WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.219 I noticed how some of life's best lessons are taught by children. 00:00:07.600 --> 00:00:14.560 We sort of observe them or hear them say funny things, cute things. 00:00:17.240 --> 00:00:24.920 And even when it comes to spiritual things, children have a way of teaching us, 00:00:24.920 --> 00:00:29.839 including some of the important truths about the resurrection. 00:00:30.780 --> 00:00:38.719 A Sunday school teacher gave her class of first graders one year before Easter, 00:00:38.820 --> 00:00:42.799 the Sunday before Easter, she gave each one an egg, a plastic egg, 00:00:44.019 --> 00:00:47.519 and told them, now you go home and you put something in that egg 00:00:47.519 --> 00:00:52.179 that will help us understand the Easter story 00:00:52.179 --> 00:00:56.560 and bring it back next week and open it up and tell us about it. 00:00:56.840 --> 00:00:58.579 Well, the children got real excited. 00:00:58.579 --> 00:01:04.599 They each got their egg and next Sunday came and one child brought an egg and opened it up 00:01:04.599 --> 00:01:07.299 and there was a picture of a butterfly. 00:01:08.560 --> 00:01:14.939 This little girl said, this is a picture of the new life that we have in Jesus. 00:01:16.120 --> 00:01:17.159 Good, the teacher said. 00:01:18.140 --> 00:01:22.579 Well, another child brought an egg and shook it first, had a little stone in it. 00:01:22.579 --> 00:01:32.939 She opened it up and she said, this is the stone that the angels rolled away to show that the tomb was empty. 00:01:33.780 --> 00:01:34.259 Good. 00:01:34.819 --> 00:01:35.679 Great job. 00:01:36.579 --> 00:01:38.359 Well, there was one little boy who was very shy. 00:01:39.099 --> 00:01:40.519 He didn't participate much. 00:01:40.519 --> 00:01:46.479 He laid his egg on the table and didn't say a word, didn't do anything to it. 00:01:47.299 --> 00:01:49.619 Well, the teacher opened it and it was empty. 00:01:50.679 --> 00:01:54.000 Well, some of the other children complained, he's not participating. 00:01:54.599 --> 00:01:57.259 Why didn't he do what he was supposed to do? 00:01:57.979 --> 00:02:01.459 And then he softly said, I did too. 00:02:02.259 --> 00:02:04.719 My egg is the tomb of Jesus. 00:02:05.319 --> 00:02:07.280 There ain't nothing in it. 00:02:07.280 --> 00:02:10.340 That's the point, isn't there? 00:02:11.080 --> 00:02:12.360 That's the message of Easter. 00:02:13.300 --> 00:02:19.520 There ain't nothing in the tomb of Jesus because he arose from the dead. 00:02:20.460 --> 00:02:23.039 I want us to look at Matthew's account of that story. 00:02:23.759 --> 00:02:25.039 Matthew chapter 28. 00:02:25.740 --> 00:02:30.819 At the end of all the gospels, we read about the death and resurrection of Jesus. 00:02:32.719 --> 00:02:35.539 I would encourage you to take time. 00:02:35.539 --> 00:02:40.239 There's just four, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, to go home today and read. 00:02:40.479 --> 00:02:43.500 Because each one gives a little different perspective. 00:02:43.919 --> 00:02:48.699 Things that they notice or things that happened uniquely to them. 00:02:49.739 --> 00:02:51.879 We're going to read from Matthew's perspective. 00:02:53.680 --> 00:02:55.680 Matthew 28, beginning in verse 1. 00:02:55.680 --> 00:03:02.900 Now, after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, the first day of the week being Sunday, 00:03:03.900 --> 00:03:06.840 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 00:03:07.500 --> 00:03:10.060 And behold, there was a great earthquake. 00:03:10.640 --> 00:03:16.700 For an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 00:03:17.420 --> 00:03:22.500 His appearance was like lightning and his clothing white as snow. 00:03:22.500 --> 00:03:29.919 And for fear of him, the guards trembled and became like dead men. 00:03:30.819 --> 00:03:37.180 But the angel said to the women, do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 00:03:37.719 --> 00:03:42.259 He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. 00:03:42.780 --> 00:03:45.240 Come, see the place where he lay. 00:03:45.240 --> 00:03:49.960 Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead. 00:03:50.240 --> 00:03:53.560 And behold, he is going before you to Galilee. 00:03:54.159 --> 00:03:55.659 There you will see him. 00:03:56.400 --> 00:03:58.180 See, I have told you. 00:03:58.820 --> 00:04:04.860 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy and ran to tell his disciples. 00:04:05.719 --> 00:04:09.520 And behold, Jesus met them and said, greetings. 00:04:10.120 --> 00:04:13.480 And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. 00:04:13.479 --> 00:04:16.939 Then Jesus said to them, do not be afraid. 00:04:17.560 --> 00:04:22.579 Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee and there they will see me. 00:04:23.519 --> 00:04:32.199 While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. 00:04:32.699 --> 00:04:35.920 And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, 00:04:35.920 --> 00:04:42.759 they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers and said, tell people. 00:04:43.400 --> 00:04:47.600 His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep. 00:04:48.379 --> 00:04:54.220 And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble. 00:04:54.920 --> 00:04:57.780 So they took the money and did as they were directed. 00:04:58.379 --> 00:05:02.060 And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day. 00:05:02.060 --> 00:05:08.000 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 00:05:08.899 --> 00:05:11.600 And when they saw him, they worshipped him. 00:05:12.240 --> 00:05:14.360 But some doubted. 00:05:15.220 --> 00:05:19.959 And Jesus came and said to them, all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 00:05:20.340 --> 00:05:27.500 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 00:05:27.980 --> 00:05:31.139 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. 00:05:31.139 --> 00:05:36.060 And behold, I am with you always to the end of the age. 00:05:37.399 --> 00:05:45.159 I want us to note the way people responded to the resurrection of Jesus on that first Easter. 00:05:46.300 --> 00:05:55.259 And understand what we see on that first Easter is the way people still respond to him today. 00:05:56.099 --> 00:05:59.000 Let's look first, the response of denial. 00:05:59.000 --> 00:06:02.519 That was the response of the Jewish leaders. 00:06:03.779 --> 00:06:07.860 The Jewish leaders who had demanded that Jesus be put to death. 