Therefore, the famous assessment in Isaiah of good works done by an unbeliever. Adeney We cannot but be struck with the cheerful tone of these generous words. The one with the two talents reports that he gained two more, and gets the exact same commendation, "Well done, good and faithful servant. IV. If you are not yet converted I'm telling you to repent by turning away from your sins. As Jesus said in Matthew 12:33, "Make a tree good and its fruit will be good or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is known by its fruit." He might say, "Do you realize what this individual did, this Martyr, this missionary, this evangelist, this Pastor, this servant? On this keen ridge You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. It's profound happiness, a delight that's very difficult to capture in words, and notice the invitation: Enter into the joy of your Master. Joy is a powerful word in the happiness family, it is the most powerful happiness word, I think. Why is that? IV. 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. This event is called the rapture. It means to be caught up and carried away. The body and the spirit of Christians like Eloise will be united, and caught up to meet Christ in the air. He's not making a mistake here, He's not forgetting himself and worshipping created beings, not at all. Dr. John R. Rice said it well in the song Mr. Griffith sang before this sermon. My Father will honor the one who serves Me.Isn't that incredible? God is actually intending to reward you for good works. His Lord said unto him, Well done 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. We want to be immortal, that is, we want to live forever. if you can. When Jesus comes to reign. Sit down and eat. We are all given a certain amount of talents. by Timothy George 2 . We do this by providing free biblical content online for the good of Christs Church and for the glory of God. Jonathan Edwards, in his 22nd resolution said, Resolved to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness in the other world as I possibly can, with all the power, might, vigor and vehemence, yea, even violence, I am capable of or can bring myself to exert in any way that can be thought of. Okay, and if that's not plain, I just rephrase it a bit. Sometimes it may be up to an hour. God will withhold the reward if we fail to use the talents He has given. 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. In-Depth Biblical Content by Pastor Andy Davis, The Person and Purpose of Jesus Christ (Matthew Sermon 1 of 151), The Visit of the Magi (Matthew Sermon 2 of 151), A King's Selfish Cruelty and the Fulfillment of Prophecy (Matthew Sermon 3 of 151), A Great Man Fearlessly Tells the Truth: John the Baptist (Matthew Sermon 4 of 151), The Coronation and Testing of the King (Matthew Sermon 5 of 151), An Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew Sermon 6 of 151), The Heart of a True Christian: The Beatitudes, Part 1 (Matthew Sermon 7 of 151), Seeing the Needy and Seeing God: The Beatitudes, Part 2 (Matthew Sermon 8 of 151), Character that Advances the Kingdom: The Beatitudes, Part 3 (Matthew Sermon 9 of 151), Salt and Light: Christian Influence on Society (Matthew Sermon 10 of 151), Christ, the Christian, and the Old Testament (Matthew Sermon 11 of 151), Christ Judges the Heart: Anger (Matthew Sermon 12 of 151), Heart Righteousness and the Law (Matthew Sermon 13 of 151), What Are You Doing More Than Others? I'm pleased with your offering. Our whole lives should go into gaining that honor and glory that God will give to faithful servants. If these sermons bless you send an e-mail to Dr. Hymers and tell him, but always include what country you are writing from. Funerals that Minister to Those Left Behind Howard Vanderwell has conducted more than 160 funeralsmarking deaths that were expected, and very unexpected; for newborns, children, youth, and aged; some involving high trauma. Look at what I've made. 21. Then when I came back, I would have received it back with interest. 33. Well done." But . Enter into the joy of your Master". Another book was opened, which is the book of life, and the dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. Keep your . Wow. Good job". Thus, by their fruit, you will recognize them." This principle captures our task regardless the kind of funeral we do. Can you do that? He is blameless and upright, a man who fears God, he lives a righteous life. He's celebrating Job, a human being. The unbelieving will never hear those words, for "without faith it is impossible to please God" ( Hebrews 11:6 ). He came to find us, to forgive us, and to free us from the power of sin. Denomination: I want you to look at this new Earth. MAT. All their work for the United Way and for UNICEF and Habitat for Humanity and Walk for Hunger and cerebral palsy and all of that, all our righteous acts are like filthy rags in the sight of God. Paul and Barnabas had been forced to flee from Antioch and Iconium. I mean, that's incredible to me, it's just amazing. To another he gave 2 sacks of treasure. I fast twice a week and I give a tenth of all I get." Isn't it good?. We swam in it and you couldn't go under the surface of the water. Sorrow and