WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.580 Well, maybe you want to have those verses in Romans chapter 8 open in front of you. 00:00:07.280 --> 00:00:11.519 But in the end, it's only a passing thing. 00:00:12.800 --> 00:00:17.039 The shadow, even darkness must pass. 00:00:18.260 --> 00:00:20.620 A new day will come. 00:00:20.620 --> 00:00:26.740 I wonder what your heart's response is to the words of Tolkien's character, 00:00:26.879 --> 00:00:29.080 Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:31.539 As they come at you this morning. 00:00:32.579 --> 00:00:33.799 Right? Check them out. 00:00:34.799 --> 00:00:36.000 Fanciful fairy tale. 00:00:37.579 --> 00:00:38.600 Wishful thinking. 00:00:39.359 --> 00:00:42.019 If only it were true, could it be true? 00:00:43.320 --> 00:00:45.659 Well, here's what I want to do just for the next 15 minutes or so. 00:00:46.340 --> 00:00:48.060 Whoever you are here today, 00:00:49.140 --> 00:00:51.019 wherever you've come from, 00:00:52.519 --> 00:00:54.379 whatever you think about this man Jesus, 00:00:54.560 --> 00:00:57.019 I just want to present you for 15 minutes 00:00:57.020 --> 00:01:00.280 with the great Christian hope. 00:01:00.280 --> 00:01:05.400 And why Jesus Christ walking out that tomb some 2,000 odd years ago, 00:01:05.460 --> 00:01:06.680 the first Easter Sunday, 00:01:07.180 --> 00:01:10.800 is the most magnificent and significant moment 00:01:10.800 --> 00:01:13.900 that you and I can ever hope to hear about. 00:01:14.540 --> 00:01:15.780 Now, I've got three children. 00:01:16.719 --> 00:01:19.140 Probably heard one of them this morning. 00:01:19.140 --> 00:01:21.799 And I was there at the Edinburgh Royal 00:01:21.799 --> 00:01:25.140 for each of their births. 00:01:25.920 --> 00:01:27.799 I watched, I listened, 00:01:28.620 --> 00:01:29.680 I shed a tear or two, 00:01:29.780 --> 00:01:32.060 which for a Scotsman is saying something. 00:01:32.700 --> 00:01:32.980 Right? 00:01:33.060 --> 00:01:35.019 But the primary feeling I remember having 00:01:35.019 --> 00:01:37.740 as I was watching our children being born 00:01:37.740 --> 00:01:41.120 is that feeling of being utterly helpless 00:01:41.120 --> 00:01:42.599 in the situation. 00:01:42.599 --> 00:01:46.839 In my struggle to work out as a man 00:01:46.839 --> 00:01:50.479 how I could help in those final hours, 00:01:50.739 --> 00:01:53.479 I learned that there's things that are helpful to say 00:01:53.479 --> 00:01:55.959 and there's things that are unhelpful to say. 00:01:57.939 --> 00:01:59.340 Can I get you some water? 00:01:59.459 --> 00:02:00.919 It's a really helpful line. 00:02:02.199 --> 00:02:03.599 Would you like me to hold your hand? 00:02:03.639 --> 00:02:04.739 Another helpful line. 00:02:04.819 --> 00:02:05.759 I'm so proud of you. 00:02:05.819 --> 00:02:06.840 Another helpful line. 00:02:07.159 --> 00:02:08.560 All helpful lines. 00:02:08.919 --> 00:02:10.459 But here's an unhelpful line. 00:02:11.539 --> 00:02:12.280 Can you guess it? 00:02:13.340 --> 00:02:14.359 I feel your pain. 00:02:16.799 --> 00:02:18.259 That's a dreadful line. 00:02:18.740 --> 00:02:19.539 Dreadful line. 00:02:20.919 --> 00:02:24.319 Because you don't have a clue about the pain. 00:02:25.900 --> 00:02:28.780 And yet, to totally contradict what I've just said, 00:02:28.780 --> 00:02:30.280 here's what the Bible would say. 00:02:31.579 --> 00:02:34.299 To the everyday follower of Jesus 00:02:34.299 --> 00:02:37.680 who's living their lives in this world 00:02:37.680 --> 00:02:39.740 day after day after day 00:02:39.740 --> 00:02:41.439 that so often, if we're honest, 00:02:41.439 --> 00:02:44.000 feel exactly the same, 00:02:44.579 --> 00:02:47.340 is that you do know the pain. 00:02:48.680 --> 00:02:51.539 Maybe it surprises you to hear me say today 00:02:51.539 --> 00:02:53.819 that the central metaphor that the Bible uses 00:02:53.819 --> 00:02:56.060 to talk about the great Christian hope 00:02:56.060 --> 00:02:59.259 is the pain of childbirth. 00:02:59.259 --> 00:03:02.859 Now, that might seem completely bizarre to you. 00:03:02.959 --> 00:03:04.519 Surely there was a better one 00:03:04.519 --> 00:03:06.099 that we could have picked. 00:03:06.299 --> 00:03:08.579 I mean, does God need a new PR team? 00:03:08.659 --> 00:03:11.959 One that's more in touch with the needs of 2022 people. 00:03:12.340 --> 00:03:13.819 And yet, when you think about it, 00:03:13.899 --> 00:03:14.699 yes, bizarre, 00:03:14.819 --> 00:03:15.959 but when you think about it, 00:03:16.000 --> 00:03:18.340 how deeply profound, 00:03:18.340 --> 00:03:20.280 how real, 00:03:20.800 --> 00:03:22.360 how earthy. 00:03:23.719 --> 00:03:24.259 It's what people, 00:03:24.379 --> 00:03:25.240 when they become Christians, 00:03:25.360 --> 00:03:26.980 I've so often heard them say 00:03:26.980 --> 00:03:29.860 that the Bible became the most real book 00:03:29.860 --> 00:03:30.840 of their lives 00:03:30.840 --> 00:03:34.379 because it is the word of our creator. 00:03:34.759 --> 00:03:37.360 You see, this idea that on the other side 00:03:37.360 --> 00:03:39.879 of all the pain and the suffering 00:03:39.879 --> 00:03:42.599 and the tragedy that we experience now 00:03:42.599 --> 00:03:44.240 as we live our lives in the world, 00:03:44.240 --> 00:03:47.260 on the other side, there's joy. 00:03:48.960 --> 00:03:49.680 Let me explain. 00:03:49.760 --> 00:03:51.100 You see, in the beginning of the Bible story, 00:03:51.200 --> 00:03:51.960 there's perfection. 00:03:52.240 --> 00:03:54.379 God forms the world. 00:03:55.420 --> 00:03:58.080 The sky, the seas, the sun, the stars. 00:03:58.260 --> 00:03:59.000 He speaks. 00:03:59.400 --> 00:04:00.660 It does his bidding. 00:04:00.840 --> 00:04:02.379 This God is all-powerful. 00:04:02.480 --> 00:04:03.100 It happens. 00:04:03.379 --> 00:04:04.920 He forms the world 00:04:04.920 --> 00:04:07.080 and then he turns to fill the world. 00:04:07.820 --> 00:04:09.560 Plants, animals, sea creatures, 00:04:09.719 --> 00:04:10.379 and the pinnacle. 00:04:10.580 --> 00:04:11.500 And get this. 00:04:11.500 --> 00:04:14.740 Human beings. 00:04:16.000 --> 00:04:17.500 Every single life stamped 00:04:17.500 --> 00:04:20.040 with inherent dignity and worth. 00:04:20.379 --> 00:04:21.579 You see, the very concept 00:04:21.579 --> 00:04:23.019 that all life matters 00:04:23.019 --> 00:04:25.339 is not a 21st century discovery. 00:04:25.560 --> 00:04:27.199 You come to the pages of the Bible 00:04:27.199 --> 00:04:28.800 and you'll see that it's an 00:04:28.800 --> 00:04:30.279 in-the-beginning declaration 00:04:30.279 --> 00:04:32.420 that's made over every single human life 00:04:32.420 --> 00:04:34.300 because we are made in the image 00:04:34.300 --> 00:04:35.839 of our creator God. 00:04:37.939 --> 00:04:39.860 And so right there is Adam and Eve, 00:04:39.980 --> 00:04:40.879 the first human beings, 00:04:41.500 --> 00:04:42.439 they're enjoying God 00:04:42.439 --> 00:04:43.319 and his good creation 00:04:43.319 --> 00:04:44.279 in the Garden of Eden. 00:04:44.959 --> 00:04:45.839 And most importantly, 00:04:46.000 --> 00:04:47.839 they're enjoying the blessing 00:04:47.839 --> 00:04:48.699 and the right, 00:04:48.819 --> 00:04:49.959 the blessing that comes 00:04:49.959 --> 00:04:51.139 through that right relationship 00:04:51.139 --> 00:04:53.079 with the God who made them. 00:04:53.139 --> 00:04:54.279 And whoever you are here today, 00:04:54.399 --> 00:04:56.220 if you want to find joy and security, 00:04:56.980 --> 00:04:58.120 in your life, 00:04:58.199 --> 00:04:59.079 the Bible will tell you 00:04:59.079 --> 00:05:00.360 that the place to find it 00:05:00.360 --> 00:05:01.180 is in relationship 00:05:01.180 --> 00:05:02.220 with the God who made you. 00:05:02.259 --> 00:05:02.860 Make sense? 00:05:05.860 --> 00:05:06.560 Purpose and meaning 00:05:06.560 --> 00:05:07.300 are to be found 00:05:07.300 --> 00:05:09.660 in life with this God. 00:05:09.660 --> 00:05:10.340 But you see, 00:05:10.420 --> 00:05:12.600 Adam and Eve's defiance against God, 00:05:12.660 --> 00:05:13.380 and that's how the Bible 00:05:13.380 --> 00:05:14.600 would describe the sin 00:05:14.600 --> 00:05:15.660 that's in every single one 00:05:15.660 --> 00:05:17.100 of our hearts and lives, 00:05:18.420 --> 00:05:21.880 causes Eve to eat the fruit, 00:05:22.060 --> 00:05:22.900 which means 00:05:22.900 --> 00:05:25.440 that God has to banish 00:05:25.440 --> 00:05:25.980 the pay of them 00:05:25.980 --> 00:05:26.860 from his presence. 00:05:27.960 --> 00:05:29.280 And the ripple effects of sin, 00:05:29.400 --> 00:05:30.120 they go wide 00:05:30.120 --> 00:05:31.320 and they go deep. 00:05:32.080 --> 00:05:33.000 This is where we tap 00:05:33.000 --> 00:05:34.100 into our verses today. 00:05:34.379 --> 00:05:34.600 You see, 00:05:34.600 --> 00:05:35.320 creation 00:05:35.320 --> 00:05:37.620 has felt the effects 00:05:37.620 --> 00:05:39.120 of sin. 00:05:39.220 --> 00:05:39.400 You see, 00:05:39.480 --> 00:05:40.160 when humanity 00:05:40.160 --> 00:05:41.480 fell into sin and death, 00:05:41.540 --> 00:05:42.760 the created order 00:05:42.760 --> 00:05:43.740 somehow shared 00:05:43.740 --> 00:05:44.720 in that fall. 00:05:45.980 --> 00:05:46.920 Nature is beautiful 00:05:46.920 --> 00:05:48.020 as it is. 00:05:49.200 --> 00:05:49.820 It isn't 00:05:49.820 --> 00:05:51.600 what it ought to be, 00:05:51.660 --> 00:05:52.600 nor is it 00:05:52.600 --> 00:05:53.220 what it was 00:05:53.220 --> 00:05:54.800 fully created to be. 00:05:54.860 --> 00:05:55.920 We often use that phrase, 00:05:56.040 --> 00:05:56.300 don't we? 00:05:56.360 --> 00:05:57.120 It's something that's just, 00:05:57.379 --> 00:05:58.920 it's not quite firing 00:05:58.920 --> 00:05:59.800 in all cylinders. 