“Absent from the body … present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).
“O Lord, You alone are my hope. I’ve trusted You, O Lord, from childhood. Yes, You have been with me from birth; from my mother’s womb You have cared for me. No wonder I am always praising You! … And now, in my old age, don’t set me aside. Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing … O God, You have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things You do. Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim Your power to this new generation, Your mighty miracles to all who come after me" (Psalm 71:5-6, 9, 17-18, NLT).
A. INTRODUCTION: FIVE GOOD THINGS TO REMEMBER AT A BELIEVER’S FUNERAL
1. The deceased is more alive than we are.
2. The deceased has no more pain and sickness.
3. The deceased has completely ceased sinning.
4. The deceased’s attitudes, words, and actions are now perfect and will be perfect from now on.
5. The deceased no longer sees God through a glass dimly, but sees Him face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12).
B. SEVEN RESOLUTIONS TO FINISH WELL
1. Determine to take refuge in God rather than in troubles and problems. Enemies say … “God has abandoned him (Psalm 71:11, NLT), but God is your refuge for/in every storm (financial, people, etc.).
2. Determine to remember the multitude of times God has delivered you. “I’ve trusted You since childhood … from birth … from my mother’s womb … You have cared for me” (Psalm 71:5-6, NLT).
3. Determine to speak/pray to God about His greatness and power, so there is no room in our mouth to complain. “I am always praising You” (v. 6). “I will praise Your mighty deeds” (v. 16).
4. Determine to be rugged and undefeatable and not giving into despair. “I will hope continually” (v. 14). “Grid up your minds, set your hope fully in God’s grace, that you will receive everything when Jesus comes” (1 Peter 1:13, ELT).
5. Determine to go out of your way to tell someone (everyday) about the wonderful results of salvation in your life. “My mouth will tell of Your wonderful acts, of Your deeds of salvation all the day, for the number is past my knowledge” (v. 15).
6. Determine to remember there are great things about God above your thinking and praying. “Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim Your power to this new generation, Your mighty miracles to all who come after me. Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the highest heavens. You have done such wonderful things. Who can compare with You, O God?” (vv. 18-19).
7. Resist the stuffy stereotypes about old people so that you sing, and testify, and minister for God with joy and rejoicing. “Then I will praise You with music on the harp because You are faithful to Your promises, O my God. I will sing praises to You with a lyre, O Holy One of Israel. I will shout for joy and sing Your praises, for You have ransomed me” (vv. 22-23).
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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