Sermon Tone Analysis

WOODARD, MARTHA

Good morning, I want to thank you for being here, and on behalf of the family, thank you for being here.

INTRO BIBLE VERSE-

We are here to celebrate the life of Martha Woodard... not only her earthly life, but to celebrate the joy that she has now in the presence of her Savior.

On Sunday December 17th at the age of 87, Martha went to be with the Lord, passing away peacefully with family by her side.

She is survived by her son Ronnie Woodard (Kim) of Gainesville, daughter Brenda Carr (David) of High Springs, six grandchildren, one great-grandchild, her sister Joy Farr (Wayne) of Newberry, and many nieces and nephews and 3 sisters-in-law.

Here today we are gathered together as family and friends, those who love and were impacted by Martha’s life.

On Sunday December 17th at the age of 87, Martha went to be with the Lord, passing away peacefully with family by her side.

She is survived by her son Ronnie Woodard (Kim) of Gainesville, daughter Brenda Carr (David) of High Springs, six grandchildren, one great-grandchild, her sister Joy Farr (Wayne) of Newberry, and many nieces and nephews and 3 sisters-in-law.

Here today we are gathered together as family and friends, those who love and were impacted by Martha’s life.

We are here to celebrate not only her earthly life, but to celebrate the life that she has now in the presence of her Savior.

On Sunday December 17th at the age of 87, Martha went to be with the Lord, passing away peacefully with family by her side.

She is survived by her son Ronnie Woodard (Kim) of Gainesville, daughter Brenda Carr (David) of High Springs, six grandchildren, one great-grandchild, her sister Joy Farr (Wayne) of Newberry, and many nieces and nephews and 3 sisters-in-law.

Here today we are gathered together as family and friends, those who love and were impacted by Martha’s life.

We are here to celebrate not only her earthly life, but to celebrate the life that she has now in the presence of her Savior.

PRAY- Praise and comfort.

SONG

Brother David

SONG

Message

“If someone dies will they live again?”

“25 But I know my living Redeemer, v

and He will stand on the dust at last.

y

26 Even after my skin has been destroyed,

yet I will see God in my flesh.

27 I will see Him myself;

my eyes will look at Him, and not as a stranger.

My heart longs within me.

[1]

Great comfort can be found in these promises.

About Martha

I want to thank you for being here today.

There were many who cared about Genie. it would seem passed too early, at the age 62.

She was known for her kindness.

She enjoyed life, traveling, loved the beach, and enjoyed Gator sports.

She was easy-going and could get along with pretty much anybody.

For this reason she had many friends.

Kathryne described her as “the type of person who attracted many great friends, but she also had the personality to put up with all of them.”

She loved her friends.

One of the primary reasons she chose to go through these last rounds of radiation was so that she could talk to her friends before she passed.

Because of Jesus, and the fact that Martha was a believer in Him, we have great confidence in where she is today.

It is us, not her that needs the encouragement from God’s word.

,

Background- The sisters had sent for Jesus because their brother was sick.

Jesus didn’t come as fast as they would have liked and their brother died.

Notice the Sisters Response

The sisters grieve for their “brother.”

V. 19-21, 31-32

Why were they grieving, because this was their “brother.”

His life had meant something to them and now he had passed away.

During her life, Mrs. Martha made such an impact on so many.

She is not just Mrs. Woodard to so many of you.

She is a loving mother, a caring Grandmother and Great-grandmother, a sister, an aunt, a trusted friend, a committed sister in Christ.

o Genie is a sister, a daughter, an aunt, a friend.

The Sisters ask in effect, “Why” v 21, 32

The question “why” is normal to ask.

The truth is, no matter what age, when death comes, for those of us left behind, there needs to be something in us that recognizes that this isn’t right.

We don’t just need to ask the question “why,” when someone who is relatively young dies.

Some people think that 87 is old.

“Your young and you have a lot to learn.”

It is true that death should never “feel” right.

Creation, there was no death.

Death is not natural, it may be normal, but its not natural.

o Some people think that 87 is old.

“Your young and you have a lot to learn.”

The “Why” of the sisters went deeper though, as they both asked “Why weren’t you there” It seems that they were saying, Jesus if you had cared, you would have been there, and stopped this.

Notice Jesus’ Care for the Sisters VV 33-35

o “Jesus wept” v. 35

Mrs. Martha cared about her family, her church family, She cared about those at North Central as well.

her friends.

She cared so much about those around her.

If you’re grieving, Mrs. Martha would want you to know Jesus’ care for you.

Christmas-

Yes he cares for you, but there is more, because it points out that this is not the end.

And he raised Lazarus.

Notice the Plan

· It is tempting to approach these times with no hope.

V. 32

It is tempting to approach these times with no hope.

V. 32

o Remove the stone v. 39… but its too late.

it’s been four days

o Come out Lazarus.

V. 43

The Plan is also for every believer in Christ.

It is for Mrs. Martha even now.

This isn’t over...

She believed it.

She reminisced at her years at North Central, cooking.

She talked about those days and how so many of her friends had already gone to be with the Lord.

I asked her, Do you think there will be a kitchen in heaven, she said, “I know there will be!”

The plan was for all to see the glory of God, and his glory is seen as death is overcome!

John 11:

o There is hope in Christ… cherish the promises… v. 25

GOSPEL

Conclusion: Her SMILE, her hugs.

“I love Jesus and I can’t wait to put my arms around Him.

I think He’s already got his arms around me”

.

“In your presence is fullness of joy; In your right hand there are pleasures forever”

Gospel

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