00:06:08.639 --> 00:06:12.639 That was their way of shutting him up, getting him out of the way. 00:06:12.759 --> 00:06:21.639 Because he was disrupting what they were doing as the people who led the common people. 00:06:21.639 --> 00:06:29.019 They were, Jesus was upsetting their plans of power and authority and privilege. 00:06:30.019 --> 00:06:31.459 They crucified him. 00:06:32.699 --> 00:06:40.819 Well, here is what the soldiers had experienced and reported. 00:06:40.819 --> 00:06:42.439 I want you to look at it. 00:06:42.439 --> 00:06:43.300 Verses 2 through 4. 00:06:44.240 --> 00:06:53.899 And behold, there was a great earthquake for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 00:06:54.339 --> 00:06:58.219 His appearance was like lightning and his clothing white as snow. 00:06:58.220 --> 00:07:04.140 And for fear of him, the guards trembled and became like dead men. 00:07:05.780 --> 00:07:13.860 That was the experience of those seasoned Roman soldiers who didn't care a thing in the world about the Jewish religion. 00:07:14.440 --> 00:07:19.040 Who didn't care about who was supposedly in that tomb. 00:07:19.040 --> 00:07:29.360 And certainly wouldn't have cared about just another criminal who had been executed on the cross by crucifixion. 00:07:30.140 --> 00:07:31.180 But I want you to look at what happened. 00:07:32.160 --> 00:07:34.360 They're just there doing what they normally do. 00:07:34.980 --> 00:07:38.020 And all of a sudden there's a great earthquake. 00:07:38.920 --> 00:07:40.160 The ground moves. 00:07:40.780 --> 00:07:42.120 Then they see an angel. 00:07:42.379 --> 00:07:45.680 Probably didn't have a clue what in the world is this. 00:07:45.680 --> 00:07:48.939 An angel appearing in brilliant light. 00:07:50.180 --> 00:07:56.660 Roll back the boulder that was covering the entrance of Jesus' tomb. 00:07:57.319 --> 00:07:58.860 Revealing that it was empty. 00:07:59.660 --> 00:08:01.980 That Jesus' body was gone. 00:08:02.780 --> 00:08:03.939 They were so terrified. 00:08:04.199 --> 00:08:07.699 It says that they literally shook with fear. 00:08:09.139 --> 00:08:11.220 And became unresponsive. 00:08:12.340 --> 00:08:13.300 Maybe they fainted. 00:08:13.300 --> 00:08:15.319 Maybe they were just in shock. 00:08:15.680 --> 00:08:18.019 It's sort of like frozen steel. 00:08:20.040 --> 00:08:21.540 That's what they experienced. 00:08:22.920 --> 00:08:26.720 And some of them went and told the Jewish leaders. 00:08:27.560 --> 00:08:29.600 Note the response of the Jewish leaders. 00:08:30.060 --> 00:08:31.780 Verses 11 through 13. 00:08:32.480 --> 00:08:34.299 Some of the guard went into the city. 00:08:34.919 --> 00:08:38.159 And told the chief priests all that had taken place. 00:08:38.159 --> 00:08:42.259 And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel. 00:08:42.519 --> 00:08:47.059 They gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers and said, tell people. 00:08:47.419 --> 00:08:51.179 His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were sleeping. 00:08:51.179 --> 00:08:55.859 Now, the way Matthew records this. 00:08:55.859 --> 00:08:58.019 Those Jewish leaders. 00:08:58.500 --> 00:09:00.699 They didn't ask any questions. 00:09:01.639 --> 00:09:07.459 They didn't send anyone to see what had happened at that tomb. 00:09:07.459 --> 00:09:08.679 Try to verify. 00:09:09.539 --> 00:09:11.139 Check out the facts. 00:09:11.139 --> 00:09:16.379 They ignored what the soldiers had said. 00:09:16.379 --> 00:09:19.779 Acted as if they didn't say anything. 00:09:20.419 --> 00:09:28.220 And they devised a plan to lie and cover up what had happened. 00:09:28.220 --> 00:09:31.720 And the fact that Jesus' body was gone. 00:09:33.279 --> 00:09:34.200 Think about it. 00:09:35.019 --> 00:09:39.019 They heard these soldiers who had no interest in the Christian faith. 00:09:39.879 --> 00:09:41.660 In this Jesus who was crucified. 00:09:42.000 --> 00:09:45.639 They heard the story of what they had felt and seen. 00:09:47.639 --> 00:09:50.279 And all they could do was try to cover it up. 00:09:50.279 --> 00:09:58.259 They didn't consider for one moment that a miracle of resurrection had happened. 00:09:59.199 --> 00:10:04.059 Those Jewish leaders were only concerned about preserving the status quo. 00:10:05.120 --> 00:10:09.759 Preserving their own place of authority and privilege. 00:10:10.759 --> 00:10:14.659 They had no interest in knowing the truth. 00:10:15.759 --> 00:10:17.740 Now, what about you? 00:10:20.279 --> 00:10:23.480 Do you deny the resurrection? 00:10:26.299 --> 00:10:34.620 I truly believe that there's very few in this room who would ever think, 00:10:35.620 --> 00:10:38.120 I don't believe it at all. 00:10:39.159 --> 00:10:39.939 Now, there may be. 00:10:40.980 --> 00:10:45.539 Some of you may have come today to be in good graces with whoever brought you. 00:10:45.539 --> 00:10:51.419 Somebody may have offered to feed you a good lunch if you came to church with them today. 00:10:52.299 --> 00:10:54.519 But you're like these Roman soldiers. 00:10:55.860 --> 00:10:57.559 You're like these Jewish leaders. 00:10:58.899 --> 00:11:03.740 You really have no interest in spiritual things, the things of God. 00:11:03.740 --> 00:11:13.620 I want you to deny the possibility even. 00:11:14.419 --> 00:11:16.539 That what we're reading is true. 00:11:17.820 --> 00:11:23.200 Is the response of someone who is only concerned with the here and now. 00:11:23.960 --> 00:11:27.519 Only concerned with me and my life in this world. 00:11:27.519 --> 00:11:31.159 As if this is all that there is. 00:11:32.220 --> 00:11:37.279 Denying the reservation of the resurrection without ever investigating it. 00:11:37.659 --> 00:11:38.679 Studying it. 00:11:40.120 --> 00:11:43.019 Is an indication that you don't really have any interest in God. 00:11:44.079 --> 00:11:46.259 Or in God's truth. 00:11:46.259 --> 00:11:48.919 But I want to warn you. 00:11:49.480 --> 00:11:50.759 I want to encourage you. 00:11:52.120 --> 00:11:59.159 Don't be quick to dismiss the idea that Jesus really did come back to life. 00:12:00.100 --> 00:12:04.879 Don't be quick to dismiss the idea that there is life after death. 00:12:04.879 --> 00:12:08.879 Your eternal destiny. 00:12:10.399 --> 00:12:14.059 Will be determined by the way that you respond. 00:12:14.899 --> 00:12:16.960 To the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 00:12:17.259 --> 00:12:19.679 In fact that's true about every single one of us in this room. 00:12:22.240 --> 00:12:25.220 Where we spend eternity will be determined by. 00:12:26.220 --> 00:12:27.840 How we have responded. 