00:06:00.000 --> 00:06:00.620 You heard that phrase? 00:06:01.240 --> 00:06:02.120 Not quite firing 00:06:02.120 --> 00:06:02.860 in all cylinders. 00:06:02.860 --> 00:06:05.259 I think if we're honest 00:06:05.259 --> 00:06:05.660 this morning, 00:06:05.720 --> 00:06:06.400 in all of us 00:06:06.400 --> 00:06:07.319 at some level, 00:06:07.960 --> 00:06:08.860 we would acknowledge 00:06:08.860 --> 00:06:10.360 that about the created world, 00:06:10.420 --> 00:06:10.939 would we not? 00:06:12.800 --> 00:06:13.920 Every time we hear 00:06:13.920 --> 00:06:15.060 of a natural disaster, 00:06:15.220 --> 00:06:15.840 every report 00:06:15.840 --> 00:06:16.840 that reaches our ears 00:06:16.840 --> 00:06:18.520 of the effects 00:06:18.520 --> 00:06:19.500 of climate change 00:06:19.500 --> 00:06:20.080 and the future 00:06:20.080 --> 00:06:20.819 of our planet, 00:06:20.960 --> 00:06:21.759 instinctively, 00:06:22.319 --> 00:06:23.580 what do we want to do? 00:06:23.939 --> 00:06:24.819 We want to reach 00:06:24.819 --> 00:06:26.180 for the instruction manual. 00:06:26.840 --> 00:06:27.600 We're on Google. 00:06:27.780 --> 00:06:28.800 We're Googling 00:06:28.800 --> 00:06:30.379 a number of customer services. 00:06:30.520 --> 00:06:30.860 We're looking 00:06:30.860 --> 00:06:31.860 for that guarantee 00:06:31.860 --> 00:06:34.180 because I don't think 00:06:34.180 --> 00:06:34.939 this was the way 00:06:34.939 --> 00:06:36.220 it was designed to be. 00:06:37.920 --> 00:06:38.460 It's the same 00:06:38.460 --> 00:06:39.259 with our human bodies. 00:06:39.360 --> 00:06:40.520 They too have been affected. 00:06:41.660 --> 00:06:42.060 Illness, 00:06:42.500 --> 00:06:42.879 sickness, 00:06:44.220 --> 00:06:45.000 joint pain, 00:06:45.500 --> 00:06:45.879 asthma, 00:06:46.420 --> 00:06:46.879 cancer, 00:06:47.340 --> 00:06:47.699 death, 00:06:47.800 --> 00:06:47.920 yeah, 00:06:49.060 --> 00:06:50.160 all things that weren't 00:06:50.160 --> 00:06:50.520 at the beginning 00:06:50.520 --> 00:06:51.439 of the Bible story. 00:06:52.280 --> 00:06:52.420 You know, 00:06:52.439 --> 00:06:53.199 a friend recently 00:06:53.199 --> 00:06:54.400 down at the school playground 00:06:54.400 --> 00:06:54.900 was telling me 00:06:54.900 --> 00:06:55.340 how she was, 00:06:55.819 --> 00:06:56.560 she's been caring 00:06:56.560 --> 00:06:57.220 for her mum 00:06:57.220 --> 00:06:57.819 as her mum's been 00:06:57.819 --> 00:06:58.319 getting older 00:06:58.319 --> 00:06:59.120 and getting frailer. 00:06:59.600 --> 00:07:00.420 Every day she would 00:07:00.420 --> 00:07:01.160 go and see her mum, 00:07:01.160 --> 00:07:01.960 day by day by day 00:07:01.960 --> 00:07:02.400 and she said, 00:07:02.480 --> 00:07:03.400 I knew it was getting bad 00:07:03.400 --> 00:07:04.360 towards the end 00:07:04.360 --> 00:07:05.600 when the wedding ring 00:07:05.600 --> 00:07:06.580 just fell off her finger. 00:07:06.700 --> 00:07:07.860 It's not how it's meant to be. 00:07:08.420 --> 00:07:09.320 It's not how it's meant to be. 00:07:09.360 --> 00:07:09.939 That's tragic. 00:07:11.380 --> 00:07:11.900 I think we've maybe 00:07:11.900 --> 00:07:13.320 just got so used to death 00:07:13.320 --> 00:07:14.240 that we've become numb 00:07:14.240 --> 00:07:15.340 to the fact that death 00:07:15.340 --> 00:07:16.640 is the ultimate intruder 00:07:16.640 --> 00:07:18.160 and the Bible would call it 00:07:18.160 --> 00:07:19.000 the last enemy 00:07:19.000 --> 00:07:20.660 in God's great story. 00:07:22.300 --> 00:07:23.120 And our emotions 00:07:23.120 --> 00:07:24.000 are caught up in this. 00:07:24.100 --> 00:07:24.460 Do you not know 00:07:24.460 --> 00:07:25.060 your own heart? 00:07:26.840 --> 00:07:27.200 Anger, 00:07:27.940 --> 00:07:28.280 bitterness, 00:07:28.279 --> 00:07:29.639 envy, 00:07:30.139 --> 00:07:30.559 rage. 00:07:31.679 --> 00:07:32.279 You look at it 00:07:32.279 --> 00:07:33.159 on a global scale. 00:07:33.459 --> 00:07:33.859 Wars, 00:07:34.839 --> 00:07:35.279 jealousy. 00:07:36.379 --> 00:07:37.419 And on top of that, 00:07:37.519 --> 00:07:38.879 for the Christian believer, 00:07:39.039 --> 00:07:40.179 we have this indwelling 00:07:40.179 --> 00:07:41.299 battle with sin. 00:07:41.679 --> 00:07:42.599 We know the life 00:07:42.599 --> 00:07:43.779 that God has called us to, 00:07:43.859 --> 00:07:44.719 He saved us for, 00:07:44.799 --> 00:07:45.819 and yet we struggle 00:07:45.819 --> 00:07:46.959 in so many ways. 00:07:48.259 --> 00:07:49.339 And for many around the world, 00:07:49.459 --> 00:07:50.619 physical persecution. 00:07:50.979 --> 00:07:51.159 Again, 00:07:51.259 --> 00:07:52.039 the same question 00:07:52.039 --> 00:07:52.959 comes at us, 00:07:53.039 --> 00:07:53.919 is this the way 00:07:53.919 --> 00:07:55.299 that we were supposed to be? 00:07:55.300 --> 00:07:57.560 You know, 00:07:57.620 --> 00:07:58.180 let me ask you 00:07:58.180 --> 00:07:58.720 if you're here today 00:07:58.720 --> 00:07:59.540 and you're not a Christian, 00:07:59.660 --> 00:08:00.600 what do you do with that? 00:08:02.699 --> 00:08:03.520 It's all well and good, 00:08:03.560 --> 00:08:03.780 isn't it, 00:08:03.819 --> 00:08:04.780 whistling the jolly tune 00:08:04.780 --> 00:08:05.579 of Monty Python? 00:08:06.579 --> 00:08:07.340 When you're chewing 00:08:07.340 --> 00:08:08.160 on life's gristle, 00:08:08.280 --> 00:08:08.759 don't grumble, 00:08:08.879 --> 00:08:09.379 give a whistle, 00:08:09.500 --> 00:08:10.699 and this will help things 00:08:10.699 --> 00:08:11.939 turn out for the best. 00:08:12.080 --> 00:08:13.060 But we know 00:08:13.060 --> 00:08:14.040 that life's not as simple 00:08:14.040 --> 00:08:14.540 as that. 00:08:15.740 --> 00:08:16.980 It's not a helpful line 00:08:16.980 --> 00:08:17.680 if talking of 00:08:17.680 --> 00:08:18.960 unhelpful lines. 00:08:19.360 --> 00:08:20.400 It's not one to pull out 00:08:20.400 --> 00:08:20.879 at a funeral, 00:08:21.019 --> 00:08:21.259 is it? 00:08:22.639 --> 00:08:23.780 What do you do with that? 00:08:23.860 --> 00:08:24.920 Where do you go with that? 00:08:24.920 --> 00:08:26.879 How do you process that? 00:08:29.400 --> 00:08:29.640 Well, 00:08:29.680 --> 00:08:30.259 for the Christian, 00:08:30.640 --> 00:08:31.620 the follower of Jesus, 00:08:31.800 --> 00:08:32.659 here's where our metaphor 00:08:32.659 --> 00:08:33.399 kicks in. 00:08:34.920 --> 00:08:35.899 As we live in, 00:08:35.980 --> 00:08:37.200 our lives in this world 00:08:37.200 --> 00:08:38.180 and in these bodies, 00:08:39.560 --> 00:08:40.560 as we experience 00:08:40.560 --> 00:08:41.580 what that is, 00:08:42.680 --> 00:08:43.759 we groan, 00:08:45.720 --> 00:08:46.779 we long, 00:08:46.980 --> 00:08:48.620 we yearn for 00:08:48.620 --> 00:08:50.019 the day when this 00:08:50.019 --> 00:08:50.740 would all disappear, 00:08:50.940 --> 00:08:51.480 this would all be 00:08:51.480 --> 00:08:52.420 a distant memory. 00:08:53.259 --> 00:08:54.240 As we do that, 00:08:54.240 --> 00:08:55.360 we are experiencing, 00:08:55.700 --> 00:08:56.340 the Bible would say, 00:08:56.399 --> 00:08:57.340 the pains of 00:08:57.340 --> 00:08:58.960 childbirth. 00:08:59.120 --> 00:09:00.200 We know the pain 00:09:00.200 --> 00:09:01.060 of those things, 00:09:02.259 --> 00:09:03.480 but there's hope. 00:09:04.720 --> 00:09:05.139 And that's what 00:09:05.139 --> 00:09:06.120 Easter Sunday is. 00:09:06.220 --> 00:09:08.159 It's a declaration, 00:09:08.519 --> 00:09:09.360 heaven's declaration 00:09:09.360 --> 00:09:10.960 of hope. 00:09:11.320 --> 00:09:11.639 What? 00:09:11.840 --> 00:09:12.200 Where? 00:09:12.379 --> 00:09:12.659 How? 00:09:12.659 --> 00:09:13.100 Why? 00:09:13.100 --> 00:09:13.139 Why? 00:09:13.139 --> 00:09:14.699 The answer to all of these, 00:09:14.879 --> 00:09:16.740 the Bible primarily presents us 00:09:16.740 --> 00:09:17.319 with a who. 00:09:19.199 --> 00:09:19.379 You see, 00:09:19.419 --> 00:09:20.159 Jesus of Nazareth 00:09:20.159 --> 00:09:21.240 walks onto the stage 00:09:21.240 --> 00:09:22.000 of human history. 00:09:23.120 --> 00:09:24.079 You have to say, 00:09:24.179 --> 00:09:25.360 the most absorbing 00:09:25.360 --> 00:09:26.699 personality 00:09:26.699 --> 00:09:28.120 ever to have walked 00:09:28.120 --> 00:09:28.639 this planet. 00:09:29.139 --> 00:09:29.339 You know, 00:09:29.360 --> 00:09:30.439 I was looking at it this week. 00:09:30.519 --> 00:09:30.819 In fact, 00:09:30.919 --> 00:09:31.919 back in 2013, 00:09:32.779 --> 00:09:33.719 data researchers 00:09:33.719 --> 00:09:34.539 at Wikipedia 00:09:34.539 --> 00:09:35.439 announced Jesus 00:09:35.439 --> 00:09:36.600 as the most famous 00:09:36.600 --> 00:09:37.679 person in history. 00:09:38.319 --> 00:09:39.239 Napoleon II, 00:09:39.459 --> 00:09:39.879 Shakespeare, 00:09:40.419 --> 00:09:41.519 coming in for the bronze. 00:09:41.639 --> 00:09:42.419 To be or not to be, 00:09:42.479 --> 00:09:43.319 it wasn't to be 00:09:43.319 --> 00:09:44.079 for Shakespeare. 00:09:44.979 --> 00:09:45.419 Jesus, 00:09:45.559 --> 00:09:46.239 the most absorbing 00:09:46.239 --> 00:09:47.500 personality of history, 00:09:47.679 --> 00:09:48.799 compelling individual, 00:09:50.019 --> 00:09:50.939 wonderfully true. 00:09:51.799 --> 00:09:52.679 You cannot read the Gospels 00:09:53.219 --> 00:09:53.839 and conclude 00:09:53.839 --> 00:09:54.979 anything other than 00:09:54.979 --> 00:09:55.679 that this Jesus 00:09:55.679 --> 00:09:58.159 is magnetically wonderful. 