WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:16.019 Turn in your Bibles. 00:00:17.699 --> 00:00:20.120 I suppose that's the way a pastor should start, right? 00:00:20.120 --> 00:00:24.219 ! Well, not always. 00:00:24.219 --> 00:00:26.760 Other pastors start differently, but that's where I'm at. 00:00:26.760 --> 00:00:28.519 ! Turn in your Bibles. 00:00:28.519 --> 00:00:34.659 2, 1 Corinthians chapter 15. 00:00:39.799 --> 00:00:45.100 Let me read an opening segment of the passage 00:00:45.100 --> 00:00:50.700 and then cut over to the verses that we are going to focus on this morning. 00:00:51.899 --> 00:00:55.700 Now, I would remind you, brothers, 15.1, 00:00:55.700 --> 00:01:02.780 of the gospel I preached to you when you received, which you received, in which you stand, 00:01:03.840 --> 00:01:09.840 and by which you are being saved if you hold fast to the word I preached to you unless you believed in vain. 00:01:09.840 --> 00:01:20.540 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 00:01:20.980 --> 00:01:28.879 and that He was buried, and He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. 00:01:28.879 --> 00:01:31.619 Now over to verse 20. 00:01:31.619 --> 00:01:40.619 But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 00:01:40.620 --> 00:01:49.080 For as by man came death, by a man also has also come the resurrection of the dead. 00:01:49.580 --> 00:01:54.240 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 00:01:57.760 --> 00:01:58.480 Let's pray. 00:01:58.480 --> 00:02:05.859 Our Father God, this morning for us, our prayer is not a habit, 00:02:07.120 --> 00:02:13.439 but an appropriate expression of our absolute dependence upon you. 00:02:16.039 --> 00:02:19.860 Our hearts are reminded of what the prophet Zechariah wrote when he said this, 00:02:19.860 --> 00:02:23.540 not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord. 00:02:25.480 --> 00:02:31.000 And it is my desire that the preaching of the Word this morning would be accompanied by the enabling of the Spirit, 00:02:31.760 --> 00:02:40.140 and that the reception of your Word in the lives of your people would be marked by the enabling of the Spirit, 00:02:41.280 --> 00:02:47.360 and that the conviction and the salvation of those that are here today that really do not know Christ 00:02:47.360 --> 00:02:54.380 would be brought about through the conviction and the power of the Spirit of God, 00:02:55.580 --> 00:03:01.300 that we together might glory in Jesus. 00:03:02.280 --> 00:03:04.700 And we ask this because of Him and in His name. 00:03:06.040 --> 00:03:06.320 Amen. 00:03:08.580 --> 00:03:14.700 A number of years ago, Pastor Saul and I were at the Basics Conference, 00:03:14.920 --> 00:03:16.960 which is a conference in Solon, Ohio, 00:03:16.960 --> 00:03:21.320 where Alistair Begg is the pastor and we have gone there yea many years. 00:03:21.960 --> 00:03:28.280 I will never forget, and there are many of those conferences that have been just a rich blessing to me, 00:03:28.340 --> 00:03:32.540 but I will remember, in particular, this Resurrection Sunday, 00:03:32.780 --> 00:03:35.980 having the privilege of listening to John Lennox. 00:03:37.680 --> 00:03:41.180 He is a man who has a Ph.D. and actually several of them, 00:03:41.260 --> 00:03:43.280 and teaches mathematics at Oxford. 00:03:43.439 --> 00:03:45.520 I don't know if he still does that, but he was. 00:03:45.520 --> 00:03:52.740 He had the opportunity to actually engage in a public debate with Richard Dawkins. 00:03:52.840 --> 00:03:55.219 How many of you have heard the name Richard Dawkins? 00:03:56.040 --> 00:04:00.620 Incredibly brilliant man who clearly denies the faith 00:04:00.620 --> 00:04:06.820 and has taken pleasure in having debates and actually taking people apart over their faith. 00:04:06.819 --> 00:04:09.759 And yet, John Lennox and he had two different debates, 00:04:09.900 --> 00:04:16.139 and I guess I would say that probably the one you think won would probably depend on your stand and your faith. 00:04:17.420 --> 00:04:20.420 At the conclusion of one of those debates, 00:04:21.639 --> 00:04:27.579 Richard Dawkins, in a little fit of disappointment, 00:04:27.860 --> 00:04:29.759 probably a little more in terms of irritation, 00:04:29.759 --> 00:04:34.099 summarized his view of John Lennox this way. 00:04:34.180 --> 00:04:34.459 He said, 00:04:34.860 --> 00:04:41.620 Here you are, and you rest your life and faith on nothing more than the resurrection of Christ. 00:04:42.579 --> 00:04:43.500 And that's true. 00:04:44.819 --> 00:04:48.759 Why is it that I have faith in what my eternal destiny is? 00:04:48.759 --> 00:04:53.500 Why is it that when I heard the news that David Moore had passed away, 00:04:53.759 --> 00:04:55.719 I could say without hesitation, 00:04:56.219 --> 00:04:58.000 absent in the body, present with the Lord, 00:04:58.120 --> 00:05:01.519 and he is alive today in the presence of Christ? 00:05:01.759 --> 00:05:02.800 Why can I say that? 00:05:02.980 --> 00:05:05.019 It is because of the resurrection. 00:05:06.060 --> 00:05:10.699 Earlier this morning, we looked at a passage that kind of pushed together 00:05:10.699 --> 00:05:13.759 the reality of the suffering of Christ for our salvation, 00:05:13.759 --> 00:05:17.639 and what I would like to do this morning in this second service 00:05:17.639 --> 00:05:21.360 is look at the centrality of the resurrection to our faith. 00:05:21.539 --> 00:05:24.920 How key, how critical is the resurrection to your faith? 00:05:26.579 --> 00:05:28.819 So as we look at this passage this morning, 00:05:28.920 --> 00:05:34.939 what we are doing is concentrating not on the argument of the reality of the resurrection. 00:05:34.939 --> 00:05:38.259 That's settled earlier in the passage in 1 Corinthians. 00:05:38.620 --> 00:05:42.399 What we are looking at this morning is the practical reality. 00:05:42.399 --> 00:05:45.379 What is the benefit that comes to us as believers 00:05:45.379 --> 00:05:49.560 when we accept the resurrection and we live in the light of the resurrection? 00:05:50.299 --> 00:05:51.719 Now think with me just for a moment. 00:05:52.019 --> 00:05:55.199 It is fairly easy to get caught up in the issues of life 00:05:55.199 --> 00:05:57.359 and the baggage and problems that go with it 00:05:57.359 --> 00:06:02.500 and kind of forget what we are by virtue of our relationship with Christ. 00:06:02.560 --> 00:06:03.060 Isn't that right? 00:06:03.919 --> 00:06:06.979 The issues and challenges, the heartaches, the difficulties, 00:06:06.980 --> 00:06:12.680 the uncertainties that we face can overwhelm us on occasion. 00:06:13.640 --> 00:06:18.040 And it is appropriate for us to zero in and remind ourselves again 00:06:18.040 --> 00:06:22.900 that we who know the Lord Jesus Christ have incredible confidence 00:06:22.900 --> 00:06:26.680 and have great reason to live lives that are marked 00:06:26.680 --> 00:06:32.860 by profoundly different attitudes and behaviors 00:06:32.860 --> 00:06:36.939 than the unbeliever who is on their desperate way 00:06:36.939 --> 00:06:39.759 to an eternal place of suffering and judgment. 00:06:40.180 --> 00:06:43.400 We who know Christ have great cause for victory. 00:06:43.920 --> 00:06:46.100 And this morning as we look at our passage, 00:06:46.220 --> 00:06:48.720 we're going to look at this thing and think about 00:06:48.720 --> 00:06:52.840 so what does it mean to live in the light of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ? 00:06:53.520 --> 00:06:55.960 I want you to look there at verse 20 through 23 00:06:55.960 --> 00:06:57.660 and we're going to focus on that passage 00:06:57.660 --> 00:07:02.960 and pick up first of all his resurrection and future happiness. 00:07:04.220 --> 00:07:07.100 Paul starts this portion of the lesson 00:07:07.100 --> 00:07:12.580 by reaffirming the fact of the resurrection there in verse 20. 00:07:13.120 --> 00:07:17.120 But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead, 00:07:17.200 --> 00:07:19.360 the first fruits of those who are fallen asleep. 