00:12:28.799 --> 00:12:32.700 To the resurrected living Lord Jesus Christ. 00:12:33.840 --> 00:12:34.659 Think about it. 00:12:35.740 --> 00:12:37.399 Let's look at the second response. 00:12:37.659 --> 00:12:39.740 That we see in this passage to the resurrection. 00:12:40.100 --> 00:12:41.439 The response of doubt. 00:12:41.779 --> 00:12:42.840 It's in verse 17. 00:12:44.539 --> 00:12:46.740 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee. 00:12:47.240 --> 00:12:49.840 To the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 00:12:50.220 --> 00:12:51.539 And when they saw him. 00:12:52.340 --> 00:12:53.539 They worshipped him. 00:12:54.340 --> 00:12:56.279 But some doubted. 00:12:56.279 --> 00:12:58.919 Who had doubts? 00:13:00.600 --> 00:13:02.159 Think about what you're reading there. 00:13:02.159 --> 00:13:05.079 It appears that the phrase. 00:13:05.079 --> 00:13:07.219 They worshipped him. 00:13:07.219 --> 00:13:10.279 Refers to the eleven disciples. 00:13:10.679 --> 00:13:12.480 Who had gone to the mountain. 00:13:12.899 --> 00:13:14.319 Where Jesus directed them. 00:13:15.620 --> 00:13:15.939 D.A. 00:13:16.000 --> 00:13:17.519 Carson says that because. 00:13:18.079 --> 00:13:19.319 Some doubted. 00:13:19.439 --> 00:13:20.319 Look at this on the screen. 00:13:20.320 --> 00:13:22.040 The implications. 00:13:22.040 --> 00:13:22.600 The implications that. 00:13:22.840 --> 00:13:24.020 More than the eleven were present. 00:13:24.240 --> 00:13:24.879 Carson says. 00:13:25.100 --> 00:13:26.500 Doubt about Jesus. 00:13:26.840 --> 00:13:28.980 Or about the reality of his resurrection. 00:13:29.480 --> 00:13:31.220 Does not seem appropriate. 00:13:31.780 --> 00:13:33.280 For those who truly. 00:13:33.780 --> 00:13:34.620 Worship him. 00:13:35.620 --> 00:13:36.980 That makes sense doesn't it? 00:13:36.980 --> 00:13:40.240 So who would be the. 00:13:40.899 --> 00:13:41.420 Doubters. 00:13:42.580 --> 00:13:43.480 Well according to what we read. 00:13:43.519 --> 00:13:44.860 In the other gospels. 00:13:45.560 --> 00:13:46.879 Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. 00:13:47.759 --> 00:13:48.940 When you look at it all. 00:13:50.620 --> 00:13:52.539 Jesus' first appearance. 00:13:52.539 --> 00:13:53.379 To these disciples. 00:13:53.379 --> 00:13:54.580 Was not at Galilee. 00:13:54.779 --> 00:13:55.500 It was in Jerusalem. 00:13:56.779 --> 00:13:57.279 In fact. 00:13:57.659 --> 00:13:59.120 By the time they got to Galilee. 00:13:59.259 --> 00:14:00.000 To see this. 00:14:00.120 --> 00:14:01.440 To hear Jesus give his. 00:14:01.840 --> 00:14:02.200 Final. 00:14:03.279 --> 00:14:04.320 Direction to them. 00:14:04.320 --> 00:14:06.100 They had seen Jesus. 00:14:06.240 --> 00:14:07.440 At least two or three times. 00:14:09.060 --> 00:14:10.020 They knew. 00:14:10.780 --> 00:14:11.800 He'd come back to life. 00:14:12.420 --> 00:14:14.080 They had interacted with him. 00:14:14.560 --> 00:14:16.140 They truly were able. 00:14:16.140 --> 00:14:17.440 To worship him. 00:14:17.580 --> 00:14:18.580 Because they did. 00:14:18.860 --> 00:14:19.680 Believe in him. 00:14:19.680 --> 00:14:22.800 But the ones who doubted. 00:14:23.379 --> 00:14:24.100 And that word doubt. 00:14:24.260 --> 00:14:25.440 Can be translated here. 00:14:25.960 --> 00:14:26.400 Hesitated. 00:14:28.020 --> 00:14:29.680 Maybe they were the disciples. 00:14:30.440 --> 00:14:32.160 That this was their first. 00:14:32.580 --> 00:14:33.060 Encounter. 00:14:34.320 --> 00:14:35.220 With the risen Lord. 00:14:37.040 --> 00:14:38.260 Who was the most. 00:14:38.500 --> 00:14:39.820 Famous doubter. 00:14:40.360 --> 00:14:41.920 Of Jesus' resurrection. 00:14:43.980 --> 00:14:44.460 Thomas. 00:14:45.180 --> 00:14:45.900 That's where you get the phrase. 00:14:46.000 --> 00:14:46.920 Doubting Thomas. 00:14:47.020 --> 00:14:47.240 Right? 00:14:48.280 --> 00:14:49.920 Well we read in John chapter 20. 00:14:50.800 --> 00:14:52.040 That he was not present. 00:14:52.160 --> 00:14:53.420 When Jesus first appeared. 00:14:53.460 --> 00:14:54.280 To the other disciples. 00:14:55.140 --> 00:14:56.120 And that's when he. 00:14:56.780 --> 00:14:57.180 Doubted. 00:14:58.180 --> 00:14:59.240 What they were saying. 00:15:00.340 --> 00:15:00.820 Hesitant. 00:15:01.200 --> 00:15:01.720 To believe. 00:15:01.720 --> 00:15:02.019 Believe. 00:15:02.860 --> 00:15:03.200 But. 00:15:03.600 --> 00:15:04.379 Later on. 00:15:04.660 --> 00:15:05.540 He saw Jesus. 00:15:05.660 --> 00:15:06.460 And he did believe. 00:15:08.000 --> 00:15:08.960 I want to ask you. 00:15:10.279 --> 00:15:11.460 Are you a doubter? 00:15:13.639 --> 00:15:14.340 I want to. 00:15:15.180 --> 00:15:16.279 I want us to think about this. 00:15:16.379 --> 00:15:17.120 A little bit differently. 00:15:18.820 --> 00:15:20.220 You could be a doubter. 00:15:20.220 --> 00:15:23.019 But never really deny. 00:15:23.019 --> 00:15:24.440 The reality of the resurrection. 00:15:26.279 --> 00:15:27.600 You might even say. 00:15:27.899 --> 00:15:28.019 You know. 00:15:28.080 --> 00:15:29.180 I believe what the Bible says. 00:15:29.500 --> 00:15:31.320 I believe what the Bible says. 00:15:31.440 --> 00:15:32.560 About the facts. 00:15:32.899 --> 00:15:34.220 About Jesus' life. 00:15:34.279 --> 00:15:34.759 And death. 00:15:35.000 --> 00:15:35.840 And resurrection. 00:15:35.840 --> 00:15:39.440 But. 00:15:40.060 --> 00:15:41.680 If you look at your life. 00:15:42.379 --> 00:15:44.019 That kind of belief. 00:15:45.180 --> 00:15:46.980 Really doesn't affect the way that you live. 00:15:49.460 --> 00:15:50.800 The word doubt. 00:15:51.899 --> 00:15:53.379 May not be the best word for you. 00:15:54.519 --> 00:15:56.160 It may be that you believe the facts. 00:15:56.259 --> 00:15:56.700 But you're. 00:15:57.259 --> 00:15:58.340 You're hesitant. 00:15:59.980 --> 00:16:01.540 To do anything about it. 00:16:02.180 --> 00:16:03.139 You got the knowledge. 00:16:03.139 --> 00:16:03.720 You got the. 00:16:03.960 --> 00:16:04.179 You know. 00:16:05.240 --> 00:16:06.699 The mental assent. 00:16:06.819 --> 00:16:07.639 To the facts. 00:16:09.559 --> 00:16:10.860 But you've never acted on. 00:16:11.080 --> 00:16:12.059 What you say you believe. 00:16:13.620 --> 00:16:14.919 You've hesitated. 00:16:15.179 --> 00:16:15.840 To commit. 00:16:18.139 --> 00:16:18.439 You know. 00:16:18.559 --> 00:16:19.500 Doubting Thomas. 00:16:20.379 --> 00:16:21.799 We could call him. 00:16:22.159 --> 00:16:23.259 Hesitating Thomas. 