00:09:59.299 --> 00:09:59.459 I mean, 00:09:59.899 --> 00:10:00.439 I often, 00:10:00.679 --> 00:10:02.379 as a Christian believer, 00:10:02.479 --> 00:10:03.399 just read the Bible 00:10:03.399 --> 00:10:03.779 and think, 00:10:03.879 --> 00:10:04.539 who would have come up 00:10:04.539 --> 00:10:05.139 with a Jesus 00:10:05.139 --> 00:10:06.079 as good as this? 00:10:09.339 --> 00:10:10.319 But Jesus says 00:10:10.319 --> 00:10:10.919 that he's more, 00:10:12.120 --> 00:10:13.219 not just popular, 00:10:13.579 --> 00:10:14.179 but Savior. 00:10:15.500 --> 00:10:17.179 He is God 00:10:17.179 --> 00:10:19.599 in human flesh. 00:10:20.459 --> 00:10:20.839 And yet, 00:10:20.899 --> 00:10:21.919 with those credentials, 00:10:22.480 --> 00:10:23.579 his life ended 00:10:23.579 --> 00:10:26.139 on a cruel Roman cross. 00:10:27.079 --> 00:10:28.139 What's going on there? 00:10:28.240 --> 00:10:29.360 It's just a substitution. 00:10:30.139 --> 00:10:31.459 He is taking the punishment 00:10:31.459 --> 00:10:32.559 that the sins 00:10:32.559 --> 00:10:33.939 of his people deserve, 00:10:33.940 --> 00:10:34.640 and he's taking them 00:10:34.640 --> 00:10:35.200 on himself. 00:10:36.360 --> 00:10:37.720 He dies in the place 00:10:37.720 --> 00:10:38.320 of his people. 00:10:38.660 --> 00:10:39.740 He pays the debt, 00:10:39.820 --> 00:10:40.640 the enormous debt 00:10:40.640 --> 00:10:41.580 that we've racked up 00:10:41.580 --> 00:10:42.660 against our Creator 00:10:42.660 --> 00:10:43.780 and one that was 00:10:43.780 --> 00:10:44.900 standing against us. 00:10:45.220 --> 00:10:46.380 And on the third day, 00:10:47.540 --> 00:10:48.600 he rose. 00:10:51.060 --> 00:10:52.200 It's heaven's verification 00:10:52.200 --> 00:10:53.820 that this man 00:10:53.820 --> 00:10:56.240 is who he says he is. 00:10:56.480 --> 00:10:58.360 He did what he said 00:10:58.360 --> 00:10:59.220 he'd done. 00:11:00.740 --> 00:11:01.080 You see, 00:11:01.160 --> 00:11:02.080 when Jesus rose 00:11:02.080 --> 00:11:03.240 and walked out of that tomb, 00:11:04.860 --> 00:11:05.200 his, 00:11:05.840 --> 00:11:06.640 I need to get this, 00:11:06.700 --> 00:11:07.620 his earthly body 00:11:07.620 --> 00:11:08.720 having been replaced 00:11:08.720 --> 00:11:11.080 by his new resurrection body, 00:11:12.700 --> 00:11:13.660 the perishable, 00:11:15.080 --> 00:11:15.900 having given way 00:11:15.900 --> 00:11:17.100 to the imperishable, 00:11:17.600 --> 00:11:18.660 the body that was subject 00:11:18.660 --> 00:11:19.300 to death 00:11:19.300 --> 00:11:20.000 now replaced 00:11:20.000 --> 00:11:20.560 with a body 00:11:20.560 --> 00:11:21.620 never to see decay. 00:11:21.880 --> 00:11:23.160 He was doing more 00:11:23.160 --> 00:11:23.840 than pulling off 00:11:23.840 --> 00:11:24.540 a neat trick. 00:11:26.080 --> 00:11:26.960 Jesus was putting 00:11:26.960 --> 00:11:28.280 the curse of sin 00:11:28.280 --> 00:11:29.280 and the inevitable 00:11:29.280 --> 00:11:30.740 destination of death, 00:11:30.860 --> 00:11:31.620 and sin and death 00:11:31.620 --> 00:11:32.420 are just two sides 00:11:32.419 --> 00:11:33.279 of the same coin. 00:11:33.620 --> 00:11:34.259 He was putting 00:11:34.259 --> 00:11:35.539 the gear into reverse. 00:11:37.740 --> 00:11:38.799 Bringing in the dawn 00:11:38.799 --> 00:11:39.579 of a new age 00:11:39.579 --> 00:11:40.819 is the first fruits. 00:11:40.979 --> 00:11:42.299 I love that phrase, 00:11:42.459 --> 00:11:43.379 first fruits. 00:11:44.259 --> 00:11:44.719 You ever wonder, 00:11:44.799 --> 00:11:45.459 I remember our kids love, 00:11:45.519 --> 00:11:46.500 they love strawberry picking. 00:11:46.620 --> 00:11:47.360 We go up to Fife, 00:11:47.419 --> 00:11:48.079 you might have done that. 00:11:48.139 --> 00:11:49.679 I always love the thought 00:11:49.679 --> 00:11:50.179 of a farmer 00:11:50.179 --> 00:11:51.259 working hard 00:11:51.259 --> 00:11:52.439 over the winter 00:11:52.439 --> 00:11:53.539 and then at this point 00:11:53.539 --> 00:11:54.039 in the year, 00:11:54.259 --> 00:11:55.599 the first strawberry's there. 00:11:55.759 --> 00:11:55.979 Bang, 00:11:56.019 --> 00:11:57.000 the rest of it's going to come. 00:11:57.000 --> 00:11:58.759 First fruits. 00:12:00.360 --> 00:12:01.200 That's Jesus. 