One week ago today I had the privilege to preach the funeral service for one of our church members, Margaret McFadden. I had the opportunity to have a front-row seat to watch the McFaddens face this trial together. I can’t tell you how each member of the family – Margaret, Gary, Kevin and Kelley – had a profound influence on me as I saw their faith in God and faithfulness to Him and each other. In an attempt to honor Margaret and encourage you, I share the following with you from my comments last week . . .
I know that this day is the day you dreaded since Margaret was first diagnosed with cancer last August. It’s a day of great sadness because you will never get to see Margaret again in this life. You’ve lost your wife, mother, sister, family member and friend – and we grieve with you today.
But as we fix our eyes of faith on the truth of God’s Word, we understand that this is not a day of defeat! Because of what God had done in Margaret’s life, I tell each of you here, today we celebrate victory!
When Paul, under the inspiration of God’s Spirit, wrote, therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord--for we walk by faith, not by sight--we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord (2Cor 5:6-8), he told us exactly what happened in Margaret’s life on Monday night after she breathed her last breath – her next breath was “at home with the Lord.” She’s been transported from the land of the dying to the land of the living; from the realm of sin, sickness and suffering to the realm of pure, rich and unending joy – in the presence of God – now that is something to celebrate!
But you say, Tracy, we prayed that this day wouldn’t come – or wouldn’t come this soon. It seemed just three weeks ago that God was going to give Margaret a lot longer time to be with us – and now she’s gone. Why did God take her to home to heaven so soon? To be honest with you, I don’t know. Why would God choose to take Margaret, Gary and their family through the trial of the past year when it seemed her life was so full – nearing retirement, kids grown and serving God, husband eager travel and spend the rest of their lives together? Though we don’t understand all the mind of God in these things, we do, as Kevin so well reminded us, trust God completely for these things and know that His way is best.
I want you to know, though, based on God’s Word, God was up to something in Margaret’s life – especially these last ten months. He was making Margaret a trophy of His grace.
Do you have any trophies at your house? We have a few – soccer, baseball, hockey and even a bowling trophy or two! What is the purpose of a trophy? It is a symbol of an accomplishment for the one who has it. We don’t worship the trophy (in fact, the trophies we have a rather inexpensive and cheaply made) in itself. Rather, when we see a trophy we honor the person who holds the trophy.
God’s words, taken from Ephesians 1:4-6, tell us in love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. You see, that’s what God was doing in Margaret’s life – making her a trophy of His grace.
When she was born on February 23, 1948, God’s plan for her was the same as it is for each believer – to display through her the glory of His grace. This goal was not altered by cancer this past year. In fact, it was accomplished through it – until when on Monday night, God said to Margaret, “Come on home.” And now, she will for the rest of our lives serve us as a trophy of God’s grace.
The Grace of God: His kindness towards those who are hopeless and helpless.
Simply put, God’s grace is His kindness toward those who are hopeless and helpless.
In Paul’s words, God’s grace is that God “has blessed [Christians] with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” (Eph 1:3)
Understand, though, that grace is undeserved – it is God’s kindness toward those who are hopeless and helpless. Grace recognizes that Christians deserve nothing and yet, get everything. God’s kindness is shown in a general way to all creation and it is shown in a special way to all who are His children.
Christians are trophies of God’s grace because God’s grace is displayed in their lives.
You say, how was God making Margaret into a trophy of His grace? She, along with all believers, became a trophy of God’s grace by God displaying His grace in her life.
Christians are saved by God’s Grace.
Each of us here today must realize that we are truly hopeless in and of ourselves. We don’t deserve God’s kindness. In fact, the very next chapter of God’s Word shows us our natural condition.
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. (Eph 2:1-3)
We are born sinners. We are spiritually dead and are disobedient to God (v. 1-2). Because of our sin, we face God’s wrath. (v 3) In this condition there is nothing we can do to earn God’s favor. No amount of good things – good deeds, giving money to the poor, church attendance – can gain favor with God.
Regarding this, God’s Word says, now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness. (Rom 4:4-5)
To be saved then, you must recognize your hopeless condition – and turn to the One who can save you.
The first two words of Eph 2:4 are “but God”. God took the initiative to remedy of our hopeless condition – by His grace.
In the kindness of God, He sent His Son to pay the penalty of sin we deserve. You see, sin must be punished. In Jesus’ coming to earth, living a sinless life and being put to death to face God’s wrath for our sins, he paid the price for my sin and yours.
For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly for one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom 5:6-8)
Now, each of us faces a decision. In what will we trust to obtain eternal life? Will we trust in our own good deeds or in Christ’s finished work on the cross? To have eternal life, you must repent of our sins and trust Christ’s finished work alone.
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Eph 2:8-9)
If you acknowledge your sinfulness and understand that you are unable to save yourself, turn from your sin and call out to God in faith, trusting Christ’s payment for your sin, and ask God to save you today. That’s what Margaret did many years ago. God saved her and made her a trophy of His grace. He will do the same for you.
