WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.759 Okay. A couple of pieces of business before we get started. First of all, it's hot. Second of all, 00:00:08.919 --> 00:00:13.720 there are ways to deal with that. One is if you're not sitting in a fan zone and you need a fan, 00:00:14.320 --> 00:00:18.559 get up, move to a place where you can feel the breeze of the fans in the sanctuary. 00:00:19.359 --> 00:00:27.140 Secondly, if you are dying of heat, there is cold water in pitchers downstairs as well as a water 00:00:27.140 --> 00:00:33.140 fountain in the back with cups. Go avail yourself. Don't feel like I'll be offended. I am telling you 00:00:33.140 --> 00:00:39.200 all this because my hope is that you will be able to pay attention and hang in there because we have 00:00:39.200 --> 00:00:46.439 a wonderful passage to look at this morning. And so if you need to go downstairs, it is slightly cooler 00:00:46.439 --> 00:00:52.140 down there. And there is a speaker down there. Please be respectful of one another who may be 00:00:52.140 --> 00:01:01.200 listening to the sermon while you're down there. So those are your options. And as I have an 87 point 00:01:01.200 --> 00:01:06.620 outline here for you, we're going to... No, I'm kidding. I'm kidding. We're going to look at the 00:01:06.620 --> 00:01:14.579 passage. We're going to be looking at 1 Corinthians, continuing our series, and we'll be looking at that 00:01:14.579 --> 00:01:20.519 in just a minute. I also want to just say on a personal note, it is good to be back. Thank you 00:01:20.519 --> 00:01:29.159 to the church for giving me a leave in the month of July. It was a good break. It was good to be with 00:01:29.159 --> 00:01:37.199 my kids and good to step away from some of the daily demands of life and ministry. 00:01:39.699 --> 00:01:45.280 It is interesting though because what I experienced during my leave has helped me think about what 00:01:45.280 --> 00:01:52.960 we're talking about this morning in 1 Corinthians. As I was on vacation with my family, my mom has 00:01:52.960 --> 00:01:59.960 developed some new health issues that are a little more significant than they have been. She's 80 years 00:01:59.960 --> 00:02:07.960 old as of January and is the most remarkably vibrant and active 80-year-old you would know. And so facing 00:02:07.959 --> 00:02:16.199 this is the first time when we've really had to wrestle through with her, how she's doing. And as 00:02:16.199 --> 00:02:23.639 we've had to face in a new way with the family, two of the great unchangeable realities of human 00:02:23.639 --> 00:02:33.240 existence, and that is that we are getting older and that one day we will die. It's not a very happy 00:02:33.240 --> 00:02:39.580 topic to talk about. In fact, we're not very good at it. One of my readings for this week was a book 00:02:39.580 --> 00:02:45.760 called Being Mortal. It is not written by a Christian. It is not from a Christian perspective, 00:02:45.760 --> 00:02:58.000 but it is a remarkable book talking about how much our society and our culture does not like to face 00:02:58.000 --> 00:03:06.360 or to talk about. And in fact is ill-equipped to face and to talk about the realities of aging and 00:03:06.360 --> 00:03:12.400 of death. As a matter of fact, I want to read to you a passage. He is a surgeon. He is the son of two 00:03:12.400 --> 00:03:22.500 doctors. And he realized as he entered into his practice how ill-equipped he and the medical system 00:03:22.500 --> 00:03:29.460 that had trained him was to actually help people face and walk through some of these issues. 00:03:30.300 --> 00:03:35.400 So he says, this is a book about the modern experience of mortality, about what it's like 00:03:35.400 --> 00:03:41.120 to be creatures who age and die, how medicine has changed the experience and how it hasn't, 00:03:41.680 --> 00:03:49.439 and where our ideas about how to deal with our finitude have got the reality wrong. As I pass a 00:03:49.439 --> 00:03:57.099 decade in surgical practice and become middle-aged myself, I find that neither I nor my patients find 00:03:57.099 --> 00:04:03.199 our current state tolerable, but I have also found it unclear what the answer should be, 00:04:03.539 --> 00:04:13.620 or even whether any adequate ones are possible. He's exposing what's a reality for us in our culture 00:04:13.620 --> 00:04:21.120 and often in our own lives, that we don't really know how to face the end of life. 00:04:21.860 --> 00:04:28.579 He goes on and talks about how the whole medical system right now is primarily trained to help fix 00:04:28.579 --> 00:04:33.180 things and make you better and prolong your life. And that's good and right. That's what they should do. 00:04:33.180 --> 00:04:44.699 But in doing so, it hasn't always equipped us as a society to think about how to face the end well. 00:04:45.480 --> 00:04:50.420 One more side note before I go on. I'm really thankful that in our congregation, we have some 00:04:50.420 --> 00:04:55.600 resources of people who know how to think about these things well. John Dunlop and Lydia Dugdale 00:04:55.600 --> 00:04:59.600 are both physicians who in different ways have been thinking through these things, 00:04:59.600 --> 00:05:05.180 not only from a human perspective, but especially as well from a Christian perspective. 00:05:06.100 --> 00:05:13.420 John's book, Finishing Well to the Glory of God, is worth your read. Whether you are 65 or whether 00:05:13.420 --> 00:05:20.260 you are 16, it is worth your read to think about what does it look like to face these things well. 00:05:20.800 --> 00:05:27.700 But the challenge is very real. Think about how in our culture things have changed. In 1945, 00:05:27.699 --> 00:05:37.659 most people in America died at home. According to the statistics in the book, 17% of people died at 00:05:37.659 --> 00:05:44.980 home in 1980. He said there's been a swing back since then a little bit. But think about how much 00:05:44.980 --> 00:05:52.360 that changes. How many of you have actually seen a dead body? How many of you have seen someone die, 00:05:52.360 --> 00:05:57.800 walked through that? Some of you have. Some of you haven't. 00:06:00.000 --> 00:06:03.879 But we live in a culture that wants to ignore it as much as possible. 00:06:05.960 --> 00:06:12.860 As probably many of you know, as I walked with my late wife Brandy through the last three and a half 00:06:12.860 --> 00:06:22.100 years of her life, we faced these questions. We faced the questions of how do you live knowing your 00:06:22.100 --> 00:06:29.160 probably going to die, but not know when? How much do you focus on living for today and making the most of it? 00:06:29.580 --> 00:06:38.900 How much do you prepare for what's coming ahead? How do you face the end? How do you navigate the 00:06:38.900 --> 00:06:48.939 feelings of hopelessness and of hope that swirl in your heart? How do you walk through those things? 00:06:48.939 --> 00:06:59.360 We weren't particularly prepared for that. It wasn't on our plan when we got married to be facing what we did. 00:07:00.199 --> 00:07:09.939 We were unaccustomed to the process, unfamiliar with the questions, ignorant of the patterns, and we were unprepared. 