you you you. Yeah. ♪ ♪ so so you ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ You. ¶ ¶ ♪ ♪ the the Amen. Amen. Amen. So, Amen. ♪ ♪ ¶ ¶ ♪ ♪ Amen. Amen. you You may be seated. On behalf of the family, I want to thank you all for coming today and also for the many that are joining us, I'm sure, online. Your family is grateful for your presence, the acknowledgement of your love, and your prayers for them during this time of sorrow and loss. And to the family, John, Rachel, Rhiannon, Joe, David, Teresa, Rebecca and Randy, Johanna, Jared, Andrew, Aaron, Mother and father could not be here today and a brother also. While watching online. To all of you. On behalf of us gathered today and. On behalf of many, many more. Assured us of their presence online and their prayers. We bring you heartfelt greetings. I can with confidence. Assure all of you that you have been. And will continue to be in our prayers and in our thoughts, not only today, but in the days that are ahead. You're loved. We sorrow with you the loss of this dear one that was precious to us and more precious to you. And yet we rejoice with you at the certain promise that those that are his are absent from the body and present with the Lord. Kim is released from suffering. She is released from mortality. And she's released from the presence of sin. So we're gathered here today to pay our respects and to remember with thankfulness the life of Kim Renee Wagner. And while today there may be joys and memories, perhaps even moments of smiles and laughter mingled in with our remembrances of Kim. Nonetheless, this is primarily a solemn occasion. The scriptures speak to us very directly about it. It's better to go to the house of mourning than to the house of feasting. But that's the end of all men, and the living will lay it to his heart. We could gather today for a party We could gather today for any other type of celebration and not have thoughts of eternity. But we can't gather at a house of mourning without thoughts of eternity. Thankfully, in Kim's case, thoughts of eternity do not bring sorrow but rather joy. But we sorrow, but not as those that have no hope. The only sorrows today belong to those of us that lose her. For the remainder of this life, which God informs us, has but the duration of a vapor. Kim is today rejoicing in the presence of her risen Savior. And our prayer is, as we begin this service today, that all of our thoughts, all of our meditations, but we're down to the glory of that savior. Let's do bow our heads and our hearts together as we begin today in a word of prayer. Our heavenly father, we come with such mingled thoughts and feelings and we're grateful to know that our savior feels the same. It is far more than a piece of Bible trivia that we learn and teach at times our children the shortest verse in the Bible. Jesus wept as he stood by the grave of a dear one. And so we today take confidence in that one who can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities. And so we ask your blessing and your help today as we gather together and remember this dear one to us and this dear one to you. Prosperous. Lord, have a word in season for all of our needy hearts, we pray in Jesus' worthy name. Amen. I'm gonna ask you to take your hymnal and turn, if you would, to hymn number 641. Number 641, and let's stand together as we sing. ♪ The sons of Zion are singing ♪ ♪ The God of heaven and grace ♪ ♪ The sovereign Lord, our Savior, have mercy ♪ O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming? The distant well of God. The streams of earth I've tasted, for deep I'll drink of God. There to an ocean's coldness is mercy. ♪ And glory, glory to the newborn King! ♪ ♪ And glory, glory to the newborn King! ♪ O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? He brings a poor life's savior into his house of pride. I stand upon his merit. I know no other stand. Not even God. ♪ And will my days have glory ♪ ♪ God Almighty the praise ♪ ♪ I am a proudly women ♪ You may be seated. Our scripture reading comes from the New Testament scriptures in the epistle of Paul to the Romans, chapter 8, beginning at the 28th verse. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called. And whom he called, them he also justified. And whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own son, but delivered him up for us all. How shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea, rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, for thy sake we are killed all the day long. We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. I've been asked today, in the absence of our current moderator, Reverend Jeff Bannister, to bring greetings and condolences from the Presbytery. Brother Bannister, along with many others, is very sorrowful not to be able to be present today. He has a wedding in Wisconsin. So I do bring you greetings, and again, especially to the family. Greetings from co-laborers and those of like precious faith. Kim and John and their family belong to a unique group of first-generation church planters in our denomination. That certainly brought its shares of challenges and even tears, but it also brought times of remarkable blessing. In the early years, with little need for long presbytery meetings, even longer committee meetings, weeks of prayer were more like weeks of family camp than business meetings. So in addition to the minister's prayer times, our children played together, made lifelong friends. Our wives spent sweet hours of fellowship together in their