I want to talk about the doctrine of Christian rewards. There's also going to be responsibilities in the new Heaven, the new Earth, there's going to be jobs up there. I thank you, God, that I'm not like other men, robbers, evildoers, adulterers, or even like this tax collector over here. All of these wonderful things will be experienced by Eloise Roop. Some have a limited amount of these things. It's the story of the 5 o'clock worker who gets the same reward as the one who's labored . Look at what I've made. She was married to James Roop on New Years Eve, December 31, 1994. `Well done, good and faithful servant! The servants must give an account back to the master what they did with the things entrusted. We're going to celebrate. We want to be immortal, that is, we want to live forever. Can you do this like I did? As a matter of fact, much of Matthew 6, Jesus devotes that section of the Sermon on the Mount to protecting your heavenly stash of rewards. yet look below! Verse 31 tells us that they went to " Decapolis ". But we also know from the world around us / the struggles and the conflicts / the pre-determined attitudes and fixed mind-sets / which do not uphold those Now, I know that no hope can be given in some cases, for we are called upon to preach the funeral of the worst sinner as well as the best saint. Isn't that funny? The Bible also tells us that rewards are given to us by grace, dear friends, we cannot demand them, and we know we don't deserve them. 4. The alert has been sounded. His praise means He is pleased with you and with your service. Over the past week, our church has grieved over the death of two members, and the father of Nyles and Dwayne Smith. A. In all this, she used that which God gave her to multiply Gods gifts to her in order that she might do the will of God! Your love has been appreciated very much! Well done, good and faithful servant, you've been faithful to a few things, now I'm going to put you in charge of many things. The implication of this is just staggering, friends. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. However, all of Dr. Hymers video messages, and all other sermons on video Denomination: (When Jesus Comes to Reign by Dr. John R. Rice, 1895-1980). 3 His sword was in his hand, Still warm with recent fight, Ready that moment, at command, Matthew 25:23 in all English translations. What is it then you're storing up in heaven? He will save you for all time, and for all eternity. Matthew 25:23New International Version. XXV. Napoleon said these motivate men more than just about anything he knew. It's all gone, He's going to teach you to delight in the widow who gave her two little coins and out-gave you. For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick, and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." They shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years (Revelation 20:6). All of it taken away. Flee away that glory day! Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. Goodbye pride. Would you want to spend eternity with a grumpy God? Jesus shed His blood on the cross that you might have eternal life, and as we're going to find out in this message so much more than that. That's a doctrine of rewards. For we must all [who are true Christians] appear before the judgment seat of Christ (II Corinthians 5:10). Would he not rather say, Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me. Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. Sometimes it may be up to an hour. Remember that picture of Jim Craig with the American flag around his shoulders, scanning the crowds, and you could see, you could read his lips. As soon as he won, he turned and looked right to his father, and he climbs up over and around and through people to get up there and embrace him. This statement is a staggering one. Again, and again, this is taught in the Bible. Thirdly, He says it would actually be unjust for him not to reward us. 1. I have no doubt that Brother Moore has already heard those words that await every faithful follower of Christ: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.". 15 Outstanding Quotes To Recharge Your Preaching. We have two full weeks of Lent ahead of us, followed by Holy Week before we arrive at the full-fledged joy of the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday. Enter into the joy of your Master". How can you believe, Jesus said, If you accept praise from one another and yet you make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God? Back at the beginning of the sermon, I said that Napoleon said people are motivated by a yearning for praise and honor, God made that. Let's look at the first one: praise from God. A concentrated life to the lordship of Jesus Christ results in a focused, centered life. In this time of grief, you must honor the deceased, comfort their family and friends, help people mourn, and ultimately share the good news of the hope we have in Jesus Christ for eternal life after death. That's the topic of our sermon here. "Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men, to be seen by them. At his funeral countless numbers of his co-workers all told the same story - this man loved Jesus and loved people. It's of the essence of the life that God has implanted in our hearts, in our souls. As we remember *********, let us remember: worker. Therefore, we have no good works apart from Christ. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. This is the joy of a father for you, his son or his daughter. There is pain, loss, brokenness and death in all of our lives. . So, it will not be obvious to men that you're fasting, but only to your Father who's in heaven, and your Father sees what is done in secret and will reward you. Then He says, generally, about all of this,"Do not store up treasure on Earth where moth and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal but store up treasure in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal, for where your treasure is there, your heart will be also." I saw what you did. Revelation 20,"I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. On July 15th, 1815, the defeated former Emperor of France, Napoleon Bonaparte, boarded the British warship, the HMS Bellerophon, and was being sent to his final earthly destination. 22 . If you're here today and you're lost, if you don't know Jesus, and the rest of the sermon is going to be about rewards, just know this, if you stand before God on Judgment Day without Christ as your Savior, you will have no rewards, there will be none, nothing but wrath and anger for sin. (Matthew Sermon 27 of 151), Christ's Absolute Power Over Demons (Matthew Sermon 28 of 151), Christ's Power on Earth to Forgive Sins (Matthew Sermon 29 of 151), The "Friend of Sinners" Saves a Tax Collector (Matthew Sermon 30 of 151). 5. Well done." But . As this sermon reminds us, the scriptures are very clear and forceful that in times of crisis, many people feel the absence of God. This concept of authority structure is taught openly in the Parable of the 10 minas[money] which is a parallel parable here. Secondly, He says, we must desire the rewards that God has in store for us. 2. III. We're going to be judged by our works, assessed by them. Today, we're going to zero in on the concept of eternal rewards, heavenly rewards for being good stewards of the grace that God has entrusted to us. Ever. Isn't it beautiful? B. In our mourning of her passing, let us be comforted by the Word of God: sorrow, crying, or pain for everything will, be made new just as God intended for it to, I Thessalonians 4:13-14: Dont mourn as the, world does, for we do so with hope of the. The glory and the honor of the nations will be brought into it. This sounds like the kings of the earth are bringing glory into the New Jerusalem, to say more than this is to indulge freely in speculation. To another he gave 2 sacks of treasure. When Jesus comes to reign. His father had never gone to any of his major tennis matches. The tornado watch has just been upgraded to a warning. But when Christ returns, she will come down to this earth with Him in her resurrected body, walking and leaping and praising God in Christs 1,000-year earthly kingdom! The first time it's mentioned is in that incredible chapter, Genesis 15:1, After this the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, 'Fear not, Abram, I am your shield, and I am your very great reward.'" The third reward is an experience of joy. Scriptures: Mark 4:35-41. I know. Rest from thy loved employ; The battle fought, the victory won, Enter thy master's joy." 2 The voice at midnight came, He started up to hear; A mortal arrow pierced his frame; He fell, but felt no fear. Box 15308, Los Angeles, CA 90015. Words fail on a day like this. Friends, if you hear me saying, we don't need to be doing that, you have missed it. I want you to look at this new Earth. What I would have given for a volume funeral messages to get me started. But, Jesus and His men do not go straight back to Jewish country. When you die, all that your spouse will have left of you are memories and pictures. It says in Colossians 1,We pray this in order that youmay live a life worthy of the Lord, may please Him in every good work, bearing fruit in all good works.When God says, "Well done, good and faithful servant", He's saying, I am pleased with you. If you know anything about God and His holy perfection and about yourself and the nature of your works, that should stagger you back on your heels, that He would reward anything you ever did. He made it for Himself. He can celebrate the attributes and the actions of a created being without worshipping that created being. Will we too hear those words, well done my good and faithful servant? It's like the honor and glory given to an Olympic athlete who wins the gold medal. When Jesus comes to reign. That is idolatry, to give worship to a created being. Paul says if you do that, you're not really a Jew. It is said that when one of his church members was dying, John Watson, the Scottish preacher of Edinburgh, would kneel down and whisper in the person's ear: "In my Father's house are many rooms.". And concerning fasting, be sure that no one knows that you're fasting. Our righteous judge is going to look at the fruit of our lives, and He'll know whether we believed in Jesus or not. His property, everything in the parable is his, it all belongs to him. Goodbye competition. If you could see me now, I'm walking streets of gold, if you could see me now, I'm standing tall and whole, if you could see me now you'd see the pains erased, if you could see me now you'd know I'd seen His face. Now I know that "celebrating" is not the usual term applied to this day. They will tag us as believers in Jesus Christ. Whenever you write to Dr. Hymers always tell him what country you live in, or he cannot answer you. But you must be converted to have these blessings. Come and share your master's happiness!'