To Live Is Christ, To Die Is Gain: The Christian's Hope
Text: Matthew 5:1-12 In the name of Jesus. Amen. Today, on All Saints Day, we remember the departed baptized saints—those who have died in the faith. Their time of pilgrimage in this valley of tears – called life - has come to an end, and now they rest with Christ, awaiting the resurrection. But as we consider their lives and their deaths, we must be careful not to fall into the trap of so many modern-day eulogies. Yes, eulogies. You know what I am talking about, the well-meaning kind of eulogies that are often read at funerals that highlight all the good in a person’s life—their kindness, their sense of humor, their hard work, their love for their family, and so forth. Now, please do not misunderstand me, these eulogies are not bad. That is to say; we should thank God for all the good that our loved ones were able to give and receive. So, that begs the question: what’s the problem then? The problem is that these eulogies inadvertently do something: they overloo...