sighing shall flee away! Some have a limited amount of these things. Deserts will bloom and the thorns and briars The purpose of this website is to provide free sermon manuscripts and sermon videos to pastors and 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." Shall curse the earth no more! He's going to keep teaching you joy more and more because our God is in heaven. For me, John Wilde was one of those people. What it does, can you do all that? It's like God got carried away, like He's on a horse riding it, says Isn't this awesome? Please help Mr. Leslie Hymers and Mr. Kunz keep the center of the foyer open for the pallbearers and the deacons to come through with the casket. Medals of honor, medals of valor, medals of glory, medals of achievement, medals of bravery, medals of service. She was married to James Roop on New Years Eve, December 31, 1994. Things seem to go well for us at one moment, then somehow in the next moment it is matched by an equal amounts of misfortune. Praise from God is an immensely valuable reward. See, here is what belongs to you." And concerning fasting, be sure that no one knows that you're fasting. The idea is powerful, the more faithful we were in this world, the more responsibility we're going to have in the next. A tornado watch is in effect, so to speak. Actually, God makes three very strong statements about rewards, all of them found in the Book of Hebrews. Verse 31 tells us that they went to " Decapolis ". Here comes the punchline, So you also, after you have done everything you were commanded to do should say, we are unworthy servants, we have only done our duty. You have to earn the right to say that. Are you living for yourself when you get money? All sickness gone, all sore. That's genuine ownership. Even after getting stoned, Paul didn't give up. 3 His sword was in his hand, Still warm with recent fight, Ready that moment, at command, The Bible goes way beyond this though, on the issue of good works, not just identifying whether you're going to heaven or hell. Hope in death and dyingin Christ: evangelisticfuneral sermon for preachers. I. These are the basic ingredients of stewardship. He had led armies of over 600,000 men, he had won battles in Egypt and throughout Europe, and at one point controlled most of continental Europe. God isnt going to dock you for your not gaining as much as those with more. You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. But genuine saving faith always results in good works. She invested her talents in her love for ***. And my mind landed on the story about this woman named Dorcas from the Book of Acts. You can read Dr. Hymers' sermons each week on the Internet Come and share your master's happiness" We serve God faithfully week in, week out. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Box 15308, Los Angeles, CA 90015. I will do whatever I can to maximize my heavenly happiness. Secondly, He says, we must desire the rewards that God has in store for us. You've been faithful with a few things, I'm going to put you in charge of many things, enter into the joy of your master." and went to the most spectacularly beautiful place I've ever seen in my life, the Karakoram mountains, 20,000 feet high, plus the incredibly beautiful Hunza Valley, less than a day's ride from there. 15 Outstanding Quotes To Recharge Your Preaching. Paul then describes the kind of life that leads to eternal life. Flee away that glory day! But not so fast, dear friends. Do you see it? It's like the honor and glory given to an Olympic athlete who wins the gold medal. Did you know that the New Testament mentions rewards 28 different times? The rewards Christ will give at this time will determine the position the Christian will have in Christs earthly kingdom (Luke 19:12-26). I saw such strong similarities between the story of Dorcas and Elaine's story. Don't wait till your spouse dies to express your love. But the one with the one talent, he goes off and he hides his master's money in the ground. Let's go over it, let's sit down and watch a little video of what you did. Do you want to know what true ownership is? 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. How part? The first thing we must know, and we can't say it too often, we must know that we can never be justified by our good works. Again, and again, this is taught in the Bible. It's the story of redemption, of God's love extended to one whom many thought beyond his reach. First is praise from God. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven." I go to prepare a place for you. A sermon of encouragement LET US NOT BE WEARY IN WELL DOING 1 Corinthians 15:58 - Therefore, my brothers and sister, be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. This will happen after the rapture. It does to me, but it is true. Check out these helpful resources Biblical Commentary Sermons Children's Sermons Hymn Lists. What three rewards can you find in here. Praise from God. I. Second, Eloise is fully aware of what is happening to her in Paradise right now. The one with the five talents comes and he says, "Master, I put your five talents to work and look, I've gained five more, And he hears these beautiful words, "Well done, you good and faithful servant. . I preached the funeral that I could preach for a Rahab, or a Ruth, or the thief on the cross. God praising me? If you want to write to Dr. Hymers by postal mail, his address is P.O. The sermon manuscripts are not copyrighted, so preachers can use them without our permission. 