00:07:09.939 --> 00:07:18.680 Now, I'm sure some of you have walked through this process already with someone you love. 00:07:19.699 --> 00:07:26.639 Maybe some of you are facing this process yourself. You're feeling the aging and thinking through, 00:07:26.759 --> 00:07:34.540 how do I walk through this well? Some of you may not be there yet. Maybe you haven't walked through it, 00:07:34.540 --> 00:07:40.160 but you're starting to see that it's more downhill than uphill from here in your life. 00:07:43.360 --> 00:07:46.660 Some of you, my guess is, have never thought about it at all. 00:07:46.660 --> 00:07:55.280 That was true of me for many, many years. Until my dad passed away, it didn't even cross my mind. 00:07:55.340 --> 00:08:01.740 Even when some of my really good friends had loved ones die, I didn't have any clue. 00:08:05.240 --> 00:08:10.060 How do we face aging and dying and death? 00:08:10.060 --> 00:08:12.660 What do we do with that? 00:08:13.860 --> 00:08:18.980 Well, friends, that's what our passage this morning speaks to, I believe. 00:08:19.060 --> 00:08:27.259 And it gives us a mind-blowing picture of what God has done for us 00:08:27.259 --> 00:08:34.320 and how we, who know Christ, can respond to these questions. 00:08:34.320 --> 00:08:41.400 And so, in light of that, we're going to look at 1 Corinthians 15, verses 50 through 58. 00:08:41.520 --> 00:08:44.620 If you want to turn there in your pew Bible, what's the page? I forgot. 00:08:46.700 --> 00:08:50.420 9.62. Page 9.62. 00:08:51.820 --> 00:08:57.220 We're going to read this together, and then I will pray, and then we will continue. 00:08:58.640 --> 00:09:01.360 1 Corinthians 15, starting in verse 50. 00:09:01.360 --> 00:09:31.340 1 Corinthians 15, verse 50. 00:09:31.360 --> 00:10:01.340 1 Corinthians 15, verse 50. 00:10:01.340 --> 00:10:02.340 4, amen. 00:10:02.340 --> 00:10:03.120 4 нал. 00:10:03.120 --> 00:10:04.340 3 Corinthians 15, verse 50. 00:10:04.340 --> 00:10:05.340 5, zodiac Christians. 00:10:05.340 --> 00:10:05.460 5, verse 50. 00:10:05.460 --> 00:10:05.740 5, verse 50. 00:10:05.740 --> 00:10:06.940 6, verse 51. 00:10:06.940 --> 00:10:07.000 6, verse 50. 00:10:07.280 --> 00:10:07.780 7, verse 31. 00:10:07.780 --> 00:10:08.040 7, verse 51. 00:10:08.040 --> 00:10:09.160 8, verse 51. 00:10:11.160 --> 00:10:13.000 8, verse 50. 00:10:13.000 --> 00:10:14.180 6, verse 51. 00:10:14.180 --> 00:10:16.080 5, verse 51. 00:10:16.100 --> 00:10:16.720 10, verse 51. 00:10:16.899 --> 00:10:18.680 11, verse 51. 00:10:18.680 --> 00:10:19.780 11, verse 51. 00:10:20.120 --> 00:10:26.720 20, verse 51. 00:10:26.720 --> 00:10:26.740 Let's pray together. 00:10:26.740 --> 00:10:32.720 Lord what sweet and precious words 00:10:32.720 --> 00:10:34.620 These are that speak to our hope 00:10:34.620 --> 00:10:37.320 And Lord lay for us 00:10:37.320 --> 00:10:39.620 Channel markers 00:10:39.620 --> 00:10:43.379 Lord through the dizzying currents 00:10:43.379 --> 00:10:45.299 And the bewildering winds of 00:10:45.299 --> 00:10:47.159 Death and dying 00:10:47.159 --> 00:10:50.320 Lord thank you for these channel markers 00:10:50.320 --> 00:10:53.379 These points of reference 00:10:53.379 --> 00:10:55.980 That can lead us through well 00:10:55.980 --> 00:10:59.120 Lord I pray this morning you would give us 00:10:59.120 --> 00:11:01.240 Your grace to hear your word 00:11:01.240 --> 00:11:03.440 Lord to know the hope 00:11:03.440 --> 00:11:05.659 That you have given us in Christ 00:11:05.659 --> 00:11:08.820 Lord I pray for those who are here this morning 00:11:08.820 --> 00:11:10.360 Who are exploring Christianity 00:11:10.360 --> 00:11:12.620 Lord that they would hear 00:11:12.620 --> 00:11:14.779 Lord of the great hope 00:11:14.779 --> 00:11:16.620 That is for all 00:11:16.620 --> 00:11:18.960 Who are joined with Christ 00:11:18.960 --> 00:11:20.580 In resurrection and eternity 00:11:20.580 --> 00:11:23.120 Lord I pray 00:11:23.120 --> 00:11:25.259 That you would help us in this heat 00:11:25.259 --> 00:11:27.000 To sustain and endure 00:11:27.000 --> 00:11:30.519 Lord I pray you would give us ears to hear 00:11:30.519 --> 00:11:32.439 What you have to speak to us this morning 00:11:32.439 --> 00:11:33.799 By your spirit 00:11:33.799 --> 00:11:34.720 Through your word 00:11:34.720 --> 00:11:36.439 We pray in Jesus name 00:11:36.439 --> 00:11:37.399 Amen 00:11:37.399 --> 00:11:47.840 As we come to this passage this morning 00:11:47.840 --> 00:11:49.299 I want to remind you of the context 00:11:49.299 --> 00:11:51.039 Paul has been writing to the Corinthians 00:11:51.039 --> 00:11:53.159 And in the church in Corinth 00:11:53.159 --> 00:11:54.439 And in chapter 15 00:11:54.439 --> 00:11:56.019 He has come back to 00:11:56.019 --> 00:11:58.279 After 14 chapters 00:11:58.279 --> 00:12:00.100 Of a lot of ethical instruction 00:12:00.100 --> 00:12:01.759 This is how you ought to live 00:12:01.759 --> 00:12:03.159 This is how you ought to be 00:12:03.159 --> 00:12:05.460 He comes back and he reminds them 00:12:05.460 --> 00:12:06.900 He says now I want to remind you 00:12:06.900 --> 00:12:08.759 Of what is of first importance 00:12:08.759 --> 00:12:10.840 This is the very core 00:12:10.840 --> 00:12:12.019 Of the Christian message 00:12:12.019 --> 00:12:14.180 This is the very core of the gospel 00:12:14.180 --> 00:12:15.680 That Jesus Christ 00:12:15.680 --> 00:12:17.259 Died for your sins 00:12:17.259 --> 00:12:19.220 And was raised from the dead 00:12:19.220 --> 00:12:24.360 He wants us to have that central 00:12:24.360 --> 00:12:24.720 It is 00:12:24.720 --> 00:12:26.120 Christianity is not about 00:12:26.120 --> 00:12:27.019 Being a good person 00:12:27.019 --> 00:12:28.340 Christianity is not about 00:12:28.340 --> 00:12:31.160 About performing well in the world 00:12:31.160 --> 00:12:33.580 It's not about improving our society 00:12:33.580 --> 00:12:35.660 It's not about all of those things 00:12:35.660 --> 00:12:37.080 In fact it's not about us 00:12:37.080 --> 00:12:38.660 First and foremost at all 00:12:38.660 --> 00:12:41.040 It's about what God has done 00:12:41.040 --> 00:12:44.960 For us in Jesus Christ 00:12:44.960 --> 00:12:46.420 That he has come 00:12:46.420 --> 00:12:47.460 And by his death 00:12:47.460 --> 00:12:48.720 And by his resurrection 00:12:48.720 --> 00:12:50.780 He has wrought a work 00:12:50.780 --> 00:12:52.200 In the world 00:12:52.200 --> 00:12:53.460 A work of redemption 00:12:53.460 --> 00:12:58.740 That changes everything 00:12:58.740 --> 00:13:02.500 He then goes on 00:13:02.500 --> 00:13:05.180 In verses 12 through 34 00:13:05.180 --> 00:13:06.860 To address a question 00:13:06.860 --> 00:13:08.120 That seemed to be swirling 00:13:08.120 --> 00:13:09.259 In the Corinthian context 00:13:09.259 --> 00:13:09.840 Which is 00:13:09.840 --> 00:13:11.500 But I don't think 00:13:11.500 --> 00:13:12.600 That the resurrection 00:13:12.600 --> 00:13:14.560 That doesn't make any sense to me 00:13:14.560 --> 00:13:15.779 And maybe you understand that 00:13:15.779 --> 00:13:17.200 Because in our scientific world 00:13:17.200 --> 00:13:18.480 People who die are dead 00:13:18.480 --> 00:13:20.419 That's very sort of 00:13:20.419 --> 00:13:21.480 Tautological right? 