00:07:19.620 --> 00:07:22.780 And when Paul uses that little word in fact, 00:07:22.879 --> 00:07:26.520 he is making an emphatic, a forceful statement 00:07:26.519 --> 00:07:28.519 and saying to us as believers, 00:07:28.799 --> 00:07:31.799 it's a truth, it's a fact, it's a reality. 00:07:32.180 --> 00:07:33.939 Christ is risen from the dead. 00:07:34.859 --> 00:07:36.699 And by the way, I want to encourage you to remember 00:07:36.699 --> 00:07:39.599 that that is an absolute foundational truth 00:07:39.599 --> 00:07:41.019 in your life as a believer, isn't it? 00:07:41.560 --> 00:07:42.019 Isn't it? 00:07:42.719 --> 00:07:45.079 How many of you on occasion have had to remind yourself 00:07:45.079 --> 00:07:49.459 more than once of how important it is 00:07:49.459 --> 00:07:52.879 that your theology govern your attitudes? 00:07:53.399 --> 00:07:55.759 Wave at me if you're with me on this one, okay? 00:07:55.759 --> 00:07:57.659 Every now and then, hello, 00:07:59.360 --> 00:08:01.379 our attitudes can get the best of us. 00:08:01.379 --> 00:08:01.959 Isn't that right? 00:08:03.120 --> 00:08:05.279 Are there any other people out here besides Tim Kenoyer 00:08:05.279 --> 00:08:06.519 that can sometimes wake up 00:08:06.519 --> 00:08:11.099 and just be in a foul mood without practice? 00:08:11.240 --> 00:08:12.480 Don't have to stretch, you know? 00:08:12.759 --> 00:08:13.879 It's just, there I am. 00:08:14.500 --> 00:08:16.800 My bride will say to me, what's the deal with you? 00:08:17.740 --> 00:08:20.759 And I will say, it's really difficult being me, okay? 00:08:21.439 --> 00:08:22.980 You know, it's like, that's a lot of work. 00:08:22.980 --> 00:08:24.759 Here's the fact of the matter. 00:08:24.960 --> 00:08:27.240 We have to remind ourselves regularly 00:08:27.240 --> 00:08:30.640 of the central truths of our faith 00:08:30.640 --> 00:08:33.340 and the resurrection of Christ is right at the heart 00:08:33.340 --> 00:08:34.200 of those things. 00:08:35.039 --> 00:08:37.700 So, here we come to grips with the fact 00:08:37.700 --> 00:08:39.860 that the resurrection of Christ is a settled matter. 00:08:39.960 --> 00:08:42.360 The arguments have already been made in this passage. 00:08:42.360 --> 00:08:44.620 And what we're looking at is, okay, 00:08:44.779 --> 00:08:46.680 how do we know that this plays out 00:08:46.680 --> 00:08:48.180 in practical terms for us? 00:08:49.460 --> 00:08:51.919 You look there at the statement that is made. 00:08:52.019 --> 00:08:54.899 It says, in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. 00:08:55.300 --> 00:08:57.419 And then he uses a little statement there, 00:08:57.580 --> 00:09:00.940 the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. 00:09:02.580 --> 00:09:05.440 Christ's resurrection, to summarize and push it together, 00:09:05.539 --> 00:09:07.220 and then we'll break it out a little bit. 00:09:07.220 --> 00:09:12.100 Christ's resurrection assures us of our own future life. 00:09:12.820 --> 00:09:14.240 That little word, first fruits, 00:09:14.320 --> 00:09:17.160 is not one that we probably think about most of the time. 00:09:17.660 --> 00:09:22.080 But in the ancient farming community that Israel was, 00:09:23.820 --> 00:09:26.460 when the harvest time came, 00:09:26.740 --> 00:09:29.480 what the farmer was commanded by God to do 00:09:29.480 --> 00:09:31.820 was he was to take his little sickle, 00:09:32.060 --> 00:09:34.080 and he was to cut some handfuls of grain 00:09:34.080 --> 00:09:35.400 and take it in, 00:09:35.680 --> 00:09:37.100 and there before the priest, 00:09:37.200 --> 00:09:38.759 he was to offer it to God, 00:09:38.920 --> 00:09:40.379 and he was to wave it. 00:09:40.440 --> 00:09:41.740 It was called the wave offering, 00:09:41.940 --> 00:09:43.980 or it was called the first fruits offering. 00:09:45.000 --> 00:09:46.320 Now, for us, 00:09:46.720 --> 00:09:49.780 we probably don't think that much 00:09:49.780 --> 00:09:51.700 of having adequate food. 00:09:53.740 --> 00:09:54.420 Do we? 00:09:55.820 --> 00:09:59.140 There's probably not a one of you here this morning 00:09:59.139 --> 00:10:04.059 that wouldn't wish that you were just a couple pounds lighter. 00:10:05.879 --> 00:10:08.919 And there's probably not a one of us here this morning 00:10:08.919 --> 00:10:10.319 that is thinking, 00:10:10.519 --> 00:10:14.439 I wonder what I'm going to have for lunch, 00:10:14.919 --> 00:10:17.779 and at the same breath, 00:10:18.080 --> 00:10:19.259 wondering if you have any. 00:10:20.519 --> 00:10:21.779 We may be thinking, 00:10:21.939 --> 00:10:24.419 well, I wonder if I'm going to have sushi, 00:10:24.679 --> 00:10:26.759 or I'm going to have rice and curry, 00:10:26.759 --> 00:10:27.980 or I'm going to have, 00:10:28.059 --> 00:10:28.819 you know, whatever it is. 00:10:28.879 --> 00:10:31.919 You're not pondering the uncertainty of the question. 00:10:32.779 --> 00:10:34.159 But in the ancient culture, 00:10:34.299 --> 00:10:36.580 the issue of harvest was pretty critical. 00:10:36.840 --> 00:10:37.720 If you pay attention, 00:10:37.879 --> 00:10:39.939 one of the things that God used often 00:10:39.939 --> 00:10:43.220 to get Israel's attention was famine. 00:10:43.379 --> 00:10:43.840 Am I right? 00:10:44.879 --> 00:10:45.580 And so, 00:10:45.939 --> 00:10:48.720 when the Old Testament saint put his sickle in 00:10:48.720 --> 00:10:50.019 and cut that handful of grain, 00:10:50.379 --> 00:10:51.879 he would then take it before the priest, 00:10:51.939 --> 00:10:52.620 and he'd wave it, 00:10:52.819 --> 00:10:54.200 and it was called the first fruits 00:10:54.200 --> 00:10:55.140 because, in essence, 00:10:55.220 --> 00:10:55.860 what he was saying, 00:10:56.220 --> 00:10:58.180 I'm giving this to you first, 00:10:58.340 --> 00:11:00.520 and I know there's more to come. 00:11:01.080 --> 00:11:02.060 There's more to come. 00:11:03.060 --> 00:11:06.440 When you are used to being hungry, 00:11:07.100 --> 00:11:11.440 and you are used to not having adequate food to eat, 00:11:12.020 --> 00:11:15.440 to give away the first part of what you receive 00:11:15.440 --> 00:11:17.740 is what? 00:11:19.060 --> 00:11:19.500 Hard. 00:11:19.500 --> 00:11:23.220 How many of you have ever been at the dinner table 00:11:23.220 --> 00:11:26.000 and watched the mashed potatoes going around 00:11:26.000 --> 00:11:28.480 and wondered when you see someone else 00:11:28.480 --> 00:11:30.159 put a huge glob on there, 00:11:30.440 --> 00:11:31.519 you're thinking to yourself, 00:11:31.700 --> 00:11:32.139 what are you thinking? 00:11:32.879 --> 00:11:34.399 I hope they enjoy this. 00:11:35.139 --> 00:11:37.600 In fact, I'm glad they took my share, right? 00:11:37.940 --> 00:11:38.840 What are you thinking? 00:11:39.740 --> 00:11:42.200 I see families looking around at each other 00:11:42.200 --> 00:11:45.179 and thinking there is a serial offender in the family. 00:11:45.179 --> 00:11:51.259 The first fruits was, in essence, 00:11:51.339 --> 00:11:51.859 a statement, 00:11:52.079 --> 00:11:53.120 there's more to come. 00:11:53.319 --> 00:11:54.199 There's more to come. 00:11:55.099 --> 00:11:57.299 And so when you think about the resurrection 00:11:57.299 --> 00:11:58.419 and future happiness, 00:11:58.639 --> 00:12:01.759 understand that Christ's resurrection from the dead 00:12:01.759 --> 00:12:03.620 is something that guarantees 00:12:03.620 --> 00:12:05.599 and makes it absolutely certain 00:12:05.599 --> 00:12:08.159 that you and I are also going to raise from the dead. 00:12:08.759 --> 00:12:10.719 That's a blessing for us to hold on to. 00:12:10.720 --> 00:12:12.940 And as you look at this passage, 00:12:13.080 --> 00:12:15.779 you remind yourself what this text is saying 00:12:15.779 --> 00:12:18.639 is that we have absolute confidence 00:12:18.639 --> 00:12:20.879 in what the future holds for us 00:12:20.879 --> 00:12:23.340 because of what Jesus Christ has done. 00:12:24.120 --> 00:12:26.060 And so when you stop and think about 00:12:26.060 --> 00:12:27.779 your own home going and your own death, 00:12:28.920 --> 00:12:31.920 you remind yourself here in this passage in verse 20 00:12:31.920 --> 00:12:34.879 and then again in verse 23 it says, 00:12:35.440 --> 00:12:37.879 each in his own order, Christ the first fruits, 00:12:37.879 --> 00:12:40.879 then at his coming, those who belong to Christ. 