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. Flee away that glory day! Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? We are here this evening for the joyful funeral of Mrs. Eloise Roop. A funeral service is an event unlike any other. Or as we already heard in Romans chapter 2,"God will give to each person according to what he has done. What is it then you're storing up in heaven? I never had the privilege of meeting this loved one, but I do know several of her family that I love very much, and I am . There are six characters we play out in life. 3 Finishing strong can only be done by a life that has chosen Christ as Savior and Lord. You too could have this wonderful hope for the future. C. It should be positive and uplifting. We know this because God says He will do it for his servants who's serving by faith, He says it multiple times. The alert has been sounded. And here we are at a funeral this morning, mourning the loss of a loved one, someone we know and love. 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. We have good stewardship on display with the one who had received the five talents; he goes at once, no procrastination, focuses on the talents and he gains five more. Galatians 6:9 - And let us not be weary in WELL DOING: for in due season we shall reap, .read more Clearly, since immortality is not something we seek for God, these are self-referential things. They must be used for the glory of God. However, God is not an idolater, is he? He's just happy. Thanks be to God, if He couldn't do that, this sermon would be a waste of everyone's time. The kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. Try, Slow Down, Big Fellawhat A Motorcyclist Taught Me About Preaching, Spit-Shine Tomorrow's Sermon Before You Go To Bed Tonight. " They understood that the Lord wants us to work for Him, to "do" His bidding, not just listen to good sermons or read our Bibles merely for knowledge. For most of us, that means there is still a lot of work to do in repenting of sins and in making a good unburdening confession, in engaging in self-denial, and in going out . Goodbye jealousy. It's a life that's characterized by, as he puts it, "Persistence in doing good, seeking glory, honor, and immortality." Or what about the hawk or the eagle? 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. Jesus died on the Cross to pay the full penalty for your sin. 2. 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. He was talking about his different triumphs and different things that happened, and he said the most memorable championship he ever won was his last championship at Wimbledon, seventh championship. He is among us; He is in us; He is our very life. You have been faithful with a few things. Where's my father? His mother was dead. 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. First, the true Christians spirit goes immediately into the presence of Christ when they die, Luke 23:43; Romans 8:34, II Corinthians 12:2, 4. Can you do this like I did? 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. He is very zealous that you learn to not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that your giving may be in secret and your Father sees what is done in secret and will reward you. What are you doing with your money? Is it wrong to yearn for that? 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. When Jesus comes to reign. Luke 16: Whoever can be trusted with very little can be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will be dishonest with much. If you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, then who would hand you true riches? It would be this, "To hear these words from Christ, 'Well done, good and faithful servant.'" It's the story of the 5 o'clock worker who gets the same reward as the one who's labored . The cup of cold-water reward. W hen Jessica Mitford first published The American Way of Death in 1963, she unleashed a broadside against the entire funeral industry in this country. Rewards will be given to good Christians for their faithfulness to Christ and the church, and especially for winning souls to Christ. Garden of Eden restored that day! 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. 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. II. Click on Sermon Manuscripts.. This morning we are celebrating Stewardship Sunday. Then that one with the one talent comes in and insults the master, not a good way to begin your Judgment Day encounter. #4. Flee away that glory day! 16. If this is all there was to life it would seem like an . Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. The dead rose from the grave. John 12:26, says, Whoever serves Me must follow Me, and where I am, there, my servant also will be. XXV. Copyright 2003-2023 | Outreach, Inc., All rights reserved. Look at the procedure we see in the stories. That is idolatry, to give worship to a created being. You have a sense, though it doesn't ascribe that statement to God, that God is saying it. seminaries or Bible schools. 