own prayer times. I personally became worried at one point when we met our wives after one of their prayer meetings. As was often the case, there were smiles and even laughter that were mingled with tears that were still fresh on their faces. Once they had handkerchiefs in their hand, they'd been waving, I think, for some purpose. It became evident finally they hadn't really gone charismatic, but those were some precious times. But Kim, among all of the minister's wives, was known as an exemplary minister's wife. And while those annual weeks of prayer were precious and sweet times of fellowship, those seasons were really just the down times for Kim. Kim was a loving helpmate for John, gracious mother to seven children, faithful pastor's wife to two congregations, a dedicated homeschool teacher, college prep counselor, a wonderful hostess, and a hospitable friend to all. Most recently, a proud grandmother, 11 grandchildren. But in all these areas of service and many more, some seen and many unseen, Kim exemplified her savior, the great and true servant of the Lord. And so from the presbytery perspective and the other ministers' wives, what memories of her gentle spirit, her kind words, notes of encouragement, and her warm, consistent smile. All within the presbytery can bear testimony to the grace she showed, certainly before, but especially after receiving news of the awful disease that would and did finally take her. From one perspective, you could say she had to set ministry aside in these recent years. So no more Sunday school lessons, no more meals to prepare for guests, no more hosting gatherings. And yet, perhaps in deeper and more impactful ways, she has ministered to us in these recent years. She showed us loving fidelity to a kind savior in the midst of quite difficult providences. She exemplified Calper's affirmation that behind a frowning providence, He hides a smiling face. Kim honored her savior. And so today we remember and honor her. On behalf of the Presbytery, all of our various congregations, we join you today in your sorrows, your memories, your rejoicings and, thankfully, in your anticipations for being in her presence yet again. I wish to thank my very dear friend and brother in Christ, the Reverend John Wagner, for giving me, at this sad time, the opportunity to have a part in this funeral service in the form of paying tribute to his beloved wife. Initially, the plan was that I would be present with you today to preach God's Word. Quite some time ago, in Mrs. Wagner's health, began to show signs of serious decline, Reverend Wagner asked me if I would consider traveling across to the U.S. to conduct her funeral. Sometime afterwards, he talked matters over with his dear wife, and she also desired that I would bring God's message on this occasion. I was deeply moved at such a request, for it came from a beloved Christian couple with whom I and my wife, Joan, have enjoyed the deepest and closest friendship over all these 38 years since we first met. The prospect of ministering to the bereaved is never easy, but it becomes exceedingly difficult when the deceased is one with whom very close personal and Christian bonds have been forged as we labored together in the cause of Christ, bonds that have remained for such a long time. However, I can send it to the request and ever since have been preparing myself spiritually, mentally, and emotionally to travel across the Atlantic to minister at the funeral of our beloved sister in Christ. However, as you are aware, travel restrictions due to the pandemic have made it impossible for me to be with you today. For me, this is a matter of disappointment and regret, as I have already intimated why the thought of being physically present to minister on this sad occasion had been daunting, yet the disappointment of not being present is intense and very deep. I wanted to be by the side of the man who is my dearest friend among many dear friends, as he says his final earthly farewell to his beloved Kim. To be present to stand by you, John, and support you in person when your heart is breaking. But together we bow to the will of the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort, who has sovereignly and for his own good reasons not permitted me to be present at Kim's funeral service. In passing, I wish to put on record my gratitude for the strenuous efforts of all the friends who have done their utmost, and especially Mrs. Judy Brown, to find a way for me to travel though these efforts have not been successful. I deeply appreciate their endeavors and publicly thank them. Nonetheless, I am thankful, John, that you have given me the opportunity to share today in the form of delivering a tribute to Kim. I trust that what I now proceed to say will encourage and comfort your heart, the hearts of your children, and grandchildren and the hearts of the entire family circle. As already indicated, it was over 38 years ago that friendship with the Wagners began. So it is in the context of those 38 years that I wish to bring this tribute to my dear sister Kim. I first came to know Kim as her pastor. I noted at once that she was a special person, possessed of outstanding qualities, and time would not permit me today to pay testimony to the many attributes that characterized her, her modesty, her wisdom, her sweet spirit, and her love for Christ. But one feature that was dominant was her friendliness and her friendship. In mentioning these 38 years, I would quote the words of my wife Joan, words that she sent