Recently, I went to a funeral. Funerals are a time to remember and reflect on what truly matters in life. We want to remember the moments we had with the person who has left this earth. We also reflect on what is to come for ourselves. The atmosphere of a funeral is typically somber.
This funeral, however, was anything but depressing. Yes, the funeral still brought on sadness, especially to the family. There is always sadness in death because death is never an easy pill to swallow. Everything about this funeral, though, was full of life and was amazingly uplifting! I know that describing a funeral as amazing and uplifting sounds weird. You might even be wondering how is it possible for a funeral to be so incredible and full of life?
How Can A Funeral Be Amazing?
The service started with a prayer from the pastor. When the pastor finished praying, a young girl walked from backstage, carrying her guitar. The girl walked up to the microphone, settled her guitar into place, and began to lead us in worship.
I opened my mouth to begin singing along, and my voice cracked. Instantly, I was overcome with this intense presence! I was overwhelmed with emotions and could hardly utter a word. This intense presence that came in filled the church like a thick cloud and rested on the crowd of people.
The presence I was feeling wasn’t spooky or eerie, nor was it heavy with grief. This presence was tangible and glorious! What I was feeling and experiencing was the presence of the Holy Spirit. He was resting on us just like a mother hen rests on top of her chicks.
When a mother hen rests on her chicks, she fluffs out the feathers on her chest. She holds out her wings to scoop her chicks in close to comfort, and to protect them. This is EXACTLY what the Holy Spirit was doing.
The Beauty Of The Holy Spirit
What I felt standing in the presence of the Holy Spirit was a moment I wanted to relish in. This experience and closeness I felt to God, made me think of an old song, I can only imagine. The moment you enter the presence of God, you realize that this is what you were made for. The connection to God’s love is unlike any other you can ever experience. All the void you feel is instantly filled and your soul is complete. God’s love and presence is so glorious that you don’t know how you will react when you enter His presence.
I can only imagine
MercyMe
What it will be like
When I walk by Your side
I can only imagine
What my eyes would see
When Your face is before me
I can only imagine
Yeah
Surrounded by Your glory
What will my heart feel?
Will I dance for You Jesus
Or in awe of You be still?
Will I stand in Your presence
Or to my knees, will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah?
Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
When that day comes
God’s Presence
The presence of the Holy Spirit was so overwhelming that all I could do was surrender. I praised the Lord and worshiped him for his goodness and faithfulness. Yes, the Lord is faithful. Even in death.
God’s presence was so strong in this church because of all the Christ followers. The atmosphere didn’t shift just because we were all in the same room. The Holy Spirit moved in because all our hearts were focused on our Savior.
For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.
Matthew 18:20
Live Your Life To The Fullest
As the service progressed, the family took turns to share about their dad, husband, brother, uncle, and friend. Each person who spoke, shared the same message… He loved Jesus, and he loved people. This man lived his life to the fullest. He lived how God calls each of us to live.
The most important [commandment]. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, love your neighbor as you love yourself.
Mark 12:29-31
Live On In God’s Presence
Family, friends, and myself know that this man is still living on in God’s presence for all eternity. We know he is in heaven because of the hope we have in Jesus. Our hope in Jesus isn’t momentary. Our hope is eternal. This hope is what has turned our sorrows of death into joy. Our mourning can be turned into dancing.
The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is the same Spirit who lives in all believers in Jesus.
Romans 8:11
I write these things to you who believe in the name of Jesus, the Son of God. So that you may know that you have eternal life.
1 John 5:13
Do You Know For Sure If You Will Be In Heaven With Jesus Forever?
We must look at these question and give it serious thought. Are you going to Heaven when you die? Are you sure? How do you get to go to heaven? How do you know? What happens after death?
I understand how questions of an afterlife can be uncomfortable. But we all wrestle with the idea of life after death within our heart and soul. Pushing the thoughts away doesn’t change the haunting truth that you must face these questions head on. There is nothing promised in this life. The only certainty each of us has is that we are all going to die one day.
Before death comes to your door, listen to how Jesus has made a way for each of us.
Grace Is A Gift
Who doesn’t love a great gift? God has a gift for each of us, and all we have to do is accept the gift. God’s grace cannot be earned or deserved. This gift of grace is completely free! Heaven, spending eternity with your Creator, is a gift from God.
Our Sin
But our sin keeps us separated from our Creator, who loves us. We each have done wrong and broken the law and the heart of God. There is nothing that you, nor I, can do to fix the problem. We are all sinners, and none of us can save ourselves.
God Is Merciful And Just
Fortunately, there is a God who loves us! God is loving and merciful, which means he doesn’t want to punish us. However, God is also just, which means he must punish our sins.
Completion In Jesus
So, God sent us Jesus. As 100% God, Jesus was able to live a perfect, sinless life. Being 100% human, Jesus also experienced all the difficult hardships that we face. The sacrifice Jesus made on the cross was the only thing sufficient to reconcile us back with God. Jesus took the punishment we were supposed to get for our crimes of sin.
Three days after Jesus died, he rose back to life from the grave! Jesus then ascended to Heaven. Our Savior is there preparing a place for each of us who accepts God’s free gift of grace.
Do You Have Faith?
Faith is not accumulated in knowledge. Neither is faith temporary and wrapped up in a lucky charm. Faith is trusting in Jesus alone for the sacrifice he made on the cross.
For God so loved the world, he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
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King of Kings is a recent favorite in our house. The good news of what Jesus has done for each of us is masterfully displayed in this motion picture. Use the link and you can watch this film on Prime. You will witness grace to faith in its fullness. There is life after death, through Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Call Out To The Lord
Do you want to receive this free gift that God has to offer you? As my friend stated at her husband’s funeral service, “What are you waiting for? Receive Jesus!” Jesus loves you and wants you to be with him in heaven for all of eternity. God wants you to know his love. And the choice is yours.
If your answer is, “Yes!” to Jesus, call out to him now.
“Jesus,
Thank you for your gift. I am sorry for my sins. I don’t want to keep living without you in my life. I know you love me and only want what is best for me. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God and died on the cross for my sins. I trust that what Jesus has done on the cross is all that I need to go to heaven. I want to be with my God, my Creator, forever. I am a new creation. In Jesus’s name, Amen!”
Life After Death
I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.
Luke 15:10
Welcome to the Family of God!!! There is shouting and cheering exploding from the angels right now. You have made to best, and most important decision of your life.
Your next steps are:
- Get a Bible and start reading God’s truth daily. Here is a link to a great bible.
- Find a local church that teach the word of God. If their teachings don’t line up with God’s holy word, steer clear. God is faithful and will direct your steps.
- Reach out to a friend that is a Christ follower and tell them how your life has changed!