00:12:41.639 --> 00:12:43.759 And so as you ponder the reality 00:12:43.759 --> 00:12:46.279 of what gives you great hope in the future, 00:12:47.559 --> 00:12:48.620 it is this fact. 00:12:48.700 --> 00:12:50.480 Christ Jesus has risen from the dead 00:12:50.480 --> 00:12:52.480 and he has become the first fruits 00:12:52.480 --> 00:12:54.500 of those who die in Christ. 00:12:55.259 --> 00:12:57.039 And so I want you to recognize this morning 00:12:57.039 --> 00:12:59.259 that the believer's coming resurrection 00:12:59.259 --> 00:13:00.620 will be to life. 00:13:00.759 --> 00:13:01.039 Why? 00:13:01.279 --> 00:13:03.220 Because of what Jesus Christ has done. 00:13:03.799 --> 00:13:05.860 It's interesting to recognize in the Bible 00:13:05.860 --> 00:13:08.159 that the scriptures give us a pretty clear picture 00:13:08.159 --> 00:13:10.060 of the fact that death is coming. 00:13:10.419 --> 00:13:13.379 And after death, there's more to come. 00:13:14.259 --> 00:13:16.019 The question is, is what's coming for you? 00:13:16.980 --> 00:13:19.419 I want to remind you of a couple different passages 00:13:19.419 --> 00:13:21.080 that make that undeniably clear. 00:13:21.500 --> 00:13:22.860 For one, turn in your Bible, 00:13:23.019 --> 00:13:24.120 stay there in 1 Corinthians 00:13:24.120 --> 00:13:25.440 because we'll come back to it. 00:13:25.820 --> 00:13:28.220 But go back to Daniel chapter 12. 00:13:28.419 --> 00:13:29.700 We're thinking about the reality 00:13:29.700 --> 00:13:31.580 that death is going to come. 00:13:32.460 --> 00:13:34.039 In fact, in Hebrews chapter 9, 00:13:34.039 --> 00:13:36.159 it says it's appointed unto man once to die 00:13:36.159 --> 00:13:37.500 and after that, what? 00:13:38.179 --> 00:13:38.919 The judgment. 00:13:39.279 --> 00:13:39.799 It's coming. 00:13:40.459 --> 00:13:41.899 So in Daniel chapter 9, 00:13:46.279 --> 00:13:50.120 I'm sorry, Daniel chapter 12, 00:13:51.120 --> 00:13:52.279 verse 2, it says, 00:13:52.379 --> 00:13:54.399 and many of those who sleep in the dust of earth 00:13:54.399 --> 00:13:56.879 shall awake some to everlasting life. 00:13:56.939 --> 00:13:57.819 So let me ask you this. 00:13:57.860 --> 00:13:59.179 Just put your finger on that verse 00:13:59.179 --> 00:14:01.000 and think to me, 00:14:01.599 --> 00:14:06.239 are you going to rise to everlasting life? 00:14:06.539 --> 00:14:08.419 Are you completely confident 00:14:08.419 --> 00:14:11.679 that that is how the story ends? 00:14:15.419 --> 00:14:16.779 Over in 1 John, it says, 00:14:17.019 --> 00:14:18.899 these things are written that you might know 00:14:18.899 --> 00:14:20.599 that you have everlasting life. 00:14:21.239 --> 00:14:24.000 God is interested in you having confidence 00:14:24.000 --> 00:14:25.259 in how the story ends. 00:14:25.259 --> 00:14:26.580 And your confidence, 00:14:26.740 --> 00:14:27.860 I want to assure you of this, 00:14:28.200 --> 00:14:30.419 cannot rest in your own perfection 00:14:30.419 --> 00:14:32.120 or your own accomplishments 00:14:32.120 --> 00:14:34.819 because you, left to your own devices, 00:14:35.139 --> 00:14:37.139 will never get it right. 00:14:38.299 --> 00:14:38.919 That's right. 00:14:39.039 --> 00:14:39.720 Jesus came, 00:14:40.319 --> 00:14:41.740 lived an absolutely sinless life 00:14:41.740 --> 00:14:42.720 and died in my place 00:14:42.720 --> 00:14:43.379 and rose again 00:14:43.379 --> 00:14:44.919 because I couldn't do it myself. 00:14:45.059 --> 00:14:47.059 And so here it says in Daniel, 00:14:47.200 --> 00:14:47.399 it says, 00:14:47.840 --> 00:14:49.519 some will rise to everlasting life 00:14:49.519 --> 00:14:50.519 and some to shame 00:14:50.519 --> 00:14:52.059 and everlasting contempt. 00:14:52.059 --> 00:14:54.199 So ask yourself the question, 00:14:54.559 --> 00:14:57.599 which group am I going to be in 00:14:57.599 --> 00:14:58.739 at the end? 00:14:59.739 --> 00:15:02.439 Which group am I going to be in 00:15:02.439 --> 00:15:03.500 at the end? 00:15:03.539 --> 00:15:04.719 It's an important question. 00:15:05.059 --> 00:15:05.699 It's critical. 00:15:07.739 --> 00:15:09.759 Another passage that I want you to look at 00:15:09.759 --> 00:15:14.939 is over in John 5, verse 28. 00:15:16.019 --> 00:15:18.839 John 5, verse 28. 00:15:18.840 --> 00:15:25.200 Do not marvel at this, 00:15:26.160 --> 00:15:27.340 for an hour is coming 00:15:27.340 --> 00:15:29.080 when all who are in the tombs 00:15:29.080 --> 00:15:30.519 will hear His voice 00:15:30.519 --> 00:15:32.700 and come out, 00:15:32.820 --> 00:15:33.800 those who have done good 00:15:33.800 --> 00:15:35.080 to the resurrection of life 00:15:35.080 --> 00:15:36.540 and those who have done evil 00:15:36.540 --> 00:15:38.019 to the resurrection of judgment. 00:15:39.300 --> 00:15:40.980 So I want you to recognize this morning 00:15:40.980 --> 00:15:42.320 as you think about the reality 00:15:42.320 --> 00:15:44.060 of Christ's resurrection 00:15:44.060 --> 00:15:45.620 and it is a fact, 00:15:45.620 --> 00:15:48.899 His resurrection reminds us also 00:15:48.899 --> 00:15:50.259 of our own resurrection. 00:15:50.460 --> 00:15:51.580 And the fact of the matter is, 00:15:51.840 --> 00:15:53.399 is that everybody who dies 00:15:53.399 --> 00:15:54.779 is going to come again 00:15:54.779 --> 00:15:55.600 back to life 00:15:55.600 --> 00:15:57.639 and one to eternal suffering 00:15:57.639 --> 00:15:59.259 and the other to eternal joy. 00:15:59.419 --> 00:16:01.060 And you who have the opportunity 00:16:01.060 --> 00:16:02.480 of hearing the preaching 00:16:02.480 --> 00:16:03.740 of the gospel this morning, 00:16:04.080 --> 00:16:05.399 if you don't know Christ, 00:16:05.480 --> 00:16:06.860 my appeal to you would be this. 00:16:07.220 --> 00:16:08.019 This is the day, 00:16:08.139 --> 00:16:08.879 this is the hour, 00:16:09.200 --> 00:16:10.019 this is the time 00:16:10.019 --> 00:16:11.299 to come with humility 00:16:11.299 --> 00:16:11.620 and brokenness 00:16:12.180 --> 00:16:12.799 and say, 00:16:12.960 --> 00:16:14.419 I realize I'm a sinner, 00:16:14.419 --> 00:16:15.639 justly condemned 00:16:15.639 --> 00:16:16.620 before a holy God 00:16:16.620 --> 00:16:17.779 and I need Jesus 00:16:17.779 --> 00:16:18.699 to be my Savior. 00:16:20.099 --> 00:16:21.159 I want you to understand 00:16:21.159 --> 00:16:22.279 that the Bible makes it clear 00:16:22.279 --> 00:16:23.579 that those who die in Christ 00:16:23.579 --> 00:16:25.259 will be made alive in Christ. 00:16:26.000 --> 00:16:26.899 It's hard for us 00:16:26.899 --> 00:16:28.099 to fathom the marvel 00:16:28.099 --> 00:16:30.259 of what Jesus meant 00:16:30.259 --> 00:16:31.620 when He spoke about the fact 00:16:31.620 --> 00:16:33.139 that those who die in Christ 00:16:33.139 --> 00:16:34.360 will be alive in Christ. 00:16:34.899 --> 00:16:35.860 We have a tendency 00:16:35.860 --> 00:16:37.179 of thinking about death 00:16:37.179 --> 00:16:39.120 as being a horrible condition 00:16:39.120 --> 00:16:40.059 and somewhere 00:16:40.059 --> 00:16:41.259 we don't want to go. 00:16:41.259 --> 00:16:44.340 And I would suppose 00:16:44.340 --> 00:16:45.399 that most of us 00:16:45.399 --> 00:16:46.500 on those occasions 00:16:46.500 --> 00:16:47.919 when we're thinking about dying 00:16:47.919 --> 00:16:48.539 and we're kind of, 00:16:48.860 --> 00:16:49.519 how many of you ever been 00:16:49.519 --> 00:16:50.299 in that moody place? 00:16:50.360 --> 00:16:50.799 Well, it'd be better 00:16:50.799 --> 00:16:51.299 if I were dead. 00:16:52.980 --> 00:16:53.539 None of you? 00:16:54.600 --> 00:16:55.159 None of you? 00:16:55.980 --> 00:16:57.240 None of you ever said to yourself, 00:16:57.360 --> 00:16:58.179 well, this is pretty miserable. 