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Man of Faith
from John Jackson Kennedy: A Master Class in How to Live and Love in Service to Your Community
by LLKassoc
When I was asked (honored) to stand in this place and to eulogize my friend and brother John J. Kennedy, I knew immediately where I wanted to go in The Word; nothing deep or complicated, just a fitting testimony for a life well lived! 2 Timothy 4 records Paul’s last words to Timothy who would carry on when Paul was gone. Paul had left his mark on the landscape of the world he lived in and now he had to pass the baton to those who would take up where he left off. But in spite of everything that he had accomplished, he knew that he had gone as far as he could go…
• In verse (5) 6 Paul says… ( READ! NIV )
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• John may have felt the same way…slowly weaker
• People noticed also / not as talkative, strong…
• But he could say like Paul…
• I FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT!!!
• John fought for others- the community, people!
• A voice for the voiceless, strong for the weak!
• Showed others how to fight for themselves!
• Fought his own personal struggles / sickness
• Suffered in silence, not wanting others to know
• I HAVE FINISHED THE RACE!!!
• We admired his endurance and cheered him on, but none of us can run forever!
• John finished his leg… but the race goes on!
• All we can hope for is to run well: John ran well!
• Like A Relay - he’s just passed the baton!
• Hebrews 12:1-2 “Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let US run with patience the race that is set before us; looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; Who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, bearing the shame, AND NOW he is seated at the right Hand of The Throne of God!”
• Sometimes you have to go through it to get to it!
• I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH!
• In spite of the setbacks / the let downs / the struggles / the pain / the sickness / everything!
• John kept his faith in Jesus!
• “And let us not be weary in well doing for in due season we shall reap a harvest if we don’t give up!”
• “AND NOW, there is laid up for me The Crown of Righteousness, which The Lord, The Righteous Judge shall give me on that day - and not only to me, but to all those who long for His appearing!”
– Pastor Lucious Smith
August 13, 2022