00:13:21.700 --> 00:13:22.860 People who die are dead 00:13:22.860 --> 00:13:23.860 That's all they do 00:13:23.860 --> 00:13:25.680 And this idea of resurrection 00:13:25.680 --> 00:13:27.340 Seems very odd to us 00:13:27.340 --> 00:13:30.360 And so he attacks this idea 00:13:30.360 --> 00:13:31.000 And he says 00:13:31.000 --> 00:13:32.759 No, we who are Christians 00:13:32.759 --> 00:13:34.160 Must believe 00:13:34.160 --> 00:13:36.060 That there is a resurrection 00:13:36.060 --> 00:13:36.800 From the dead 00:13:36.800 --> 00:13:38.000 Because Christ 00:13:38.000 --> 00:13:39.940 Has been raised from the dead 00:13:39.940 --> 00:13:41.420 And there is good evidence 00:13:41.420 --> 00:13:42.160 Historically 00:13:42.160 --> 00:13:43.420 To know that that is true 00:13:43.420 --> 00:13:44.960 There is good effect 00:13:44.960 --> 00:13:48.379 To remember that 00:13:48.379 --> 00:13:49.700 That resurrection 00:13:49.700 --> 00:13:51.139 Changes everything 00:13:51.139 --> 00:13:56.580 Then he goes on 00:13:56.580 --> 00:13:57.539 In verses 35 00:13:57.539 --> 00:13:58.779 Through the end of the chapter 00:13:58.779 --> 00:13:59.639 Which is the last 00:13:59.639 --> 00:14:01.840 We're reading the last part today 00:14:01.840 --> 00:14:03.500 And he shifts from the question 00:14:03.500 --> 00:14:04.779 Of can there be a resurrection 00:14:04.779 --> 00:14:05.399 Or not 00:14:05.399 --> 00:14:07.899 To what kind of resurrection body 00:14:07.899 --> 00:14:08.379 Would it 00:14:08.379 --> 00:14:09.620 Is it going to look like? 00:14:09.740 --> 00:14:11.279 What does that really look like? 00:14:11.360 --> 00:14:13.139 We're unfamiliar with this idea 00:14:13.139 --> 00:14:14.399 Of a resurrected person 00:14:14.399 --> 00:14:16.679 So what does it really look like 00:14:16.679 --> 00:14:18.159 To be raised from the dead? 00:14:18.159 --> 00:14:19.839 And let me just say 00:14:19.839 --> 00:14:21.000 My brothers who have preached 00:14:21.000 --> 00:14:22.379 On this for the last four weeks 00:14:22.379 --> 00:14:24.019 Have done a wonderful job 00:14:24.019 --> 00:14:25.699 And if you have missed out 00:14:25.699 --> 00:14:26.699 On the last four weeks 00:14:26.699 --> 00:14:27.219 Please 00:14:27.219 --> 00:14:29.000 Go to our website 00:14:29.000 --> 00:14:30.319 Sign up for the podcast 00:14:30.319 --> 00:14:32.120 Download the messages 00:14:32.120 --> 00:14:33.179 Listen to them 00:14:33.179 --> 00:14:35.219 There is much 00:14:35.219 --> 00:14:36.759 That I will not get to say 00:14:36.759 --> 00:14:38.100 About Jesus Christ 00:14:38.100 --> 00:14:39.579 And his resurrection today 00:14:39.579 --> 00:14:41.259 Because they've already said it 00:14:41.259 --> 00:14:42.480 With much more eloquence 00:14:42.480 --> 00:14:43.439 Than I can summarize 00:14:43.440 --> 00:14:45.340 So go back and read those 00:14:45.340 --> 00:14:46.620 Or listen to those 00:14:46.620 --> 00:14:48.560 And be blessed by them 00:14:48.560 --> 00:14:50.600 But at the core of it 00:14:50.600 --> 00:14:51.160 This section 00:14:51.160 --> 00:14:53.440 How Paul responds to that is 00:14:53.440 --> 00:14:55.320 Oh what will the resurrection body 00:14:55.320 --> 00:14:55.920 Look like? 00:14:56.560 --> 00:14:56.960 Well 00:14:56.960 --> 00:14:58.340 It will look like 00:14:58.340 --> 00:14:59.940 Something more glorious 00:14:59.940 --> 00:15:01.900 More fitting 00:15:01.900 --> 00:15:03.620 More right 00:15:03.620 --> 00:15:05.120 More heavenly 00:15:05.120 --> 00:15:06.860 More ideal 00:15:06.860 --> 00:15:08.780 Than you could ever imagine 00:15:08.780 --> 00:15:12.060 Nick used the analogy 00:15:12.059 --> 00:15:13.019 Last week of 00:15:13.019 --> 00:15:14.779 If you look at an acorn 00:15:14.779 --> 00:15:15.899 And think of what 00:15:15.899 --> 00:15:17.979 A beautiful oak tree is like 00:15:17.979 --> 00:15:19.899 We in our mortal bodies 00:15:19.899 --> 00:15:20.419 Right now 00:15:20.419 --> 00:15:22.179 Are that ugly little acorn 00:15:22.179 --> 00:15:24.279 And what is coming to us 00:15:24.279 --> 00:15:25.299 Is this picture 00:15:25.299 --> 00:15:27.759 Of abundant beauty 00:15:27.759 --> 00:15:29.279 And glory 00:15:29.279 --> 00:15:31.639 Beyond what we could imagine 00:15:31.639 --> 00:15:34.019 And that leads us 00:15:34.019 --> 00:15:35.599 To our passage this morning 00:15:35.599 --> 00:15:37.859 And in our passage this morning 00:15:37.860 --> 00:15:39.560 Paul gives us two more 00:15:39.560 --> 00:15:41.240 Key perspectives 00:15:41.240 --> 00:15:43.879 About the resurrection 00:15:43.879 --> 00:15:44.840 And what it means 00:15:44.840 --> 00:15:46.080 For us today 00:15:46.080 --> 00:15:48.800 How Christ's resurrection 00:15:48.800 --> 00:15:50.539 And his victory over death 00:15:50.539 --> 00:15:52.080 Means that we too 00:15:52.080 --> 00:15:53.120 Can face death 00:15:53.120 --> 00:15:54.100 And live life 00:15:54.100 --> 00:15:55.360 With certainty 00:15:55.360 --> 00:15:56.940 And with hope 00:15:56.940 --> 00:15:59.120 So we're going to break it down 00:15:59.120 --> 00:16:00.279 We're going to look at three sections 00:16:00.279 --> 00:16:01.800 The first one is 00:16:01.800 --> 00:16:04.000 The hope of a coming transformation 00:16:04.000 --> 00:16:05.860 The second one is 00:16:05.860 --> 00:16:07.139 The present reality 00:16:07.139 --> 00:16:08.200 Of Christ's victory 00:16:08.200 --> 00:16:09.460 And the third is 00:16:09.460 --> 00:16:10.960 The exhortation 00:16:10.960 --> 00:16:13.179 To draw on that strength 00:16:13.179 --> 00:16:15.240 To live lives now 00:16:15.240 --> 00:16:18.700 In light of the future resurrection 00:16:18.700 --> 00:16:20.539 So that's what we're going to look at 00:16:20.539 --> 00:16:21.100 This morning 00:16:21.100 --> 00:16:22.480 First one 00:16:22.480 --> 00:16:24.659 Verses 50 through 53 00:16:24.659 --> 00:16:26.779 Excuse me 00:16:26.779 --> 00:16:29.000 He starts out by saying this 00:16:29.000 --> 00:16:30.179 I tell you this brothers 00:16:30.179 --> 00:16:32.639 Flesh and blood cannot inherit 00:16:32.639 --> 00:16:33.500 The kingdom of God 00:16:33.500 --> 00:16:34.659 Nor does the perishable 00:16:34.659 --> 00:16:36.139 Inherit the imperishable 00:16:36.139 --> 00:16:38.039 The Corinthians 00:16:38.039 --> 00:16:39.299 It seems like we're thinking 00:16:39.299 --> 00:16:40.000 This 00:16:40.000 --> 00:16:41.220 This flesh 00:16:41.220 --> 00:16:42.500 This ugliness 00:16:42.500 --> 00:16:43.700 With all of its warts 00:16:43.700 --> 00:16:44.000 And 00:16:44.000 --> 00:16:44.580 And 00:16:44.580 --> 00:16:44.919 And 00:16:44.919 --> 00:16:46.100 And extra pounds 00:16:46.100 --> 00:16:46.460 And 00:16:46.460 --> 00:16:48.039 And all the other things 00:16:48.039 --> 00:16:49.000 That I have 00:16:49.000 --> 00:16:49.159 And 00:16:49.159 --> 00:16:49.700 And the 00:16:49.700 --> 00:16:51.120 The ugly elbows 00:16:51.120 --> 00:16:52.159 And my misshaped nose 00:16:52.159 --> 00:16:53.259 This thing 00:16:53.259 --> 00:16:54.460 This mortal body 00:16:54.460 --> 00:16:56.200 This thing that's decaying 00:16:56.200 --> 00:16:57.559 How can this 00:16:57.559 --> 00:16:58.879 Be a part of eternity 00:16:58.879 --> 00:16:59.980 How can this 00:16:59.980 --> 00:17:00.899 Be a part of God 00:17:00.899 --> 00:17:01.519 And his kingdom 00:17:01.519 --> 00:17:03.460 How is it possible 00:17:03.460 --> 00:17:05.319 That that is true 00:17:05.319 --> 00:17:08.400 Imagining that is like saying 00:17:08.400 --> 00:17:09.460 A two year old 00:17:09.460 --> 00:17:10.359 Is able to fly 00:17:10.359 --> 00:17:11.099 An F-16 00:17:11.099 --> 00:17:12.579 Or a cricket 00:17:12.579 --> 00:17:13.740 Should be able to pull 00:17:13.740 --> 00:17:14.960 The queen's carriage 00:17:14.960 --> 00:17:16.559 Through the streets of London 00:17:16.559 --> 00:17:18.299 It just doesn't make sense 00:17:18.299 --> 00:17:19.379 It doesn't fit 00:17:19.379 --> 00:17:20.779 This mortal body 00:17:20.779 --> 00:17:21.619 Isn't fit 00:17:21.619 --> 00:17:22.660 For the future 00:17:22.660 --> 00:17:23.619 That is to come 00:17:23.619 --> 00:17:26.819 And Paul says 00:17:26.819 --> 00:17:27.459 Oh no 00:17:27.459 --> 00:17:29.359 Oh no friends 00:17:29.359 --> 00:17:30.159 Your imagination 00:17:30.159 --> 00:17:31.379 Is too small 00:17:31.379 --> 00:17:32.759 This mortal body 00:17:32.759 --> 00:17:33.719 You were right 00:17:33.719 --> 00:17:34.579 This mortal body 00:17:34.579 --> 00:17:35.779 Cannot inherit 00:17:35.779 --> 00:17:37.059 Those things 00:17:37.059 --> 00:17:39.579 But this mortal body 00:17:39.579 --> 00:17:40.979 Isn't going to inherit 00:17:40.979 --> 00:17:42.339 Those things 00:17:42.339 --> 00:17:43.719 Because God 00:17:43.719 --> 00:17:44.959 Is going to do something 00:17:44.959 --> 00:17:45.779 In us 00:17:45.779 --> 00:17:46.599 In the resurrection 00:17:46.599 --> 00:17:48.459 That is wonderful 00:17:48.460 --> 00:17:50.819 Look with me 00:17:50.819 --> 00:17:52.500 Verses 52-53 00:17:52.500 --> 00:17:53.840 Or 51-52 00:17:53.840 --> 00:17:55.279 Behold I tell you 00:17:55.279 --> 00:17:55.860 A mystery 00:17:55.860 --> 00:17:56.620 And a mystery 00:17:56.620 --> 00:17:58.019 Isn't some esoteric thing 00:17:58.019 --> 00:17:58.819 It's simply something 00:17:58.819 --> 00:18:00.019 That wasn't known before 00:18:00.019 --> 00:18:00.960 But now 00:18:00.960 --> 00:18:02.120 In light of the resurrection 00:18:02.120 --> 00:18:02.759 Of Christ 00:18:02.759 --> 00:18:03.620 Is now known 00:18:03.620 --> 00:18:04.740 And revealed to us 00:18:04.740 --> 00:18:06.100 I tell you a mystery 00:18:06.100 --> 00:18:07.680 We will not all sleep 00:18:07.680 --> 00:18:08.480 Which is a metaphor 00:18:08.480 --> 00:18:09.400 For dying 00:18:09.400 --> 00:18:11.299 But we will all 00:18:11.299 --> 00:18:12.259 Be changed 00:18:12.259 --> 00:18:13.200 In a moment 00:18:13.200 --> 00:18:14.380 In a twinkling 00:18:14.380 --> 00:18:15.059 Of an eye 00:18:15.059 --> 00:18:16.640 At the last trumpet 00:18:16.640 --> 00:18:17.920 For the trumpet 00:18:17.920 --> 00:18:18.759 Will sound 00:18:18.759 --> 00:18:19.600 And the dead 00:18:19.600 --> 00:18:20.320 Will be raised 00:18:20.320 --> 00:18:21.140 Imperishable 00:18:21.140 --> 00:18:22.800 And we shall 00:18:22.800 --> 00:18:23.860 Be changed 00:18:23.860 --> 00:18:26.580 This is the great hope 00:18:26.580 --> 00:18:28.000 That he's pointing us to 00:18:28.000 --> 00:18:28.980 Yes of course 00:18:28.980 --> 00:18:29.980 This mortal body 00:18:29.980 --> 00:18:30.980 Won't go to heaven 00:18:30.980 --> 00:18:32.720 But what God 00:18:32.720 --> 00:18:34.000 Has done for us 00:18:34.000 --> 00:18:34.560 In Christ 00:18:34.560 --> 00:18:35.180 Means that 00:18:35.180 --> 00:18:36.700 For all who are in him 00:18:36.700 --> 00:18:37.640 Who are joined 00:18:37.640 --> 00:18:39.160 With Christ in faith 00:18:39.160 --> 00:18:40.420 There is a day 00:18:40.420 --> 00:18:41.080 That is coming 00:18:41.080 --> 00:18:41.800 In the future 00:18:41.800 --> 00:18:43.000 Where this will be 00:18:43.000 --> 00:18:43.820 Transformed 00:18:43.820 --> 00:18:46.420 Where this flesh 00:18:46.420 --> 00:18:46.940 In blood 00:18:46.940 --> 00:18:48.080 Will be transformed 00:18:48.080 --> 00:18:49.840 Not into a spirit 00:18:49.840 --> 00:18:50.680 That doesn't have 00:18:50.680 --> 00:18:51.200 A body 00:18:51.200 --> 00:18:53.660 And not into a zombie 00:18:53.660 --> 00:18:54.980 Or a walking dead 00:18:54.980 --> 00:18:55.960 Or some other 00:18:55.960 --> 00:18:57.420 Modern conception 00:18:57.420 --> 00:18:58.660 Of what it might be 00:18:58.660 --> 00:18:59.279 To come back 00:18:59.279 --> 00:19:00.019 From the dead 00:19:00.019 --> 00:19:02.880 Friends 00:19:02.880 --> 00:19:04.720 The greatest sense 00:19:04.720 --> 00:19:05.340 We have 00:19:05.340 --> 00:19:06.160 Of what that 00:19:06.160 --> 00:19:07.180 Imperishable 00:19:07.180 --> 00:19:08.279 And immortal 00:19:08.279 --> 00:19:08.779 Body 00:19:08.779 --> 00:19:09.779 Might look like 00:19:09.779 --> 00:19:12.100 Is from the 00:19:12.100 --> 00:19:12.680 Accounts in the 00:19:12.680 --> 00:19:13.200 Gospels 00:19:13.200 --> 00:19:13.960 Where we see 00:19:13.960 --> 00:19:14.560 Jesus 00:19:14.559 --> 00:19:15.899 Risen from the 00:19:15.899 --> 00:19:16.279 Dead 00:19:16.279 --> 00:19:18.139 And he's real 00:19:18.139 --> 00:19:18.799 And he's physical 00:19:18.799 --> 00:19:19.839 And he eats bread 00:19:19.839 --> 00:19:21.819 And he touches people 00:19:21.819 --> 00:19:23.119 And they can touch him 00:19:23.119 --> 00:19:24.519 And he speaks 00:19:24.519 --> 00:19:25.500 And yet 00:19:25.500 --> 00:19:26.279 There are things 00:19:26.279 --> 00:19:26.919 In the gospel 00:19:26.919 --> 00:19:27.579 Account 00:19:27.579 --> 00:19:28.940 That don't make sense 00:19:28.940 --> 00:19:29.980 He seems to be able 00:19:29.980 --> 00:19:31.220 To go through walls 00:19:31.220 --> 00:19:33.200 He seems to be able 00:19:33.200 --> 00:19:34.339 To suddenly appear 00:19:34.339 --> 00:19:35.159 And disappear 00:19:35.159 --> 00:19:36.259 And you know what 00:19:36.259 --> 00:19:36.519 Friends 00:19:36.519 --> 00:19:37.500 I have no idea 00:19:37.500 --> 00:19:38.279 How to put all that 00:19:38.279 --> 00:19:38.700 Together 00:19:38.700 --> 00:19:39.440 I'll be honest 00:19:39.440 --> 00:19:39.899 With you 00:19:39.900 --> 00:19:40.920 I don't know 00:19:40.920 --> 00:19:41.740 What this body 00:19:41.740 --> 00:19:42.960 Is going to look like 00:19:42.960 --> 00:19:45.100 But it will be 00:19:45.100 --> 00:19:45.960 Imperishable 00:19:45.960 --> 00:19:46.840 And it will be 00:19:46.840 --> 00:19:47.320 Immortal 00:19:47.320 --> 00:19:48.460 And all the things 00:19:48.460 --> 00:19:49.040 That we think 00:19:49.040 --> 00:19:49.820 About our bodies 00:19:49.820 --> 00:19:50.259 Now 00:19:50.259 --> 00:19:51.720 We don't realize 00:19:51.720 --> 00:19:52.500 How deeply 00:19:52.500 --> 00:19:52.940 We have 00:19:52.940 --> 00:19:55.180 Presumed on that 00:19:55.180 --> 00:19:58.360 It will all be 00:19:58.360 --> 00:19:58.940 Changed 00:19:58.940 --> 00:20:01.019 And we will be 00:20:01.019 --> 00:20:01.460 Fit 00:20:01.460 --> 00:20:02.519 For heaven 00:20:02.519 --> 00:20:04.400 And it's not 00:20:04.400 --> 00:20:05.320 A process 00:20:05.320 --> 00:20:07.040 It's not an 00:20:07.040 --> 00:20:07.640 Organic 00:20:07.640 --> 00:20:08.300 Or developmental 00:20:08.299 --> 00:20:09.000 Thing where we 00:20:09.000 --> 00:20:10.039 Suddenly move 00:20:10.039 --> 00:20:11.299 Slowly from this 00:20:11.299 --> 00:20:12.279 Mortality 00:20:12.279 --> 00:20:13.559 To an immortality 00:20:13.559 --> 00:20:14.619 Did you see 00:20:14.619 --> 00:20:16.059 How Paul describes it 00:20:16.059 --> 00:20:17.279 It's going to happen 00:20:17.279 --> 00:20:18.039 In a moment 00:20:18.039 --> 00:20:19.460 In a twinkling 00:20:19.460 --> 00:20:20.259 Of an eye 00:20:20.259 --> 00:20:21.700 At the last trumpet 00:20:21.700 --> 00:20:22.399 And the trumpet 00:20:22.399 --> 00:20:23.220 Is picturing 00:20:23.220 --> 00:20:24.919 Christ's triumphant 00:20:24.919 --> 00:20:25.480 Return 00:20:25.480 --> 00:20:27.019 Where he comes 00:20:27.019 --> 00:20:28.440 Back to the earth 00:20:28.440 --> 00:20:29.579 To establish 00:20:29.579 --> 00:20:30.759 His reign fully 00:20:30.759 --> 00:20:32.099 And it is not 00:20:32.099 --> 00:20:32.579 Going to be 00:20:32.579 --> 00:20:33.180 A