. Again, works identified. Sit in the back and see what they do. If you want to write to Dr. Hymers by postal mail, his address is P.O. Friends, we are all stewards, aren't we? So, we have to be told over and over again, we are never going to be justified or vindicated or forgiven for our sins by any good thing we can do. Then He rewards us for doing it. Where's my father? His mother was dead. Third, Eloise, and all true Christians, will appear before Christ to receive rewards, II Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 25:21; I Corinthians 15:58; Luke 19:12-26, Revelation 2:26; 5:10. By the way, whoever does not have what? What's it going to be like in the new heaven, the new Earth? Including words or songs from others in your funeral sermon can be "meaning-making.". Because this is the number one competing religion in the world. Shall curse the earth no more! Adeney We cannot but be struck with the cheerful tone of these generous words. Sorrow and sighing shall flee away! He was being exiled to the tiny volcanic island of St. Helena, which is in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean, 700 miles from the nearest landfall, several thousand miles from coastlines of Africa or South America, just in the middle of the ocean. Friday Evening, December 22, 2017. "Serve the LORD with gladness!" In Luke 19 says, The king sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, each person getting the same one mina, to find out what they had gained with it. Let's go over it, let's sit down and watch a little video of what you did. I want to celebrate my joy over your good work together, let's do it together. Jesus died on the Cross to pay the full penalty for your sin. In our witness to the watching world. The first one came and said, Sir, your mina has earned 10 more. Well done, good servant his master replied, because you have been trustworthy in a small matter, take charge of 10 cities. He moves in us by faith through the Holy Spirit when the time comes to actually do those good works, overcoming our own native selfishness and weakness. At the end of Job 39, He talks about the horse, and He says, Did you give the horse its strength? 23 "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! I think it is. It says in verse 14, it will be like a man going on a journey who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. So, you have this master and he's the owner. You too could have this wonderful hope for the future. Flee away that glory day! You should have put my money on deposit with the bankers. Please click here to learn how you can make a monthly donation to help us in this great work of preaching the Gospel to the whole world. WELL DONE! Matthew 5, the Sermon on the Mount,"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Now, isn't it incredible that God, Almighty God, the one whose eyes are like blazing fire, will actually look at you and praise you? He is blameless and upright, a man who fears God, he lives a righteous life. He's celebrating Job, a human being. What are you doing with your money? You wouldnt want me to leave this place if you could see me now. The essence of our time on Earth here, our sin on earth has been idolatry, and that's worshipping and serving created things, more than the Creator who's forever praised. I felt like I had a big cork tied to my chest, you just couldn't sink, and I just picture a buoyant swim in a sea of joy, friends. by Ibrahim Smile. What we do is a little, but God uses our little, doesn't he? Goodbye arrogance. You don't tell anybody, you weep for somebody that's lost, God sees it, He knows, and He will reward you. Those who are Christians in name only do not have this blessed hope. Now, thirty-five years and almost 500 funerals later, I have put together this volume of brief funeral messages. I think the idea for this book was born that day. Those who have done good will rise to live, those who have done evil will rise to be condemned." She invested her talents in her community. The second aspect of joy is God's joy in general. "Here I am God to talk to you about me. . You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. 16. Actually, amazingly, the Scripture says, not only is it not wrong, but we must also yearn for it. by Pastor Jim Henry on Wednesday, January 01, 2014 at 6:00 AM. Reign for a thousand years. I go to prepare a place for you. Then, with a contented sigh, the person would "slip away" - entirely unafraid. I fast twice a week and I give a tenth of all I get." ). 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 (I Thessalonians 4:16-17). Tonight I will give you a brief outline of the main events that happen to a Christian like Eloise after they die. Tongues of the dumb shall sing. He's celebrating his creative beings. Thus, by their fruit, you will recognize them." Edward Smith, we can not help but consider the song that the choir just sung. Rarely is it longer than an hour. Nuts and Bolts: Things to Know About Your Sermon and the Funeral Process. Funeral sermon example Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30 Alison Gerber There is a story Jesus told about a man who entrusted his servants with his possessions. C. It should be positive and uplifting. In the context of this statement, this one verse, verse 21, also verse 23, same verse, is the parable of the talents that we looked at in detail last week. I. Having trouble logging into your account? I. II.Concentrated. There are great chapters on this at the end of Job. You know that I'm a hard man harvesting where I have not sown and gathering where I have not scattered seed. There will be non-Christians in the crowd, and believers who need comfort and assurance from God. And after that, and then you may have your dinner.? If you look at where they were and where they were headed to, you would see that Jesus and His men took the . If you want a bigger part, then live like it, friends. This sermon is Chapter 8 of A Minister's Treasury of Funeral and Memorial Messages by Jim Henry, former pastor of First Baptist Church Orlando, Florida. Sermon Matthew 25:14-30 Trust, Not Fear. 36. The Napoleonic Wars resulted in the deaths of perhaps as many as six million human beings. We have said many good things about our friend today, and to the best of my knowledge