00:16:24.139 --> 00:16:25.659 Because he was hesitant. 00:16:25.659 --> 00:16:26.840 To believe the resurrection. 00:16:29.860 --> 00:16:30.860 Are you. 00:16:33.139 --> 00:16:37.759 Are you hesitant to step on out 00:16:37.759 --> 00:16:41.519 and not just say you believe that Jesus is alive, 00:16:41.519 --> 00:16:45.419 but to show the world that you believe he's alive 00:16:45.419 --> 00:16:50.460 by obeying him, following him, loving him, 00:16:51.399 --> 00:16:52.980 seeking to please him? 00:16:55.120 --> 00:17:01.439 You know, doubting Thomas didn't stay that way. 00:17:01.440 --> 00:17:05.700 He went on to become devoted Thomas, 00:17:06.700 --> 00:17:08.960 who made this statement. 00:17:09.820 --> 00:17:12.259 When he finally saw Jesus and believed, 00:17:12.720 --> 00:17:14.500 he looked at Jesus and declared, 00:17:15.100 --> 00:17:17.640 my Lord and my God. 00:17:19.019 --> 00:17:25.500 He truly embraced Jesus as his Lord, his God. 00:17:26.940 --> 00:17:29.740 If Jesus is truly your Lord and your God, 00:17:29.740 --> 00:17:32.900 you've got to stop hesitating 00:17:32.900 --> 00:17:40.839 and get serious about being a devoted follower of Jesus, 00:17:40.839 --> 00:17:44.039 which is the next response I want us to look at, 00:17:44.500 --> 00:17:45.940 the response of devotion. 00:17:47.779 --> 00:17:49.680 Two women were the first to see the risen Lord, 00:17:50.680 --> 00:17:53.079 and their immediate response was to worship him. 00:17:53.500 --> 00:17:54.519 Note in verse nine, 00:17:54.519 --> 00:17:56.700 Jesus met them and said, 00:17:56.879 --> 00:17:57.299 greetings, 00:17:58.000 --> 00:18:00.400 and they came up and took hold of his feet 00:18:00.400 --> 00:18:02.119 and worshiped him. 00:18:03.319 --> 00:18:04.400 Now, if you think about it, 00:18:04.420 --> 00:18:05.619 that sounds sort of odd, doesn't it? 00:18:06.680 --> 00:18:07.759 It sounds real odd. 00:18:09.220 --> 00:18:11.519 They took hold of his feet. 00:18:12.180 --> 00:18:13.879 Well, here's what had to have happened 00:18:13.879 --> 00:18:14.779 for that to take place. 00:18:15.160 --> 00:18:16.319 When they saw Jesus, 00:18:16.460 --> 00:18:20.160 they immediately fell down before him in worship, 00:18:20.160 --> 00:18:23.320 or at least they got on their knees 00:18:23.320 --> 00:18:27.380 and knelt before him in worship. 00:18:28.220 --> 00:18:31.640 Think, these women had witnessed Jesus' death on the cross. 00:18:33.240 --> 00:18:36.500 They had seen him be buried 00:18:36.500 --> 00:18:39.540 and the stone rolled in front of the tomb. 00:18:40.820 --> 00:18:44.120 When they saw that the stone was rolled away 00:18:44.120 --> 00:18:45.700 and the tomb was empty, 00:18:45.700 --> 00:18:48.519 that Jesus was alive, 00:18:49.519 --> 00:18:51.200 they worshiped him, 00:18:51.980 --> 00:18:53.680 they touched him. 00:18:54.380 --> 00:18:55.920 It was no dream or no vision. 00:18:56.240 --> 00:18:59.039 He was alive, literally, physically, bodily. 00:19:00.920 --> 00:19:02.180 Now, if you look on, 00:19:02.600 --> 00:19:04.980 the 11 disciples were spotted in a similar way 00:19:04.980 --> 00:19:06.200 that we've already seen. 00:19:06.420 --> 00:19:07.340 It says when they saw him, 00:19:07.440 --> 00:19:08.200 they worshiped him. 00:19:09.080 --> 00:19:10.700 Worship is the most natural response 00:19:11.420 --> 00:19:12.960 of the disciples of Jesus 00:19:12.960 --> 00:19:15.360 following his resurrection. 00:19:16.660 --> 00:19:19.140 Jesus had taught them for three years 00:19:19.140 --> 00:19:20.440 about who he was, 00:19:21.840 --> 00:19:24.640 but they never really got it. 00:19:25.660 --> 00:19:27.240 They understood some things, 00:19:27.980 --> 00:19:29.980 but it was not until after the resurrection 00:19:29.980 --> 00:19:31.360 and they saw him 00:19:31.360 --> 00:19:34.519 that the light came on them. 00:19:35.299 --> 00:19:37.860 They understood this really is the Son of God 00:19:37.860 --> 00:19:40.160 who didn't just suffer on a cross 00:19:40.160 --> 00:19:41.580 and die and be buried. 00:19:41.779 --> 00:19:45.259 He arose because he is God. 00:19:45.259 --> 00:19:47.839 He is my Lord and my God. 00:19:48.519 --> 00:19:48.660 Now, 00:19:49.539 --> 00:19:51.720 does your life 00:19:51.720 --> 00:19:53.920 demonstrate 00:19:53.920 --> 00:19:56.099 devotion to Christ? 00:19:58.420 --> 00:19:59.799 Do you worship him? 00:19:59.980 --> 00:20:01.059 Have you truly, 00:20:01.700 --> 00:20:02.599 we came to this place, 00:20:02.660 --> 00:20:03.680 we call it a worship service. 00:20:04.119 --> 00:20:05.359 Have you worshiped him, 00:20:05.879 --> 00:20:06.759 praised him, 00:20:07.259 --> 00:20:08.119 thought of him, 00:20:08.299 --> 00:20:09.299 and honored him, 00:20:09.299 --> 00:20:12.180 your living Lord 00:20:12.180 --> 00:20:14.339 in this service? 00:20:14.339 --> 00:20:17.339 Do you worship him 00:20:17.339 --> 00:20:18.240 on a regular basis 00:20:18.240 --> 00:20:19.740 when you pray? 00:20:22.399 --> 00:20:23.720 Do you as a Christian, 00:20:24.919 --> 00:20:25.980 do you pray and 00:20:25.980 --> 00:20:28.799 just worship and praise 00:20:28.799 --> 00:20:29.200 God, 00:20:29.299 --> 00:20:30.039 your heavenly Father, 00:20:30.200 --> 00:20:30.599 and Jesus, 00:20:30.839 --> 00:20:32.019 your Lord and your Savior? 00:20:32.359 --> 00:20:33.539 Do you say things 00:20:33.539 --> 00:20:34.960 about worshiping him, 00:20:35.159 --> 00:20:35.759 praising him, 00:20:36.099 --> 00:20:36.899 honoring him? 00:20:36.900 --> 00:20:40.160 Think about this. 00:20:42.660 --> 00:20:43.940 Does he see 00:20:43.940 --> 00:20:46.480 by the way 00:20:46.480 --> 00:20:47.820 you show your devotion, 00:20:48.519 --> 00:20:49.820 does Jesus see 00:20:49.820 --> 00:20:51.700 your love, 00:20:52.540 --> 00:20:53.860 your honor, 00:20:54.900 --> 00:20:56.019 your respect, 00:20:57.060 --> 00:20:58.040 your gratitude 00:20:58.040 --> 00:20:59.200 in action? 00:21:00.320 --> 00:21:00.500 Now, 00:21:00.540 --> 00:21:01.500 this is not how it would be, 00:21:01.560 --> 00:21:02.060 but I want you to think 00:21:02.060 --> 00:21:02.440 for a moment. 00:21:03.100 --> 00:21:04.019 Jesus is in heaven 00:21:04.019 --> 00:21:05.060 at the right hand of the Father. 00:21:05.059 --> 00:21:08.359 And it's like 00:21:08.359 --> 00:21:10.559 he's watching you, 00:21:11.899 --> 00:21:12.960 and your life 00:21:12.960 --> 00:21:14.179 is like a movie. 