a few months ago when Mrs. Wagner was very ill and was celebrating her 63rd birthday. And in that message, my wife wrote, dear Kim, it's exactly 38 years since we first met. You are such a faithful friend. and I am greatly blessed to know you, even though we live so far apart. I hope you have a wonderful birthday. May the Lord bless you." And then a reference from Isaiah 26, three and four, and signed off with these words, with love from Joan. In a real sense, my wife's words sum up the opinion of all who knew Kim. as a person and were her friends. You are such a faithful friend, and I am greatly blessed to know you." That quality of friendship radiated from Mrs. Wagner's personality. And this is the testimony of countless people who came to know her. Her friendship was genuine, it was consistent, and it was prevailing. and that it won over those who became acquainted with her. But why such a strong quality in her character in life as friendship? And the answer is because she was so like her Savior. In Matthew 11, 19, we have the words of Christ's enemies who sought to impugn his character, but unwittingly they spoke the truth. Behold a man, a friend of sinners." Kim Wagner was saved as a young girl of 13. She grew in grace. She loved her Savior, and she was like her Savior, and through her Christian life was conformed into His image. Thus, along with all the attributes that shone out of her as a person, the quality of friendship was outstanding. Kim was born on March the 18th, 1958, in the state of Florida. At the age of 18, she entered Bob Jones University, graduating in 1980 with a B.S. in Home Economics. It was during her time in B.J. that she met John, and in 1981 they were married. on the 30th of May, 1981. They set up home together, and they sought to serve the Lord. They moved to Pensacola, New Jersey, and taught in a Christian school for some time. In 1983, making contact with the Free Presbyterian Congregation in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, which I had become the minister shortly before, they moved to support the Lord's cause in that fledgling congregation. Later, Mr. Wagner felt the call to prepare for gospel ministry. And so there began for Kim many years of service as a pastor's wife. She was made and molded by the Lord for that role. As her minister for a time, I could see that the Lord was preparing her for the peculiar sacrifice and labor that a gospel minister's wife must execute. I believe it true to say that from a human perspective, Kim's role in serving with her husband was marked by faithfulness of the most commendable kind. when John began his studies and went through those studies, when he moved back to Pennsylvania to serve with me as an intern for a year, when he pioneered and pastored the churches in Orlando and Columbia, there was a faithful godly wife always by his side to pray, to encourage, to labor with him, and to do it all in a fashion that was never intrusive or never caused God's servant any difficulties. The Lord alone knows the precise details of the labors of Kim Wagner during those years, and already she has heard his well done and has entered the bliss that is encapsulated in Revelation 14, 13, blessed are the dead. which die in the Lord, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them. The Lord gave John and Kim seven children, Rachel, Rhiannon, David, Rebecca, Johanna, Andrew, and Aaron. Between the Widener children and my own, there were close ties that remain to this day. In the early years of my pastorate in Newtown Square, we were so thankful that there was another couple of similar age who, like us, were blessed with little ones in rapid succession. I would thank the Wagner children for what they meant to my family during those years that we lived in the United States. I can say today that Kim Wagner loved her children intensely. Undoubtedly, she poured herself, body and soul, into you, her children, in every possible way because she saw that her position as a parent and the mother of seven children was a calling from God to carry through diligently. She was an example of biblical motherhood as is presented in Proverbs 31, 10 to 31, sacrificing, laboring, denying herself that her children would be the recipients of all the spiritual and temporal care that she could shower upon them, demonstrating thereby the love, the care that God himself has for those who become his children. It was in 2006 that Kim was diagnosed with the illness that eventually became the means of her departure to be with Christ. Therefore, for 15 years, this dear lady persevered under a heavy load. And to use the word in two senses, how patient she was as a patient. I believe that the best way in which to present the fact that Kim glorified her God and Savior in her long illness is by reading a few extracts from what she herself wrote in recent months, words that are a tremendous testimony to the patient submission with which she bore with her illness through all these years gone by. On December the 2nd, 2020, she brought to light and wrote down one of the passages I want to read to you on this occasion today. And it's really in the form of a prayer. And it says, my dearest father, you have not promised that I would understand all that you would bring to pass in my life. Yes, I would have wanted that. You know how much I like to be in control and in charge. I love to plan. I have seen you bring to pass in my life things that I have not wanted. I do not like trials, pain, heartache, sorrow. You've been