deliverance from all of his afflictions; in this “going home celebration!” Say Amen, church.
Second, someone might ask, what is to be gain?
A. A better body!
The saints of God are promised a body that will be glorified; immortalized; at the resurrection – that will never suffer death again.
While clothed in this present tabernacle (our body of flesh) we are subject to all the weakness, sorrow and suffering of this life. Along with aging, sickness, pain and finally death; is the certain end that surrounds this house made of clay. But, as a saint we are promised at the resurrection a glorious body, one that will never grow old, it will never experience disease, sickness, pain or death. Hear Paul:
“For our conversation (manner of life) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself,” (Philippians 3:20-21).
“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle (of clay) were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens,” (2 Corinthians 5:1). We shall not all die; but we all shall be changed!
Paul continues: “For this corruption must put on incorruption, and this mortal (human) must put on immortality (spiritual),” that it might be said: “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:53-55).
B. A better home!
However, the beauty and splendor of our earthly house we may possess in this world, it cannot be compared to the mansion in the heavenly city of God. Hear the promise of Jesus: “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also,” (John 14:1-3).
He also says: "If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servants be; if any man serve me, him will my Father honour," (John 12:25-26).
Paul sought for his home in heaven in the presence of the Lord.
“For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you,” (Philippians 1:23-24).
C. A better inheritance!
Heaven hold all for me. The Christian chooses suffering, hardship, shipwreck and death to sin and all its follies – to inherit heaven with all of its blessings.
Peter says: “God has begotten us unto a lively hope, to an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,” (1 Peter 1:4).
Paul speaking to the elders of Ephesus said: “And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified,” (Acts 20:32).
The Hebrew writer wrote: “Christ is the mediator of the New Testament … that we might receive the promise of an eternal inheritance,” (Hebrews 9:14-15).
D. A better hope!
Hear Paul’s words to the saints at Thessalonica, as we move to a conclusion: “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent (come before or proceed,) them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words,” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Wife, children, family, church and friends, comfort….
Brother Somebody, is now asleep in Jesus, but we shall also be with him….
Paul affirms our hope in Christ.
To the Colossians saints he wrote: “That the mystery of his preaching among the Gentiles; was Christ in you (is) the hope of glory,” (Colossians 1:27). Is Christ in you; or better yet: “Are you in Christ?” (Galatians 3:26-27). Finally,
To Titus he wrote: “Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness: In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me (he says) according to the commandment of God our Saviour,” (Titus 1:1-3).
CONCLUSION
Can you say today, right here, and right now: “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain?”
To those who do not share this believe in Christ – the life you have on earth NOW is the best it will be for you. The unbelievers, can enjoy the things of this world; they and them (the world’s treasures) shall all be destroyed at the Lord’s return, (2 Peter 3:9-10; 1 John 2:15-17).
However, for the Christian it is far different – they seek to “live for Christ” – that death to them - “might be a gain.” Hear Paul in (Galatians 2:20; Galatians 6:14).
Do you want to see your brother in Christ again? If so, continue to live for Christ now, die in Him, so as to be raised like Him; that you might be caught up together with the saints “into the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, to ever be with the Lord.”
Conclusion: Live for Christ; and your life shall be gain!
Paul to the Corinthian saints: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord,” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Things done for self will pass; only things done for Christ will last!
Invitation: extend heaven’s invitation.
Exhortation: encourage those that understand their condition to obey.
Motivation: I pray you will decide even today; even in this setting to surrender your life unto the Lord, and be obedient to the gospel of Christ.
Have audience rise and sing the invitation song, announced.
Seat the audience and thank them for coming to Brother Somebody’s “going home celebration.” I humbly and reverently….all ministers please come forward.
Turn the service over to the funeral director for the “viewing processional.”
PART II
INTRODUCTION
Grave Site Service
Seat the family before the casket in reverence.
Gather all attendees as close as possible to the family.
Text: John 11:25-27.
BODY OF LESSON
Internment
Remarks
This scene should compassionately point to the expected hope of the resurrection.
Martha said: “If you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
Jesus said: “Thy brother shall rise again.”
Martha said: “I know he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
Jesus said: “Unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?”
She said: “I believe that thou are the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.”
Ask the family, and all that stand here, “do you also believe?”
Then, you must also believe that this is not the end; just the beginning of another part of life, in the presence of Jesus Christ.
Recall, the saints are asleep in Jesus; then cometh, the end and the resurrection of the dead at the Lord’s return (1 Corinthians 15:20-26); then cometh, the judgment, (Hebrews 9:27).
For we all must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, to give an account for the things done in our bodies, whether it be good or bad, (2 Corinthians 5:10-11).
Again, to the family you have my sincere prayers and support as you face the days ahead. Stick together; support each other to gain strength to sustain your faith.
CONCLUSION
Move forward, remove flowers from off the casket, and give to each family member seated.
Return to the casket, and remove a handful of dirt from the ground. Stand up and begin to release it reverently onto the casket while saying: “From dust thou wert made, dust thou art, and to dust thou shalt return; the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Prayer
Ask the audience to bow their heads and lead a closing prayer.
Then say to all, “this concludes the gravesite service.”
Offer final announcements and comments.
Provide location and time of the repass.
Offer your name, phone number and congregation address.
Turn the gravesite service over to the funeral director, to present a flag, other memorial, etc.
Move forward and shake the hands of the family members seated; and offer your sympathy and support to them in the days ahead. Express, God’s blessings and comfort to the family. Remain near them to assist grieving members, if required.