process 00:20:33.180 --> 00:20:35.319 It will be 00:20:35.319 --> 00:20:36.399 Instantaneous 00:20:36.399 --> 00:20:37.960 He will come 00:20:37.960 --> 00:20:39.579 And we will 00:20:39.579 --> 00:20:41.559 Be transformed 00:20:41.559 --> 00:20:43.279 Into something 00:20:43.279 --> 00:20:44.680 That we've never 00:20:44.680 --> 00:20:45.740 Seen before 00:20:45.740 --> 00:20:46.880 And can only 00:20:46.880 --> 00:20:47.980 Begin to 00:20:47.980 --> 00:20:48.559 Imagine 00:20:48.559 --> 00:20:51.740 Friends 00:20:51.740 --> 00:20:52.660 This is better 00:20:52.660 --> 00:20:53.920 Than prolonging 00:20:53.920 --> 00:20:54.819 This life 00:20:54.819 --> 00:20:56.799 This is better 00:20:56.799 --> 00:20:58.980 Than simply 00:20:58.980 --> 00:20:59.920 Seeking to get 00:20:59.920 --> 00:21:00.660 The most 00:21:00.660 --> 00:21:01.400 We can 00:21:01.400 --> 00:21:02.440 Out of this 00:21:02.440 --> 00:21:03.259 Mortal body 00:21:03.259 --> 00:21:04.359 And then 00:21:04.359 --> 00:21:04.960 Dying 00:21:04.960 --> 00:21:05.640 Like the 00:21:05.640 --> 00:21:06.579 Existentialists 00:21:06.579 --> 00:21:06.900 Say 00:21:06.900 --> 00:21:08.359 This is better 00:21:08.359 --> 00:21:09.640 Than fluffy 00:21:09.640 --> 00:21:10.579 Clouds 00:21:10.579 --> 00:21:12.039 And cherubim 00:21:12.039 --> 00:21:12.720 On hearts 00:21:12.720 --> 00:21:14.359 What we have 00:21:14.359 --> 00:21:15.480 Waiting for us 00:21:15.480 --> 00:21:16.000 In this 00:21:16.000 --> 00:21:16.640 Immortal 00:21:16.640 --> 00:21:17.640 And imperishable 00:21:17.640 --> 00:21:18.079 Body 00:21:18.079 --> 00:21:19.539 Is going to be 00:21:19.539 --> 00:21:20.140 An existence 00:21:20.140 --> 00:21:21.740 That will be 00:21:21.740 --> 00:21:22.660 More glorious 00:21:22.660 --> 00:21:23.259 Than you could 00:21:23.259 --> 00:21:23.700 Ever 00:21:23.700 --> 00:21:24.680 Imagine 00:21:24.680 --> 00:21:27.920 We will be 00:21:27.920 --> 00:21:28.360 Fit 00:21:28.360 --> 00:21:30.620 For God's 00:21:30.620 --> 00:21:30.940 Kingdom 00:21:30.940 --> 00:21:32.039 We will be 00:21:32.039 --> 00:21:32.519 Fit 00:21:32.519 --> 00:21:33.500 For His 00:21:33.500 --> 00:21:34.200 Presence 00:21:34.200 --> 00:21:36.799 There will be 00:21:36.799 --> 00:21:37.560 No shame 00:21:37.560 --> 00:21:39.620 There will be 00:21:39.620 --> 00:21:40.279 No guilt 00:21:40.279 --> 00:21:41.799 There will be 00:21:41.799 --> 00:21:42.720 No weakness 00:21:42.720 --> 00:21:44.660 There will be 00:21:44.660 --> 00:21:46.180 No getting 00:21:46.180 --> 00:21:46.660 Old 00:21:46.660 --> 00:21:47.640 And no getting 00:21:47.640 --> 00:21:48.180 Tired 00:21:48.180 --> 00:21:50.620 But we will 00:21:50.620 --> 00:21:51.220 Live 00:21:51.220 --> 00:21:52.140 With Him 00:21:52.140 --> 00:21:53.200 Forever 00:21:53.200 --> 00:21:54.019 In the 00:21:54.019 --> 00:21:54.680 Richness 00:21:54.680 --> 00:21:55.480 Of His 00:21:55.480 --> 00:21:56.080 Presence 00:21:56.080 --> 00:21:56.480 And His 00:21:56.480 --> 00:21:56.900 Glory 00:21:56.900 --> 00:21:58.320 And we 00:21:58.320 --> 00:21:58.620 Will be 00:21:58.620 --> 00:21:59.259 Fit for 00:21:59.259 --> 00:21:59.600 That 00:21:59.600 --> 00:22:00.299 Because of 00:22:00.299 --> 00:22:00.920 The resurrection 00:22:00.920 --> 00:22:02.120 From the 00:22:02.120 --> 00:22:02.460 Dead 00:22:02.460 --> 00:22:06.500 You know 00:22:06.500 --> 00:22:06.779 It's 00:22:06.779 --> 00:22:07.360 Helpful 00:22:07.360 --> 00:22:08.360 To think 00:22:08.360 --> 00:22:09.039 About this 00:22:09.039 --> 00:22:10.000 I don't know 00:22:10.000 --> 00:22:10.340 If you've 00:22:10.340 --> 00:22:10.759 Thought about 00:22:10.759 --> 00:22:11.019 This 00:22:11.019 --> 00:22:11.420 And I've 00:22:11.420 --> 00:22:11.840 Shared this 00:22:11.840 --> 00:22:12.220 I think 00:22:12.220 --> 00:22:12.680 Before 00:22:12.680 --> 00:22:13.600 But you 00:22:13.600 --> 00:22:13.700 Know 00:22:13.700 --> 00:22:13.980 One of 00:22:13.980 --> 00:22:14.200 Things 00:22:14.200 --> 00:22:14.420 That's 00:22:14.420 --> 00:22:14.820 Reality 00:22:14.820 --> 00:22:15.140 Is 00:22:15.140 --> 00:22:15.640 That 00:22:15.640 --> 00:22:16.480 Good 00:22:16.480 --> 00:22:17.019 Theology 00:22:17.019 --> 00:22:17.500 Is really 00:22:17.500 --> 00:22:17.960 Helpful 00:22:17.960 --> 00:22:20.019 And in 00:22:20.019 --> 00:22:20.240 This 00:22:20.240 --> 00:22:20.600 Light 00:22:20.600 --> 00:22:21.480 Good 00:22:21.480 --> 00:22:21.960 Theology 00:22:21.960 --> 00:22:22.380 Has been 00:22:22.380 --> 00:22:22.880 Particularly 00:22:22.880 --> 00:22:23.200 Really 00:22:23.200 --> 00:22:23.620 Helpful 00:22:23.620 --> 00:22:24.100 For my 00:22:24.100 --> 00:22:24.539 Kids 00:22:24.539 --> 00:22:27.259 After 00:22:27.259 --> 00:22:27.759 Brandy 00:22:27.759 --> 00:22:28.220 Died 00:22:28.220 --> 00:22:29.000 I brought 00:22:29.000 --> 00:22:29.319 Them 00:22:29.319 --> 00:22:29.900 Out to 00:22:29.900 --> 00:22:30.620 The hospice 00:22:30.620 --> 00:22:31.500 To see 00:22:31.500 --> 00:22:31.740 Her 00:22:31.740 --> 00:22:33.079 Because I 00:22:33.079 --> 00:22:33.700 Wanted them 00:22:33.700 --> 00:22:34.180 To see 00:22:34.180 --> 00:22:34.680 The body 00:22:34.680 --> 00:22:35.100 That was 00:22:35.100 --> 00:22:35.900 Left behind 00:22:35.900 --> 00:22:37.059 I wanted 00:22:37.059 --> 00:22:37.460 Them to 00:22:37.460 --> 00:22:37.940 See that 00:22:37.940 --> 00:22:38.500 Her spirit 00:22:38.500 --> 00:22:39.000 Was no 00:22:39.000 --> 00:22:39.380 Longer 00:22:39.380 --> 00:22:39.680 There 00:22:39.680 --> 00:22:40.860 I wanted 00:22:40.860 --> 00:22:41.380 Them to 00:22:41.380 --> 00:22:41.720 See 00:22:41.720 --> 00:22:42.240 Death 00:22:42.240 --> 00:22:44.680 But I 00:22:44.680 --> 00:22:45.140 Wanted them 00:22:45.140 --> 00:22:45.579 To see 00:22:45.579 --> 00:22:46.079 That in 00:22:46.079 --> 00:22:46.500 Light of 00:22:46.500 --> 00:22:46.920 All the 00:22:46.920 --> 00:22:47.299 Things that 00:22:47.299 --> 00:22:47.600 We had 00:22:47.599 --> 00:22:47.939 Talked 00:22:47.939 --> 00:22:48.199 About 00:22:48.199 --> 00:22:48.419 With 00:22:48.419 --> 00:22:48.619 Them 00:22:48.619 --> 00:22:48.839 Over 00:22:48.839 --> 00:22:49.019 The 00:22:49.019 --> 00:22:49.279 Years 00:22:49.279 --> 00:22:49.599 Leading 00:22:49.599 --> 00:22:49.819 Up 00:22:49.819 --> 00:22:49.959 To 00:22:49.959 --> 00:22:50.219 That 00:22:50.219 --> 00:22:51.339 How 00:22:51.339 --> 00:22:51.500 We 00:22:51.500 --> 00:22:51.819 Talked 00:22:51.819 --> 00:22:51.959 With 00:22:51.959 --> 00:22:52.119 Them 00:22:52.119 --> 00:22:52.379 About 00:22:52.379 --> 00:22:52.779 Heaven 00:22:52.779 --> 00:22:53.439 How 00:22:53.439 --> 00:22:53.579 We 00:22:53.579 --> 00:22:53.879 Talked 00:22:53.879 --> 00:22:54.039 With 00:22:54.039 --> 00:22:54.179 Them 00:22:54.179 --> 00:22:54.459 About 00:22:54.459 --> 00:22:54.779 This 00:22:54.779 --> 00:22:55.119 Hope 00:22:55.119 --> 00:22:55.259 And 00:22:55.259 --> 00:22:55.459 This 00:22:55.459 --> 00:22:56.099 Passage 00:22:56.099 --> 00:22:56.799 That 00:22:56.799 --> 00:22:56.819 That 00:22:56.819 --> 00:22:57.519 That body 00:22:57.519 --> 00:22:57.939 Though 00:22:57.939 --> 00:22:58.119 It 00:22:58.119 --> 00:22:58.559 Failed 00:22:58.559 --> 00:23:00.059 Will 00:23:00.059 --> 00:23:00.219 Be 00:23:00.219 --> 00:23:00.699 Raised 00:23:00.699 --> 00:23:00.959 One 00:23:00.959 --> 00:23:01.279 Day 00:23:01.279 --> 00:23:01.819 And 00:23:01.819 --> 00:23:01.980 It 00:23:01.980 --> 00:23:02.139 Will 00:23:02.139 --> 00:23:02.319 Be 00:23:02.319 --> 00:23:03.019 Glorious 00:23:03.019 --> 00:23:06.579 That 00:23:06.579 --> 00:23:07.119 Brandy 00:23:07.119 --> 00:23:08.319 That 00:23:08.319 --> 00:23:09.180 Brandy 00:23:09.180 --> 00:23:09.359 Will 00:23:09.359 --> 00:23:09.799 Immortality 00:23:09.799 --> 00:23:10.339 And 00:23:10.339 --> 00:23:10.980 Imperish 00:23:10.980 --> 00:23:11.519 Ability 00:23:11.519 --> 00:23:12.660 That 00:23:12.660 --> 00:23:12.940 She 00:23:12.940 --> 00:23:13.139 Will 00:23:13.139 --> 00:23:13.359 Be 00:23:13.359 --> 00:23:14.559 Transformed 00:23:14.559 --> 00:23:16.799 And 00:23:16.799 --> 00:23:16.900 You 00:23:16.900 --> 00:23:17.039 Know 00:23:17.039 --> 00:23:17.220 What 00:23:17.220 --> 00:23:17.480 It's 00:23:17.480 --> 00:23:17.720 Helped 00:23:17.720 --> 00:23:17.960 My 00:23:17.960 --> 00:23:18.359 Kids 00:23:18.359 --> 00:23:18.740 A 00:23:18.740 --> 00:23:19.019 Lot 00:23:19.019 --> 00:23:19.680 To 00:23:19.680 --> 00:23:19.879 Know 00:23:19.879 --> 00:23:20.079 That 00:23:20.079 --> 00:23:20.379 That's 00:23:20.379 --> 00:23:20.720 True 00:23:20.720 --> 00:23:21.779 They 00:23:21.779 --> 00:23:22.039 Don't 00:23:22.039 --> 00:23:22.519 Fear 00:23:22.519 --> 00:23:23.339 Death 00:23:23.339 --> 00:23:23.900 They 00:23:23.900 --> 00:23:24.359 Don't 00:23:24.359 --> 00:23:25.240 Fear 00:23:25.240 --> 00:23:26.279 Talking 00:23:26.279 --> 00:23:26.720 About 00:23:26.720 --> 00:23:27.019 Her 00:23:27.019 --> 00:23:27.220 They 00:23:27.220 --> 00:23:27.500 Don't 00:23:27.500 --> 00:23:27.960 Wonder 00:23:27.960 --> 00:23:28.379 What 00:23:28.379 --> 00:23:28.879 Happened 00:23:28.879 --> 00:23:29.279 To 00:23:29.279 --> 00:23:29.539 Her 00:23:29.539 --> 00:23:30.279 At 00:23:30.279 --> 00:23:30.480 Least 00:23:30.480 --> 00:23:30.639 They 00:23:30.639 --> 00:23:30.920 Never 00:23:30.920 --> 00:23:31.220 Told 00:23:31.220 --> 00:23:31.420 Me 00:23:31.420 --> 00:23:31.599 That 00:23:31.599 --> 00:23:31.740 They 00:23:31.740 --> 00:23:31.980 Do 00:23:31.980 --> 00:23:34.799 Our 00:23:34.799 --> 00:23:35.019 Good 00:23:35.019 --> 00:23:35.579 Theology 00:23:35.579 --> 00:23:35.819 Is 00:23:35.819 --> 00:23:36.339 Helpful 00:23:36.339 --> 00:23:37.079 As 00:23:37.079 --> 00:23:37.240 We 00:23:37.240 --> 00:23:37.779 Navigate 00:23:37.779 --> 00:23:38.059 These 00:23:38.059 --> 00:23:38.519 Things 00:23:38.519 --> 00:23:39.759 Paul 00:23:39.759 --> 00:23:40.000 Goes 00:23:40.000 --> 00:23:40.220 On 00:23:40.220 --> 00:23:40.339 And 00:23:40.339 --> 00:23:40.440 He 00:23:40.440 --> 00:23:40.779 Says 00:23:40.779 --> 00:23:41.319 Not 00:23:41.319 --> 00:23:41.659 Only 00:23:41.659 --> 00:23:42.019 Is 00:23:42.019 --> 00:23:42.159 It 00:23:42.159 --> 00:23:42.460 True 00:23:42.460 --> 00:23:42.759 That 00:23:42.759 --> 00:23:43.519 As 00:23:43.519 --> 00:23:43.759 We 00:23:43.759 --> 00:23:43.940 Are 00:23:43.940 --> 00:23:44.220 Caught 00:23:44.220 --> 00:23:44.399 Up 00:23:44.399 --> 00:23:44.619 With 00:23:44.619 --> 00:23:45.000 Christ 00:23:45.000 --> 00:23:45.299 In 00:23:45.299 --> 00:23:45.480 This 00:23:45.480 --> 00:23:46.059 Resurrection 00:23:46.059 --> 00:23:46.680 We 00:23:46.680 --> 00:23:46.859 Will 00:23:46.859 --> 00:23:47.039 Be 00:23:47.039 --> 00:23:47.659 Changed 00:23:47.659 --> 00:23:49.319 But 00:23:49.319 --> 00:23:49.480 He 00:23:49.480 --> 00:23:49.740 Also 00:23:49.740 --> 00:23:50.000 Then 00:23:50.000 --> 00:23:50.220 Goes 00:23:50.220 --> 00:23:50.460 On 00:23:50.460 --> 00:23:50.619 To 00:23:50.619 --> 00:23:50.960 Say 00:23:50.960 --> 00:23:51.319 In 00:23:51.319 --> 00:23:51.980 54 00:23:51.980 --> 00:23:52.700 Through 00:23:52.700 --> 00:23:53.480 57 00:23:53.480 --> 00:23:54.559 He 00:23:54.559 --> 00:23:54.980 Says 00:23:54.980 --> 00:23:55.299 That 00:23:55.299 --> 00:23:56.399 When 00:23:56.399 --> 00:23:56.720 This 00:23:56.720 --> 00:23:57.379 Happens 00:23:57.379 --> 00:23:59.000 We 00:23:59.000 --> 00:23:59.159 Will 00:23:59.160 --> 00:23:59.779 Connect 00:23:59.779 --> 00:24:00.279 To 00:24:00.279 --> 00:24:01.500 A 00:24:01.500 --> 00:24:02.040 Victory 00:24:02.040 --> 00:24:04.680 Over 00:24:04.680 --> 00:24:05.120 The 00:24:05.120 --> 00:24:05.540 Greatest 00:24:05.540 --> 00:24:06.320 Enemies 00:24:06.320 --> 00:24:09.620 Of 00:24:09.620 --> 00:24:10.220 Humanity 00:24:10.220 --> 00:24:11.660 Paul 00:24:11.660 --> 00:24:11.900 Back 00:24:11.900 --> 00:24:12.080 In 00:24:12.080 --> 00:24:12.300 Verse 00:24:12.300 --> 00:24:13.040 26 00:24:13.040 --> 00:24:13.279 Of 00:24:13.279 --> 00:24:13.720 Chapter 00:24:13.720 --> 00:24:14.180 15 00:24:14.180 --> 00:24:14.420 Has 00:24:14.420 --> 00:24:14.620 Said 00:24:14.620 --> 00:24:15.720 Death 00:24:15.720 --> 00:24:15.920 Is 00:24:15.920 --> 00:24:16.120 The 00:24:16.120 --> 00:24:16.580 Last 00:24:16.580 --> 00:24:17.040 Enemy 00:24:17.040 --> 00:24:18.080 I 00:24:18.080 --> 00:24:18.160 Don't 00:24:18.160 --> 00:24:18.240 Know 00:24:18.240 --> 00:24:18.340 If 00:24:18.340 --> 00:24:18.400 You 00:24:18.400 --> 00:24:18.540 Have 00:24:18.540 --> 00:24:19.000 Thought 00:24:19.000 --> 00:24:19.300 About 00:24:19.300 --> 00:24:19.440 It 00:24:19.440 --> 00:24:19.700 But 00:24:19.700 --> 00:24:20.680 How 00:24:20.680 --> 00:24:21.000 Much 00:24:21.000 --> 00:24:21.160 Of 00:24:21.160 --> 00:24:21.320 Our 00:24:21.320 --> 00:24:21.680 Life 00:24:21.680 --> 00:24:21.860 Is 00:24:21.860 --> 00:24:22.279 Driven 00:24:22.279 --> 00:24:22.500 By 00:24:22.500 --> 00:24:22.700 The 00:24:22.700 --> 00:24:22.920 Fact 00:24:22.920 --> 00:24:23.120 That 00:24:23.120 --> 00:24:23.300 We 00:24:23.300 --> 00:24:23.440 Are 00:24:23.440 --> 00:24:23.660 Only 00:24:23.660 --> 00:24:23.940 Here 00:24:23.940 --> 00:24:24.160 For 00:24:24.160 --> 00:24:24.300 A 00:24:24.300 --> 00:24:24.460 Little 00:24:24.460 --> 00:24:24.860 Period 00:24:24.860 --> 00:24:25.040 Of 00:24:25.040 --> 00:24:25.380 Time 00:24:25.380 --> 00:24:26.279 How 00:24:26.279 --> 00:24:26.540 Much 00:24:26.540 --> 00:24:26.660 Of 00:24:26.660 --> 00:24:26.820 Our 00:24:26.820 --> 00:24:27.100 Life 00:24:27.100 --> 00:24:27.279 Is 00:24:27.279 --> 00:24:27.600 Shaped 00:24:27.600 --> 00:24:27.840 By 00:24:27.840 --> 00:24:28.040 The 00:24:28.040 --> 00:24:28.259 Fact 00:24:28.259 --> 00:24:28.440 That 00:24:28.440 --> 00:24:28.620 We 00:24:58.440 --> 00:25:00.019 We're 00:25:00.019 --> 00:25:00.140 Going 00:25:00.140 --> 00:25:00.220 To 00:25:00.220 --> 00:25:00.360 Put 00:25:00.360 --> 00:25:00.519 On 00:25:00.519 --> 00:25:00.700 These 00:25:00.700 --> 00:25:00.960 Things 00:25:00.960 --> 00:25:01.100 And 00:25:01.100 --> 00:25:01.200 He 00:25:01.200 --> 00:25:01.340 Says 00:25:01.340 --> 00:25:01.519 But 00:25:01.519 --> 00:25:01.820 When 00:25:01.820 --> 00:25:02.000 We 00:25:02.000 --> 00:25:02.240 Put 00:25:02.240 --> 00:25:02.440 Them 00:25:02.440 --> 00:25:02.799 On 00:25:02.799 --> 00:25:03.059 Then 00:25:03.059 --> 00:25:03.220 It 00:25:03.220 --> 00:25:03.340 Shall 00:25:03.340 --> 00:25:03.559 Come 00:25:03.559 --> 00:25:03.700 To 00:25:03.700 --> 00:25:04.059 Pass 00:25:04.059 --> 00:25:04.559 What 00:25:04.559 --> 00:25:04.740 Was 00:25:04.740 --> 00:25:05.100 Said 00:25:05.100 --> 00:25:07.039 Death 00:25:07.039 --> 00:25:07.259 Is 00:25:07.259 --> 00:25:07.820 Swallowed 00:25:07.820 --> 00:25:07.980 Up 00:25:07.980 --> 00:25:08.140 In 00:25:08.140 --> 00:25:08.480 Victory 00:25:08.480 --> 00:25:08.759 And 00:25:08.759 --> 00:25:08.920 He's 00:25:08.920 --> 00:25:09.180 Quoting 00:25:09.180 --> 00:25:09.400 From 00:25:09.400 --> 00:25:09.740 Isaiah 00:25:09.740 --> 00:25:10.380 25 00:25:10.380 --> 00:25:10.960 And 00:25:10.960 --> 00:25:11.120 It's 00:25:11.119 --> 00:25:16.199 A 00:25:16.199 --> 00:25:17.239 And 00:25:17.239 --> 00:25:17.259 So 00:25:17.259 --> 00:25:19.059 And 00:25:19.059 --> 00:25:19.179 He's 00:25:19.179 --> 00:25:19.319 Saying 00:25:19.319 --> 00:25:19.879 Of 00:25:19.879 --> 00:25:20.079 And 00:25:20.079 --> 00:25:21.059 And 00:25:21.059 --> 00:25:23.159 And 00:25:23.159 --> 00:25:24.659 So 00:25:24.659 --> 00:25:24.939 Being 00:25:24.939 --> 00:25:25.679 Swallowed 00:25:25.679 --> 00:25:25.939 Up 00:25:25.939 --> 00:25:26.719 Like 00:25:26.719 --> 00:25:26.899 A 00:25:26.899 --> 00:25:27.099 Little 00:25:27.099 --> 00:25:27.739 Shadow 00:25:27.739 --> 00:25:28.019 Is 00:25:28.019 --> 00:25:28.500 Swallowed 00:25:28.500 --> 00:25:28.699 Up 00:25:28.699 --> 00:25:28.859 By 00:25:28.859 --> 00:25:29.019 The 00:25:29.019 --> 00:25:29.819 Brilliance 00:25:29.819 --> 00:25:30.819 Of 00:25:30.819 --> 00:25:30.979 A 00:25:30.979 --> 00:25:31.279 Bright 00:25:31.279 --> 00:25:31.879 Sun 00:25:31.879 --> 00:25:32.459 As 00:25:32.459 --> 00:25:32.619 It 00:25:32.619 --> 00:25:33.000 Breaks 00:25:33.000 --> 00:25:33.259 Over 00:25:33.259 --> 00:25:33.439 The 00:25:33.439 --> 00:25:34.000 Horizon 00:25:34.000 --> 00:25:34.799 So 00:25:34.799 --> 00:25:35.259 Too 00:25:35.259 --> 00:25:35.819 Death 00:25:35.819 --> 00:25:36.039 Will 00:25:36.039 --> 00:25:36.239 Be 00:25:36.239 --> 00:25:37.000 Swallowed 00:25:37.000 --> 00:25:37.239 Up 00:25:37.239 --> 00:25:37.779 By 00:25:37.779 --> 00:25:38.000 The 00:25:38.000 --> 00:25:47.119 resurrection of Christ on that day. In fact, Paul is so confident and so joyful about this 00:25:47.119 --> 00:25:53.920 that in the next verse, he actually turns to a taunt. This is how we ought to read verse 55. 00:25:55.059 --> 00:26:00.500 Death, where is your victory? Come on, I don't see it. Where is it? Jesus rose from the dead. 00:26:00.619 --> 00:26:05.960 I don't see it. He's taunting death. It's fascinating. What he does actually is, 00:26:05.960 --> 00:26:12.779 he's quoting from Hosea 13, and in Hosea 13, it's actually a summons. It's in the context of a 00:26:12.779 --> 00:26:18.360 judgment against one of the nations that's been oppressing God's people, and it's a call for death 00:26:18.360 --> 00:26:26.600 to come and exert its sting and exert its power on those people because they have been disobedient 00:26:26.600 --> 00:26:33.519 to the Lord. And so Paul is acknowledging that humanity has always seen that death has had a 00:26:33.519 --> 00:26:40.660 sting and has had a power over humanity. But he now, rather than quoting that and inviting that, 00:26:40.740 --> 00:26:46.400 he is now taunting that power. He's saying, death, we thought you had that, but you don't. 00:26:46.960 --> 00:26:52.039 You don't have that power anymore. The sting of death is gone 00:26:52.039 --> 00:26:59.139 because death has been swallowed up in victory. 00:27:01.940 --> 00:27:13.180 And then in typical Pauline writing in verse 56, he takes a little excursus into his great theology of 00:27:13.180 --> 00:27:21.899 salvation, right? Because as we understand from the scriptures, death has come from sin. Sin entered 00:27:21.900 --> 00:27:29.960 the world, and because of sin. Death. The first man, Adam, sinned, and so we all inherited that sin, 00:27:30.000 --> 00:27:34.960 and because of that sin, we all experience death, and there is no escaping that 00:27:34.960 --> 00:27:46.480 until Jesus rose from the dead and death was defeated. And it talks about how Jesus defeated that. 00:27:46.480 --> 00:27:53.039 This, he talks about how the power of sin is the law, because what the law does, that is the regulations 00:27:53.039 --> 00:28:02.339 about how we ought to live in light of God. Simply demonstrate for us that we can't do it. That's 00:28:02.339 --> 00:28:08.019 what the law does for all of humanity. It says, you will never be good enough to make it to God on your 00:28:08.019 --> 00:28:14.539 own. You will never be able to put on imperishability by being a better person in this world. You will 00:28:14.539 --> 00:28:20.059 never be able to put on immortality by trying harder or doing great things in this world. 00:28:23.000 --> 00:28:30.420 The hope that you have is that there is one who has done these things for you. Jesus Christ came, and 00:28:30.420 --> 00:28:37.460 he lived a perfect life that fulfilled the law in every way. And then he offered himself up, not needing 00:28:37.460 --> 00:28:44.980 to die for his own sins. He offered himself in our place, taking the penalty of sin, which is death, 00:28:45.519 --> 00:28:51.900 upon himself, and therefore satisfying the requirements of the law. And so suddenly we see 00:28:51.900 --> 00:28:59.460 that Jesus has swallowed up death in victory when he rose from the grave. 00:28:59.460 --> 00:29:14.440 Friends, join with Paul and with me in verse 37. Thanks be to God. Thanks be to God who gives us the 00:29:14.440 --> 00:29:22.600 victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. This is the great hope, not just that Jesus has risen from the 00:29:22.600 --> 00:29:28.340 dead, but for all who have put their faith in him, who are trusting in him for their salvation. 00:29:29.460 --> 00:29:38.720 We gain that victory too. We will be with him. We will be raised up with him to this newness of life 00:29:38.720 --> 00:29:44.100 and this eternal life that will be greater than all. 00:29:51.519 --> 00:29:57.680 Some of you are familiar with John Dunn's great poem, Death Be Not Proud. 00:29:57.680 --> 00:30:05.640 I almost brought it to quote to you, but it's a little tricky to work through. And I thought I'd save us some of the 00:30:05.640 --> 00:30:08.539 400-year-old English. But I did find 00:30:08.539 --> 00:30:14.660 an updated version where someone, a contemporary songwriter, has turned it into 00:30:14.660 --> 00:30:21.160 a song that I think, and the lyrics capture what John Dunn is saying, but with a little more modern English. 00:30:21.160 --> 00:30:29.860 So let me read her version of it to you. This is the taunt, this is the attitude of those who get the victory 00:30:29.860 --> 00:30:38.720 in Christ. Death be not proud, though the whole world fear you. Mighty and dreadful you may seem, 00:30:39.100 --> 00:30:46.259 but death be not proud, for your pride has failed you. You will not kill me, 00:30:46.259 --> 00:30:54.740 though you may dwell in plague and poison. You're a slave to fate and desperate men. 00:30:56.319 --> 00:31:03.359 So death, if your sleep be the gates to heaven, why your confidence? 