Christians are sustained by God’s Grace.
The Christian’s life of faith requires great effort. The trials of living in a sin-cursed world seem overwhelming at times. We wonder how we will ever face another day. And yet, it is God’s grace which sustains us. His kindness toward those who are hopeless and helpless is His grace. He sustains those who are helpless with His guidance and His strength.
Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand. With Your counsel You will guide me, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:23-26)
When you face times of uncertainty and don’t know what do to you can always turn to the Lord and through the truth of His Word, He will sustain you with His guidance.
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary. (Is 40:28-31)
You don’t have to face this life alone! If you are a Christian, the writer of Hebrews reminds us that we can ask God to for the grace we need to meet the challenges of life: therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Heb 4:16)
Margaret would be the first to tell you that she didn’t think she some sort of a super-Christian. She was just a regular person. But in the battle with cancer she faced, she became a trophy of God’s grace in displaying how God sustains those who simply trust Him.
Christians are trophies of God’s grace because God’s grace is ministered through their lives.
Paul reminds us in Eph 4:29 to be careful how we speak - Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. In giving us this warning, he says that our speech can “give grace to those who hear.”
Christians become the ministers of grace. That is, through our speech and life of encouragement, we become a conduit for God’s enabling and encouraging grace.
When we display God’s grace in our lives and communicate it to others, God uses us to enable others to live a life of faith.
For the rest of my life, Margaret McFadden, as a trophy of God’s grace, will minister to me. Her quiet, steady life of faith-filled commitment, even in the most difficult circumstances of physical suffering, will speak of God’s grace to me.
She is a trophy of God’s grace!
My friend, what are you trusting in today for your salvation? You can’t work for heaven and you cannot merit eternal life. You must turn from your sin and trust in Christ alone – God’s grace alone for your salvation. If today’s funeral were to be for you, would you be in heaven today? You can know for sure if you will respond to God’s offer of salvation in repentance and faith. I know that I would love to speak with you following this funeral service if you have more questions. I know the McFaddens would be honored to do the same. Trust him today.
Christian, are you facing difficulties and pressures? God promises to sustain you by His grace. Come to him and ask Him to help you. Believe His Word and walk in it – even if you don’t know all the answers. He will strengthen and guide you. Then, as you learn of God’s grace, minister it to others. You don’t have to stand in a pulpit like this one. Wherever you are, simply testify of God’s work and show your commitment to Him. You’ll never know the influence God will give you as you simply minister His grace.
I know that this day is the day you dreaded since Margaret was first diagnosed with cancer last August. It’s a day of great sadness because you will never get to see Margaret again in this life. You’ve lost your wife, mother, sister, family member and friend – and we grieve with you today.
But as we fix our eyes of faith on the truth of God’s Word, we understand that this is not a day of defeat! Because of what God had done in Margaret’s life, I tell each of you here, today we celebrate victory!
When Paul, under the inspiration of God’s Spirit, wrote, therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord--for we walk by faith, not by sight--we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord (2Cor 5:6-8), he told us exactly what happened in Margaret’s life on Monday night after she breathed her last breath – her next breath was “at home with the Lord.” She’s been transported from the land of the dying to the land of the living; from the realm of sin, sickness and suffering to the realm of pure, rich and unending joy – in the presence of God – now that is something to celebrate!
But you say, Tracy, we prayed that this day wouldn’t come – or wouldn’t come this soon. It seemed just three weeks ago that God was going to give Margaret a lot longer time to be with us – and now she’s gone. Why did God take her to home to heaven so soon? To be honest with you, I don’t know. Why would God choose to take Margaret, Gary and their family through the trial of the past year when it seemed her life was so full – nearing retirement, kids grown and serving God, husband eager travel and spend the rest of their lives together? Though we don’t understand all the mind of God in these things, we do, as Kevin so well reminded us, trust God completely for these things and know that His way is best.
I want you to know, though, based on God’s Word, God was up to something in Margaret’s life – especially these last ten months. He was making Margaret a trophy of His grace.
Do you have any trophies at your house? We have a few – soccer, baseball, hockey and even a bowling trophy or two! What is the purpose of a trophy? It is a symbol of an accomplishment for the one who has it. We don’t worship the trophy (in fact, the trophies we have a rather inexpensive and cheaply made) in itself. Rather, when we see a trophy we honor the person who holds the trophy.
God’s words, taken from Ephesians 1:4-6, tell us in love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. You see, that’s what God was doing in Margaret’s life – making her a trophy of His grace.
When she was born on February 23, 1948, God’s plan for her was the same as it is for each believer – to display through her the glory of His grace. This goal was not altered by cancer this past year. In fact, it was accomplished through it – until when on Monday night, God said to Margaret, “Come on home.” And now, she will for the rest of our lives serve us as a trophy of God’s grace.