they are all true. Matthew 7:16-20, "By their fruit, you will recognize them. Good works cannot pay for our sinfulness, only faith in the blood of Jesus Christ can. Flee away that glory day! You can read Dr. Hymers' sermons each week on the Internet He says in Hebrews 11:6 that we must believe in rewards. The healing that has been delayed, has now been realized. They must be used for the glory of God. Do you think of what you can do with this to enhance your earthly situation, or are you thinking like a steward saying, Lord, what do you want me to do with this money?. Garden of Eden restored that day! See, I have gained two more.' 23 His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! Christ is there in Paradise, seated at the right hand of God the Father (Romans 8:34). Isn't that incredible? He uses it for all eternity, so there it is, that's praise. The sermon manuscripts are given in 46 languages to about 120,000 computers each month. from our church, are copyrighted and can only be used by permission. Her body will go into the grave in a few days, awaiting the rapture, I Thessalonians 4:16-17. 33. This principle captures our task regardless the kind of funeral we do. She was a real Christian for many years. Click on Sermon Manuscripts.. (END OF SERMON) We may not wait . By the way, only God can make a bad tree good. What are you going to do with the fact that most knowledgeable Christians if you ask them and say, "What is the one thing you'd want on Judgment Day?" III. (My other church will do the same in a fortnight.) (21&23). In Luke 17:7-10, Suppose one of you had a servant plowing looking after the sheep. Now by way of review, you've known the reading of the parable of the talents is rich and full. Medals of honor, medals of valor, medals of glory, medals of achievement, medals of bravery, medals of service. Turn away from your sins and trust Jesus with all your heart. We also want glory and honor. So, we might immediately try to distance ourselves from that drive to be praised, that drive for glory. First is praise from God. Copyright 2003-2023 | Outreach, Inc., All rights reserved. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, Pastor of Alfred Street Baptist Church, provides a homily entitled, "Well Done" at the Memorial Service of Rev. Preparing well for the funerals of unknowns is vital so that those who listen might find some consolation in Christ. The Parable of the Talents 22 The servant who had received the two talents also came and said, 'Master, you entrusted me with two talents. He only wanted one thing, he didn't even care about Gold Medal at that point, Where is my father? He wanted to hug him and be with his father to share that moment together. Our good works are generally motivated by pride and self-focus, I feel good about myself, and I look good to others when I do good works, like the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. 34 And Jesus said, ''Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.''. Deserts will bloom and the thorns and briars If this is all there was to life it would seem like an . Baptist. In the kingdom of Christ, grow it, build it for the glory of God. Because the father's happy with it, that's going to band us together. It is essentially idolatrous in the non-Christian because it's not connected in any way with the glory of God and faith in Jesus Christ and His kingdom. It affects the way you live. Fourth, Eloise and all good and true Christians will return to this earth to reign with Christ, Revelation 20:6; I John 1:7. Write a script. I'm going to break it into three types based on this one statement. Remember when God's just celebrating all the stuff He's made, the stars, and the animals and all that sort of stuff, and basically putting Job in his place. Isn't it fantastic? He's going to walk with you and he's going to teach you how to feel joy, and not only that, but he's going to teach you joy in his other children. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Ephesians 2:8-10, Matthew 25:14-30, Revelation 21:4, 52-week preaching calendar to help you plan your sermons, Customizable sermon manuscripts for verse-by-verse preaching, Preach with creativity and impact throughout the year, [NEW YEAR] 4-Week Series to kick off 2023, [PRODUCTIVITY] Fulfill your full potential, [FOUNDATIONS] Getting back to what matters most. The occasion is very serious and many there are thinking of eternal things who have not done so in quiet a while. How good is Jesus, how good is Jesus Christ for giving us these things? Lame men shall leap as an hart, for then The first answer is that God raised his own Son from the dead. We are justified by simple faith in Jesus Christ. B. But even if I could, I would say, Im only an unworthy servant, I've only done my duty. These rewards are given to us by grace, we should just be staggered by all this. I will do whatever I can to maximize my heavenly happiness. To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, he will give eternal life. He says to the sheep, to the righteous, to the redeemed,"Come, you who are blessed by my Father, take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. I am now turning the service over to the funeral directors. You've been weaned off praise from men, and you are focused on one thing, "I want God to praise me". Hope in death and dyingin Christ: evangelisticfuneral sermon for preachers. Isn't it beautiful? 122 views, 1 likes, 1 loves, 0 comments, 5 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Christ Lutheran Church: Violet Hahn Funeral I think it's going to be detailed praise from God for each good work done, every good work you do, every time you give to the needy, and don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.