merciful in giving me almost 15 years since my tumors were first diagnosed. You do not take my ability to walk away immediately. just little by little. You gave me time to adjust, to get accustomed to the idea, to learn how to walk with my abilities taken away slowly. I know I have not always reacted to this in ways honoring to you. Oh, please forgive me, dear Lord, but I have seen you pour in your grace again and again and I was at my lowest. And then also some words that she wrote in January of this year of 2021. And she says, I had things all planned out just as they should be. Live a long life, have a few trials, but soon to be triumphed over. But I forgot, Lord, yes, I really did. that sin is a part of who we are apart from you, a part of life, a part of the plan. Not that sin is good, no, it is never good, but it does show us how very precious and wonderful you are, the only one who can forgive, cleanse, wipe away clean the awful darkness of our souls. That sin is only useful because it drives us to the sinless one. And you'll notice today, friends, the insights that Kim was given as we have these extracts brought before us. The deep acquaintance with the Lord that she experienced in that time of suffering and illness, to be able to write in this manner, in such a fashion, that touches our hearts, and of course will bring a tear to many and I. She goes on to say this, I never realized that to be brought to the end of myself would be so good. How I've hated that process. I wanted to have it all together, Lord, It's amazing how long someone can go through life doing pretty well, or so it seems. I am thankful that you had mercy on me in my stubbornness in doing things my way. And ever so gently, you let me fall flat. And yet, you were there to pick me up and set me up again. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord upholdeth him with his right hand." Then she says, "'Thank you for letting me fall, Lord, for in that such wondrous mercy, in that you caused me to know that I really did need you, and was so dependent on you." She writes again, I love many hymns, but one that continues to speak deeply to me, especially in the last several years, is God Moves in a Mysterious Way. She goes through that hymn. She quotes the verses in her script. And she says the first two stanzas speak especially of God's sovereignty. She says, I cannot know all the ways of the events in my life, even though my flesh wants to. What I do know is that our God is king over all, working his perfect sovereign will with impeccable and beautiful design. And today I bring these extracts to you to show to you that point I was making, the patience that Mrs. Wagner displayed, that God worked into her as he brought her through her valley of suffering. And even toward the end of her time in this world, it was so clear that God had really done a tremendously deep work of conforming this dear woman to the image of his Son. And we can hear her re-echo, as it were, the words of Christ, not my will, but thine be done. We come to this point of Kim being a partaker of glory, for this is what she experienced on the morning of Thursday, June the 10th. The rock-solid fact is that she entered heaven's glory based on what we read in John 17, verse 24. Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am. that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me." On Thursday morning of last week, this petition in Christ's high priestly prayer was answered for Kim Wagner. The Father gave Kim to Christ, Christ died for her, and through his suffering for her sins, he purchased her full redemption. and desired that she would be with him in the glory above. She sees him now in all his loveliness and exalted glory. She rejoices in the midst of all the saints of the just made perfect. And nothing shall ever separate her from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus, her Lord and her Redeemer. Today, to her loved ones, and on behalf of my wife, my children, and all those in the church family in this, my country of Northern Ireland, who knew and loved Kim in the Lord, I extend sincerest sympathy. To John, her beloved husband, to Rachel, to Rhiannon and Joe, to David and Teresa, to Rebecca and Randy, to Johanna and Jared, to Andrew and to Erin, and to her grandchildren, Connor, Kate, Aidan, Charlotte, Landon, Colton, Kylie, Emerson, Kinsley, Kaya, and Brooks, and to Kim's father, Benny, her mother, Carolyn, and her brother, Ben. May the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort draw near this day and bring to your hearts the consolation that is found in the person and the work of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And may God, by His Spirit, bless His word to your hearts today that will be preached, and as my prayer, that even in the homegoing of Kim, there will be those who will be gathered into his kingdom, saved by his grace, and be brought to know the one whom Kim loved and served, and is now with in the glories above, and will be with forevermore. Amen. I'll ask if you would take your hymnal and once again turn to hymn number 60. We'll remain seated as we sing together. ♪ Lord, give me a home ♪ ♪ Where I can help others ♪ ♪ Save them from their sin ♪ ♪ Lord, oh Lord, I am blessed ♪ ♪ Lord, how I am blessed ♪ ♪ Whose broad stripes and bright stars ♪ ♪ Through the perilous fight ♪ O Thou who changest not, Thou by me. I need Thy Word. Oh. and tears for bitterness. Where is destiny? Where, great, thy victory? Thy triumph still will now abide. Oh, speak, for