"Do You Believe This?" Funeral Sermon for Jayne Ruschmeyer

Jayne's story reminds us that while our bodies fade like dust, our inner selves are daily renewed by grace alone, leading to eternal glory where sorrow gives way to joy in the presence of our Savior.

Listen to find encouragement in God's promises, as the Holy Spirit works through Word and Sacrament to sustain us until we see Jesus face to face. This episode points to the cross and empty tomb as the source of true peace, inviting all to rest in Christ's finished work.

Key Takeaways:

• The Gospel provides strength to the weary, renewing us inwardly even as our bodies weaken, through faith in Christ's promises.
• True hope endures all trials, rooted not in our efforts but in Jesus' death and resurrection for our salvation.
• We are all fragile like dust due to sin, but God offers eternal life as a free gift, turning our last breath into the first of glory.
• Fixing our eyes on unseen eternal realities, rather than temporary troubles, brings assurance of resurrection and reunion with the saints.
• Jayne's faith exemplifies how the Holy Spirit sustains believers through prayer, Scripture, and the Lord's Supper until heaven.
• Mourning with hope means trusting Jesus as the resurrection and the life, who guarantees our bodies will rise in glory.

Scripture References:

1. Isaiah 40:30-31 - Even youths grow weary, but those who wait on the Lord renew their strength, soaring on wings like eagles through God's grace.
2. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 - Though our outer self wastes away, our inner self is renewed day by day, focusing on eternal glory that outweighs all affliction, given by Christ.
3. John 11:25-26 - Jesus declares, "I am the resurrection and the life," promising that believers live eternally, even after death, through faith in Him alone.

Links and Calls to Action:

• Visit our website: St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Gibbon, MN for more sermons, events, and resources.
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• Join us in person! We invite you to worship with our faith community at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Gibbon, Minnesota—come experience the Means of Grace and fellowship in Christ. Share this episode with someone needing hope today!