00:12:02.799 --> 00:12:03.039 You know, 00:12:03.080 --> 00:12:03.740 it's almost as if 00:12:03.740 --> 00:12:04.600 when he walks 00:12:04.600 --> 00:12:06.720 out of the tomb, 00:12:07.659 --> 00:12:09.259 he gets a rope 00:12:09.259 --> 00:12:10.919 and he throws it back in 00:12:10.919 --> 00:12:13.059 and says to all of creation 00:12:13.059 --> 00:12:14.100 and to all those 00:12:14.100 --> 00:12:15.259 who would hope in him 00:12:15.259 --> 00:12:16.259 and trust him as Savior, 00:12:16.399 --> 00:12:16.779 and he says, 00:12:16.860 --> 00:12:17.480 grab hold. 00:12:19.080 --> 00:12:20.279 You're coming out with me. 00:12:20.279 --> 00:12:22.720 For the truth is 00:12:22.720 --> 00:12:23.379 that one day 00:12:23.379 --> 00:12:24.480 when Jesus returns 00:12:24.480 --> 00:12:25.379 all of creation 00:12:25.379 --> 00:12:26.699 and every single believer 00:12:26.699 --> 00:12:27.179 will, 00:12:27.539 --> 00:12:28.339 as it were, 00:12:28.980 --> 00:12:29.860 follow him out 00:12:29.860 --> 00:12:30.759 of that tomb as well. 00:12:33.019 --> 00:12:34.159 As Jesus returns 00:12:34.159 --> 00:12:35.240 and ushers in 00:12:35.240 --> 00:12:37.579 this new creation, 00:12:38.740 --> 00:12:39.000 you see, 00:12:39.059 --> 00:12:39.799 creation at the moment 00:12:39.799 --> 00:12:40.539 is like a full, 00:12:41.000 --> 00:12:41.799 as C.S. Lewis 00:12:41.799 --> 00:12:43.500 described it like this, 00:12:43.539 --> 00:12:44.199 is like a full 00:12:44.199 --> 00:12:45.220 piece of orchestra 00:12:45.220 --> 00:12:46.039 all set up 00:12:46.039 --> 00:12:46.879 ready to play 00:12:46.879 --> 00:12:48.139 but sitting in a darkened 00:12:48.139 --> 00:12:49.339 hall gathering dust 00:12:49.340 --> 00:12:50.440 and yet on that day 00:12:50.440 --> 00:12:51.540 when Jesus returns, 00:12:52.100 --> 00:12:53.580 it will gloriously play. 00:12:54.120 --> 00:12:55.500 Similar with our bodies, 00:12:55.620 --> 00:12:56.139 right now, 00:12:56.259 --> 00:12:57.100 death and decay 00:12:57.100 --> 00:12:58.759 but then we'll be 00:12:58.759 --> 00:12:59.740 transformed to be 00:12:59.740 --> 00:13:01.120 like his glorious body, 00:13:01.259 --> 00:13:02.720 never again to see decay, 00:13:03.220 --> 00:13:04.759 enjoying the new creation 00:13:04.759 --> 00:13:05.780 with the God 00:13:05.780 --> 00:13:07.399 who made us 00:13:07.399 --> 00:13:08.340 and the God 00:13:08.340 --> 00:13:09.960 who loves us. 00:13:10.700 --> 00:13:11.620 Having banished 00:13:11.620 --> 00:13:12.860 all evil. 00:13:14.060 --> 00:13:14.660 And that's why 00:13:14.660 --> 00:13:15.780 this comes this morning 00:13:15.780 --> 00:13:16.700 as a loving, 00:13:17.420 --> 00:13:18.560 inviting warning 00:13:18.559 --> 00:13:19.379 to those of us 00:13:19.379 --> 00:13:20.199 who do not know 00:13:20.199 --> 00:13:20.739 this Jesus 00:13:20.739 --> 00:13:21.679 as King and Savior. 00:13:22.679 --> 00:13:24.139 If you reject him, 00:13:24.219 --> 00:13:25.039 if you continue 00:13:25.039 --> 00:13:26.299 to do that, 00:13:26.379 --> 00:13:26.759 the groaning 00:13:26.759 --> 00:13:27.779 that you feel 00:13:27.779 --> 00:13:30.039 will not end in hope. 00:13:30.899 --> 00:13:31.500 Your sins 00:13:31.500 --> 00:13:32.219 will see you 00:13:32.219 --> 00:13:33.099 end up facing 00:13:33.099 --> 00:13:34.119 eternal death 00:13:34.119 --> 00:13:34.719 and judgment, 00:13:34.919 --> 00:13:36.039 caught up in the victory 00:13:36.039 --> 00:13:36.639 of Jesus 00:13:36.639 --> 00:13:38.179 over his enemies. 00:13:38.299 --> 00:13:38.699 And that's why 00:13:38.699 --> 00:13:39.259 this morning 00:13:39.259 --> 00:13:40.059 the news that 00:13:40.059 --> 00:13:41.259 Jesus is alive 00:13:41.259 --> 00:13:42.819 should grab 00:13:42.819 --> 00:13:43.459 your attention 00:13:43.459 --> 00:13:44.199 and cause you 00:13:44.199 --> 00:13:45.559 to fall on your knees 00:13:45.559 --> 00:13:47.000 and worship him. 00:13:48.419 --> 00:13:49.379 When the old 00:13:49.379 --> 00:13:50.039 order of things 00:13:50.039 --> 00:13:50.599 is gone 00:13:50.599 --> 00:13:51.219 and the new 00:13:51.219 --> 00:13:52.039 order with Jesus 00:13:52.039 --> 00:13:52.619 as King 00:13:52.619 --> 00:13:53.279 has come. 00:13:55.719 --> 00:13:56.639 And viewed like that, 00:13:57.779 --> 00:13:58.819 you can see 00:13:58.819 --> 00:13:59.679 why childbirth 00:13:59.679 --> 00:14:00.439 is the perfect 00:14:00.439 --> 00:14:00.879 metaphor. 00:14:03.479 --> 00:14:04.639 And that's why 00:14:04.639 --> 00:14:06.399 you do know 00:14:06.399 --> 00:14:06.819 the pain. 00:14:08.379 --> 00:14:09.339 And some of you 00:14:09.339 --> 00:14:09.979 will be feeling 00:14:09.979 --> 00:14:10.519 the pains 00:14:10.519 --> 00:14:11.659 of that right now 00:14:11.659 --> 00:14:13.100 in all sorts 00:14:13.100 --> 00:14:14.139 of different ways. 00:14:14.939 --> 00:14:16.019 Medical conditions, 00:14:16.980 --> 00:14:17.939 mental struggles, 00:14:18.759 --> 00:14:19.919 relational tensions, 00:14:20.679 --> 00:14:21.860 family concerns, 00:14:22.360 --> 00:14:23.839 the death of loved ones 00:14:23.839 --> 00:14:24.600 that is just 00:14:24.600 --> 00:14:26.079 bringing a sting 00:14:26.079 --> 00:14:27.319 and it's a scar 00:14:27.319 --> 00:14:28.679 that you will probably 00:14:28.679 --> 00:14:29.339 be carrying 00:14:29.339 --> 00:14:30.000 for the rest 00:14:30.000 --> 00:14:31.639 of your life. 00:14:32.299 --> 00:14:33.319 Bring them together. 