Sermons on Funeral Purposes:

Nearer, Still Nearer

Contributed by David Dunn on Nov 15, 2025

Christ draws near in our grief, holds our loved one safely in His keeping, and promises resurrection, reunion, and endless nearness to Him.

(A Funeral Sermon Based on the Hymn) Introduction — When Words Are Not Enough On days like this, words feel small. Our hearts feel heavy, our minds feel slow, and our emotions move in waves—sometimes strong, sometimes quiet, sometimes surprising. Grief has a way of slipping into every corner of ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 34:18, John 14:1-3, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Revelation 21:4

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

God Knows Our Appointment Time, Not Man. Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on May 13, 2024

The Bible teaches us that God is sovereign and has a plan for each of our lives.

The Bible teaches us that God is sovereign and has a plan for each of our lives. One aspect of this plan is the timing of our birth and death. While humans may try to predict or control these events, ultimately, it is God who knows our appointment time. We'll explore what the Bible says about ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 31:15, Job 14:5, 2 Timothy 2:19, Exodus 15:26

The Three R's Of Death

Contributed by David Gant on Dec 31, 2005

This is a funeral service I have used several times, most recently in the situation where I doubted the salvation of the individual, and the family was mixed with believers and unbelivers. It is a way to honor the individual, but still present the gospel

THE “3 R’S OF DEATH” In school, we used to refer to the importance of learning “The 3 R’s” – and of course we meant “Read’n, writ’n, and rithmatic…” As we gather here today – not to mourn the death of Wayne Thompson, but rather to celebrate his life and all it has meant to those that have ...read more

Scripture: John 11:21-44

Denomination: Baptist

A Humble Walk

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Jul 25, 2010

FBC Gaithersburg: funeral for Julia McNeely Vance, centenarian, physician, daughter of Irish Baptists. Text and poem requested by family. Julia's commitments, nurtured early, brought her into an unusual life. Not delivered by me because of illness.

That classically Irish face looks out at me from the printed page, and I wonder what it must have been like for Julia McNeely, born a century ago, to have grown up and to have followed her calling. On one side were all the customs and expectations of her day and time … that women would live ...read more

Scripture: Micah 6:6-8

Denomination: Baptist

Hope In The Shadow Of Death

Contributed by Darrell Vaughn on May 12, 2010

An encouraging Funeral message for my earthly brother age 57 in passing. Can be modified to fit any situation as true hope to the living.

A little girl lived near a cemetery, and often had to walk through it after dark. When someone asked her, “Aren’t you ever afraid?”, she answered, “Oh, no! My home is just on the other side.” The best way for me to begin this sermon today, is to ask the question; ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Word Of The Cross

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Feb 26, 2010

Funeral message for Mrs. Athelstein Coleman, whose hobby was working crossword puzzles: a play on "crossword" to say that the "word of the cross" means wisdom and strength.

It's not only what people do that interests me; it's also why they do it. When I see someone doing something over and over again, I want to know what that behavior means. If there is a pattern in someone's behavior, what does that pattern mean? Often you find that people do what they do, even ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

Denomination: Baptist

A Shepherd's Love

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Oct 16, 2009

This is a funeral/memorial meditation for the memorial service of a man who died after a life of struggle.

Memorial Meditation – October 17, 2009 - Psalm 23 I love this passage of Scripture because it speaks of life’s most important and most intimate relationship, that of humanity, of you and me, to our Creator. And rather than use terms like Creator, Almighty One, even the term “God” itself, the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:1-6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

To Die Is Gain

Contributed by Jimmy Haile on Sep 8, 2009

What we gain in death

To Die is gain Phil. 1:21 When the Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the church in Phillipi, the circumstances of his life weren’t exactly ideal. He was in prison—under house arrest by Rome, chained to a Roman soldier and yet this entire letter shouts with triumph. It is filled with words of ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:21

Denomination: Baptist

May The Work I’ve Done Speak For Me

Contributed by Sherman Gordon on Dec 17, 2009

MORE IMPORTANT THAN HOW LONG WE LIVE IS HOW WE LIVE OUR LIFE. DORCAS PATTERNS FOR US A LIFE WORTH LIVING AND REMEMBERING.

MAY THE WORK I’VE DONE SPEAK FOR ME ACTS 9:36-41 ASHA, AMAYA, FAMILY/FRIENDS . . . EARTH HAS NO SORROW . . . DIFFICULT – I/WE DID NOT THINK IT WOULD END THIS WAY LEARNING – LIFE: . . . CURVE BALLS, FAST BALLS, SLIDERS OUR WAY. AT THESE TIMES WE MUST HOLD FIRM IN OUR FAITH OF GOD NO MATTER THE ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:36-41, Acts 9:13, Proverbs 22:1

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Quick Look At Psalm 23

Contributed by Buck Hughes on Nov 2, 2011

A brief outline of the 23rd psalm used for a graveside service.

A quick look at Psalm 23 Psalms 23:1-6 (1) The LORD is my shepherd; This verse or first phrase is the key to this whole passage of scripture. “The Lord is my Shepherd” If Jesus is your shepherd or your God then this passage can help you. So to begin lets answer the Question ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Blessings From God

Contributed by Guy Glass on Oct 5, 2011

This is a short devotional message applicable for a funeral service. this message looks at the blessing of being a shheep under god as our shepherd

BLESSINGS FROM GOD PSALM 23 INTRODUCTION: PSALM 23 IS APTLY NAMED THE SHEPHERDS PSALM, YET IN REALITY IT SHOULD BE NAMED THE “PSALM OF THE SHEEP”, FOR IT IS WRITTEN NOT FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE SHEPHERD, BUT FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE SHEEP. THIS MESSAGE IS A SHORT DEVOTIONAL THAT ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Genesis 25:7-10 - Hereafter Series

Contributed by Ross Cochrane on Jul 27, 2011

The thing that really strikes me about Genesis 25 is a clear reference to the HEREAFTER.

Genesis 25:7-10 - HEREAFTER Last night I watched a video called "HEREAFTER" with Matt Damon. It is a movie about people grappling with what happens to them after they die. Matt Damon plays the part of a reluctant Psychic who connects with people who have died by touching the hands of relatives. He ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 25:7-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Help For The Hereafter And The Here And Now

Contributed by Stephen E. Trail on Jun 3, 2012

Guidance for those who are troubled by mortality.

“Hope Hereafter and Here and Now!” Scripture Reading John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 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. 3 And if I go and prepare a place ...read more

Scripture: John 14:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Lift Up Your Heads, Because Your Redemption Draws Near! (Hix)

Contributed by Jimmy Haile on Jul 27, 2013

We need sometimes to remember what God has done for us in the past, so that we will be thankful in the present!!

Two guys on the street corner and one man asks the other man, "How was church last Sunday?" The other man said, "I don’t know - I was kind of bored. I think I slept through half the sermon." The first man looked shocked and said, "How could you do that - you’re the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:11-15

Denomination: Baptist

Trick Or Treat?

Contributed by Perry Greene on Mar 6, 2014

AJ was born on Halloween and described as a "Treat" according to his mother (or so he said). He passed away with a heart attack after shoveling snow. He was a real people person and leaves a huge gap in the lives of people who knew him.

Family Enters and is Seated Be with Me Lord I Stand in Awe Welcome by Perry Greene We were all shocked to hear of the passing of AJ Clements. We have gathered here, as is our custom, to conduct a service to remember AJ; to comfort his family; and ultimately honor God. 25 Jesus said to her, "I am ...read more

Scripture: John 11:25-26

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