34 And Jesus said, ''Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.''. His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! Come and share your master's happiness!'. So that's the parable. Whenever you write to Dr. Hymers always tell him what country you live in, or he cannot answer you. Garden of Eden restored that day! The apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 4:5, Judge nothing before the appointed time. Whatever pleases Him. He that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations (Revelation 2:26). Family and friends have the opportunity to say goodbye, to reflect on who this person was and what he or she meant to the world, and to celebrate their . You can write to Dr. Hymers in any language, but write in English Most of us think of Stewardship Sunday as a time when the church hits us up for . 22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. So, I urge you to flee to Christ. What Jesus did was great, it was infinite. Randy Alcorn's bookHeavenargues for hundreds of pages against the concept that we're going to be floating on some cloud strumming a harp. I want to celebrate my joy over your good work together, let's do it together. The second aspect of joy is God's joy in general. 7) One of the best things you can do for yourself, pastor, is to drop in on funeral services being conducted by other ministers whom you know and respect. Amen. We are not justified by works. But you must be converted to have these blessings. They shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years (Revelation 20:6). There are actually going to be responsibilities in the new heaven, the new Earth. Our works will identify us, dear friends, not save us. Dr. Hymers e-mail is at rlhymersjr@sbcglobal.net (click here). It is one of the greatest motivators to live the Christian life. If you don't have any increase, what you were entrusted is taken away. Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. Flowers at the graveside might make you feel better, but your spouse could only have enjoyed them in life. Write a script. Eyes of the blind will be opened then; I was watching an interview recently with Pete Sampras. 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! Matthew 25:14-30 . This is the joy of a father for you, his son or his daughter. taken her place among the heroes of faith now to cheer us on and to pray for us that we also might follow and finish well . This is the objective ground of our faith in the coming day of resurrection. For we must all [who are true Christians] appear before the judgment seat of Christ (II Corinthians 5:10). What I would have given for a volume funeral messages to get me started. 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. He's anticipating it. Just as the converted thief went to be with Christ, so the spirit of Eloise Roop entered into Paradise to be with Christ the moment she died. Well done, good, and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will make thee ruler over many things. Many times, actually in Scripture, God with unbridled joy, just celebrates something he's made, he talks about its attributes and its nature. It says that you will never lose your reward. Look to His bloodshed on the cross. The Pharisee stands up and prays about himself. Again, works identified. 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. Justice Scalia on Funeral Sermons. Come on in, you who are on the outside, you lived on the outside of my joy, I want you to come inside to my joy now. This is going to be full immersion joy, like diving into an endless sea of joy to have joy underneath you and all around you buoying you up. Is that enough for you friends? The sea gave up the dead that were in it, the death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done." III. Did you know that? Worked a large farm on her own in Kentucky. You're going to learn more joy after 1000 years than you knew in the first 1000 years. The first answer is that God raised his own Son from the dead. He says, "I tell you the truth, if you do that, you will never into eternity, lose your reward." She criticized the way funerals were done in America, including cosmetic excrescences and high expenses stemming from the greed . My prayers have all been answered, Ive finally arrived. Therefore, we have no good works apart from Christ. I'm going to break it into three types based on this one statement. And then to the goats, He will say, "Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. That's how Jesus became the "way, truth and life" and becomes the best meal we'll ever eat. WHEN YOU WRITE TO DR. HYMERS YOU MUST TELL HIM WHAT COUNTRY YOU ARE WRITING FROM OR HE CANNOT ANSWER YOUR E-MAIL. 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? Those who are Christians in name only do not have this blessed hope. Story #4: In My Father's House. He says later,"As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead." 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. And every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 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.