Matthew6:33
Withstand in the evil day. Eph 6:13
I find them so sad. I just went to one recently where someone close to the family died. Someone got up there to speak and said "I hope he rests in peace... Wherever he is..." 
Secular Funerals
- Thread starter Matthew6:33
- Start date
daygo
Well-Known Member
Know what you mean, we went to one that was of a humanistic feel to it if I have it right. Forget the name of this type of funeral.
seated with Christ
Come quickly, Lord Jesus.
An expressly non religious funeral?
ItIsFinished!
Blood bought child of the King of kings.
I'm hoping I don't have a funeral...
Looking forward to not having one.
Looking forward to not having one.
mphsmom
Well-Known Member
I haven't been to a funeral since my mother died 21 years ago. It was hard because it was my mom, but I knew she was in Heaven with the Lord. I can't imagine going to a funeral where you are pretty sure the person wasn't saved. It would make me so sad knowing where the person had ended up.
I told my husband and my daughter that when I pass away (hopefully the Rapture happens first) not to have a funeral for me. I don't know anybody, so nobody would come anyway. I told them don't waste the money, that is would just be a lump of flesh, and I will be in Heaven with God. If they have to have something for their closure, just gather their friends together and have somebody share the Gospel with them. That would be my wish.
I told my husband and my daughter that when I pass away (hopefully the Rapture happens first) not to have a funeral for me. I don't know anybody, so nobody would come anyway. I told them don't waste the money, that is would just be a lump of flesh, and I will be in Heaven with God. If they have to have something for their closure, just gather their friends together and have somebody share the Gospel with them. That would be my wish.
Tall Timbers
Imperfect but forgiven
There aren't many of us on this rural road. A neighbor's boy was killed by a drunk driver out on the rural road near us. The mom is apparently into some weird beliefs. There was a memorial/funeral at the boy's elementary school. There were three religious leaders there (if I remember correctly), one was a Buddhist somethingorother. I don't remember what the others were but I think one represented Christianity. I'd felt real bad for the killing of a boy who played with my kids at our home and in the neighborhood, but I felt even worse about it after attending this memorial/funeral. The drunk driver went to prison on a pretty soft sentence. Must be out by now. Every once in a while he'd appeal the conviction... Never showed any remorse for killing the boy.
SarahRose
Well-Known Member
It would be hard for me to know what to say at a funeral for an unbeliever. My only hope would be that they gave their life to Christ in their last moments, and if not, that those attending the funeral who aren’t believers yet would accept Jesus quickly.
JoyJoyJoy
I Shall Not Be Moved
To me, a funeral is THE place to share the gospel. I rarely go except for family. In most churches I have attended for a funeral, the gospel is told.
Belle of Grace
Longing for Home
Our hope is always placed on who Jesus is & what He did. Jesus is God, and He came to die in our place, and three days later, He rose from the dead. We place our faith in Jesus' death burial and resurrection. This is the gospel that saves, straight out of Scripture.
1 Corinthians 15: 1-4
SarahRose
Well-Known Member
I have not been to many funerals but each of the ones I attended the gospel was shared.
kathymendel
Well-Known Member
I lost my brother at 39 years of age, and my father only six months later. Both were believers, and the one request my mom and I made clear
for the funeral was that the gospel message would be shared with those in attendance. Many came to their services and heard it.
When my mom died, we held a small graveside service............maybe 20 people there.................but, they heard that gospel message.
When my husband passed, it was a HUGE group who gathered - probably 200+..........including a LOT of his Jewish family and friends. The gospel message went forth to all of them via a messianic rabbi and a friend who was a Christian pastor. It was paramount in Paul's mind that his people
heard of his faith and heard the gospel. They were NOT happy about it, and have had nothing to do with me ever since...........but, they can't unhear the truth.
It is so sad to attend the funerals of unsaved people, because all you can do is offer condolences for their great loss, and grieve with them.
There are no words of encouragement for the eternal future to give to them. And, it's pretty disheartening to attend them, too.
for the funeral was that the gospel message would be shared with those in attendance. Many came to their services and heard it.
When my mom died, we held a small graveside service............maybe 20 people there.................but, they heard that gospel message.
When my husband passed, it was a HUGE group who gathered - probably 200+..........including a LOT of his Jewish family and friends. The gospel message went forth to all of them via a messianic rabbi and a friend who was a Christian pastor. It was paramount in Paul's mind that his people
heard of his faith and heard the gospel. They were NOT happy about it, and have had nothing to do with me ever since...........but, they can't unhear the truth.
It is so sad to attend the funerals of unsaved people, because all you can do is offer condolences for their great loss, and grieve with them.
There are no words of encouragement for the eternal future to give to them. And, it's pretty disheartening to attend them, too.
seated with Christ
Come quickly, Lord Jesus.
At my elder brother’s funeral my younger brother spoke to him as if he was there, I don’t want that in my case should I be going to the bone yard.
“Useless”.
usoutpost31
Well-Known Member
Pastor Erwin Lutzer made the point about the rich man who went to Hades. The man became interested in evangelism. Wanted someone to witness to his five brothers. He'd be OK with never seeing them again if it meant they went to Paradise. And (Lutzer said), you could get a good feel for the spiritual need of those attending the funeral by speaking with the relatives.
The lost in Hell today probably have the same wish the rich man did, that someone go to their unsaved family and friends and tell them the truth, that they might not join them there. The destination of the departed cannot be changed, but one can at least fulfill that desire.
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Belle of Grace
Longing for Home
You're sure right about this, and maybe sometime down the road, their own life may be starting to ebb away. Most likely, they will hear again in the memories of their minds, how grief and loss of life can be faced without fear or dread. In fact, in the case of a mature believer, it may even be faced with joy unspeakable, as they are ready to depart and see Jesus their Savior face to face. No fear at all, just pure joy!
Matthew6:33
Withstand in the evil day. Eph 6:13
I prayed to God to open doors but none were open. I have a real hard time talking about the gospel to a group of people remembering a dead friend/father/husband who is likely not in heaven because they didn't believe. Maybe I am wrong.
rks7777
Well-Known Member
I’ve had the honor of “officiating” a couple of funerals for family members. I did my best to share the gospel because as you stated, funerals are THE place to share. Also, my own father got saved at his mother’s funeral back in 1965. Literally in the funeral home. I have the blessed hope of seeing him again because the gospel was presented to him at his mom’s funeral.
Kerbluey
Well-Known Member
When my father-in-law died the gospel was shared quite forcefully at his service. He’d gotten saved in the last days of his earthly life. I had my head bowed, but when the pastor asked anyone interested in getting saved to raise their hand I heard a lot of fabric rustling as hands went up.
Ive often wondered what pastors who are believers say at the funeral of an unsaved person.
Ive often wondered what pastors who are believers say at the funeral of an unsaved person.
daygo
Well-Known Member
As far as I know its all polite and goody goody type of thing.
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