00:16:58.299 --> 00:16:59.279 I think I might as well check out. 00:17:01.019 --> 00:17:01.340 No. 00:17:02.319 --> 00:17:03.120 Here's the fact. 00:17:04.180 --> 00:17:05.599 Those who die in Christ 00:17:05.599 --> 00:17:06.379 live. 00:17:07.400 --> 00:17:07.759 Live. 00:17:07.759 --> 00:17:09.519 We live a life 00:17:09.519 --> 00:17:10.140 that is different 00:17:10.140 --> 00:17:11.000 than we can imagine 00:17:11.000 --> 00:17:11.819 but it is something 00:17:11.819 --> 00:17:12.299 the Scriptures 00:17:12.299 --> 00:17:13.559 and Jesus Christ 00:17:13.559 --> 00:17:14.200 in particular 00:17:14.200 --> 00:17:15.619 refers to as being alive. 00:17:16.480 --> 00:17:17.240 Look in your Bible 00:17:17.240 --> 00:17:17.900 just for a moment. 00:17:18.019 --> 00:17:19.759 You're there in John 00:17:19.759 --> 00:17:21.440 but go back to Matthew 18. 00:17:23.640 --> 00:17:25.119 I remember when I was 00:17:25.119 --> 00:17:27.779 reading in morning devotions 00:17:27.779 --> 00:17:28.980 and it came to this text 00:17:28.980 --> 00:17:30.579 and it really struck me. 00:17:31.619 --> 00:17:32.579 Matthew 18, 00:17:32.839 --> 00:17:34.180 verse 8 and 9. 00:17:34.180 --> 00:17:37.279 Jesus is talking about 00:17:37.279 --> 00:17:38.000 what we do 00:17:38.000 --> 00:17:39.299 or what we should do 00:17:39.299 --> 00:17:40.160 in dealing with issues 00:17:40.160 --> 00:17:41.039 of sin in our life. 00:17:41.140 --> 00:17:41.820 Look at verse 8. 00:17:41.900 --> 00:17:42.140 It says, 00:17:42.840 --> 00:17:43.440 and if your hand 00:17:43.440 --> 00:17:43.920 or your foot 00:17:43.920 --> 00:17:44.880 causes you to sin, 00:17:45.000 --> 00:17:45.560 cut it off. 00:17:45.660 --> 00:17:46.060 By the way, 00:17:46.140 --> 00:17:46.880 stop just for a moment. 00:17:48.100 --> 00:17:49.180 How many of you realize 00:17:49.180 --> 00:17:49.920 that it's really not 00:17:49.920 --> 00:17:50.960 my hand or my foot 00:17:50.960 --> 00:17:51.980 that causes me to sin? 00:17:52.820 --> 00:17:53.560 Foot, stop. 00:17:54.440 --> 00:17:55.640 What makes me sin? 00:17:57.039 --> 00:17:58.080 Trick question here. 00:17:58.080 --> 00:17:59.340 What makes me sin? 00:18:00.700 --> 00:18:01.640 The heart. 00:18:01.640 --> 00:18:05.680 Isaiah or Jeremiah says, 00:18:05.800 --> 00:18:06.680 the heart is deceitful 00:18:06.680 --> 00:18:07.380 above all things 00:18:07.380 --> 00:18:08.259 and desperately wicked. 00:18:08.500 --> 00:18:09.340 Who can know it? 00:18:09.680 --> 00:18:11.480 When you have a problem 00:18:11.480 --> 00:18:12.160 with sin, 00:18:12.540 --> 00:18:13.560 it's really not just 00:18:13.560 --> 00:18:14.700 the hand or the foot 00:18:14.700 --> 00:18:15.740 that's causing the problem. 00:18:16.160 --> 00:18:17.220 Jesus was using 00:18:17.220 --> 00:18:18.300 poetic language 00:18:18.300 --> 00:18:19.600 to make a point to us. 00:18:20.040 --> 00:18:21.000 How many would like 00:18:21.000 --> 00:18:21.940 to lose your hand? 00:18:23.680 --> 00:18:24.740 I was watching 00:18:24.740 --> 00:18:26.460 one of my grandsons 00:18:26.460 --> 00:18:27.460 use a saw, 00:18:27.780 --> 00:18:28.340 a table saw, 00:18:28.400 --> 00:18:28.880 the other day. 00:18:29.500 --> 00:18:30.440 And how many of you 00:18:30.440 --> 00:18:31.000 know that there's 00:18:31.000 --> 00:18:31.980 good reason for having 00:18:31.980 --> 00:18:33.359 particular protocol 00:18:33.359 --> 00:18:34.519 with table saws? 00:18:35.500 --> 00:18:36.140 Do you understand 00:18:36.140 --> 00:18:37.160 what I mean by protocol 00:18:37.160 --> 00:18:38.079 with table saws? 00:18:38.099 --> 00:18:38.960 It means when you get 00:18:38.960 --> 00:18:39.740 towards the end, 00:18:40.019 --> 00:18:40.680 you should use 00:18:40.680 --> 00:18:42.019 a pushing stick. 00:18:42.900 --> 00:18:43.640 You should have 00:18:43.640 --> 00:18:44.440 the guard down. 00:18:44.480 --> 00:18:44.859 How many of you 00:18:44.859 --> 00:18:45.980 understand all those things? 00:18:46.500 --> 00:18:47.500 Because I don't know, 00:18:47.599 --> 00:18:48.980 I don't care how experienced 00:18:48.980 --> 00:18:49.819 you are at using 00:18:49.819 --> 00:18:50.559 a table saw. 00:18:51.019 --> 00:18:51.779 Sooner or later, 00:18:51.779 --> 00:18:53.000 if you don't practice 00:18:53.000 --> 00:18:54.940 good saw skills 00:18:54.940 --> 00:18:55.920 and safety habits, 00:18:55.980 --> 00:18:56.740 what are you going to do? 00:18:57.779 --> 00:18:58.619 You're going to sacrifice 00:18:58.619 --> 00:18:59.140 a finger. 00:18:59.140 --> 00:19:00.759 You may sacrifice 00:19:00.759 --> 00:19:01.640 more than a finger. 00:19:01.920 --> 00:19:02.620 And there's some of you 00:19:02.620 --> 00:19:03.360 here that can raise 00:19:03.360 --> 00:19:04.460 your hand and wave at me 00:19:04.460 --> 00:19:04.800 and say, 00:19:04.960 --> 00:19:05.880 I bear testimony 00:19:05.880 --> 00:19:06.800 to that fact. 00:19:07.800 --> 00:19:09.120 What Jesus is saying 00:19:09.120 --> 00:19:10.180 is poetically saying, 00:19:10.259 --> 00:19:10.680 hey, listen, 00:19:11.340 --> 00:19:12.780 it's better, 00:19:13.060 --> 00:19:13.700 go ahead and cut 00:19:13.700 --> 00:19:14.320 that hand off. 00:19:14.420 --> 00:19:15.600 Now, when I cut my hand 00:19:15.600 --> 00:19:16.400 off, is my problem 00:19:16.400 --> 00:19:17.040 with sin gone? 00:19:17.120 --> 00:19:17.700 What's the answer? 00:19:18.280 --> 00:19:19.160 I wish. 00:19:20.120 --> 00:19:20.780 It's not. 00:19:20.779 --> 00:19:24.139 Jesus' point 00:19:24.139 --> 00:19:26.680 is that it is appropriate 00:19:26.680 --> 00:19:28.299 to take strong measures 00:19:28.299 --> 00:19:29.839 to protect yourself 00:19:29.839 --> 00:19:31.559 from the eternal consequences 00:19:31.559 --> 00:19:32.139 of hell. 00:19:32.720 --> 00:19:33.819 Look at what it says there 00:19:33.819 --> 00:19:34.460 in that passage. 00:19:35.059 --> 00:19:35.460 It says, 00:19:35.859 --> 00:19:36.279 it's better 00:19:36.279 --> 00:19:38.319 to cut it off 00:19:38.319 --> 00:19:38.920 and throw it away. 00:19:39.019 --> 00:19:39.680 It's better for you 00:19:39.680 --> 00:19:40.480 to enter life. 00:19:40.839 --> 00:19:41.579 Let's try that again. 00:19:42.000 --> 00:19:43.220 Enter life crippled. 00:19:43.299 --> 00:19:43.879 Where's life? 00:19:43.920 --> 00:19:44.759 What's he speaking about? 00:19:45.359 --> 00:19:46.399 The next step. 00:19:46.680 --> 00:19:47.599 He's talking about heaven. 00:19:47.920 --> 00:19:48.339 He's saying, 00:19:48.460 --> 00:19:49.460 it's better to go to heaven. 00:19:49.559 --> 00:19:50.259 That's life. 00:19:51.180 --> 00:19:54.000 It's better to make the sacrifice 00:19:54.000 --> 00:19:55.319 and let me tell you something, 00:19:55.740 --> 00:19:58.180 it would be easier by far 00:19:58.180 --> 00:19:59.680 to cut off a hand 00:19:59.680 --> 00:20:01.000 and cut off a foot 00:20:01.000 --> 00:20:02.379 or take out an eye, 00:20:02.460 --> 00:20:03.379 are you listening to me, 00:20:04.359 --> 00:20:06.440 than with absolute humility 00:20:06.440 --> 00:20:07.119 to say, 00:20:07.559 --> 00:20:09.339 God, I am a sinner 00:20:09.339 --> 00:20:11.839 condemned justly before you 00:20:11.839 --> 00:20:13.400 and completely unable 00:20:13.400 --> 00:20:14.319 to save myself 00:20:14.319 --> 00:20:15.960 and I desperately need you 00:20:15.960 --> 00:20:17.220 to be the savior of my life. 00:20:17.859 --> 00:20:19.119 That's the harder thing. 00:20:19.119 --> 00:20:22.319 We remind ourselves here 00:20:22.319 --> 00:20:24.139 that it is life 00:20:24.139 --> 00:20:25.559 that comes with believing 00:20:25.559 --> 00:20:26.799 in the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:20:27.279 --> 00:20:28.739 Going back to 1 Corinthians, 00:20:29.439 --> 00:20:29.979 we've seen, 00:20:30.099 --> 00:20:30.679 first of all, 00:20:31.079 --> 00:20:32.039 the future happiness 00:20:32.039 --> 00:20:32.619 that comes, 00:20:32.739 --> 00:20:33.559 but there's something else 00:20:33.559 --> 00:20:34.299 that we find there 00:20:34.299 --> 00:20:35.299 and it's future hope. 00:20:35.759 --> 00:20:36.579 His resurrection 00:20:36.579 --> 00:20:37.979 and future hope. 00:20:38.339 --> 00:20:39.779 Verse 24 through 28. 