00:14:33.439 --> 00:14:34.059 What is it? 00:14:35.240 --> 00:14:36.419 It is the pains 00:14:36.419 --> 00:14:37.399 of childbirth. 00:14:38.259 --> 00:14:38.439 You know, 00:14:38.459 --> 00:14:39.220 sometimes I find 00:14:39.220 --> 00:14:40.079 in my job 00:14:40.080 --> 00:14:41.620 when you hear 00:14:41.620 --> 00:14:42.040 and you walk 00:14:42.040 --> 00:14:42.379 with people 00:14:42.379 --> 00:14:42.960 through certain 00:14:42.960 --> 00:14:43.639 things in life, 00:14:43.820 --> 00:14:44.860 all you've got 00:14:44.860 --> 00:14:46.720 is a soul 00:14:46.720 --> 00:14:47.580 which cries out 00:14:47.580 --> 00:14:48.020 and he says, 00:14:48.139 --> 00:14:49.080 come Lord Jesus 00:14:49.080 --> 00:14:50.240 and make it new. 00:14:52.879 --> 00:14:53.720 I pray, 00:14:53.840 --> 00:14:54.340 whoever you are 00:14:54.340 --> 00:14:54.680 here today, 00:14:54.740 --> 00:14:55.240 that your soul 00:14:55.240 --> 00:14:56.100 is strengthened 00:14:56.100 --> 00:14:59.160 by God's Holy Spirit 00:14:59.160 --> 00:15:00.580 living in you, 00:15:00.740 --> 00:15:01.920 dwelling amongst us, 00:15:01.980 --> 00:15:02.720 that in this 00:15:02.720 --> 00:15:03.660 risen Jesus 00:15:03.660 --> 00:15:05.900 there is hope 00:15:05.900 --> 00:15:06.879 abounding. 00:15:07.640 --> 00:15:08.379 And I love that, 00:15:08.480 --> 00:15:09.280 just as he said 00:15:09.279 --> 00:15:09.720 at the tomb 00:15:09.720 --> 00:15:11.259 that very first 00:15:11.259 --> 00:15:12.019 Easter day, 00:15:12.519 --> 00:15:13.399 we heard it read, 00:15:14.199 --> 00:15:15.139 Jesus just said, 00:15:16.220 --> 00:15:16.519 Mary. 00:15:18.919 --> 00:15:20.579 This follower of Jesus, 00:15:20.679 --> 00:15:21.220 she had her life 00:15:21.220 --> 00:15:22.360 transformed by him 00:15:22.360 --> 00:15:23.600 and yet the one 00:15:23.600 --> 00:15:24.519 in whom she hoped 00:15:24.519 --> 00:15:25.220 was gone. 00:15:26.179 --> 00:15:27.319 And yet Jesus says, 00:15:27.399 --> 00:15:28.159 doesn't just say 00:15:28.159 --> 00:15:29.199 generic woman, 00:15:29.679 --> 00:15:30.399 he says, 00:15:31.039 --> 00:15:31.339 Mary, 00:15:32.379 --> 00:15:33.399 I know you, 00:15:34.439 --> 00:15:35.600 everything's changed, 00:15:36.199 --> 00:15:36.959 life's going to be 00:15:36.959 --> 00:15:37.419 all right. 00:15:37.539 --> 00:15:38.059 Do you know why? 00:15:38.059 --> 00:15:39.139 Because I've died 00:15:39.139 --> 00:15:39.819 for your sin 00:15:39.819 --> 00:15:41.099 and I live 00:15:41.099 --> 00:15:42.079 and I love you 00:15:42.079 --> 00:15:44.359 and everything's changed. 00:15:46.559 --> 00:15:47.459 Would you hear 00:15:47.459 --> 00:15:48.139 through the Spirit 00:15:48.139 --> 00:15:49.139 of God living in you, 00:15:49.219 --> 00:15:49.759 would you hear 00:15:49.759 --> 00:15:50.619 in a similar way, 00:15:50.679 --> 00:15:51.139 I pray, 00:15:51.579 --> 00:15:52.719 him speaking your name 00:15:52.719 --> 00:15:53.179 today, 00:15:54.279 --> 00:15:55.179 that there is joy 00:15:55.179 --> 00:15:55.839 on the other side 00:15:55.839 --> 00:15:56.439 of the pain. 00:15:58.219 --> 00:15:58.379 You know, 00:15:58.379 --> 00:15:59.079 sometimes in life 00:15:59.079 --> 00:16:00.099 you just have to stop 00:16:00.099 --> 00:16:01.319 what you're doing 00:16:01.320 --> 00:16:03.360 and you just have 00:16:03.360 --> 00:16:04.260 to remind yourself, 00:16:04.360 --> 00:16:04.700 don't you, 00:16:06.280 --> 00:16:07.440 that 2,000 years ago 00:16:07.440 --> 00:16:08.940 somebody walked out 00:16:08.940 --> 00:16:09.500 of the grave 00:16:09.500 --> 00:16:11.660 and it's changed 00:16:11.660 --> 00:16:12.160 everything 00:16:12.160 --> 00:16:14.800 because in the end 00:16:14.800 --> 00:16:15.780 it's only a passing 00:16:15.780 --> 00:16:16.280 thing, 00:16:17.140 --> 00:16:17.720 this shadow. 00:16:20.220 --> 00:16:21.300 Even darkness 00:16:21.300 --> 00:16:23.740 must pass 00:16:23.740 --> 00:16:25.560 a new day 00:16:25.560 --> 00:16:26.100 will come. 00:16:27.399 --> 00:16:28.159 So what do you reckon 00:16:28.159 --> 00:16:28.680 this morning? 00:16:29.840 --> 00:16:30.279 Fancy, 00:16:30.560 --> 00:16:31.659 fanciful fairy tale? 00:16:32.600 --> 00:16:33.320 Wishful thinking? 00:16:34.039 --> 00:16:35.159 If only it were true, 00:16:35.299 --> 00:16:36.080 can it be true? 00:16:36.240 --> 00:16:37.019 Jesus says 00:16:37.019 --> 00:16:38.000 to each of us today, 00:16:39.139 --> 00:16:39.580 he says, 00:16:39.659 --> 00:16:40.500 I am the resurrection 00:16:40.500 --> 00:16:41.180 and the life. 00:16:42.379 --> 00:16:43.340 The one who believes 00:16:43.340 --> 00:16:44.299 in me will live 00:16:44.299 --> 00:16:45.580 even though they die 00:16:45.580 --> 00:16:47.159 and whoever lives 00:16:47.159 --> 00:16:48.240 by believing in me 00:16:48.240 --> 00:16:49.220 will never die. 00:16:50.419 --> 00:16:51.480 Do you believe this? 00:16:51.480 --> 00:16:54.360 So that's the question 00:16:54.360 --> 00:16:54.879 we've got to think 00:16:54.879 --> 00:16:55.420 about today. 