rest for the people of God (hebrews 4:6-11)

Paul Michael Boyd, age 70, of Newton, North Carolina, went home to be with Jesus, his Messiah, on September 7, 2023. He was born in Memphis, Tennessee on December 19, 1952 and grew up in Jackson, Mississippi and Greenville, South Carolina, the grandson and son of faithful Christian pastors, Jesse Laney Boyd (1881-1967) and Jesse Laney Boyd, Jr. (1916-1991). After many years as a dutiful accountant, successful business owner, and faithful church member in Catawba County, North Carolina, consistently serving and esteeming others before himself, he spent his last seventeen years faithfully shepherding the flock of New Testament Christian Fellowship in Claremont, North Carolina. He was a devoted husband, a beloved father, a committed pastor, a caretaker of the fatherless and widows, and a true servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. This, his last earthly message preached just four days before his death, exhorted the flock to PRESS ON and to BELIEVE GOD. For, “there remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God” (Hebrews 4:9). How fitting and prophetic were his words:

“Are you longing for His rest? My friends, I am longing for it. I desire it.”

Indeed, the LORD granted him that great desire of his heart the morning after he witnessed the baptism of his granddaughter, Charlotte Hope Boyd, in obedience to the Lord’s command. She was converted in the hours following his last earthly sermon.

Hallelujah, this faithful shepherd has now received from the Chief Shepherd a crown of glory that fadeth not away (I Peter 5:4)!

Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus.