Unconditional Love and Grace of God

One suggestion to continue moving forward with your sermon is to emphasize the unconditional love and grace of God. You can expand on John 3:16-17 by highlighting the fact that God loved the world so much that He sent His only Son to save us, regardless of our past or present circumstances. This can provide comfort and encouragement to the family and friends of the deceased, assuring them that their loved one's relationship with God is not determined by church attendance or religious rituals. Another idea is to explore the concept of eternal life and the hope that believers have in Christ. Building upon John 14:1-6, you can emphasize that Jesus is preparing a place for all who believe in Him, and that this promise extends to your loved one as well. This can bring comfort to those grieving, knowing that their loved one is now in the presence of God and experiencing eternal joy. In terms of additional Scripture verses, you may consider including Romans 8:38-39, which speaks about how nothing can separate us from the love of God. This can reinforce the message of God's unwavering love and provide further comfort to the family and friends. Regarding language suggestions from the original languages, you can explore the Greek word for 'believe' in John 3:16, which is 'pisteuō.' This word carries the connotation of trusting and relying on Jesus. By highlighting this, you can encourage your listeners to place their trust in Christ, just as their loved one did. Additionally, you can explore other passages in the Bible that speak about God's love for His children, such as Psalm 23 and Isaiah 41:10. These verses can further support your message of comfort and encouragement. Remember to weave these ideas and Scripture passages seamlessly into your sermon, using them to reinforce your main points and provide a solid foundation for your message.