00:16:55.600 --> 00:16:56.960 If you'd love to explore that, 00:16:57.300 --> 00:16:58.159 you'd love to read 00:16:58.159 --> 00:16:58.860 about this Jesus, 00:16:59.039 --> 00:16:59.800 make up your own mind 00:16:59.800 --> 00:17:00.879 as to who you think he is, 00:17:01.600 --> 00:17:02.320 it would be our joy 00:17:02.320 --> 00:17:03.180 to do that with you. 00:17:03.259 --> 00:17:03.899 Please just speak 00:17:03.899 --> 00:17:04.279 to somebody 00:17:04.279 --> 00:17:05.460 who maybe you came with today 00:17:05.460 --> 00:17:06.360 or somebody at the door 00:17:06.360 --> 00:17:07.360 or grab me afterwards. 00:17:07.480 --> 00:17:08.019 We'd love to make 00:17:08.019 --> 00:17:08.740 that a possibility 00:17:08.740 --> 00:17:10.319 because there's life 00:17:10.319 --> 00:17:11.460 to be found in this Jesus. 00:17:13.140 --> 00:17:13.819 So why don't we just 00:17:13.819 --> 00:17:14.779 be quiet for a moment 00:17:14.779 --> 00:17:16.220 just before we 00:17:16.220 --> 00:17:18.200 close our service together 00:17:18.200 --> 00:17:18.819 and sing. 00:17:19.660 --> 00:17:20.099 Why don't we just 00:17:20.099 --> 00:17:20.599 take a moment 00:17:20.599 --> 00:17:21.240 and be quiet, 00:17:21.240 --> 00:17:21.839 be still 00:17:21.839 --> 00:17:22.740 and then I'll just 00:17:22.740 --> 00:17:23.440 bring us back 00:17:23.440 --> 00:17:24.120 and we'll close 00:17:24.120 --> 00:17:24.900 in prayer. 00:17:24.900 --> 00:17:25.019 Amen. 00:17:51.240 --> 00:18:01.180 For in this hope 00:18:01.180 --> 00:18:02.099 we were saved, 00:18:02.640 --> 00:18:05.480 but hope that is seen 00:18:05.480 --> 00:18:06.680 is no hope at all. 00:18:06.779 --> 00:18:07.480 Who hopes for what 00:18:07.480 --> 00:18:08.460 they already have? 00:18:09.579 --> 00:18:10.599 But if we hope 00:18:10.599 --> 00:18:11.920 for what we do not yet have, 00:18:11.980 --> 00:18:12.920 we wait for it 00:18:12.920 --> 00:18:14.400 patiently. 00:18:14.400 --> 00:18:17.340 And we thank you, 00:18:18.060 --> 00:18:19.040 Father God, 00:18:19.140 --> 00:18:20.420 for the wonderful 00:18:20.420 --> 00:18:22.360 earth-shattering news 00:18:22.360 --> 00:18:24.740 of the Jesus 00:18:24.740 --> 00:18:26.220 who walked out of that tomb 00:18:26.220 --> 00:18:28.000 all those years ago. 00:18:28.000 --> 00:18:30.779 and we thank you that that really 00:18:30.779 --> 00:18:32.940 has changed everything. 00:18:32.940 --> 00:18:36.600 And so I pray for whoever is here today, 00:18:37.240 --> 00:18:38.100 for those who, 00:18:38.259 --> 00:18:39.700 maybe this is the first time 00:18:39.700 --> 00:18:40.519 they've heard about 00:18:40.519 --> 00:18:41.440 this Jesus, 00:18:41.600 --> 00:18:42.160 your son, 00:18:42.580 --> 00:18:43.920 would today be the day 00:18:43.920 --> 00:18:44.900 that they find life 00:18:44.900 --> 00:18:46.279 and forgiveness in him. 00:18:47.279 --> 00:18:47.600 Father, 00:18:47.660 --> 00:18:48.820 for those who are struggling 00:18:48.820 --> 00:18:49.539 this morning, 00:18:49.660 --> 00:18:51.360 who are feeling the pain, 00:18:52.600 --> 00:18:52.759 oh, 00:18:52.820 --> 00:18:54.420 may the truth 00:18:54.420 --> 00:18:55.840 of the glorious Jesus 00:18:55.839 --> 00:18:56.779 capture 00:18:56.779 --> 00:18:58.819 and strengthen hearts 00:18:58.819 --> 00:18:59.480 this morning. 00:19:00.279 --> 00:19:01.500 We just thank you 00:19:01.500 --> 00:19:01.980 for 00:19:01.980 --> 00:19:03.559 the truth 00:19:03.559 --> 00:19:04.759 that he is risen, 00:19:05.859 --> 00:19:07.859 that he knows our names, 00:19:08.099 --> 00:19:09.299 that he is interceding, 00:19:09.359 --> 00:19:10.259 he's praying for us 00:19:10.259 --> 00:19:11.279 at your right hand 00:19:11.279 --> 00:19:11.859 and that 00:19:11.859 --> 00:19:12.899 gloriously 00:19:12.899 --> 00:19:14.240 one day he will return. 00:19:14.759 --> 00:19:15.839 The one who says, 00:19:15.959 --> 00:19:16.519 behold, 00:19:17.299 --> 00:19:18.199 I am making 00:19:18.199 --> 00:19:19.119 everything 00:19:19.119 --> 00:19:20.099 new. 00:19:21.500 --> 00:19:21.980 Oh, 00:19:21.980 --> 00:19:22.179 Father, 00:19:22.259 --> 00:19:23.259 we pray that you'd be with us 00:19:23.259 --> 00:19:24.139 as we finish 00:19:24.139 --> 00:19:24.980 our time together. 00:19:24.980 --> 00:19:26.299 Thank you for this morning 00:19:26.299 --> 00:19:28.039 and we pray these things 00:19:28.039 --> 00:19:29.759 in Jesus' powerful name. 00:19:30.400 --> 00:19:30.740 Amen.