I close the eyes, shine through the blue, and point me to the skies. In life, in death, o'er hope, above How can it be, how can it be that God should As it came, was there a grace so full and free, from the heights of bliss to depths of woe, in lovingkindness round it flowed. O love divine, how worth it be? How can it be? How can it be? Congress tribute that it was Mrs Wagner and Wagner desire that he will be here to bring the word on this occasion. Certainly been our prayer over the last number of weeks that would come to pass, but it was not possible. And so the tremendous honor falls on me to bring the word of God in your hearing this morning. I do count it a tremendous honor, brother. Thank you for this honor. It is a privilege to bring the word because it is the words of Christ that matter on a time like this, and so we all need to hear the word of the Lord. Many of you will be aware, but some may not, that the Newtown Square congregation that was mentioned relocated to Malvern. It's that congregation that I'm now the pastor of, and there's been much prayer in that congregation for your brother, for the family circle, over the last number of years. Mrs. Stier spoke to me on the Lord's Day morning past, She recalls the first time you came into the church building in Newtown Square, a young couple, fresh and full of life, and little did she know at that point what the Lord was having in your life. We had a young couple visit us last Lord's Day, and the same thoughts go in our minds People come into the church, what will the Lord do? And so, dear brother, you and your wife have been a testimony to many as to what God can do in families for the glory of Christ and his church. It is good to folks from the Orlando Church also here. I know they've been praying for you. I'm not sure about the Columbia Church, but it's good to families from Orlando here supporting you. I've also been asked to bring greetings from the Lisburn Church. We've close ties there over the years. Lord Douglas, Reverend Higginson, the elders and congregation there pass on their sympathies and their greetings to you today. I want to turn your attention to the Colossians, Colossians chapter one, and really I want to leave with just a few words, but let me read some section, a part of the end of that first chapter of Colossians. Reverend Wagner called me probably maybe three weeks ago now and filled me in with the situation regarding the travel of Reverend Greer, and almost instantly my mind went to this text. And so let me read to you from the verse number 25, Paul is describing his ministry and he says, whereof I am made a minister according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you to fulfill the word of God. Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations but now is made manifest to his saints. And God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you. the hope of glory, whom we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. Whereunto I also labor, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. Let's bow together, please, in a word of prayer. Just ask the Lord's help as we come now to consider his word. Eternal God and our Father in heaven, We bless thee, O Lord, for thy presence in this service thus far. Thank you for the no triumph through our tears in the hymns that we've sang, for the beauty of your presence and how precious Christ is to every child of God. We thank you for the theme of grace and the knowledge that all who are saved are saved by grace. And we pray, O Lord, that as we Consider your word for a time this morning that we would rightly consider grace. Think upon it carefully and the Lord our hearts will be comforted and encouraged that we'd be challenged and the Lord Christ would have the glory as he has in manuals land may have it in our hearts right now. And so give help in the preaching and in the hearing of the word in Jesus precious name. Amen. Amen. Reverend Kimbrough, in his opening comments, has already made mention of the words of Solomon the wise man in Ecclesiastes chapter 7, where he says, it is better, it is better to go to the house of mourning than to the house of feasting, for it is the end of all men, and the living lay it to his heart. That immediately means that there is something beneficial And being in a service such as this today, it is good to be here in the eyes of God. It is for our benefit, it is for our profit. Yes, we can comfort each other. I know the family greatly appreciate your presence here. The physical presence is a tremendous comfort to those who grieve in such a time as this. And so for you to be here, it is indeed a good thing. It is good to remember the Lord's mercies. to reflect upon God's grace. As our brother mentioned, it is important that we think about eternity. As the text says, the living will lay up to his heart the end of all men. We all have this day appointed in God's sovereign plan. As I thought about the service this morning and what the Lord would say and what he would cause us to think about, I really want us to consider the subject of the power of the grace of God in the gospel. This service is a testimony of God's almighty power in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I hope you understand that. I hope you appreciate that. And if you don't, I trust you will by the end. This service testifies to the power of gospel grace and the truth of Christ and all that he's done. And so, conscious that you will not all have access, perhaps, to Bibles today, I