Message: “SERVICE – Hope Beyond the Grave” from Zach Schlegel

Genesis 23:1-20

Introduction

Would you rather attend a birthday party or a funeral? Would you rather stand at the graveside of a loved one or go to the hospital to see a newborn baby? The preacher in Ecclesiastes says a funeral is better than a party because a funeral is a better teacher. (Ecc 7:2) Death is a great perspective giver. The day before your funeral, all the things that you care about, the grudges that you’ve held, the bank account that you worry about, the recognition you crave will not matter. What will matter is a good name. We want to be remembered as someone who lived their life for the glory of God. What will matter most is what God says about us.

The problem is that we know that we can have the pleasure, the comforts, the security, and the applause that the world offers us right now. The world tells us that we don’t have to wait. Believing God’s promise and living by faith means waiting. How can we be confident that there is a heavenly home for us? If there is no resurrection, we have no hope. (1 Corinthians 15:12-19) We KNOW there is a land somewhere - a city not made by hands, but by God. How do we know? How can we be sure that living by faith will not be wrong? Sometimes we feel like we are on the losing team. Can we be sure that God is preparing a place for us?

Sermon Outline

1. Accept a sojourner's grief. Vs. 1 - 4
2. Rejoice in a sojourner's hope. Vs. 5-20

Scripture References: Genesis 23:1-20

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From Series: "From Creation to New Creation - Genesis"

Worship Bulletin     Sermon-Discussion-Guide-Genesis 23:1-20