00:21:17.139 --> 00:21:18.480 He sees how you, 00:21:18.579 --> 00:21:18.819 you know, 00:21:18.940 --> 00:21:19.960 you are at home, 00:21:20.220 --> 00:21:20.819 at work, 00:21:20.859 --> 00:21:21.399 at school. 00:21:22.279 --> 00:21:23.240 He knows what you, 00:21:23.460 --> 00:21:24.179 what kind of things 00:21:24.179 --> 00:21:24.779 that you think 00:21:24.779 --> 00:21:25.440 and you feel. 00:21:25.980 --> 00:21:27.440 As Jesus looks at you, 00:21:27.579 --> 00:21:28.339 observes you, 00:21:28.679 --> 00:21:29.859 knows what's going on 00:21:29.859 --> 00:21:30.539 in your life, 00:21:31.159 --> 00:21:32.259 does he see 00:21:32.259 --> 00:21:35.359 that you truly 00:21:35.359 --> 00:21:37.000 are devoted 00:21:37.000 --> 00:21:38.359 to him. 00:21:40.359 --> 00:21:40.660 You know, 00:21:41.359 --> 00:21:43.500 some of you 00:21:43.500 --> 00:21:44.000 in this room, 00:21:45.259 --> 00:21:45.859 in a good, 00:21:46.059 --> 00:21:46.799 healthy way, 00:21:47.519 --> 00:21:49.160 you are a devoted 00:21:49.160 --> 00:21:50.039 wife, 00:21:51.519 --> 00:21:52.220 husband, 00:21:53.680 --> 00:21:54.539 parent, 00:21:55.819 --> 00:21:56.839 child even, 00:21:57.680 --> 00:21:58.599 boyfriend or girlfriend. 00:21:58.599 --> 00:22:03.099 and your spouse 00:22:03.099 --> 00:22:04.539 or your children 00:22:04.539 --> 00:22:06.099 or your parents 00:22:06.099 --> 00:22:07.319 or your boyfriend 00:22:07.319 --> 00:22:07.779 or girlfriend, 00:22:08.319 --> 00:22:10.659 they can tell 00:22:10.659 --> 00:22:11.599 someone, 00:22:13.599 --> 00:22:14.679 he or she 00:22:14.679 --> 00:22:15.819 truly is devoted 00:22:15.819 --> 00:22:16.399 to me 00:22:16.399 --> 00:22:17.599 because of 00:22:18.159 --> 00:22:18.599 what? 00:22:20.659 --> 00:22:21.599 What do you do? 00:22:23.599 --> 00:22:24.639 It's not enough 00:22:24.639 --> 00:22:25.779 just to say it, 00:22:26.119 --> 00:22:27.139 just to think it. 00:22:27.140 --> 00:22:29.980 we should express 00:22:29.980 --> 00:22:30.900 our devotion, 00:22:31.100 --> 00:22:31.500 don't we? 00:22:32.640 --> 00:22:34.580 In various ways 00:22:34.580 --> 00:22:36.440 of actions 00:22:36.440 --> 00:22:37.460 that are loving, 00:22:38.240 --> 00:22:39.340 that show gratitude. 00:22:41.920 --> 00:22:43.440 If we are devoted 00:22:43.440 --> 00:22:44.200 to Jesus, 00:22:45.240 --> 00:22:47.800 it will come out 00:22:47.800 --> 00:22:49.920 because he's real 00:22:49.920 --> 00:22:50.620 to us. 00:22:51.120 --> 00:22:52.320 There is a relationship 00:22:52.320 --> 00:22:53.700 there with him 00:22:53.700 --> 00:22:55.280 and relationship 00:22:55.280 --> 00:22:56.560 is essential 00:22:56.559 --> 00:22:58.359 when it comes 00:22:58.359 --> 00:22:59.940 to being rightly 00:22:59.940 --> 00:23:01.019 connected to Jesus. 00:23:02.799 --> 00:23:03.119 You know, 00:23:03.859 --> 00:23:05.019 we'll never be devoted 00:23:05.019 --> 00:23:05.960 to a stranger. 00:23:07.399 --> 00:23:08.740 We can't be devoted 00:23:08.740 --> 00:23:09.319 to someone 00:23:09.319 --> 00:23:10.500 we have just a little bit 00:23:10.500 --> 00:23:12.059 of information about 00:23:12.059 --> 00:23:13.279 and even know 00:23:13.279 --> 00:23:13.779 it's true. 00:23:13.779 --> 00:23:19.940 I don't want to hurt 00:23:19.940 --> 00:23:21.700 anybody's feelings. 00:23:24.240 --> 00:23:24.980 But I know 00:23:24.980 --> 00:23:26.619 some factual information 00:23:26.619 --> 00:23:27.440 about old Nate 00:23:27.440 --> 00:23:28.019 back there. 00:23:30.899 --> 00:23:32.000 I ain't devoted 00:23:32.000 --> 00:23:32.700 to you, buddy. 00:23:34.160 --> 00:23:35.240 You're a good guy. 00:23:37.359 --> 00:23:37.839 Lisa, 00:23:38.339 --> 00:23:40.359 you're a good friend 00:23:40.359 --> 00:23:41.779 of many years. 00:23:43.279 --> 00:23:44.539 But I ain't devoted 00:23:44.539 --> 00:23:44.939 to you. 00:23:46.339 --> 00:23:47.179 See, I know them. 00:23:47.379 --> 00:23:48.199 I like them. 00:23:48.539 --> 00:23:50.019 I have a relationship 00:23:50.019 --> 00:23:50.479 with them. 00:23:51.740 --> 00:23:52.199 But it's not 00:23:52.199 --> 00:23:53.679 on the level 00:23:53.679 --> 00:23:55.579 of being devoted 00:23:55.579 --> 00:23:56.059 to them 00:23:56.059 --> 00:23:56.679 like I am 00:23:56.679 --> 00:23:58.519 to my wife, 00:23:59.599 --> 00:24:00.599 my children, 00:24:00.740 --> 00:24:01.639 my grandchildren, 00:24:01.640 --> 00:24:04.860 the closest 00:24:04.860 --> 00:24:06.000 of friends. 00:24:07.740 --> 00:24:07.960 You see, 00:24:08.000 --> 00:24:08.800 what I'm getting at, 00:24:09.580 --> 00:24:11.700 if Jesus is truly 00:24:11.700 --> 00:24:13.040 our Lord 00:24:13.040 --> 00:24:13.820 and our Savior, 00:24:13.980 --> 00:24:14.820 we have a relationship 00:24:14.820 --> 00:24:15.340 with Him 00:24:15.340 --> 00:24:17.540 and we talk 00:24:17.540 --> 00:24:18.000 to Him, 00:24:18.320 --> 00:24:19.160 we worship Him 00:24:19.160 --> 00:24:19.900 and praise Him 00:24:19.900 --> 00:24:20.800 because we are 00:24:20.800 --> 00:24:21.780 devoted to Him. 00:24:22.020 --> 00:24:22.940 We live our lives 00:24:22.940 --> 00:24:23.680 in a way that 00:24:23.680 --> 00:24:25.360 we try to demonstrate 00:24:25.360 --> 00:24:27.300 our love 00:24:27.300 --> 00:24:27.620 by the way 00:24:27.620 --> 00:24:28.960 that we obey Him. 00:24:29.080 --> 00:24:29.640 And that gets us 00:24:29.640 --> 00:24:30.720 to the next response 00:24:30.720 --> 00:24:31.380 of dedication 00:24:31.380 --> 00:24:33.220 or the response 00:24:33.220 --> 00:24:35.000 of dedication. 00:24:36.839 --> 00:24:38.059 There are two responses 00:24:38.059 --> 00:24:38.559 of dedication 00:24:38.559 --> 00:24:39.740 found in this chapter. 00:24:40.460 --> 00:24:41.100 The first, 00:24:41.799 --> 00:24:42.579 look at verses 00:24:42.579 --> 00:24:43.940 7 and 8. 00:24:44.680 --> 00:24:45.100 When the angel 00:24:45.100 --> 00:24:45.519 of the Lord 00:24:45.519 --> 00:24:46.279 told the women 00:24:46.279 --> 00:24:47.400 that Jesus had risen 00:24:47.400 --> 00:24:48.000 from the dead, 00:24:48.600 --> 00:24:49.720 they believed 00:24:49.720 --> 00:24:51.519 and immediately 00:24:51.519 --> 00:24:52.620 obeyed. 00:24:53.120 --> 00:24:53.640 Look at this. 00:24:53.920 --> 00:24:54.640 Then go quickly 00:24:54.640 --> 00:24:55.640 and tell His disciples 00:24:55.640 --> 00:24:56.220 that He has risen 00:24:56.220 --> 00:24:56.759 from the dead 00:24:56.759 --> 00:24:57.579 and behold, 00:24:57.680 --> 00:24:58.539 He is going before you 00:24:58.539 --> 00:24:59.140 to Galilee. 