Eli Hatcher’s Funeral
Reflection on preaching at the funeral of Eli Hatcher, an eight-year-old boy.The feeling of everyone expecting an answer to “why.”Acknowledging the inability to explain certain things, like why young people die or why bad things happen to good people.Sustaining belief anchored in the blood of Jesus.Reliance on the grace of God and the Holy Spirit.Scripture References
Mark 2:1 – Jesus in Capernaum, news spreading that he was in the house.Mark 9:33 – Jesus in Capernaum asking what the disciples were arguing about in the house.Mark 10:10 – Disciples asking Jesus about a matter in the house.Mark 14:3 – Jesus in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper.2 Chronicles 5:14 – Priests unable to minister because the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.The Glory of God in the House
Desire for God’s glory.Moses’ experience on the mountain, wanting to see God’s glory.God allowed Moses to see a portion of His glory.Moses’ face glowed, making it difficult for others to look at him.Comfort in God’s promise to meet where two or three are gathered.The need for God’s glory to change lives and save people.Solomon’s dedication to building an elaborate temple for God’s presence.Solomon’s Preparation for God’s Glory
AssemblingPeople came together, making an effort to be present.COVID-19 pandemic and church closures.Closing the church for five months was a mistake.Trusting God in the midst of uncertainty.Importance of physical presence in the church.Online streaming is beneficial for those unable to attend.Those who are part of the church should prioritize being there in person.Experiencing God in person.God is an “in-person kind of God.”Nothing better than being in God’s house.Looking forward to the Holy Ghost’s presence.Talented singers and musicians in the congregation.The importance of God’s presence over talent alone.Need for more of God, not more of the world.References to Jesus going into houses in the book of Mark.Woman with the issue of blood.When people gather and seek God, He will show up.Encouragement to attend services despite scheduling difficulties.Praying for those who listen online to be convicted and drawn to the church.Nehemiah and Ezra gathering people in the street, resulting in God’s presence.God showing up in the midst of a “ragtag” group.Promise of God being in the midst when people gather.Sacrificing/RepentingKing Solomon and the congregation sacrificed sheep and oxen.The need for repentance before God’s glory can manifest.Acknowledging and repenting of sins.Living in sin alienates individuals from God’s presence.Sacrifice of a broken heart and a contrite spirit.Sacrificing sheep and oxen.The number of sacrifices was so great it couldn’t be counted.Sinful nature of people.Need for help to maintain fellowship with God.People choosing to live in sin and avoid the church.Feeling singled out by God when the glory falls.Encouragement to return to church and then get right with God.The Holy Ghost doesn’t play favorites or mess around with sin.Being present is not enough; sacrifice is necessary.Compromise with sin drains the power of churches.Turning and repenting is the only response to sin.Desire to see people get right with God during worship.Strategic surgery to remove things that hinder fellowship with God.Placing the Promises of God in the Rightful PlaceThe priests brought in the Ark of the Covenant.The Ark contained the tables of stone (Word of God).After repentance, the promises of God should be honored.The Word of God should be the highest priority.The reason God calls men is so there could be no boasting.Exalting the Word of God.The Word of God is above all.It trumps opinions and stands firm.Making Jesus greater than anyone else.WorshipTrumpeters and singers making one sound to praise and thank the Lord.Lifting up voices with instruments and praising the Lord.The house was filled with a cloud.Worship is vital.Worship is praising the Lord and thanking Him.Raising hands and expressing agreement during preaching.Repentance leads to worship.Using talents to make a joyful noise unto the Lord.Worship is praising the Lord and thanking Him.Worship is not limited to skilled singers.Everyone has the privilege to worship.Worship is a key component to seeing God’s glory fill the house.The priests were pushed out by the cloud.Conclusion
The need for God’s glory in the church.Being present, getting right with God, and becoming holy.Desire to see people get right with God, exalt Christ, and worship Him.The glory of the Lord filling the house of God.The glory got so big those that would stand to minister just got out of the way.The need for a greater magnitude of glory.Meeting the conditions for experiencing God’s glory.God is worthy of praise.
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