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A Good Christian Funeral

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  A Guide for Gospel-Centered Services Dr. Robert A. Myers The Need for Guidance Ever since the middle of the twentieth century, we have been enamored with youth.   It’s easy to see.   Our fixation on being young is manifested in our entertainment, our music, our advertisements, the prevalence of cosmetic surgery, and ageism in the workplace.   One author has even coined the term “juvenilization” to describe our cultural milieu.   It is no surprise, then, that most people are averse to talking about death and dying until the topic is forced upon them.   When the subject becomes unavoidable, many people are at a loss as to what to do at the time of death.   Increasingly, many people are opting to forego any sort of funeral service.   Others chose to do some sort of event at a neutral site to avoid the solemnity of a church or funeral home.   The difficult questions that death evokes are purposely avoided. People of faith don’t need to live their lives with that kind of denial.  

Parting Words

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The following sermon was delivered on January 9, 2022 as my final message to the congregation of the First Baptist Church in Galesburg, Illinois.  Keep me safe, O God,     for I have come to you for refuge. I said to the Lord, “You are my Master!     Every good thing I have comes from you.” The godly people in the land     are my true heroes!     I take pleasure in them! Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods.     I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood     or even speak the names of their gods. Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.     You guard all that is mine. The land you have given me is a pleasant land.     What a wonderful inheritance! I will bless the Lord who guides me;     even at night my heart instructs me. I know the Lord is always with me.     I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.     My body rests in safety. For you will not leave m