Scripture Ideas for a Pentecostal Funeral Sermon
Pentecostal funeral sermons are similar to other Christian funeral sermons. They typically last between 30 and 90 minutes, and the minister officiating the funeral offers a short, comforting sermon. The sermon is designed to help the grieving family recognize that they will see their family member again in heaven if they trust in God,. The sermons often have a more uplifting viewpoint than many other religious and non-religious sermons. The scriptures are selected to give the family and friends hope for the future when, they too, ascend to heaven.
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I Am Statements
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This sermon is based on the "I am" statements that Jesus makes in the gospel of John. The I am statements are a play on words both for things that Jesus is and the name God gave Himself as I AM. The verses that this sermon comes from are John 6:47 to John 14:6. In these passages, Jesus calls himself the bread of life, the door, the light, the shepherd, the way the truth and the life and the resurrection. Anyone who dies while believing in Christ will find that Jesus is all of those things. Families should find the reference to the deceased's resurrection especially comforting.
God Gives Rest
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This sermon is based on Matthew 11:28, in which Jesus talks about the weary finding rest in him. On earth, many things make us tired and weary, but when we die and go to Christ, He will give us eternal rest and comfort without pain. This sermon is especially meaningful for a person who had a long and painful death or a period of extended sickness before death. You can also mix in the salvation message with this sermon by explaining that only those who believe in God will receive eternal rest.
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Have No Fear
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This message is based on Psalm 27:1, where David talks about how he has nothing to fear because the Lord is his salvation and light. In life, we have many fears about finances, relationships, children and friends, safety and many other issues. When we leave this life while trusting in Christ as our light and salvation, we no longer have any fear. In heaven, there are no fears, no doubts and no hesitations. We are free from all the pain on earth and free to worship God as He intended. If a deceased loved one trusted in God, there is no need to fear for his soul, as it is with God now.
Salvation Message
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During a time of death, people naturally think of what will happen to them when they die and the afterlife. This is a time when many people are prepared to turn to God to prevent eternal suffering. A variety of versus stress the importance of turning to God now and not waiting. The verse found in 2 Corinthians 6:2 says that today is the day of salvation. John 10:10 says that waiting to accept Christ only brings ruin. Matthew 7:21 says it is possible to believe you will go to heaven without it being true. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says that it is impossible to believe in Christ and live in your old life. Encourage the audience to truly consider how they want to live their lives and ask them to consider God.
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References
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