Amazing Grace – Funeral Sermon
(If possible have organist play Hymn before speaking)
Read Verse One of Hymn "Amazing Grace"
Intro.
People often request that this song be sung at their memorial service. This song means something to Christians and is precious to their hearts. To many Christians it describes what being a Christian is all about.
Christianity is all about “grace”. It’s all about God’s “Amazing Grace”. But what is “Grace” and what does grace really mean.
Def. – Grace is God’s freely given, unmerited favor toward the sinful and failing, the expression of – forgiving, redeeming, restoring love toward the unworthy.
Grace is God taking the initiative to meet our need whatever that may be.
Grace is “Love stooping down”.
I. The Christian life begins with God’s grace.
Eph 2:8-9
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
II. The Christian life is lived by God’s grace.
1 Cor 1:4-5
4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;
II. The Christian life is climaxed by God’s grace.
2 Thess 2:16-17
16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
17 Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
Close
A little known fact is that when this song was penned nearly 200 years ago by John Newton it was not titled “Amazing Grace”. It’s original title was “Faiths Review and Expectation”.
It also had six verses and not four as originally written.
I would like to close today by reading these six verses – and listen to the words, especially the last two verses.
Verse 1
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.
Verse 2
T’was grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed!
Verse 3
Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come;
‘Tis grace that brought me safe this far. And grace will lead me home.
Verse 4
The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be As long as life endures.
Verse 5
Yea when this flesh and heart shall fail, And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil, A life of joy and peace.
Verse 6
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, The sun forbear to shine,
But God who called me here below, Will be forever mine.
