How to conduct funeral service

Five Things

David A. Sargent
(based on messages by W.T. Allison)

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." -- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NKJV

Here are some divine resources for that comfort and mercy that we all need:

          1. Trust in God. Life is filled with trials. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). God’s desire is that we rely on Him all of the time. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths" (Prov 3:5-6 NKJV). "God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble" (Psa 46:1 NKJV). Trust in God.

          2. Avail yourselves to the privilege of prayer. "Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you" (1 Pet 5:7 NKJV). "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:6-7 NKJV). There is strength to be found in prayer. Pray often.

          3. Trust in the promises of God. “He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear” (Heb 13:5-6 NKJV). We, like Abraham, may be “fully convinced that what He had promised He is also able to perform" (Rom 4:20-21 NKJV).

          One of the most blessed promises that we have is found in John 14. Jesus said, "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. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also" (John 14:2-3 NKJV). Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people. God has provided a plan through the sacrifice of His Son on the cross whereby we may be assured of a place in Heaven. We prepare for heaven by trusting and obeying Him. Once prepared, we may rejoice in the promise of a place where “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" (Rev 21:3-4 NKJV).

          4. Cherish your family and friends. Continue to help “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2).

          5. Share the good memories that you have. Someone has well said, “Memory is one thing that death cannot take away.” In whatever way your loved one blessed your life, reflect on those blessings and share them with others!