00:24:59.579 --> 00:25:00.579 There you will see Him 00:25:00.579 --> 00:25:01.779 see how I've told you. 00:25:02.079 --> 00:25:02.699 So they departed 00:25:02.699 --> 00:25:03.740 quickly from the tomb 00:25:03.740 --> 00:25:04.379 with fear 00:25:04.379 --> 00:25:05.119 and great joy 00:25:05.119 --> 00:25:06.319 and ran 00:25:06.319 --> 00:25:07.059 to tell His disciples. 00:25:07.259 --> 00:25:07.859 They haven't even 00:25:07.859 --> 00:25:08.839 seen Jesus yet. 00:25:09.500 --> 00:25:09.960 They believed 00:25:09.960 --> 00:25:10.460 the word 00:25:10.460 --> 00:25:11.399 of the angel 00:25:11.399 --> 00:25:12.720 and they were not 00:25:12.720 --> 00:25:13.480 just devoted 00:25:13.480 --> 00:25:14.500 to the living Lord, 00:25:14.740 --> 00:25:15.240 they were going 00:25:15.240 --> 00:25:16.099 to be obedient. 00:25:17.859 --> 00:25:19.000 Look at the other example. 00:25:19.679 --> 00:25:20.179 Probably the best, 00:25:20.339 --> 00:25:21.819 most well-known statement 00:25:21.819 --> 00:25:23.839 of the resurrected Lord 00:25:23.839 --> 00:25:25.079 is what we call 00:25:25.079 --> 00:25:25.960 His great commission 00:25:25.960 --> 00:25:26.639 is at the end 00:25:26.639 --> 00:25:27.240 of this chapter. 00:25:27.240 --> 00:25:28.139 It says, 00:25:28.279 --> 00:25:28.919 And Jesus came 00:25:28.920 --> 00:25:29.720 and said to them, 00:25:30.080 --> 00:25:30.740 All authority 00:25:30.740 --> 00:25:31.160 in heaven 00:25:31.160 --> 00:25:31.860 and on earth 00:25:31.860 --> 00:25:32.880 has been given to me. 00:25:33.500 --> 00:25:34.200 Go therefore 00:25:34.200 --> 00:25:35.100 and make disciples 00:25:35.100 --> 00:25:35.840 of all nations, 00:25:36.320 --> 00:25:37.140 baptizing them 00:25:37.140 --> 00:25:37.880 in the name of the Father 00:25:37.880 --> 00:25:38.740 and of the Son 00:25:38.740 --> 00:25:39.500 and of the Holy Spirit, 00:25:39.840 --> 00:25:40.360 teaching them 00:25:40.360 --> 00:25:41.440 to observe all 00:25:41.440 --> 00:25:42.680 that I have commanded you 00:25:42.680 --> 00:25:43.420 and behold, 00:25:43.580 --> 00:25:45.039 I am with you always 00:25:45.039 --> 00:25:46.420 to the end 00:25:46.420 --> 00:25:47.740 of the age. 00:25:50.800 --> 00:25:52.300 We cannot study 00:25:52.300 --> 00:25:53.300 the responses 00:25:53.300 --> 00:25:54.300 to the resurrection 00:25:54.299 --> 00:25:55.139 of Jesus 00:25:55.139 --> 00:25:56.960 without noting. 00:25:58.119 --> 00:25:59.379 There is a lot more 00:25:59.379 --> 00:26:00.379 to being devoted 00:26:00.379 --> 00:26:00.960 to Him 00:26:00.960 --> 00:26:03.799 than just worshiping Him. 00:26:05.220 --> 00:26:05.759 Dedication 00:26:05.759 --> 00:26:08.159 or commitment 00:26:08.159 --> 00:26:10.500 or obedience. 00:26:11.500 --> 00:26:12.319 All three words 00:26:12.319 --> 00:26:12.899 are talking 00:26:12.899 --> 00:26:13.740 about the same things. 00:26:14.740 --> 00:26:15.240 Dedication 00:26:15.240 --> 00:26:15.799 or commitment 00:26:15.799 --> 00:26:16.839 to serving the Lord 00:26:16.839 --> 00:26:19.819 is a natural outcome 00:26:19.819 --> 00:26:24.119 of being devoted 00:26:24.119 --> 00:26:24.599 to Him. 00:26:25.539 --> 00:26:26.019 Devotedly 00:26:26.019 --> 00:26:27.200 worshiping Him. 00:26:28.099 --> 00:26:28.460 In other words, 00:26:28.500 --> 00:26:29.019 if we love Him, 00:26:29.079 --> 00:26:29.740 we'll obey Him. 00:26:30.139 --> 00:26:31.019 And Jesus said that 00:26:31.019 --> 00:26:32.579 numerous times. 00:26:32.579 --> 00:26:35.319 Are you dedicated 00:26:35.319 --> 00:26:36.960 to living under 00:26:36.960 --> 00:26:37.639 the authority 00:26:37.639 --> 00:26:38.240 of Jesus 00:26:38.240 --> 00:26:40.480 and truly 00:26:40.480 --> 00:26:41.679 serving Him 00:26:41.679 --> 00:26:44.439 in every area 00:26:44.439 --> 00:26:45.059 of your life? 00:26:45.220 --> 00:26:45.659 Living like 00:26:45.659 --> 00:26:46.579 a faithful Christian 00:26:46.579 --> 00:26:47.480 in your home 00:26:47.480 --> 00:26:47.879 at work, 00:26:47.960 --> 00:26:48.339 school, 00:26:48.339 --> 00:26:49.740 and doing 00:26:49.740 --> 00:26:50.179 what you do 00:26:50.179 --> 00:26:50.619 is if you're 00:26:50.619 --> 00:26:50.980 doing it 00:26:50.980 --> 00:26:51.819 for the Lord. 00:26:53.980 --> 00:26:55.179 If not, 00:26:56.519 --> 00:26:58.159 will you begin 00:26:58.159 --> 00:26:58.579 today? 00:27:00.139 --> 00:27:00.399 You know, 00:27:00.419 --> 00:27:01.419 this is a great day. 00:27:02.539 --> 00:27:03.779 A great day 00:27:03.779 --> 00:27:04.439 to get serious 00:27:04.439 --> 00:27:05.099 about showing 00:27:05.099 --> 00:27:05.919 your devotion 00:27:05.919 --> 00:27:07.039 to Jesus 00:27:07.039 --> 00:27:08.980 by dedicating 00:27:08.980 --> 00:27:09.379 yourself 00:27:09.379 --> 00:27:10.459 to actively 00:27:10.459 --> 00:27:12.000 serving Him. 00:27:13.019 --> 00:27:13.519 And this is 00:27:13.519 --> 00:27:14.240 Easter Sunday, 00:27:14.419 --> 00:27:15.559 Resurrection Day. 00:27:16.779 --> 00:27:17.699 No better day 00:27:17.700 --> 00:27:18.500 to make a commitment. 00:27:19.120 --> 00:27:19.440 But you know, 00:27:19.480 --> 00:27:20.700 this is our first Sunday 00:27:20.700 --> 00:27:21.779 as a church family. 00:27:21.880 --> 00:27:22.840 This is our first Sunday 00:27:22.840 --> 00:27:24.519 back in what we call 00:27:24.519 --> 00:27:25.600 our normal schedule. 00:27:26.480 --> 00:27:27.360 We had an 8.30 00:27:27.360 --> 00:27:28.960 service this morning. 00:27:29.080 --> 00:27:29.940 We had Sunday school, 00:27:30.059 --> 00:27:31.160 Bible study for everybody 00:27:31.160 --> 00:27:31.900 at 9.15, 00:27:31.900 --> 00:27:33.019 and now this service. 00:27:34.860 --> 00:27:36.080 This has been a hard, 00:27:36.400 --> 00:27:36.960 difficult, 00:27:37.380 --> 00:27:39.160 different year, 00:27:39.259 --> 00:27:39.720 hasn't it? 00:27:39.720 --> 00:27:43.799 We've got out of a lot 00:27:43.799 --> 00:27:45.400 of our normal routine, 00:27:45.900 --> 00:27:47.420 normal good habits 00:27:47.420 --> 00:27:49.720 of public worship, 00:27:49.720 --> 00:27:51.640 coming together 00:27:51.640 --> 00:27:53.019 in Bible study 00:27:53.019 --> 00:27:53.860 with other Christians 00:27:53.860 --> 00:27:54.799 in our church. 00:27:56.680 --> 00:27:57.960 Let's just be honest. 00:27:59.539 --> 00:28:00.420 It's been easy 00:28:00.420 --> 00:28:01.019 to stay at home 00:28:01.019 --> 00:28:01.660 a lot of times, 00:28:02.220 --> 00:28:05.039 watch the live stream, 00:28:05.039 --> 00:28:08.700 not have any responsibilities. 00:28:11.279 --> 00:28:11.619 Now, 00:28:12.240 --> 00:28:14.379 I understand 00:28:14.379 --> 00:28:16.639 over this past year 00:28:16.639 --> 00:28:18.859 there have been 00:28:18.859 --> 00:28:19.500 some things 00:28:19.500 --> 00:28:20.799 that we haven't done 00:28:20.799 --> 00:28:22.539 and rightly so. 00:28:24.000 --> 00:28:25.099 We have tried 00:28:25.099 --> 00:28:28.579 to use common sense, 00:28:29.879 --> 00:28:31.039 follow the guidelines 00:28:31.039 --> 00:28:31.980 of experts 00:28:31.980 --> 00:28:33.599 to keep our church 00:28:33.599 --> 00:28:34.559 families safe. 00:28:35.039 --> 00:28:36.440 Some of you, 00:28:36.799 --> 00:28:37.980 with your age 00:28:37.980 --> 00:28:39.599 and or health conditions, 00:28:39.899 --> 00:28:40.899 it was wise 00:28:40.899 --> 00:28:41.799 for you to stay out 00:28:41.799 --> 00:28:43.200 of a crowd like this. 00:28:43.500 --> 00:28:44.379 It was the right thing 00:28:44.379 --> 00:28:44.779 to do. 00:28:46.680 --> 00:28:47.980 But now that things 00:28:47.980 --> 00:28:49.879 are getting a lot better 00:28:49.879 --> 00:28:51.859 and we continue 00:28:51.859 --> 00:28:52.859 to pray that they'll 00:28:52.859 --> 00:28:54.039 eventually be back, 00:28:54.720 --> 00:28:55.480 no more pandemic, 00:28:55.680 --> 00:28:56.779 no more to worry about. 00:29:00.399 --> 00:29:01.639 Are you going to break 00:29:01.639 --> 00:29:02.559 your bad habits? 00:29:02.559 --> 00:29:05.240 your lazy habits? 00:29:05.240 --> 00:29:09.819 Are you going to 00:29:09.819 --> 00:29:11.319 recommit 00:29:12.480 --> 00:29:15.599 to dedicated 00:29:15.599 --> 00:29:17.639 service to the Lord 00:29:17.639 --> 00:29:19.960 in and through this church 00:29:19.960 --> 00:29:21.299 and in other ways 00:29:21.299 --> 00:29:22.779 that maybe you couldn't 00:29:22.779 --> 00:29:24.240 or shouldn't have 00:29:24.240 --> 00:29:25.720 for the last year? 00:29:25.720 --> 00:29:29.400 but the time 00:29:29.400 --> 00:29:30.200 has come 00:29:30.200 --> 00:29:31.279 or will come 00:29:31.279 --> 00:29:31.779 for some 00:29:31.779 --> 00:29:34.860 that you just 00:29:34.860 --> 00:29:35.620 got to do it. 00:29:36.779 --> 00:29:37.839 You've got to 00:29:37.839 --> 00:29:38.559 demonstrate 00:29:38.559 --> 00:29:39.779 your devotion 00:29:39.779 --> 00:29:41.660 through dedicated 00:29:41.660 --> 00:29:41.720 service. 00:29:44.120 --> 00:29:45.140 If you truly believe 00:29:45.140 --> 00:29:45.579 that Jesus 00:29:45.579 --> 00:29:46.839 is the Son of God 00:29:46.839 --> 00:29:48.400 who died on the cross 00:29:48.400 --> 00:29:49.380 for your sins 00:29:49.380 --> 00:29:50.680 and is now 00:29:50.680 --> 00:29:51.500 risen, 00:29:52.420 --> 00:29:53.200 the King of Kings 00:29:53.200 --> 00:29:54.180 and the Lord of Lords 00:29:54.180 --> 00:29:54.779 as He's called 00:29:54.779 --> 00:29:55.279 in Scripture, 00:29:56.660 --> 00:29:57.539 then the only 00:29:57.539 --> 00:29:58.600 acceptable way 00:29:58.600 --> 00:29:59.799 to respond to Him 00:29:59.799 --> 00:30:01.560 is with 00:30:01.560 --> 00:30:02.519 devotion 00:30:02.519 --> 00:30:04.779 and dedication. 00:30:06.060 --> 00:30:06.840 We saw 00:30:06.840 --> 00:30:07.860 three weeks ago 00:30:07.860 --> 00:30:08.380 in our study 00:30:08.380 --> 00:30:09.080 of Philippians 00:30:09.080 --> 00:30:09.740 chapter 2 00:30:09.740 --> 00:30:10.660 verses 9 through 11 00:30:10.660 --> 00:30:12.060 that one day 00:30:12.060 --> 00:30:14.180 every knee 00:30:14.180 --> 00:30:14.680 will bow 00:30:14.680 --> 00:30:15.340 and every tongue 00:30:15.340 --> 00:30:16.019 will confess 00:30:16.019 --> 00:30:16.980 that Jesus Christ 00:30:16.980 --> 00:30:17.580 is Lord 00:30:17.579 --> 00:30:20.659 and we talked 00:30:20.659 --> 00:30:21.579 about that Sunday. 00:30:22.539 --> 00:30:23.659 It's so important 00:30:23.659 --> 00:30:24.480 that we do that 00:30:24.480 --> 00:30:25.299 on our own 00:30:25.299 --> 00:30:25.859 now, 00:30:26.299 --> 00:30:26.699 willingly, 00:30:27.199 --> 00:30:27.759 voluntarily. 00:30:29.759 --> 00:30:30.679 If you came 00:30:30.679 --> 00:30:31.179 into this room 00:30:31.179 --> 00:30:31.679 this morning 00:30:31.679 --> 00:30:32.539 not a believer, 00:30:33.679 --> 00:30:35.159 not trusting Jesus 00:30:35.159 --> 00:30:35.859 as your Savior 00:30:35.859 --> 00:30:36.299 and Lord, 00:30:36.419 --> 00:30:37.699 not honoring Him, 00:30:37.699 --> 00:30:40.759 but the Lord 00:30:40.759 --> 00:30:41.439 has shown you 00:30:41.439 --> 00:30:42.460 that's not 00:30:42.460 --> 00:30:44.419 the way to live, 00:30:44.919 --> 00:30:45.659 the way to live 00:30:45.659 --> 00:30:46.079 forever. 00:30:46.079 --> 00:30:47.759 He's convicting 00:30:47.759 --> 00:30:48.679 you of your sin, 00:30:48.939 --> 00:30:49.359 calling you 00:30:49.359 --> 00:30:50.240 to change your mind. 00:30:50.439 --> 00:30:50.980 I want to encourage 00:30:50.980 --> 00:30:51.599 you to do that. 00:30:52.679 --> 00:30:53.639 Admit to God 00:30:53.639 --> 00:30:55.379 that you are not His, 00:30:55.679 --> 00:30:56.240 that there's never 00:30:56.240 --> 00:30:57.740 been true devotion 00:30:57.740 --> 00:30:59.720 or any kind 00:30:59.720 --> 00:31:00.279 of dedicated 00:31:00.279 --> 00:31:00.899 commitment. 00:31:02.359 --> 00:31:03.519 Turn from your sin. 00:31:05.099 --> 00:31:06.019 Trust Jesus 00:31:06.019 --> 00:31:07.579 as your Savior 00:31:07.579 --> 00:31:08.099 and Lord, 00:31:08.659 --> 00:31:09.159 that He paid 00:31:09.159 --> 00:31:09.480 the penalty 00:31:09.480 --> 00:31:10.259 for your sins 00:31:10.259 --> 00:31:10.579 when He died 00:31:10.579 --> 00:31:11.159 on the cross. 00:31:12.299 --> 00:31:13.139 Call upon Him 00:31:13.140 --> 00:31:13.960 to save you 00:31:13.960 --> 00:31:15.940 and to become 00:31:15.940 --> 00:31:16.580 the true 00:31:16.580 --> 00:31:17.480 Lord, 00:31:17.820 --> 00:31:19.200 Master of your life. 00:31:20.880 --> 00:31:21.080 You know, 00:31:21.100 --> 00:31:21.540 if we really 00:31:21.540 --> 00:31:22.520 and truly believe 00:31:22.520 --> 00:31:24.440 in the resurrection 00:31:24.440 --> 00:31:25.480 of Jesus Christ, 00:31:27.560 --> 00:31:27.920 I mean, 00:31:28.040 --> 00:31:29.500 if God 00:31:29.500 --> 00:31:30.100 has done a work 00:31:30.100 --> 00:31:30.720 in us 00:31:30.720 --> 00:31:32.680 to save us, 00:31:32.800 --> 00:31:33.800 regenerate us, 00:31:33.920 --> 00:31:34.820 and put His Spirit 00:31:34.820 --> 00:31:35.460 in us, 00:31:35.460 --> 00:31:38.720 we can't help 00:31:38.720 --> 00:31:41.220 but to want 00:31:41.220 --> 00:31:43.700 to be devoted 00:31:43.700 --> 00:31:44.319 to Him 00:31:44.319 --> 00:31:45.860 in worship 00:31:45.860 --> 00:31:46.920 and love 00:31:46.920 --> 00:31:49.240 and be dedicated 00:31:49.240 --> 00:31:51.059 to serving Him 00:31:51.059 --> 00:31:53.700 with the talents 00:31:53.700 --> 00:31:54.299 and gifts 00:31:54.299 --> 00:31:55.519 and abilities 00:31:55.519 --> 00:31:56.680 He has given us. 00:31:56.680 --> 00:31:59.080 I want you 00:31:59.080 --> 00:31:59.440 to listen 00:31:59.440 --> 00:32:00.000 to the Lord 00:32:00.000 --> 00:32:02.980 and do whatever 00:32:02.980 --> 00:32:03.700 He's calling you 00:32:03.700 --> 00:32:04.100 to do 00:32:04.100 --> 00:32:05.420 that when you 00:32:05.420 --> 00:32:06.299 leave here today, 00:32:07.299 --> 00:32:08.700 you can truly 00:32:08.700 --> 00:32:09.700 celebrate 00:32:09.700 --> 00:32:11.420 the resurrection 00:32:11.420 --> 00:32:12.799 of your Lord 00:32:12.799 --> 00:32:13.720 Jesus Christ 00:32:13.720 --> 00:32:15.460 with heartfelt 00:32:15.460 --> 00:32:17.000 devotion 00:32:17.000 --> 00:32:19.779 and visible 00:32:19.779 --> 00:32:21.299 hands-on 00:32:21.299 --> 00:32:23.680 dedicated service. 00:32:24.519 --> 00:32:24.920 Let's pray 00:32:24.920 --> 00:32:25.240 together. 00:32:25.240 --> 00:32:25.299 Father, 00:32:25.299 --> 00:32:30.220 help us 00:32:30.220 --> 00:32:30.639 to see 00:32:30.639 --> 00:32:31.139 what You 00:32:31.139 --> 00:32:32.259 see in us. 00:32:36.659 --> 00:32:37.220 Father, 00:32:37.299 --> 00:32:37.559 if there are 00:32:37.559 --> 00:32:38.119 people in this room 00:32:38.119 --> 00:32:38.759 who deny 00:32:38.759 --> 00:32:39.579 the reality 00:32:39.579 --> 00:32:40.940 of the resurrection, 00:32:42.000 --> 00:32:44.259 we pray 00:32:44.259 --> 00:32:44.659 that You 00:32:44.659 --> 00:32:45.159 will show 00:32:45.159 --> 00:32:45.599 them 00:32:45.599 --> 00:32:47.659 that they're 00:32:47.659 --> 00:32:48.180 wrong. 00:32:51.240 --> 00:32:52.039 Don't let 00:32:52.039 --> 00:32:52.619 them be 00:32:52.619 --> 00:32:53.279 content 00:32:53.279 --> 00:32:54.819 to continue 00:32:54.819 --> 00:32:55.859 to live 00:32:55.859 --> 00:32:56.359 in such 00:32:56.359 --> 00:32:57.059 denial. 00:32:59.740 --> 00:33:00.559 Open their 00:33:00.559 --> 00:33:01.339 eyes of faith 00:33:01.339 --> 00:33:02.079 to see 00:33:02.079 --> 00:33:03.740 Jesus 00:33:03.740 --> 00:33:05.039 is alive 00:33:05.039 --> 00:33:06.119 and can 00:33:06.119 --> 00:33:07.000 save them 00:33:07.000 --> 00:33:08.799 if they 00:33:08.799 --> 00:33:09.240 will call 00:33:09.240 --> 00:33:09.819 upon Him, 00:33:10.240 --> 00:33:10.599 turn from 00:33:10.599 --> 00:33:11.379 their sins 00:33:11.379 --> 00:33:12.899 and commit 00:33:12.899 --> 00:33:13.679 to Him 00:33:13.679 --> 00:33:14.059 as their 00:33:14.059 --> 00:33:14.439 Lord. 00:33:16.159 --> 00:33:16.639 Father, 00:33:16.700 --> 00:33:17.079 if there are 00:33:17.079 --> 00:33:18.139 doubters in this room, 00:33:18.299 --> 00:33:18.960 clear up their 00:33:18.960 --> 00:33:19.460 doubts. 00:33:21.460 --> 00:33:21.939 Help them, 00:33:21.940 --> 00:33:22.220 Father, 00:33:22.360 --> 00:33:22.600 to 00:33:22.600 --> 00:33:25.180 seriously 00:33:25.180 --> 00:33:25.600 study 00:33:25.600 --> 00:33:25.860 Your 00:33:25.860 --> 00:33:26.340 Word 00:33:26.340 --> 00:33:29.100 and then 00:33:29.100 --> 00:33:29.720 confirm 00:33:29.720 --> 00:33:30.920 Your 00:33:30.920 --> 00:33:31.519 truth. 00:33:32.600 --> 00:33:32.920 Help them 00:33:32.920 --> 00:33:33.320 to have a 00:33:33.320 --> 00:33:34.340 real faith. 00:33:37.340 --> 00:33:37.900 Father, 00:33:37.980 --> 00:33:38.519 help us all 00:33:38.519 --> 00:33:38.940 in this room 00:33:38.940 --> 00:33:39.380 to see 00:33:39.380 --> 00:33:40.940 that if we 00:33:40.940 --> 00:33:41.820 love Jesus, 00:33:43.820 --> 00:33:44.380 if He's 00:33:44.380 --> 00:33:44.740 truly our 00:33:44.740 --> 00:33:45.059 Lord and 00:33:45.059 --> 00:33:45.220 Savior, 00:33:45.220 --> 00:33:47.559 we will be 00:33:47.559 --> 00:33:48.039 devoted 00:33:48.039 --> 00:33:49.159 to Him. 00:33:50.579 --> 00:33:51.279 We'll want 00:33:51.279 --> 00:33:51.720 to worship 00:33:51.720 --> 00:33:52.480 and praise 00:33:52.480 --> 00:33:53.019 and honor 00:33:53.019 --> 00:33:53.779 and thank 00:33:53.779 --> 00:33:56.659 our Savior 00:33:56.659 --> 00:33:57.180 and Lord. 00:33:59.759 --> 00:34:00.099 And then, 00:34:00.159 --> 00:34:00.319 Father, 00:34:00.399 --> 00:34:00.920 make it very 00:34:00.920 --> 00:34:01.440 clear to 00:34:01.440 --> 00:34:02.139 every Christian 00:34:02.139 --> 00:34:02.779 in this room 00:34:02.779 --> 00:34:04.960 that being a 00:34:04.960 --> 00:34:05.879 devoted Christian 00:34:05.879 --> 00:34:07.759 also involves 00:34:07.759 --> 00:34:08.259 being a 00:34:08.259 --> 00:34:08.619 dedicated, 00:34:09.239 --> 00:34:09.679 committed, 00:34:10.360 --> 00:34:10.920 obedient, 00:34:11.500 --> 00:34:13.000 child of God, 00:34:13.199 --> 00:34:14.480 day in and day out, 00:34:14.840 --> 00:34:15.960 in every relationship 00:34:15.960 --> 00:34:16.639 and realm 00:34:16.639 --> 00:34:17.260 of life. 00:34:19.720 --> 00:34:20.500 Help us to 00:34:20.500 --> 00:34:20.880 make the 00:34:20.880 --> 00:34:21.380 commitments, 00:34:22.519 --> 00:34:23.119 to confess 00:34:23.119 --> 00:34:23.760 the sin, 00:34:25.420 --> 00:34:26.400 to change 00:34:26.400 --> 00:34:27.800 the things 00:34:27.800 --> 00:34:28.240 in our life 00:34:28.240 --> 00:34:28.500 that needs 00:34:28.500 --> 00:34:29.360 to be changed, 00:34:30.280 --> 00:34:30.760 to leave 00:34:30.760 --> 00:34:32.519 here devoted 00:34:32.519 --> 00:34:33.980 and dedicated 00:34:33.980 --> 00:34:35.800 men and women, 00:34:35.940 --> 00:34:36.599 boys and girls 00:34:36.599 --> 00:34:37.220 of God. 00:34:38.240 --> 00:34:38.720 Let's just 00:34:38.720 --> 00:34:39.079 in attitude 00:34:39.079 --> 00:34:39.480 of prayer 00:34:39.480 --> 00:34:40.079 listen to the 00:34:40.079 --> 00:34:40.420 Lord and 00:34:40.420 --> 00:34:41.059 respond to 00:34:41.059 --> 00:34:42.000 Him in 00:34:42.000 --> 00:34:42.460 these next 00:34:42.460 --> 00:34:43.139 few minutes 00:34:43.139 --> 00:34:44.360 so that you 00:34:44.360 --> 00:34:45.019 can leave 00:34:45.019 --> 00:34:46.460 here celebrating 00:34:46.460 --> 00:34:47.000 the resurrection 00:34:47.000 --> 00:34:47.679 this morning 00:34:47.679 --> 00:34:48.860 as this 00:34:48.860 --> 00:34:49.380 devoted, 00:34:50.139 --> 00:34:50.559 dedicated 00:34:50.559 --> 00:34:51.780 follower of 00:34:51.780 --> 00:34:52.019 Jesus. 00:34:52.019 --> 00:34:52.360 Amen. 00:34:52.360 --> 00:34:52.420 Amen. 00:34:52.420 --> 00:34:52.920 Amen.