00:20:39.779 --> 00:20:41.160 Then comes the end 00:20:41.160 --> 00:20:41.779 when he delivers 00:20:41.779 --> 00:20:43.259 the kingdom of God the Father 00:20:43.259 --> 00:20:44.519 to God the Father 00:20:44.519 --> 00:20:45.940 after destroying every rule 00:20:45.940 --> 00:20:46.819 and every authority 00:20:46.819 --> 00:20:47.599 and power. 00:20:48.759 --> 00:20:49.619 I'm going to have you 00:20:49.619 --> 00:20:50.879 kind of work your way 00:20:50.879 --> 00:20:51.440 through this 00:20:51.440 --> 00:20:52.460 in a very quick 00:20:52.460 --> 00:20:53.539 and rapid way 00:20:53.539 --> 00:20:55.119 and just remind yourself 00:20:55.119 --> 00:20:56.000 of some of the statements 00:20:56.000 --> 00:20:56.700 that are made 00:20:56.700 --> 00:20:57.779 in this passage. 00:20:57.940 --> 00:20:58.240 It says, 00:20:58.700 --> 00:20:59.720 He must reign 00:20:59.720 --> 00:21:01.119 and He has put 00:21:01.119 --> 00:21:02.460 all His enemies 00:21:02.460 --> 00:21:03.859 under His feet. 00:21:03.859 --> 00:21:05.299 Question. 00:21:06.639 --> 00:21:07.359 How many of you 00:21:07.359 --> 00:21:08.579 in this current 00:21:08.579 --> 00:21:10.059 political season 00:21:10.059 --> 00:21:11.619 are finding yourself 00:21:11.619 --> 00:21:13.399 hoping that one party 00:21:13.399 --> 00:21:13.859 or the other 00:21:13.859 --> 00:21:14.679 will win 00:21:14.679 --> 00:21:15.659 and Washington 00:21:15.659 --> 00:21:16.759 will get it all right 00:21:16.759 --> 00:21:17.679 and all of us 00:21:17.679 --> 00:21:18.959 will live happily ever after? 00:21:19.159 --> 00:21:19.439 How many of you 00:21:19.439 --> 00:21:19.959 are thinking that way? 00:21:21.299 --> 00:21:22.119 Now, do me a favor. 00:21:22.259 --> 00:21:23.379 If you don't believe that way, 00:21:23.439 --> 00:21:24.439 then don't post the junk 00:21:24.439 --> 00:21:25.000 on Facebook 00:21:25.000 --> 00:21:26.059 that suggests 00:21:26.059 --> 00:21:26.779 that that's actually 00:21:26.779 --> 00:21:27.679 how it's going to happen. 00:21:27.759 --> 00:21:28.579 Do you understand that? 00:21:28.579 --> 00:21:32.399 That was a sidebar. 00:21:32.519 --> 00:21:34.159 My email is 00:21:34.159 --> 00:21:34.960 tkanoirat. 00:21:37.799 --> 00:21:38.319 Sorry. 00:21:39.899 --> 00:21:41.259 I want you to understand 00:21:41.259 --> 00:21:42.899 that Christ's resurrection 00:21:42.899 --> 00:21:43.799 proved 00:21:43.799 --> 00:21:44.899 and proves 00:21:44.899 --> 00:21:45.679 His coming victory. 00:21:45.779 --> 00:21:46.419 That's the point 00:21:46.419 --> 00:21:47.639 that we're looking here 00:21:47.639 --> 00:21:48.859 in this passage. 00:21:49.519 --> 00:21:50.059 It says, 00:21:50.199 --> 00:21:50.859 He must reign 00:21:50.859 --> 00:21:52.259 and put all His enemies 00:21:52.259 --> 00:21:53.099 under His feet. 00:21:53.399 --> 00:21:54.480 And how do we know 00:21:54.480 --> 00:21:55.259 for certain 00:21:55.259 --> 00:21:56.259 that Christ 00:21:56.259 --> 00:21:57.679 is going to be victorious 00:21:57.680 --> 00:21:59.240 and He is going to reign 00:21:59.240 --> 00:22:00.560 over all the whole earth? 00:22:00.759 --> 00:22:01.600 We know it 00:22:01.600 --> 00:22:02.500 by the fact 00:22:02.500 --> 00:22:03.440 of the resurrection. 00:22:04.640 --> 00:22:05.680 Interesting to see 00:22:05.680 --> 00:22:07.080 the resurrection 00:22:07.080 --> 00:22:08.779 as a recurring theme 00:22:08.779 --> 00:22:09.460 in particular 00:22:09.460 --> 00:22:11.019 in apostolic preaching. 00:22:11.600 --> 00:22:12.420 And I want you to look 00:22:12.420 --> 00:22:13.360 at two different passages 00:22:13.360 --> 00:22:14.160 where the issue 00:22:14.160 --> 00:22:15.060 of the coming 00:22:15.060 --> 00:22:15.840 of the Lord Jesus, 00:22:15.960 --> 00:22:16.600 His resurrection, 00:22:17.039 --> 00:22:18.500 is seen as a proof 00:22:18.500 --> 00:22:19.279 of the fact 00:22:19.279 --> 00:22:19.900 that He is going to be 00:22:19.900 --> 00:22:21.080 the judge of the whole earth. 00:22:21.620 --> 00:22:23.120 You're in 1 Corinthians there. 00:22:23.220 --> 00:22:24.620 I want you to turn to Acts. 00:22:25.259 --> 00:22:25.840 And we're going to look 00:22:25.840 --> 00:22:26.720 at Acts 2, 00:22:26.720 --> 00:22:28.440 verse 34 through 36. 00:22:29.120 --> 00:22:31.200 How can I be absolutely certain 00:22:31.200 --> 00:22:32.700 how the story ends 00:22:32.700 --> 00:22:33.980 and who wins? 00:22:35.140 --> 00:22:36.440 Acts chapter 2, 00:22:36.940 --> 00:22:38.539 verse 34 and 36. 00:22:38.799 --> 00:22:39.799 And I want you to understand 00:22:39.799 --> 00:22:41.880 that as Peter was preaching 00:22:41.880 --> 00:22:43.940 on this Pentecost day, 00:22:45.579 --> 00:22:47.380 many, many of those 00:22:47.380 --> 00:22:49.259 who heard him preach 00:22:49.259 --> 00:22:51.160 without question 00:22:51.160 --> 00:22:52.819 had also been involved 00:22:52.819 --> 00:22:53.680 in crying out 00:22:53.680 --> 00:22:54.839 with a loud voice, 00:22:54.839 --> 00:22:55.919 crucify Him, 00:22:56.220 --> 00:22:57.019 crucify Him. 00:22:58.659 --> 00:23:00.139 Look at Acts chapter 2, 00:23:00.179 --> 00:23:00.959 verse 34. 00:23:02.559 --> 00:23:04.059 For David did not ascend 00:23:04.059 --> 00:23:04.720 into heaven, 00:23:04.799 --> 00:23:05.779 but he himself says, 00:23:05.839 --> 00:23:07.019 the Lord said to my Lord, 00:23:07.339 --> 00:23:08.379 sit at my right hand 00:23:08.379 --> 00:23:09.659 until I make your enemies 00:23:09.659 --> 00:23:10.619 your footstool. 00:23:11.299 --> 00:23:13.079 Let all the house of Israel 00:23:13.079 --> 00:23:14.059 therefore know 00:23:14.059 --> 00:23:15.480 for certain that God 00:23:15.480 --> 00:23:16.379 has made Him, 00:23:16.439 --> 00:23:17.679 talking about the Lord Jesus, 00:23:18.119 --> 00:23:19.679 both Lord and Christ, 00:23:20.059 --> 00:23:21.259 this Jesus 00:23:21.259 --> 00:23:23.299 whom you crucified. 00:23:23.299 --> 00:23:25.500 you put Him to death, 00:23:26.019 --> 00:23:27.419 the Father raised Him up, 00:23:27.519 --> 00:23:28.980 and He is coming back 00:23:28.980 --> 00:23:30.079 to be the judge 00:23:30.079 --> 00:23:31.119 of the whole earth. 00:23:32.339 --> 00:23:33.159 Another passage 00:23:33.159 --> 00:23:34.279 in relationship to that 00:23:34.279 --> 00:23:35.940 would be over in Acts chapter 17. 00:23:36.980 --> 00:23:38.099 This is Paul preaching 00:23:38.099 --> 00:23:38.799 in the Agora 00:23:38.799 --> 00:23:41.659 in Athens, 00:23:41.899 --> 00:23:42.899 and mark what it says 00:23:42.899 --> 00:23:43.940 in verse 30 and 31. 00:23:44.359 --> 00:23:45.599 The crowd was interested. 00:23:45.680 --> 00:23:46.159 They wanted to know 00:23:46.159 --> 00:23:46.980 about the resurrection. 00:23:47.240 --> 00:23:48.180 It was kind of an entertaining 00:23:48.180 --> 00:23:50.339 little theological side note, 00:23:50.339 --> 00:23:51.639 and they were curious 00:23:51.639 --> 00:23:52.839 and they wanted to hear Paul. 00:23:54.759 --> 00:23:56.319 When you invite an apostle 00:23:56.319 --> 00:23:57.059 to preach, 00:23:58.159 --> 00:23:59.439 you don't go away, 00:24:00.339 --> 00:24:00.579 kind of, 00:24:00.759 --> 00:24:00.939 yeah, 00:24:01.019 --> 00:24:01.179 well, 00:24:01.199 --> 00:24:02.039 that was pretty interesting. 00:24:03.079 --> 00:24:04.159 It's pretty convicting. 00:24:04.339 --> 00:24:04.959 That's what happened. 00:24:05.919 --> 00:24:06.919 A reminder that 00:24:06.919 --> 00:24:08.339 the preaching of the Word of God 00:24:08.339 --> 00:24:09.879 is designed by the Spirit 00:24:09.879 --> 00:24:10.720 to bring people 00:24:10.720 --> 00:24:11.779 to face to face 00:24:11.779 --> 00:24:13.199 with the issues in their life, 00:24:13.559 --> 00:24:14.539 call them to repentance, 00:24:14.740 --> 00:24:15.639 and that's what happened here. 00:24:16.199 --> 00:24:17.079 Look at verse 30. 