250,000 people die in the UK each year, and almost half will have a Christian funeral service. Preaching at a funeral is a vital part of pastoral ministry, but too often funeral sermons consist of generalities and platitudes used for multiple services rather than illuminating the hope gifted to us by the resurrection.
In There is Hope veteran pastor Paul Beasley-Murray offers practical advice to help Christian leaders craft meaningful, biblically driven sermons and preach with confidence and compassion at funeral services.
Drawing on his years of experience, he offers a sensitive, pastorally rich exposition of twenty key Bible passages, exploring how preachers can draw on them to show the hope beyond death that the Gospel offers. Alongside are funeral sermon examples that he has preached himself, as well as ideas, outlines and guidance for writing your own.
There is Hope is the perfect book for ordinands and preachers who are new to giving funeral sermons, as well as for experienced preachers and pastors wanting to improve and grow in their pastoral ministry and are looking for new ideas for funeral sermons.
Full of biblical depth, this guide will equip priests and pastors with all the tools they need to deliver comforting funeral sermons that truly deliver the message that even in death, in the Gospel there is hope.
Introduction: The Gospel is a message of hope
· Christian hope is resurrection hope
· Hope for a world without hope
· Hope for a church uncertain of its hope
· Hope for those who mourn
· Preaching hope: a guide
Hope in the Gospels
Mark 10.14 Jesus has a special love for children Luke 20.27-40 In the new world everything will be different John 3.16; 10.10 Eternal life John 11.1-44 Jesus offers life to all John 14.1-14 Jesus calls us to place our hope in him
Hope in the Letters of Paul
Rom 8.31-39 Nothing can separate us from the love of God 1 Cor 15.3-5, 20, 24-26, 54-57 Jesus, not death, will have the last word 1 Cor 15.35-48 We shall be changed! 1 Thess 4.13-18 We will be together 2 Tim 4.6-8 Homeward bound
Hope in the rest of the New Testament
Hebs 5.19,20 Our hope is sure and certain 1 Peter 1.3-9- We have a living hope 1 John 2.28-3.3 We shall see God Rev 7.9-17 We shall share in the life of heaven Rev 22.1-6 God will make all things new
Hope in the Old Testament
Job 19.25,26 We shall see God Psalm 16 The path that leads to life Psalm 23: The Good Shepherd will go with us Psalm 121 God will keep us safe Psalm 139 God is with us, even in the dark
Hope for all?
1. God loves us all
2. God makes all the difference
3. God offers comfort and strength
Endword: Losing a Loved One: A personal reflection?
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