Christian Message on Military Gravestone

Have you noticed the military gravestones in cemeteries?  For veterans, the government will inscribe and mail a bronze or granite gravestone recognizing military service (a granite marker is probably more durable and maybe less likely to be stolen).  This is done free of charge.  A local funeral home or cemetery will probably be able to give you the help you need. You can also find information on the internet. You just need to provide basic information about the individual and their military service. 

If the veteran was a believer in Jesus Christ, it is a great opportunity to include a biblical or spiritual message.  First, the government gives you the opportunity to have a cross inscribed at the top of the marker.  Second, at the bottom, they allow you a five-word personal message. 

I had the opportunity to do this for a personal friend and veteran of World War II.  He was a faithful husband, deacon, Sunday School teacher, Gideon.  But, how do you present a Christian message in just five words?  It seemed impossible at first.  Also, I wanted to include enough of a message so to be as unambiguous as possible.  After prayer, reflection, and the help of my church, we came up with a number of options. 

Perhaps these messages can be of help to you.  They could be placed on a military grave marker, or on any gravestone.  They might also be used on church signs; even a memorial brick in a park, etc.  You can even hire someone to come to the cemetery and add an inscription to a gravestone.  Of course, if you have room for more words, the possibilities are greatly increased. 

Christian Words for a Military Gravestone (maximum of 5 words): 

The Lord is my shepherd

The Lord is my rock

The Lord is my light. 

The Lord is my strength

God is my salvation

The Lord is my salvation

Jesus died for me. 

Our citizenship is in heaven. 

God so loved the world

The Lord will deliver me. 

With the Lord

Safe in arms of Jesus

Saved by God’s grace

I repented, believed, Jesus saved

Eternal life is through Jesus

I am the way -Jesus

Follower of Jesus Christ

Jesus, author of our salvation

Victory in Jesus

Come, Lord Jesus.

Saved by the grace of Jesus

Our God is merciful

The King is coming.

Repent, believe, Jesus will save

Repent, believe, Jesus saves. 

Jesus saves

Jesus forgives

In Christ is salvation

In Jesus is eternal life. 

Jesus, the way to heaven

Jesus is Lord of all. 

Jesus – Savior, Redeemer

Jesus is the Christ

Jesus is the Messiah

God is faithful

God’s mercy endures forever. 

Jesus – light of the world. 

Justified by faith in Jesus. 

The truth is in Jesus. 

Jesus Christ is Lord. 

Amazing Grace

Jesus is coming again. 

Jesus came to save sinners. 

Salvation is in Christ Jesus. 

Jesus - same yesterday, today, forever. 

I am the resurrection. – Jesus

Enjoying eternal life in Jesus. 

Jesus will lead to Heaven. 

In Heaven, because of Jesus

Jesus paid it all. 

Eternally secure in Jesus

In Heaven forevermore

Believe in Jesus, live forever

Follow Jesus, live forever

Great is Thy faithfulness

Jesus, Savior of my soul.

Jesus died for all

My God is real

Satisfied in Jesus

Jesus, the Way, Truth, Life

Looking for the Blessed Hope

The one finally decided upon – Repent, Believe, Jesus Saves.  Hopefully this will be a testimony to any who pass by, for many years to come. 

What is your favorite?  Do you have additional suggestions? 

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 29, AD 2018. 

Articles:  

Preparing an Obituary and Funeral Service

He Maketh No Mistake - A Great Poem of Comfort

11 Reasons to Not Drink Alcohol

Adrian Rogers on "Wit & Wisdom of Pastor Joe Brumbelow"

Wit And Wisdom Of My Dad

Other Articles in lower right margin. 

Open Letter to SWBTS Trustees Concerning Paige Patterson

Open Letter

Dear Trustees of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary,

I write in defense of your president and my friend, Dr. Paige Patterson.  I have known him for about 40 years.  I knew him when, at great sacrifice, he and many others stood for the inerrancy of God’s Word, in the SBC Conservative Resurgence.  Of course, he is not perfect, just like us all.  But he has stood for the faith, evangelism, revivals, missions.  He is a first class scholar, and has lived an exemplary moral life. 

Now, because Dr. Patterson has not said some things exactly right in our extra sensitive climate, he is being condemned by his enemies.  They attack him for things they overlook in others.  They negatively magnify anything he says that could be taken the wrong way.  This is now in spite of the fact Brother Paige has apologized for, and clarified, his statements that have been hurtful.  Who of us could withstand withering criticism and publicity of any misstatements we have made over the last several decades?  Who of us could withstand having our statements taken in the absolutely worst light? 