The Grace of God: His kindness towards those who are hopeless and helpless.
Simply put, God’s grace is His kindness toward those who are hopeless and helpless.
In Paul’s words, God’s grace is that God “has blessed [Christians] with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” (Eph 1:3)
Understand, though, that grace is undeserved – it is God’s kindness toward those who are hopeless and helpless. Grace recognizes that Christians deserve nothing and yet, get everything. God’s kindness is shown in a general way to all creation and it is shown in a special way to all who are His children.
Christians are trophies of God’s grace because God’s grace is displayed in their lives.
You say, how was God making Margaret into a trophy of His grace? She, along with all believers, became a trophy of God’s grace by God displaying His grace in her life.
Christians are saved by God’s Grace.
Each of us here today must realize that we are truly hopeless in and of ourselves. We don’t deserve God’s kindness. In fact, the very next chapter of God’s Word shows us our natural condition.
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. (Eph 2:1-3)
We are born sinners. We are spiritually dead and are disobedient to God (v. 1-2). Because of our sin, we face God’s wrath. (v 3) In this condition there is nothing we can do to earn God’s favor. No amount of good things – good deeds, giving money to the poor, church attendance – can gain favor with God.
Regarding this, God’s Word says, now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness. (Rom 4:4-5)
To be saved then, you must recognize your hopeless condition – and turn to the One who can save you.
The first two words of Eph 2:4 are “but God”. God took the initiative to remedy of our hopeless condition – by His grace.
In the kindness of God, He sent His Son to pay the penalty of sin we deserve. You see, sin must be punished. In Jesus’ coming to earth, living a sinless life and being put to death to face God’s wrath for our sins, he paid the price for my sin and yours.
For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly for one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom 5:6-8)
Now, each of us faces a decision. In what will we trust to obtain eternal life? Will we trust in our own good deeds or in Christ’s finished work on the cross? To have eternal life, you must repent of our sins and trust Christ’s finished work alone.
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Eph 2:8-9)
If you acknowledge your sinfulness and understand that you are unable to save yourself, turn from your sin and call out to God in faith, trusting Christ’s payment for your sin, and ask God to save you today. That’s what Margaret did many years ago. God saved her and made her a trophy of His grace. He will do the same for you.
Christians are sustained by God’s Grace.
The Christian’s life of faith requires great effort. The trials of living in a sin-cursed world seem overwhelming at times. We wonder how we will ever face another day. And yet, it is God’s grace which sustains us. His kindness toward those who are hopeless and helpless is His grace. He sustains those who are helpless with His guidance and His strength.
Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand. With Your counsel You will guide me, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:23-26)
When you face times of uncertainty and don’t know what do to you can always turn to the Lord and through the truth of His Word, He will sustain you with His guidance.
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary. (Is 40:28-31)
You don’t have to face this life alone! If you are a Christian, the writer of Hebrews reminds us that we can ask God to for the grace we need to meet the challenges of life: therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Heb 4:16)
Margaret would be the first to tell you that she didn’t think she some sort of a super-Christian. She was just a regular person. But in the battle with cancer she faced, she became a trophy of God’s grace in displaying how God sustains those who simply trust Him.
Christians are trophies of God’s grace because God’s grace is ministered through their lives.
Paul reminds us in Eph 4:29 to be careful how we speak - Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. In giving us this warning, he says that our speech can “give grace to those who hear.”
Christians become the ministers of grace. That is, through our speech and life of encouragement, we become a conduit for God’s enabling and encouraging grace.
When we display God’s grace in our lives and communicate it to others, God uses us to enable others to live a life of faith.
For the rest of my life, Margaret McFadden, as a trophy of God’s grace, will minister to me. Her quiet, steady life of faith-filled commitment, even in the most difficult circumstances of physical suffering, will speak of God’s grace to me.
She is a trophy of God’s grace!
My friend, what are you trusting in today for your salvation? You can’t work for heaven and you cannot merit eternal life. You must turn from your sin and trust in Christ alone – God’s grace alone for your salvation. If today’s funeral were to be for you, would you be in heaven today? You can know for sure if you will respond to God’s offer of salvation in repentance and faith. I know that I would love to speak with you following this funeral service if you have more questions. I know the McFaddens would be honored to do the same. Trust him today.
Christian, are you facing difficulties and pressures? God promises to sustain you by His grace. Come to him and ask Him to help you. Believe His Word and walk in it – even if you don’t know all the answers. He will strengthen and guide you. Then, as you learn of God’s grace, minister it to others. You don’t have to stand in a pulpit like this one. Wherever you are, simply testify of God’s work and show your commitment to Him. You’ll never know the influence God will give you as you simply minister His grace.
1 comment:
Thanks. We'll miss you guys too. Who knows, maybe we'll give you a call while you're at the game so we can feel like we're with you in spirit. :)
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