want to give you a text that you can easily memorize. It is the words at the end of verse number 27, Christ in you, the hope of glory. Christ in you, the hope of glory. Paul is reflecting on his ministry and he suffered for the souls under his care. And he refers to a mystery, the riches of the glory of this mystery. In his writings, this mystery does not refer to something unknown, but something that has been hid, that has now been revealed by the Spirit of God. He's speaking about Christ. I'm not going to take the time to prove that now, but I ask you to accept that when he refers to the mystery. He is speaking about the gospel of Christ now revealed, not only to the Jews, but to the Gentiles, the whole world, hearing of the person of Jesus Christ. is coming as gospel, good news, to a world of sinners lost. That gospel is the truth of Christ in you, the hope of glory. That's the good news. So let me begin by reminding you and perhaps instructing some that the gospel of good news is the gospel in the experience of the believer, Christ in you. The unconverted do not appreciate this often. of what we believe and teach is that the Christian message is intensely personal. Christ in us, not just Christ for us. We believe that, praise God, we believe that. But Christ in us, Christ in our experience. Paul's statement here presumes a living Christ, one who died, buried, and rose again the third day. The Christ who defeated the power of death, who though the grave held him for a time, it could not hold him, he tore the bars away. He rose triumphant and even lives evermore. The old hymn writer says, he lives within my heart. The Bible teaches us that Christ is present. Again, not only with the believer, but in the believer, genuinely in the believer. Paul elsewhere, Romans chapter eight says, but you're not in the flesh, but in the spirit, if so be the spirit of God dwell in you. And if any man have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of his, and if Christ be in you. So by the power of the spirit of God, Christ is in every single child of God. This is not a higher level of Christianity. Oh, yes, God blesses people with different degrees of spiritual grace, but there is no such thing as a believer that does not have Christ in him or her. And so as Christ is in us, Christ by his Spirit conforms us to Christ's likeness. Paul to the Galatian church comments how he labors that Christ be formed in them, likeness to Christ Jesus. We are saved by grace to be conformed to his likeness. And we see Christ's likeness in every single child of God. It could take many, many days, months and years contemplating Christ in all his ways. As I think of my Savior, I think of a man of prayer. I think of how Christ prophetically in the Messianic Psalm 16 refers to the fact the Lord is always before him. He shall not be moved. In his humanity, our Savior lived a life of faith, a life of prayer, depending upon his heavenly father. I think of his compassion. I think of one who, when he saw multitudes like sheep without a shepherd, he was moved with compassion. His heart was out to the needy. I think of his gentleness, I am meek and lowly in heart. And in light of that gentleness, he invites those to come unto him. I think of his convictions, his steadfastness, firm in conviction. You think of the times he speaks, you have heard that it was said, but I say unto you, a man of absolute certainty regarding the authority of God's word, firm in convictions. I think of his selflessness, You think of the words of Philippians, chapter two, and how we love the words regarding Christ. He was in the form of God. He thought not robbery to equal with God, but made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant. Being made in the likeness of men and being formed in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. I believe that what we witnessed in Mrs. Wagner wasn't just about natural personality. I don't want any of you to think that today, because she would not testify to that today. What you witnessed, Mrs. Wagner, was a personality sanctified by the grace of God through the presence of Christ in her. Reverend Greer has given that moving tribute that testified to that fact. We've heard of a woman of prayer. The Lord was always before her. We've heard of one who was moved for the needy, a hostess, hospitable, kind, and so giving. I was saying to the girls in the lineup that I first met the Wagner family in the year 2000 in the Orlando house. I was visiting there with my in-laws and we went across and we were recipients of that hospitality. I was just married a few months ago, and struck very forcibly by this woman who was so, so caring. A couple of hours in the house, and she loved you children. Your father referred you to Rugrats, I wouldn't have done that. Running around the house. But I saw very, very quickly One who was compassionate to the needy. I've seen that more as I got to know her more over the last 21 years, her gentleness. She was meek and lowly, kind and gentle. And yet one who was steadfast in her convictions like her savior. One who believed the Bible. She understood children being raised in the church or in your family, that you were sheep without a shepherd. And she knew the shepherd you needed was Christ. And she pointed to Christ Jesus. In children's ministry, in the home, her compassion. And of course, her selflessness. She did nothing through strife or fame and glory. But in loneliness of mind, she esteemed others better than herself. It's a joy to