September 12, 2015 (Saturday)
Last week I conducted a funeral service for Gladys Wagner, today we have a service for Alie Mae Washburn, and tomorrow, Kenneth Euton. Each of these families asked me to take part in the services because of my long-time friendship with each of these dear people. I knew each of them around 50 years.
Based on their testimonies and the teachings of the Bible, I believe each of them is in Heaven today, and that belief is a strong source of comfort.
I have other friends and family for whom I am praying. My prayer is that they accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.
I retired from a long pastorate nearly 20 years ago, and since that time I have continued to preach, so I suppose I am not fully retired. Most of all, I have not retired from my faith. What a comfort it is for me and my loved ones to have assurance of eternal life in Christ. This blessing is available to everyone. Here’s what the Bible says: “whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17b KJV).
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile–the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:9-13 NIV).