Msg #2318 A Commencement Celebration

What The Bible Says

Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

We love spring time because new life begins to “commence” all around us. We will likely attend some “Commencement” ceremonies this spring. “Commence” is a verb meaning to begin to be, or to have first existence. “Commencement” is a noun meaning a rise, origin, or first existence. It is generally a day in which degrees are publicly conferred on students who have finished collegiate education. On one day this week we had two commencements; our grandson graduated from Bible College, Praise the Lord; and a precious old saint of our church went home to be with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Both were commencements, where objectives were achieved, the course was finished, and a new phase of life began. We are all pretty familiar with the commencement ceremonies for a graduate, they are a great blessing. We may be uneasy or unfamiliar calling a death and a funeral service a commencement.

Man does not “have” a soul, man “is” a soul; and for a short time here on earth we have a body to live in. For the born-again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, when the soul leaves the body, the Holy Bible promises, “Behold, I shew you a mystery; ... this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality” and again “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.(1Cor.15:51-53, 1Thes.4:13-14). This spring make sure you and your loved ones are as “saved” as John 3:16-18 can get you, and that you are ready for that final commencement.

An Essay for week #18 - Apr 30, 2023

Msg in audio at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/audio/gs230430.mp3

A GSBC Baptist Last Rites Video at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/video

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A weekly 300 word essay- The Penny Pulpit
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