00:31:03.359 --> 00:31:20.000 Friends, it is so hard for us to wrap our mind around this truth that death will one day no longer 00:31:20.000 --> 00:31:29.179 shape our lives. Death will one day no longer be the end point which defines everything that we do. 00:31:29.180 --> 00:31:34.779 But when we are raised with Christ, who has won the victory over death, 00:31:35.680 --> 00:31:45.560 friends, there is nothing left but praise to God and taunting that old enemy that we were so afraid of 00:31:45.560 --> 00:31:56.039 once, but not anymore. Finally, having put forth to us that we will be transformed as we are caught up 00:31:56.039 --> 00:32:01.539 with him. He who has won the victory so that we no longer need to fear death but can be filled with 00:32:01.539 --> 00:32:09.420 thanksgiving. Paul then says, therefore, how do we live? Therefore, be steadfast, immovable, 00:32:09.940 --> 00:32:16.139 always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 00:32:16.140 --> 00:32:27.800 He says, because we know these things about death, we can face it honestly. And how do we live in the 00:32:27.800 --> 00:32:35.980 meantime? How do we live in light of that? Two things. One, be like the rock of Gibraltar. Don't 00:32:35.980 --> 00:32:43.420 be like a beach ball on the edge of the shore that is pushed by every wave of fear about death. Don't allow 00:32:43.420 --> 00:32:50.500 yourself to be pushed around by our culture that tries to ignore death, by our culture that tries 00:32:50.500 --> 00:32:57.019 to minimize death, by our culture that tries to give platitudes to make us feel better without 00:32:57.019 --> 00:33:06.400 actually addressing it. But recognize that in the gospel, in the resurrected Christ, you can be a rock of 00:33:06.400 --> 00:33:23.300 Gibraltar where the waves of death. Be steadfast and immovable in light of death. Don't let it rule you 00:33:23.300 --> 00:33:32.880 and don't let it fear you. But instead, do what? Always abound in the work of the Lord. Rather than 00:33:32.880 --> 00:33:41.740 the prospect of death causing you to go into your shell and simply shrivel up and succumb to it. 00:33:42.400 --> 00:33:48.980 He says, no. Face the reality of your death and then go and abound in the work of the Lord. What does 00:33:48.980 --> 00:33:57.360 he mean by the work of the Lord? I think it could be many things. It could be simply what he started the 00:33:57.359 --> 00:34:03.859 chapter with, which is his own ministry of proclaiming the very core of the gospel. Certainly, this is a 00:34:03.859 --> 00:34:09.380 work of the Lord that we would share this hope with others. That we would not have to be confused and 00:34:09.380 --> 00:34:15.359 without hope in the face of death, but that we would have these anchor points that can help us navigate 00:34:15.359 --> 00:34:22.679 even the greatest questions of life. But you know, I also think that Paul wrote this at the end of his 00:34:22.679 --> 00:34:30.460 book, this letter to this church, to say, this is what's going to fuel all the other things. 00:34:30.659 --> 00:34:37.379 When I told you to embrace humility and weakness and brokenness in your leaders and not pride and 00:34:37.379 --> 00:34:45.500 arrogance and a dismissive and self-exalting attitude. When I told you to think about how you 00:34:45.500 --> 00:34:55.320 control your bodies, in the way you live out your sex life for the glory of God, how you manage yourself 00:34:55.320 --> 00:35:00.940 and your relationships with one another in the church, how you navigate your culture and the questions 00:35:00.940 --> 00:35:10.019 of idolatry and your freedoms, and how you are called to love one another well, how you worship, and how you 00:35:10.019 --> 00:35:21.239 exercise your spiritual gifts. These are all, in Paul's mind, the abundance of doing works for the Lord. 00:35:21.400 --> 00:35:26.059 As we follow his instructions and all that we've been teaching on in 1 Corinthians, 00:35:27.079 --> 00:35:30.559 Paul says, abound in these things 00:35:30.559 --> 00:35:37.000 because there is a future and there is a hope that we have. 00:35:37.000 --> 00:35:43.880 I don't need to exalt myself and be self-promoting and self-exalting 00:35:43.880 --> 00:35:50.239 because one day I will be changed into imperishability and I will be in glory with him. 00:35:50.599 --> 00:35:53.699 I don't need to do that now because he will do that for me. 00:35:55.780 --> 00:36:01.280 I don't want to use my body to live in patterns of sin that lead to death 00:36:01.280 --> 00:36:10.060 when I have been saved for a life that will be eternal and more satisfying and more glorious 00:36:10.060 --> 00:36:14.100 than the greatest of physical pleasure in this world. 00:36:15.640 --> 00:36:23.380 I don't want to use my freedom to try to give my life meaning in this era, in this age, 00:36:23.380 --> 00:36:30.420 but I want to lay it down as a servant for others because I know that one day I will have the 00:36:30.420 --> 00:36:39.059 greatest freedom of all, freedom from sin and freedom from death. All this because Christ has won 00:36:39.059 --> 00:36:49.180 the victory. And he finished it saying, abound in these things because you know that your labor in 00:36:49.179 --> 00:36:57.279 the Lord is not in vain. Friends, recognize that the resurrection of Christ is the most important 00:36:57.279 --> 00:37:05.519 thing that has ever happened in the world. It is the turning point of all history. It is the centerpiece 00:37:05.519 --> 00:37:13.639 of all Christian theology. It is the thing that gives us hope and makes our life not vain, 00:37:13.639 --> 00:37:22.940 not empty, not fruitless. We may or may not see the fruit of our labor. We may or may not see the 00:37:22.940 --> 00:37:29.379 good results of our attempts to follow God's instructions on how we ought to live. 00:37:31.759 --> 00:37:42.139 But friends, we will not live in vain in Christ because we will not die, but we will be raised with 00:37:42.139 --> 00:37:51.279 him imperishable and immortal. And what a great hope this is. You know, last week as I was sitting in 00:37:51.279 --> 00:37:59.400 the pew listening to Nick preach on this glorious hope of what our bodies will look like, I actually 00:37:59.400 --> 00:38:11.519 had a picture in my mind. I had a picture of Brandy, how she might be sipping the best cup of tea that 00:38:11.519 --> 00:38:25.820 she's ever had. How her body and her life are renewed. And like a seed that turns into the lushness of a 00:38:25.820 --> 00:38:34.500 garden. All, all of the beautiful things that she was in this world and all the best of who she was 00:38:34.500 --> 00:38:41.559 to us, to us, and all the weakness and all the suffering and all the pain that she endured, 00:38:42.159 --> 00:38:47.840 those things are like a little seed that have now burst in glory for her. 00:38:50.139 --> 00:38:58.320 And I think, I want to hold on to that hope for her because it means I don't despair for her. 00:38:58.320 --> 00:39:07.019 For me. Because it means I don't want to give up. And for you. Because I pray that you too will pray 00:39:07.019 --> 00:39:13.860 that God will help you to see what God has prepared beforehand for you. No eye has seen, 00:39:14.360 --> 00:39:20.860 no ear has heard, and no mind has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love him 00:39:20.860 --> 00:39:25.660 are called according to his purpose. What a great hope we have in Christ. Let's pray. 00:39:25.659 --> 00:39:34.079 Lord, thank you for this hope. Thank you that Jesus is risen from the dead. 00:39:36.319 --> 00:39:39.019 Lord, we pray that you would help us to come awake. 00:39:41.420 --> 00:39:43.539 And Lord, to live in light of this great hope. 00:39:46.679 --> 00:39:49.539 Lord, we pray these things in Jesus' name. Amen. 00:39:49.539 --> 00:39:58.539 Amen. We're going to close our time together by singing a great hymn. I don't know if you've noticed, 00:39:58.699 --> 00:40:04.960 but all of our songs this morning have touched on and brought forth the centrality of the resurrection 00:40:04.960 --> 00:40:12.199 of the dead and the hope that it brings. So, we will sing. You'll hear the echoes. 00:40:12.199 --> 00:40:42.179 Thank you.