O Death, Where Is Your Victory?

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” I Corinthians 15:55-57

Today at Wintersburg, we will have a Celebration Of Life for Chik Furuta. Funeral services are often the most difficult tasks that I have to perform as a minister. What makes it difficult is that I am not always sure whether the person who has died has received Christ or not.

I give thanks that Chik did receive Christ. Before he passed he shared with me that he became a member of WPC just before Pastor Hibino arrived in 1990.

In my message today, I will remind the family and those who attend of the great hope that we have as Christians. Because of the resurrection of Jesus that we celebrated last Sunday, I know that Chik is in heaven. One of the great blessings of the Christian faith is the hope that extends beyond the grave into the glory of God’s tomorrow. The grave has been conquered so that grief can be turned to joy, sorrow to comfort, and the fear of death to peace.

Thought For Today. I Corinthians 15:55-57 tells us that we have won a victory through Christ. Do you fear death or do you have the joy, comfort, and peace that you will be with God in heaven? Have you received Christ?

Today’s Prayer Focus: Pray for the Furuta family as they continue to mourn Chik’s passing. Pray that the message of the gospel will be clearly proclaimed today. Pray also for others in need of God’s comfort and healing. Deo Volente.