00:24:17.079 --> 00:24:18.939 The times of ignorance 00:24:18.939 --> 00:24:20.099 God overlooked, 00:24:20.279 --> 00:24:21.259 but now He commands 00:24:21.259 --> 00:24:22.419 all people everywhere 00:24:22.419 --> 00:24:23.399 to repent. 00:24:24.179 --> 00:24:24.839 Verse 31, 00:24:24.960 --> 00:24:26.559 Because He has fixed a day 00:24:26.559 --> 00:24:27.980 on which He will judge 00:24:27.980 --> 00:24:30.000 the world in righteousness 00:24:30.000 --> 00:24:32.839 by whom? 00:24:33.439 --> 00:24:36.679 By a man whom He appointed, 00:24:37.059 --> 00:24:37.779 He has appointed, 00:24:38.119 --> 00:24:40.419 and of this He has given assurance 00:24:40.419 --> 00:24:43.319 to all by raising Him 00:24:43.319 --> 00:24:44.779 from the dead. 00:24:44.779 --> 00:24:46.759 How do I know 00:24:46.759 --> 00:24:49.200 that Christ will be 00:24:49.200 --> 00:24:51.359 the judge of the whole world? 00:24:51.700 --> 00:24:54.379 I know it by the empty tomb. 00:24:54.799 --> 00:24:56.619 I know it by the fact 00:24:56.619 --> 00:24:57.779 of His resurrection. 00:24:58.740 --> 00:25:00.480 The empty tomb guarantees 00:25:00.480 --> 00:25:02.819 how the story ends, 00:25:03.240 --> 00:25:04.839 and it means that Jesus 00:25:04.839 --> 00:25:05.859 is going to return 00:25:05.859 --> 00:25:06.920 and take His kingdom 00:25:06.920 --> 00:25:08.799 and be in absolute control, 00:25:09.119 --> 00:25:10.079 and He will grant 00:25:10.079 --> 00:25:11.700 eternal joy and peace 00:25:11.700 --> 00:25:12.279 to believers 00:25:12.279 --> 00:25:13.920 and eternal condemnation 00:25:13.920 --> 00:25:14.539 and suffering 00:25:14.539 --> 00:25:15.700 to unbelievers. 00:25:16.420 --> 00:25:17.160 Now with that, 00:25:17.240 --> 00:25:18.300 we come to one other piece 00:25:18.300 --> 00:25:19.380 that I want you to focus on 00:25:19.380 --> 00:25:19.860 this morning, 00:25:20.039 --> 00:25:21.580 and that is His resurrection 00:25:21.580 --> 00:25:23.100 and holy living. 00:25:25.840 --> 00:25:27.460 Interesting little political 00:25:27.460 --> 00:25:28.460 side statement. 00:25:31.460 --> 00:25:32.820 How many of you heard it said 00:25:32.820 --> 00:25:37.400 that there's a lot of evangelicals 00:25:37.400 --> 00:25:38.380 that are voting for Trump? 00:25:39.440 --> 00:25:40.200 Have you heard that? 00:25:40.740 --> 00:25:41.279 Nod your head, 00:25:41.340 --> 00:25:42.380 so I know that I'm speaking 00:25:42.380 --> 00:25:43.120 to people who are awake. 00:25:46.000 --> 00:25:46.800 You know what? 00:25:47.700 --> 00:25:48.440 Here's the truth. 00:25:50.660 --> 00:25:51.020 Liberal, 00:25:51.540 --> 00:25:52.540 unbelieving media 00:25:52.540 --> 00:25:53.980 has been asking themselves 00:25:53.980 --> 00:25:54.700 that question, 00:25:54.880 --> 00:25:56.040 how can you say 00:25:56.040 --> 00:25:58.380 that all these evangelicals 00:25:58.380 --> 00:25:59.560 are going to vote for Trump? 00:25:59.700 --> 00:26:00.760 And here's the outcome 00:26:00.760 --> 00:26:02.460 to their research. 00:26:02.540 --> 00:26:03.180 Do you know what they found? 00:26:04.620 --> 00:26:05.860 That those who profess 00:26:05.860 --> 00:26:07.100 to be evangelicals 00:26:07.100 --> 00:26:07.900 that are voting for Trump 00:26:07.900 --> 00:26:08.820 don't go to church. 00:26:08.819 --> 00:26:11.839 Can you hear 00:26:11.839 --> 00:26:13.299 the Jeopardy theme 00:26:13.299 --> 00:26:13.879 in the background? 00:26:15.179 --> 00:26:16.839 Dun, dun, dun, dun. 00:26:16.939 --> 00:26:17.119 You know, 00:26:17.319 --> 00:26:18.319 here's the truth. 00:26:21.500 --> 00:26:23.019 We live in a day and age 00:26:23.019 --> 00:26:24.879 where there are many, 00:26:25.019 --> 00:26:25.519 many people 00:26:25.519 --> 00:26:26.939 who say they're Christian 00:26:26.939 --> 00:26:27.919 that just flat 00:26:27.919 --> 00:26:29.359 don't live it. 00:26:30.720 --> 00:26:30.859 Hmm? 00:26:32.220 --> 00:26:33.119 They don't. 00:26:34.119 --> 00:26:35.220 Their moral behavior 00:26:35.220 --> 00:26:36.480 is not substantially different 00:26:36.480 --> 00:26:37.200 than unbelievers. 00:26:38.279 --> 00:26:38.740 I mean, 00:26:38.779 --> 00:26:39.740 the truth of the matter is 00:26:39.740 --> 00:26:42.640 is their conduct, 00:26:43.519 --> 00:26:44.420 their conversation, 00:26:45.019 --> 00:26:46.200 the things they enjoy, 00:26:46.519 --> 00:26:47.200 the entertainment 00:26:47.200 --> 00:26:48.099 they engage in, 00:26:48.759 --> 00:26:49.880 their vocabulary at work, 00:26:49.980 --> 00:26:50.440 the whole thing, 00:26:50.620 --> 00:26:51.480 it doesn't display 00:26:52.160 --> 00:26:53.099 the character 00:26:53.099 --> 00:26:56.059 and power of the cross. 00:26:57.660 --> 00:26:59.220 And Paul comes to grips 00:26:59.220 --> 00:27:00.039 with that here. 00:27:01.000 --> 00:27:02.559 And his argument is this, 00:27:02.599 --> 00:27:03.099 in essence, 00:27:03.259 --> 00:27:04.620 that it is the fact 00:27:04.619 --> 00:27:05.459 of the resurrection 00:27:05.459 --> 00:27:07.139 that calls believers 00:27:07.139 --> 00:27:08.239 to holy living. 00:27:09.979 --> 00:27:10.419 Well, 00:27:10.759 --> 00:27:11.319 take up, 00:27:11.399 --> 00:27:11.879 if you would, 00:27:12.139 --> 00:27:13.719 there in the passage 00:27:13.719 --> 00:27:15.479 in 1 Corinthians chapter 15 00:27:15.479 --> 00:27:17.099 and I'm going to introduce you 00:27:17.099 --> 00:27:17.759 to one of the more 00:27:17.759 --> 00:27:18.719 complicated verses 00:27:18.719 --> 00:27:19.319 in the Bible. 00:27:21.819 --> 00:27:22.299 Otherwise, 00:27:22.639 --> 00:27:23.959 what do people mean 00:27:23.959 --> 00:27:24.899 by being baptized 00:27:24.899 --> 00:27:26.119 on behalf of the dead? 00:27:26.119 --> 00:27:28.419 If the dead 00:27:28.419 --> 00:27:29.359 are not raised 00:27:29.359 --> 00:27:30.079 at all, 00:27:30.239 --> 00:27:31.239 why are people 00:27:31.239 --> 00:27:31.719 baptized 00:27:31.720 --> 00:27:33.360 on their behalf? 00:27:34.740 --> 00:27:35.880 This verse 00:27:35.880 --> 00:27:38.620 is one of the more 00:27:38.620 --> 00:27:39.660 difficult ones 00:27:39.660 --> 00:27:40.420 in the Scriptures 00:27:40.420 --> 00:27:41.500 to interpret. 00:27:43.059 --> 00:27:44.440 Given the difficulty 00:27:44.440 --> 00:27:45.799 of the interpretation 00:27:45.799 --> 00:27:46.900 of this verse, 00:27:47.220 --> 00:27:48.259 I want to remind you 00:27:48.259 --> 00:27:50.079 of a couple basic principles 00:27:50.079 --> 00:27:51.279 to Bible interpretation. 00:27:52.019 --> 00:27:52.700 Number one, 00:27:53.700 --> 00:27:56.039 a good principle 00:27:56.039 --> 00:27:57.339 in Bible interpretation 00:27:57.339 --> 00:27:58.380 is to rely upon 00:27:58.380 --> 00:27:58.860 the Scriptures 00:27:58.860 --> 00:27:59.960 to explain the Scriptures. 00:27:59.960 --> 00:28:01.620 Can I say that slowly 00:28:01.620 --> 00:28:02.420 so you don't miss it? 00:28:02.759 --> 00:28:03.759 Rely upon the Scriptures 00:28:03.759 --> 00:28:05.000 to explain the Scriptures. 00:28:05.740 --> 00:28:06.680 And context 00:28:06.680 --> 00:28:08.440 is key. 00:28:10.000 --> 00:28:10.360 So, 00:28:10.539 --> 00:28:11.779 kind of keep that in mind. 00:28:11.840 --> 00:28:12.640 Let me throw another one 00:28:12.640 --> 00:28:13.000 out there. 00:28:13.319 --> 00:28:13.740 How many of you 00:28:13.740 --> 00:28:14.620 have ever heard the statement, 00:28:14.840 --> 00:28:15.019 well, 00:28:15.120 --> 00:28:16.200 there are many interpretations? 00:28:16.559 --> 00:28:17.160 Everybody smile. 00:28:17.640 --> 00:28:18.160 You've heard that one? 00:28:18.620 --> 00:28:19.539 There are many interpretations? 00:28:19.920 --> 00:28:21.019 There are many interpretations? 00:28:21.259 --> 00:28:21.779 That's not true. 00:28:22.980 --> 00:28:24.000 That's not true at all. 00:28:25.340 --> 00:28:26.059 That's not true. 00:28:27.420 --> 00:28:28.500 There's one interpretation. 00:28:28.500 --> 00:28:29.579 There are many applications. 00:28:31.019 --> 00:28:32.240 When God says no, 00:28:32.579 --> 00:28:32.960 guess what? 00:28:33.759 --> 00:28:34.079 Well, 00:28:34.119 --> 00:28:35.079 that's just your interpretation. 