Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Not Death a poem for Sis Petty

We lost a sweet sister in the Lord today it was sudden and unexpected. We are left sad at our loss of Joy Petty but we can still rejoice for at times like this we know that it is the grace of God that gives us a hope of eternity and a surety of seeing her again.

In her memory I dedicate this poem not written by me and I don't know the author but use it often for the funerals I preach. It states very strongly what we believe about death and eternity because of Jesus Christ.  God be with you till we meet again, Sister Petty.

Death is not death if it kills no part of us, save that which hindered us from perfect life.
Death is not death if it raises us in a moment from darkness into light, from weakness into strength, from sinfulness into holiness.
Death is not death if it brings us nearer to Christ, who is the fount of life.
Death is not death if it perfects our faith by sight and lets us behold him in whom we have believed.
Death is not death if it gives us to those whom we have loved and lost, for whom we have lived, for whom we long to live again.
Death is not death if it rids us of doubt and fear, of chance and change, of space and time, and all which space and time bring forth and then destroy.
Death is not death, for Christ has conquered death for himself and for those who trust in him.

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