Funeral Lesson 2

I. Introduction
   A. Thank you for coming
   B. Remembering those who have passed on
   C. Let us remember them as they would want us to remember them
      1. in life
      2. in strength
      3. in happiness
   D. The memories of them that you cherish will preserve them

II. Our Purpose Today
   A. We're here, of course, to remember those who have passed on
      1. Cherish the memories
      2. Have some closure
      3. Say "goodbye"
   B. In reality, of course, we are here for our own good
      1. The dead have passed on, and while we honor them, we have 
         a service like this so that we can reflect-- it's for us
      2. This is when we have the recognition that just as they 
         have passed on, we must pass on at some point ourselves
   C. We don't like to think about death
      1. Our society doesn't do well with death-- we don't like 
         to think or talk about it
      2. Nevertheless, it is something we all must suffer 
         (Genesis 3:19)
      3. All we can do is be prepared for death
   D. Physical Preparation
      1. We must be physically ready, of course
      2. We must cherish the life that we have remaining, and 
         cherish our relationships that we have with family and 
         friends as long as we can have them
      3. We need to make sure to minimize the regrets on all 
         levels
   E. Spiritual Preparation
      1. Spiritual preparation for death is also necessary
      2. As it is written in Ecclesiastes 12:7, our bodies 
         return to the earth, but our souls return to God who 
         gave it
      3. Are we spiritually prepared for that journey?  Have we 
         made ourselves right not only with family and friends 
         but also with God?
   F. If we can help you in any way, let us know