00:28:35.259 --> 00:28:36.619 Have you ever heard people 00:28:36.619 --> 00:28:37.200 say that thing? 00:28:37.579 --> 00:28:37.900 Well, 00:28:37.920 --> 00:28:38.920 that's just your interpretation. 00:28:39.359 --> 00:28:39.640 Hey, 00:28:39.940 --> 00:28:40.119 no, 00:28:40.200 --> 00:28:40.880 God said no. 00:28:43.019 --> 00:28:43.420 Now, 00:28:43.579 --> 00:28:44.700 sometimes interpretations 00:28:44.700 --> 00:28:45.980 are hard to get your hands on. 00:28:47.039 --> 00:28:48.539 And this is one of those cases 00:28:48.539 --> 00:28:50.700 where you could ask godly people, 00:28:50.940 --> 00:28:52.220 I spent quite a bit of time 00:28:52.220 --> 00:28:53.539 reading all the different opinions 00:28:53.539 --> 00:28:53.859 and I thought, 00:28:54.039 --> 00:28:54.339 ah! 00:28:56.099 --> 00:28:56.759 Lots of them. 00:28:56.759 --> 00:28:59.839 That being said, 00:29:00.980 --> 00:29:02.279 I do want you to understand 00:29:02.279 --> 00:29:03.279 as we think about this issue 00:29:03.279 --> 00:29:04.099 of Bible understanding, 00:29:04.240 --> 00:29:05.660 there's only one correct interpretation 00:29:05.660 --> 00:29:06.299 to a text. 00:29:06.720 --> 00:29:08.319 There are many correct applications. 00:29:09.539 --> 00:29:09.799 So, 00:29:09.900 --> 00:29:11.259 what is Paul saying here? 00:29:12.079 --> 00:29:12.279 Well, 00:29:12.299 --> 00:29:12.980 let's first of all 00:29:12.980 --> 00:29:14.180 eliminate the things 00:29:14.180 --> 00:29:15.700 that we know he's not saying 00:29:15.700 --> 00:29:17.480 because of other Bible passages. 00:29:17.680 --> 00:29:18.119 Number one, 00:29:18.420 --> 00:29:19.420 he is not saying 00:29:19.420 --> 00:29:20.660 that baptism saves. 00:29:21.759 --> 00:29:22.700 How do we know that? 00:29:24.240 --> 00:29:25.599 Can anybody think of a Bible verse 00:29:25.599 --> 00:29:26.399 that says something like, 00:29:26.519 --> 00:29:27.639 believe on the Lord Jesus Christ 00:29:27.639 --> 00:29:27.919 and 00:29:27.919 --> 00:29:30.219 that's it? 00:29:31.559 --> 00:29:32.659 Baptism is a 00:29:32.659 --> 00:29:35.000 indication of your faith. 00:29:35.679 --> 00:29:36.899 It is not the making 00:29:36.899 --> 00:29:37.519 of your faith. 00:29:38.159 --> 00:29:39.240 I have my wedding ring on. 00:29:39.299 --> 00:29:40.039 I always put it on 00:29:40.039 --> 00:29:41.039 when I'm going out in public. 00:29:42.159 --> 00:29:43.179 Taking off my ring 00:29:43.179 --> 00:29:44.399 did not make me unmarried. 00:29:44.679 --> 00:29:45.500 How many of you understand that? 00:29:46.119 --> 00:29:46.759 Putting it on 00:29:46.759 --> 00:29:47.699 did not make me married. 00:29:48.679 --> 00:29:49.699 My ring is just 00:29:49.699 --> 00:29:50.839 a public testimony 00:29:50.839 --> 00:29:51.639 to the fact 00:29:51.639 --> 00:29:52.539 of my relationship 00:29:52.539 --> 00:29:54.119 for life 00:29:54.119 --> 00:29:54.819 to that little girl 00:29:54.819 --> 00:29:55.399 back there. 00:29:55.539 --> 00:29:55.920 Where is she? 00:29:55.980 --> 00:29:57.079 She's here in the service. 00:29:58.379 --> 00:29:59.200 She went to be in the, 00:29:59.279 --> 00:30:00.059 there she is. 00:30:00.359 --> 00:30:00.559 Oh, 00:30:00.659 --> 00:30:00.920 hi. 00:30:05.399 --> 00:30:07.440 Baptism is an outward sign 00:30:07.440 --> 00:30:08.480 of the work of God 00:30:08.480 --> 00:30:09.240 in your life. 00:30:10.579 --> 00:30:10.920 And so, 00:30:11.119 --> 00:30:12.319 we look at this passage 00:30:12.319 --> 00:30:13.079 and we understand, 00:30:13.259 --> 00:30:13.460 listen, 00:30:13.720 --> 00:30:13.879 hey, 00:30:14.839 --> 00:30:16.879 baptism doesn't save anybody 00:30:16.879 --> 00:30:18.579 nor should we ever be 00:30:18.579 --> 00:30:19.200 of the mind 00:30:19.200 --> 00:30:21.259 that people who are living 00:30:21.259 --> 00:30:23.200 can be baptized for the dead 00:30:23.200 --> 00:30:24.559 for their salvation. 00:30:24.839 --> 00:30:25.579 How do we know 00:30:25.579 --> 00:30:26.400 that's not true? 00:30:27.799 --> 00:30:28.200 Well, 00:30:28.279 --> 00:30:29.079 somebody immediately 00:30:29.079 --> 00:30:29.940 said to me, 00:30:30.680 --> 00:30:31.799 Hebrews chapter 9 00:30:31.799 --> 00:30:32.480 says what? 00:30:32.579 --> 00:30:33.099 Verse 7. 00:30:33.579 --> 00:30:34.619 It's appointed unto man 00:30:34.619 --> 00:30:36.799 once to die 00:30:36.799 --> 00:30:38.140 and after that 00:30:38.140 --> 00:30:38.680 the judgment 00:30:38.680 --> 00:30:39.900 except in the case 00:30:39.900 --> 00:30:40.440 where somebody 00:30:40.440 --> 00:30:40.980 who's alive 00:30:40.980 --> 00:30:42.440 will be baptized for you 00:30:42.440 --> 00:30:43.579 for a certain price. 00:30:43.740 --> 00:30:44.539 Is that what it says? 00:30:44.680 --> 00:30:44.960 No. 00:30:45.960 --> 00:30:46.220 No. 00:30:49.000 --> 00:30:50.440 As we read our way, 00:30:50.440 --> 00:30:51.700 remember the principle 00:30:51.700 --> 00:30:52.539 of Bible study 00:30:52.539 --> 00:30:53.160 is pay attention 00:30:53.160 --> 00:30:53.880 to the context. 00:30:53.980 --> 00:30:54.420 That helps, 00:30:54.480 --> 00:30:54.880 doesn't it? 00:30:55.320 --> 00:30:56.519 If you were to read 00:30:56.519 --> 00:30:57.900 verse 30 through 34, 00:30:58.220 --> 00:30:59.019 you will find that 00:30:59.019 --> 00:31:00.620 the recurring theme 00:31:00.620 --> 00:31:01.620 of this passage 00:31:01.620 --> 00:31:04.779 is talking about 00:31:04.779 --> 00:31:05.420 suffering 00:31:05.420 --> 00:31:06.440 and adversity 00:31:06.440 --> 00:31:07.600 and testimony. 00:31:08.740 --> 00:31:10.460 Look at verse 30. 00:31:10.920 --> 00:31:11.059 Okay? 00:31:11.519 --> 00:31:12.720 Why are we in danger 00:31:12.720 --> 00:31:13.480 every hour? 00:31:13.660 --> 00:31:14.539 If he is talking 00:31:14.539 --> 00:31:15.580 about being baptized 00:31:15.580 --> 00:31:17.100 to bring salvation 00:31:17.100 --> 00:31:18.299 to dead people, 00:31:18.700 --> 00:31:19.200 why don't you just 00:31:19.200 --> 00:31:19.680 leave it there? 00:31:19.779 --> 00:31:20.000 No. 00:31:20.200 --> 00:31:21.140 He goes on and he says, 00:31:21.460 --> 00:31:22.279 why is it that we're 00:31:22.279 --> 00:31:23.559 suffering like we are? 00:31:25.240 --> 00:31:26.180 Verse 31. 00:31:27.100 --> 00:31:27.480 He says, 00:31:27.779 --> 00:31:28.680 I protest 00:31:28.680 --> 00:31:30.380 by my pride in you 00:31:30.380 --> 00:31:31.220 which I have in Christ 00:31:31.220 --> 00:31:31.840 Jesus our Lord. 00:31:31.940 --> 00:31:32.380 I die, 00:31:32.720 --> 00:31:34.380 I continue to suffer. 00:31:35.600 --> 00:31:35.840 Now, 00:31:35.900 --> 00:31:36.740 why did Paul suffer? 00:31:37.880 --> 00:31:38.539 Because he was 00:31:38.539 --> 00:31:39.240 a bad employee? 00:31:40.519 --> 00:31:42.039 Because he was late 00:31:42.039 --> 00:31:42.720 to work every day? 00:31:42.799 --> 00:31:42.940 No. 00:31:43.120 --> 00:31:43.660 He suffered 00:31:43.660 --> 00:31:44.360 for the testimony 00:31:44.360 --> 00:31:45.080 of Christ. 00:31:45.079 --> 00:31:47.379 And then he goes on 00:31:47.379 --> 00:31:47.679 and he says, 00:31:47.759 --> 00:31:48.099 32, 00:31:48.359 --> 00:31:49.419 what do I gain 00:31:49.419 --> 00:31:50.319 if humanly speaking 00:31:50.319 --> 00:31:51.419 I fought with beasts 00:31:51.419 --> 00:31:51.939 at Ephesus 00:31:51.939 --> 00:31:53.519 if the dead are not raised? 00:31:53.619 --> 00:31:54.119 Let us eat, 00:31:54.259 --> 00:31:54.460 drink, 00:31:54.599 --> 00:31:55.919 for tomorrow we die. 00:31:59.119 --> 00:32:00.740 What Paul is saying 00:32:00.740 --> 00:32:01.659 in this passage 00:32:01.659 --> 00:32:05.519 is that godliness 00:32:05.519 --> 00:32:07.220 and its testimony 00:32:07.220 --> 00:32:08.460 are significant 00:32:08.460 --> 00:32:11.220 in view of the fact 00:32:11.220 --> 00:32:12.079 of the resurrection. 00:32:12.079 --> 00:32:14.299 And godliness 00:32:14.299 --> 00:32:16.099 and a godly testimony 00:32:16.099 --> 00:32:17.419 is significant 00:32:17.419 --> 00:32:18.960 in terms of testimony 00:32:18.960 --> 00:32:20.039 to unbelievers 00:32:20.039 --> 00:32:21.399 who are watching you 00:32:21.399 --> 00:32:22.000 in adversity 00:32:22.000 --> 00:32:23.679 and asking you a reason 00:32:23.679 --> 00:32:24.460 for the hope 00:32:24.460 --> 00:32:25.359 that lies within. 