No Disappointment
Grandes lignes: Dramatic type. Woman listening to Christian funeral service and her reaction. Includes the singing of a meaningful hymn. Intended for Catholics. Should be re-written if theme considered useful.
Numéro de texte: 158
Lieu: English
Thème: Christ (Saviour of Sinful Men); Eternal life (Rest for our souls, Heaven); Life event (Death)
Audience: General
Style: Dialog
Genre: Messages and Fiction
Objectif: Evangelism
Citation biblique: Extensive
Statut: Obsolete
Corps du texte
YOUNG WOMAN SPEAKING: One of the faithful believers just died, a young man. Let's go to the funeral and see what they do. Death frightens me. They are bowing their heads in prayer. They are not wailing or screaming. Observe the mother - she is crying softly but there is a look of peace on her face. Hear that beautiful song. (If possible sing a stanza of "There's No Disappointment in Heaven" or another song about heaven). It makes me feel like crying. I wish I could believe that way. That man holding the Bible in his hand is starting to talk, Shhhhh.
MAN'S VOICE: In His Word, God tells us that we believers should not mourn as those who have no hope. Hear the words of Jesus regarding the place where our young brother has gone. "Father, I will that they also whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am." "In my Father's house are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you, that where I am, there you may be also. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes unto the Father but by Me." The Apostle Paul says, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. I desire to be with Christ, which is far better." Now, we know that the one whose body is here before us today is actually in the presence of Christ, because he was saved and ready to go, but if there is one here today who has not surrendered his heart to Christ, your sins are still separating you from God and His love. He says, "Come unto Me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
YOUNG WOMAN: I feel like he is looking right at me. They are all passing up to see the body. Let's follow... (Pause) Did you notice his face? It looked like he knew where he was going. (Pause 5 sec. - birds)
Isn't it beautiful out here on the hill where they are going to bury him! The birds are singing, the flowers are lovely - it doesn't seem like a funeral.
MAN'S VOICE: Listen...Jesus said, "I am the Resurrection and the Life; He who believes in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live, and whosoever lives and believes in Me, shall never die. Do you believe this?"
YOUNG WOMAN: Now it is the end of his earthly life. They have lowered the coffin into the earth, but it is not the end. It is the beginning for him, and for me too, for I now believe. (Chorus of "There's No Disappointment in Heaven." or chorus about heaven.)
References: John 17:24; Matt. 11:28; John 14:2, 6; John 11:25; Phil. 1:21, 23.