remember these things. I trust you as a family that you can reflect upon what Christ did in her. But as many of you think about her today, are you not drawn to her Savior? As you saw Christ in her, are you not drawn to one who is so lovely? One who is so gentle and kind and tender? Does your heart not yearn to love such one as Christ? The unconverted are very, very quick. to charge the Christian church, you're all full of hypocrisy, a bunch of hypocrites. But they are slow to acknowledge a genuine saint of God's. And they're slow to accept this is what Christ does in someone. Now, the Lord works by his grace and his sovereignty in various degrees in different people. She was unusually blessed, unusually gifted, unusually marked by Christ's grace. But it was still of Christ. It was all of Christ, all of grace. And so do not quickly disregard Christ when you see what he can do in our sinner, saved by grace. Christ, by his Spirit, conforms us to his likeness, and Christ, by his Spirit, enables us to suffer as he suffered. In 1 Peter, Peter addresses the believers there regarding their persecution for Christ's sake. He says to them, Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you as though some strange thing happened unto you. In the midst of those words, he says, Wherefore, let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well-doing as unto a faithful creator. Peter connects the sufferings of Christ with the sufferings of the believer. And they are, whatever their circumstances may be, they commit their souls to God, the faithful creator and redeemer. Christ in you, the hope of glory. It is Christ in you that enables you to endure through all the consequences of Adam's sin in this world. Adam's sin brings trouble in the world in various ways. Adam's sin brings re-entrament into this world. And it is through Christ's sufferings that the believer has the grace to endure as a patient patient, and to endure in those sufferings, though the ways be hard. Yet, Mrs. Wagner did not give up to the end. She was kept by the power of God. You see, Christ, in his sufferings, is given that exalted place, the right hand of God, a throne of grace, where, according to Hebrews chapter 4, he's touched with a feeling of our infirmities, whereby we go boldly and we receive grace to help in time of need. Paul knew that. As Christ told him in 2 Corinthians, my grace is sufficient for thee. It's a testimony. We have a testimony here of the power of God. What God does in the life of a sinner can inform her to Christ's likeness and keeping her faithful to the end. She didn't lose heart. We've heard her testimony, we've heard the journal, you've read it in the program. You've heard of one who endured to the end and she did so by the grace of God because those whom Christ saves, he keeps. And though we are quick, to turn away were it held in Christ's mighty power. This service testifies to the grace of God in the gospel. The gospel and the experience of the believer. The gospel and the expectation of the believer is also seen here. The gospel and the expectation of the believer, the hope of glory. What a beautiful word hope is. The English language is Often very guilty of robbing the best of words with the best of meanings. No offense to you Americans, but you've butchered the word awesome. God alone is awesome. When it comes to hope, hope now is a term that marks uncertainty. I hope I might get something for my birthday. And so we use the word hope now that has this air of uncertainty and doubt about it, because I might not. But in the writings of Paul, there is no uncertainty in the word hope. Not one iota of doubt. Not a flicker of uncertainty in the mind of Paul when he speaks of the hope of glory. Absolutely certain and sure. Reverend Wagner referred to his wife's illness as God's exit plan. That's hope, because that means that this is not the end. It is the hope of the child of God, therefore being justified by faith with peace with God. through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom also we've accessed by faith into this grace where we stand and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God's being justified by faith. Titus chapter one, in hope of eternal life, which God that cannot lie promised before the world began. Or Titus chapter three, verse seven, that being justified by his grace, we may be heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Hope of eternal life. The ground of that hope is our justification. If it's left to us, then what hope is there? You do evangelism with people nowadays and those who've got a Christian background may well say, well, I hope I'm saved. That's the modern concept of hope with uncertainty. But our certainty is not in ourselves. Left to ourselves, we are hopeless. We are weak, but he is strong. We are unrighteous, but he is righteous. Our hope is in Christ and in Christ alone. Therefore, being justified by faith, we have hope. He came and lived, satisfying the law of God to its finality. He died on the cross, burning away our sins. He defeated death, rose again, lives even now, triumphant, making a recession for us. Our hope is in the Lord, it's in Christ alone. That was Mrs. Wagner's confidence. Because there is no deficiencies in Christ. The giving of her hope, she was born again unto lively hope, age 13. It is the miracle of rebirth that changes our hearts. And we're given hope, hope that is gain, hope that sustains us in our sufferings, gives support in our sorrows. As Paul says, we sorrow, we