Funeral Service for Frances Simpson
4/1/2006
- Express condolences and appreciation.
- Today is April Fools Day and how I wish this was all a joke but it is not. We come here to mourn the death of Frances Dorsett Simpson. No, that is a joke; we come here to celebrate the life of Frances Simpson as it was here on earth and as it goes on forever and ever.
- Reminds me of the lines of a song, “Death is just a door to the joy that is awaiting. Death is just a shadow into everlasting life. Death is often thought of as a very sad occasion, but for the child of God it is just a door to brand new life.”
- WE will miss her but she is far better off.
I want to begin by reading a large portion of Scripture: Romans 8:18-39.
Romans 8 is a grand chapter in the New Testament. It is rich with hope that we need today. It talks about how a life of faith makes all of the difference. We see this illustrated through the life that we celebrate this morning.
This morning I want to point out 6 things from these verses and also make some references to Frances from these.
1. There is No Charge against Us. VS. 33
A. WE find from the Bible, especially from the book of Job, that Satan is the accuser of the brethren. But Paul let’s us know, if God has justified us, God’s court is the highest of them all. What God has justified no one has the right to lay charges against.
B. Frances, through the influence of Bobby and Bobby’s mother, responded to Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior many years ago. She repented of her sins, confessed her need for Jesus Christ and was buried with Christ in baptism. This all began at Double Creek Church of Christ. Since that time, Frances has lived a life of faith and love for Jesus Christ as demonstrated through her actions. Because of this, no charge, no accusations can be laid on Frances. All of her sins are forgiven through Jesus Christ.
C. One time a group of Christians were discussing those who had passed on in the faith from their church. They mentioned this one and that one by name and came up with fond memories for each life. However, one man did the opposite. For each name mentioned he was able to find some crime, some flaw, some charge against them. As we think of Frances, I cannot think of any instance where a charge can be made against her. I know that Satan can find some things for all have sinned, but we would be hard pressed if we can even mention some charge against her. What a blessing that is!
D. Any charge that Satan or others can bring against her; these are all removed because of Jesus Christ.
2. There is no condemnation upon us (Vs. 34)
A. Look at what Jesus is doing for us! It makes it clear that we are no longer condemned. Christ died for our sins, rose for our justification, and sits at the right hand of God making intercession for us.
B. Those that have died to their old lives and now live for Christ have no condemnation hanging over them.
C. I know that Frances would encourage her family and friends to realize that for those who are in Christ, there is no condemnation. Encourage everyone in here to give their lives to Christ so that when the Day of Judgment comes, not one of them will be condemned.
D. I know that many of you, both family and friends, have no condemnation. I know that many of you were baptized into Christ at Double Creek and she would encourage all of you to live out that freedom from condemnation by serving and living for Jesus Christ.
3. There is no evil that happens to us. (Vs. 28)
A. God takes what seems to be so bad and brings out good.
B. The reason that I am preaching on these verses is because this was Frances favorite verse. We started a new feature in our church newsletter called, “Someone You Should Meet.” We ask this featured person several questions and we publish their answers. One of the first people we interviewed was Frances in November 2005. What is your favorite Bible verse? Romans 8:28.
C. Why would she say that? I don’t fully know but I have an idea. These past few years have been difficult health wise. The muscular disease was taking its toll. When I first came here, Frances was the sweetest woman, but through time she lost her voice. But let me tell you she has spoken volumes without that voice! When some do not come to church because of a bad ingrown toe nail, Frances would be here. She would always be here. Even though it was difficult she would be here. She was and is still a great encouragement and an example of how to handle a troubling situation like she was in.
D. I have heard it, She never complained. She was sweet to the very end.
E. Asked Frances, what is your favorite hymn? Amazing Grace.
F. Thro many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come. Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home. It happened so quickly. Through God’s grace he has taken her home. No evil happens to us.
4. There is no good withheld from us (Vs. 32)
A. This verse speaks of how the Lord “freely” gives us all things. He provides our material needs, our social needs, and our spiritual needs. He gives us what we need.
B. Many people are such poor managers, stewards, of what the Lord has given. However, I do not believe Frances was.
1. Material needs
a. Had a job working with her husband Bobby at Simpson Mill, Inc.
b. Worked at Heilig- Meyers Furniture for 20 years.
c. Bobby and Frances blessed financially and I don’t know of anyone so generous with the money that the Lord gave.
2. Social needs
a. Bobby, she met at Copeland School, husband of 53 years. Many are envious of that.
b. Relatives that she helped to care for. Sisters and brothers
b. A daughter and son that she loved. Grandchildren.
c. Other children that she helped at school.
e. Friends at church and in the community.
3. Spiritual needs
a. Blessed with Double Creek and Mount Airy Church of Christ.
b. They did not take their churches for granted. They got involved.
c. I remember not so long ago before we did away with meals on Wednesday nights I went and visited with Bobby and Frances. AT this time Frances was able to speak and she was so happy that she was able to handle the finances for the meals. She was saddened that she would have to give that up. She expressed her great joy over having so many young people on Wednesday nights. She admitted that some of the older members of the church didn’t like it but she loved it. It made her heart feel good that many of the unchurched kids in the neighborhood were being ministered to in much the same way that other churches had ministered with her when she was young.
5. There is no power that can separate us (Vs. 38-39)
A. Frances is not separated from the love of God through Christ Jesus. She is with the Lord.
B. The forces that are opposed to God will not win.
C. Revelation 21:1-4; 22:1-5 - Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.... And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.
6. There is nothing that can express the glory that awaits us (Vs. 18)
A. There is coming a resurrection day when Frances’s body will be made new. She will have a new body and she will hop and skip over heaven.
B. We will win and be victorious!
C. Talking about groans. We know that from Frances. (2 Cor 5:1 NIV) Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.(2 Cor 5:2 NIV) Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling,(2 Cor 5:3 NIV) because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked.(2 Cor 5:4 NIV) For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.
