The first time I went to a funeral, I was the preacher. As a sophomore in college, I sought help to know what to do. One book I read said that I should preach the gospel and offer an invitation at the funeral. I wasn’t sure about the invitation, but I knew that Brother Thomas, my oldest deacon, would want me to tell the people how to believe in Jesus. Forty-three years later, our member, my friend Lois Coskrey gave instructions for me to preach the gospel at her funeral yesterday.
In the very first sermon after the ascension of Jesus, Peter quoted Joel and then told them about Jesus. They knew Jesus had done miracles, wonders, and signs among them. God had handed Jesus over to them knowing they would crucify him. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him, because death couldn't keep its hold on him.
Remember, the good news is that we are worse off than we thought, and more loved than we ever dreamed. Peter told the people in Jerusalem that they had killed the Messiah. Then he preached the resurrection. “You did your worst to God’s Son. But God raised him from the dead.” These words would bring deep conviction at the end of his sermon.
This is all we have to offer people to this day. Our sins condemned Christ to death. But God raised him from the dead. N. T. Wright says, “The good news is not good advice.” The good news is about what Jesus has done for us. This is all we have to offer to the world. Thankfully, this is exactly what everyone needs. In case you hear bad news today, remember Peter’s words, “But God raised Jesus from the dead.” This good news changes everything. Because Jesus lives, we can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone. Life is worth the living, just because Jesus lives.