Please be aware of the multiplied thousands who support, and have been blessed by, Dr. Patterson’s ministry.  I and my family are some of them.  I am currently using Dr. Patterson’s NAC commentary on Revelation and finding it of great value.  On this Mother’s Day I’m reminded of how my mother admired him, and how Paige & Dorothy sent flowers and condolences at her funeral. 

When someone, whether Paige Patterson or not, makes an edgy statement - You can interpret it in the worst possible light.  You can interpret it in the best possible light.  Or somewhere in between. 

You can also take an 18 year old statement and interpret it in light of the current climate of political correctness, or not.  You can show kindness, understanding - or strict condemnation. 

One day soon, we will each give account to Almighty God.  My prayer is that God will continue to bless, guide, protect Paige Patterson and SWBTS, and give you, the trustees, wisdom, love, mercy. 

Sincerely,

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 13, AD 2018. 

For More Information on This Issue: 

Update:  http://texanonline.net/archives/5986/

Additional Updates:  http://bpnews.net/50984/swbts-paige-patterson-terminated-effective-immediately

http://bpnews.net/51003/swbts-trustee-chairman-decision--to-fire-patterson-clear

Defense of Paige Patterson, by Sharayah Colter

https://sbcissues.wordpress.com/2018/05/31/the-untold-truth-facts-surrounding-paige-patterson-and-his-removal-from-swbts-by-sharayah-colter/

The first one to plead his cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him.  -Proverbs 18:17, NKJV

Articles:  

Trustees Unfair Treatment of Dr. Paige Patterson

Other Articles in lower right margin. 

Ken Hemphill, Nominee for SBC President

Many are excited about Dr. Kenneth Hemphill being nominated this year for president of the Southern Baptist Convention. 

Ken Hemphill previously served as President of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas.  He pastored churches in Kentucky and Virginia, led the Home Mission Board’s (now NAMB) Center for Church Growth, and now serves as an administrator at North Greenville University. 

 In a written statement to Baptist Press, Hemphill said he would "continue the emphasis on prayer and revival which has been a major emphasis of [current SBC President] Steve Gaines." He also cited the need to "aggressively plant new churches while we give equal effort to revitalizing our many existing churches which need our assistance."

Ken Hemphill is the author of a number of books including The Antioch Effect, The Names of God, You Are Gifted, The Prayer of Jesus, and Empowering Kingdom Growth.  His most recent book is Unlimited: God’s Love, Atonement, and Mission. 

The book, Unlimited, is recommended by: Paige Patterson, Jimmy Draper, Matt Queen, Jim Richards, Larry Steven McDonald, Mac Brunson, David Hankins, Gene Fant, John Yeats. 

Ken is supportive of the SBC Cooperative Program and his membership is in a church that gives 10% through the Cooperative Program.  He believes in evangelism, revivals, and the Baptist Faith and Message, 2000.  He has an understanding, appreciation, and lifelong commitment to the SBC, from the local church, local Baptist association, state conventions, to our national Southern Baptist Convention. 

Hemphill endorses the Traditional Statement that outlines traditional, non-Calvinist, or Traditionalist beliefs.  He believes Jesus died for all and anyone can be saved.  He is open and transparent about his beliefs. 

Make plans now to attend the annual Southern Baptist Convention in Dallas, TX.  It will be at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center June 12-13, 2018. 

Make sure you are registered to vote as a SBC Messenger and have your ballots.  Arrive early Tuesday afternoon to vote for president, and stay until the election results are announced.  Also, come for a great time of information, inspiration, fellowship.  Please pray for the Southern Baptist Convention. 

“We desire to elect a man who is a Southern Baptist through and through, values our understanding of the Gospel, and, has an established record of affirming the cooperative work of our local churches through the associations, state conventions and national entities.”

“We sought Ken [Hemphill] out because of his record in these areas as well as his impeccable character, remarkable breadth of experience in Southern Baptist life, passion for missions and evangelism, and an active ministry of revitalization to pastors and churches.” 

-David Hankins, Executive Director, Louisiana Baptist Convention, quoted in Baptist Message. 

For more information on Dr. Ken Hemphill: 

http://www.bpnews.net/50297/ken-hemphill-to-be-sbc-president-nominee

http://kenhemphill2018.com/ken-hemphill-the-right-man-at-the-right-time/

http://sbctoday.wpengine.com/robert-jeffress-bobby-welch-endorse-hemphill-for-sbc-president/

http://baptistmessage.com/hankins-the-sbc-presidential-election/

-David R. Brumbelow, Gulf Coast Pastor, May 1, AD 2018. 

Articles:

Trustees Unfair Treatment of Dr. Paige Patterson

Christian Message on Military Gravestone

More articles in lower right margin.