grieve, but not as those who have no hope. The gospel gives us a sure hope, which hope we have as the anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast. Christ said, I am the resurrection. He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. Hope sustained our dear sister. And hope comforts our hearts today. This is not the end. And yet, Paul elsewhere speaks of others. Ephesians chapter two, strangers from the covenant of promise. And far off, they are without God and without hope. I believe, I believe Mrs. Wagner would want me to point this out to you all this morning. Outside of Christ, there is no hope. No hope in death and no hope in life. Separate from God now, and ultimately separated from God from all eternity in hell. That is to be without hope. Her hope was in the Lord. Which finally leads to the gospel and the exaltation of the believer. Glory. We sang the beautiful hymn, Emmanuel's land, the lamb is all the glory in Emmanuel's land. James Smith in his Daily Remembrancer says this, the object of a Christian's hope is glory, but the exact nature of that glory is unknown. Its greatness is at present inconceivable. It is said to comprise an inheritance, a kingdom, a crown, gladness, exceeding glory. It is a crown of glory, a weight of glory, eternal glory, the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. The hope of the believer is indeed being with their Lord. And don't forget, being with their friend. Christ prayed, reverently referred to it. Father, I will that they also as given me be with me where I am that they may behold my glory. Christ's prayers are always answered. In his prayer, Mrs. Wagner was answered. She is now with her Savior, which is far better. And yet, there is yet a glory that still awaits. If it's possible, I use it with care, there is a yet greater glory. Far better now, and yet better still to come. Such is the wonder of the power of God, for the body, wracked with disease, decaying, placed into the grave, is sown in dishonor, but will be raised in glory. That's 1 Corinthians chapter 15. The glory of Christ when he comes to be glorified in his saints. First, that's only in chapter one. that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you and ye in him. When he comes, the saints in their glorified bodies sharing glory forevermore. The glory of the presence of God seen in the Old Testament in the cloud and the fire, God coming upon the ground of sacrifice, blood's been shed, atonement made, Christ comes down, and upon that blood there is eternal glory awaiting the child of God. That is hope, that is confidence, and that is the victory of the gospel, demonstrated in this place today. This service demonstrates the power of the glory of the gospel of Christ, a sinner saved by grace, kept by grace, and a sinner who one day will be raised in glory with all of Christ redeemed. That is the power of God in the gospel. In seeming defeat, This looks like defeat, doesn't it? Surely sin is won. Ah, now you only see in part. It will be revealed yet what is to come. Christ in his glory, being glorified in his saints. I commend Mrs. Wagner's savior to you today. That'll be a comfort to your hearts and a challenge to your soul. This is the word of God. May God bless his word in our hearts. Amen. I'll ask if you would take your hymnal, turn to number 371, We will stand together as we sing the words of this familiar hymn. It is a hymn that, as many will know, was born out of tremendous sorrow. And yet it's a hymn that bears testimony that all is well. And it's a hymn that speaks much of that grace and power of the gospel we've just heard. Let's stand together, 371. And each time the rain was ending my way, It is well, it is well with my soul. It is well, it is well. ♪ Though trials should come ♪ ♪ When faith's last assurance comes home ♪ ♪ And Christ hath regarded my helpless estate ♪ ♪ And hath shed His tears for me ♪ With my soul. With my soul. It is well. It is well. ♪ His hand to bless us all ♪ It is well with my soul. It is well. Oh say does that star spangled banner yet wave God's people can say together, amen. Let's remain standing for prayer. As a minister of this congregation that has been an honor for us to serve Mr. and Mrs. Wagner. And we continue to pray for all of you, all the children. I trust the Lord will sustain you, give you grace, and give all the comfort of the gospel that's just been proclaimed to you today. Let's pray. Lord, as we depart this place, having given consideration to a life well-lived, to the glory and honor of Christ, help us to learn the things we ought to learn. And as we leave this place, having given consideration to another life and another death, we pray that our hearts will be lifted heavenward and our eyes will behold the Lamb Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world. Bless us all. Remember the family. Console them by thy word, by the strange sweetness of thy presence. For our Lord Jesus has promised, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So as we go to the graveside, go with us. As we continue through the days that are ahead, let us not soon forget all that has been put before us through the home calling of our sister, Mrs. Wagner, and the gospel that has great themes of victory for all who trust in the Redeemer's blood. So put thy loving arms around this family. and uphold them by thy grace. The Lord bless thee and keep thee. The Lord make his face to shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee and give thee peace. Amen. So,