00:32:28.480 --> 00:32:29.539 Here's Paul saying, 00:32:29.679 --> 00:32:30.240 every day 00:32:30.240 --> 00:32:31.599 I'm going through hard times. 00:32:32.740 --> 00:32:33.079 And he says, 00:32:33.159 --> 00:32:33.659 every day 00:32:33.659 --> 00:32:35.079 I am suffering 00:32:35.079 --> 00:32:35.779 for the testimony 00:32:35.779 --> 00:32:36.439 of Christ. 00:32:36.720 --> 00:32:37.919 And if it were not 00:32:37.919 --> 00:32:39.000 for the resurrection, 00:32:39.500 --> 00:32:40.559 there's no reason 00:32:40.559 --> 00:32:41.559 for me to be going 00:32:41.559 --> 00:32:42.359 through the hardships 00:32:42.359 --> 00:32:43.159 and difficulties 00:32:43.159 --> 00:32:43.859 that I am. 00:32:44.059 --> 00:32:44.799 Why is that? 00:32:45.220 --> 00:32:45.559 Well, 00:32:45.679 --> 00:32:47.019 if there is no resurrection, 00:32:47.240 --> 00:32:47.759 number one, 00:32:47.819 --> 00:32:48.659 if you go earlier 00:32:48.659 --> 00:32:49.240 in the passage 00:32:49.240 --> 00:32:49.980 of 1 Corinthians, 00:32:50.440 --> 00:32:51.319 we of all people 00:32:51.319 --> 00:32:51.759 are what? 00:32:51.960 --> 00:32:52.119 What? 00:32:53.159 --> 00:32:54.359 We're the most miserable. 00:32:56.099 --> 00:32:57.519 You're believing a myth. 00:32:59.119 --> 00:32:59.500 I mean, 00:32:59.559 --> 00:32:59.740 hey, 00:33:00.379 --> 00:33:01.099 think about that. 00:33:02.039 --> 00:33:03.859 The call of Christ 00:33:03.859 --> 00:33:05.139 is to holy living. 00:33:05.259 --> 00:33:05.799 Isn't that right? 00:33:05.839 --> 00:33:06.399 Right? 00:33:07.119 --> 00:33:08.500 Not to living a life 00:33:08.500 --> 00:33:09.419 simply on the basis 00:33:09.419 --> 00:33:10.539 of your temporal lusts 00:33:10.539 --> 00:33:11.579 and desires of the moment. 00:33:11.799 --> 00:33:12.639 It is living 00:33:12.639 --> 00:33:14.099 in view of the cross 00:33:14.099 --> 00:33:15.119 and the return of Christ. 00:33:16.480 --> 00:33:17.200 And so I want you 00:33:17.200 --> 00:33:18.099 to understand this morning 00:33:18.099 --> 00:33:19.139 as you look at this passage 00:33:19.139 --> 00:33:20.299 that what Paul 00:33:20.299 --> 00:33:21.539 is arguing for 00:33:21.539 --> 00:33:22.879 and making clear 00:33:22.879 --> 00:33:23.759 is that we 00:33:23.759 --> 00:33:25.039 who know Christ 00:33:25.039 --> 00:33:26.680 and know the certainty 00:33:26.680 --> 00:33:27.539 of the resurrection 00:33:27.539 --> 00:33:28.819 are to live 00:33:28.819 --> 00:33:29.599 godly, 00:33:29.779 --> 00:33:31.039 holy lives. 00:33:32.079 --> 00:33:33.440 Look at the passage there 00:33:33.440 --> 00:33:35.440 in verse 34. 00:33:35.639 --> 00:33:36.119 Wake up 00:33:36.119 --> 00:33:37.720 from your drunken stupor. 00:33:38.339 --> 00:33:38.539 Now, 00:33:38.559 --> 00:33:39.259 how's that for being 00:33:39.259 --> 00:33:40.200 in your face? 00:33:41.500 --> 00:33:42.160 Wake up 00:33:42.160 --> 00:33:44.319 from your drunken stupor. 00:33:45.599 --> 00:33:46.619 Have you ever seen a drunk? 00:33:48.319 --> 00:33:48.619 I mean, 00:33:48.660 --> 00:33:49.220 kind of wallowing 00:33:49.220 --> 00:33:49.759 in his vomit, 00:33:49.879 --> 00:33:50.359 just, you know, 00:33:51.259 --> 00:33:52.379 feeling sorry for himself. 00:33:53.440 --> 00:33:53.619 I mean, 00:33:53.660 --> 00:33:54.559 I've got the biggest headache. 00:33:55.140 --> 00:33:56.440 I really feel lousy. 00:33:57.339 --> 00:33:58.039 I don't know how I'm going to, 00:33:58.079 --> 00:33:58.200 you know, 00:33:58.500 --> 00:33:59.240 wake up 00:33:59.240 --> 00:34:01.099 from your drunken stupor 00:34:01.099 --> 00:34:02.079 and do what? 00:34:02.079 --> 00:34:04.519 As is right 00:34:04.519 --> 00:34:06.240 and do not go on sinning. 00:34:07.240 --> 00:34:07.480 Now, 00:34:07.519 --> 00:34:08.400 look at the next verse. 00:34:09.059 --> 00:34:10.880 For some have no knowledge 00:34:10.880 --> 00:34:11.500 of God. 00:34:11.699 --> 00:34:13.139 I say this to your shame. 00:34:14.179 --> 00:34:14.920 Everybody smile now. 00:34:14.980 --> 00:34:15.380 Look at me. 00:34:17.699 --> 00:34:19.059 When you as a believer, 00:34:19.739 --> 00:34:21.059 a believer in the resurrection 00:34:21.059 --> 00:34:22.260 and the return of Christ, 00:34:23.019 --> 00:34:24.659 live a godless life, 00:34:25.639 --> 00:34:26.420 you compromise 00:34:26.420 --> 00:34:28.659 the testimony of Christ 00:34:28.659 --> 00:34:30.019 in the little community 00:34:30.019 --> 00:34:31.179 and circle that you were in. 00:34:31.219 --> 00:34:31.679 Isn't that right? 00:34:31.679 --> 00:34:34.819 Do you know people 00:34:34.819 --> 00:34:36.259 pay attention to you 00:34:36.259 --> 00:34:37.199 all the time? 00:34:38.440 --> 00:34:39.399 All the time. 00:34:41.059 --> 00:34:41.579 Yesterday, 00:34:43.159 --> 00:34:43.919 shopping, 00:34:45.559 --> 00:34:46.759 little Muslim girl 00:34:46.759 --> 00:34:47.879 was serving me 00:34:47.879 --> 00:34:51.019 and I asked her 00:34:51.019 --> 00:34:51.940 to get me something 00:34:51.940 --> 00:34:53.519 and she went. 00:34:54.539 --> 00:34:55.739 It was at Walmart, 00:34:55.940 --> 00:34:56.819 as a matter of fact. 00:34:56.820 --> 00:34:58.180 And 00:34:58.180 --> 00:35:01.620 she didn't come back 00:35:01.620 --> 00:35:02.640 for about 10 minutes 00:35:02.640 --> 00:35:04.800 and I was there waiting 00:35:04.800 --> 00:35:06.680 and when she came back, 00:35:06.840 --> 00:35:07.500 I could tell 00:35:07.500 --> 00:35:08.680 that she was a little nervous. 00:35:09.660 --> 00:35:10.580 She came up to me 00:35:10.580 --> 00:35:11.460 very apologetic. 00:35:11.559 --> 00:35:12.559 I'm so very sorry 00:35:12.559 --> 00:35:14.220 that I was so long 00:35:14.220 --> 00:35:14.600 and I did 00:35:14.600 --> 00:35:15.700 and, you know, 00:35:15.740 --> 00:35:15.860 I said, 00:35:15.940 --> 00:35:16.640 hey, no problem. 00:35:17.140 --> 00:35:17.920 I'm not paid by the hour. 00:35:18.059 --> 00:35:18.600 You know, whatever. 00:35:19.120 --> 00:35:21.039 And later, 00:35:21.240 --> 00:35:21.640 she had to go 00:35:21.640 --> 00:35:22.600 to a different register. 00:35:22.780 --> 00:35:23.360 Couldn't do what 00:35:23.360 --> 00:35:24.120 we wanted to do there 00:35:24.119 --> 00:35:25.460 and she said to me, 00:35:25.699 --> 00:35:28.079 you are a kind person. 00:35:31.579 --> 00:35:32.539 You know what I said to her? 00:35:33.719 --> 00:35:34.400 I said, 00:35:34.679 --> 00:35:34.980 oh, 00:35:35.199 --> 00:35:36.480 I'm not a kind person 00:35:36.480 --> 00:35:38.940 but my faith 00:35:38.940 --> 00:35:41.559 is what has changed my life. 00:35:41.980 --> 00:35:42.699 Does that make sense? 00:35:43.420 --> 00:35:44.339 How many of you 00:35:44.339 --> 00:35:47.199 without the confidence 00:35:47.199 --> 00:35:48.299 and power of the cross 00:35:48.299 --> 00:35:49.279 would be pretty moody, 00:35:49.500 --> 00:35:49.819 surly, 00:35:49.980 --> 00:35:50.420 unhappy, 00:35:50.960 --> 00:35:52.579 just despicable, 00:35:52.579 --> 00:35:53.940 could have made a movie 00:35:53.940 --> 00:35:54.420 about you? 00:35:54.679 --> 00:35:55.119 How many of you, 00:35:55.299 --> 00:35:55.619 you know, 00:35:55.699 --> 00:35:56.420 there you are. 00:35:57.319 --> 00:35:57.460 Okay? 00:36:01.480 --> 00:36:02.699 Paul is saying this. 00:36:03.440 --> 00:36:04.000 Get it. 00:36:05.039 --> 00:36:06.319 It's the resurrection 00:36:06.319 --> 00:36:09.759 that gives us 00:36:09.759 --> 00:36:10.980 great reason 00:36:10.980 --> 00:36:12.099 to live the life 00:36:12.099 --> 00:36:13.099 that we're supposed to live. 00:36:13.299 --> 00:36:14.000 And here's the fact. 00:36:14.159 --> 00:36:14.900 We are to live 00:36:14.900 --> 00:36:16.159 godly lives 00:36:16.159 --> 00:36:17.119 for the sake of Christ 00:36:17.119 --> 00:36:18.099 and for the sake of others. 00:36:19.920 --> 00:36:20.920 Don't go asking 00:36:20.920 --> 00:36:21.699 other people, 00:36:21.699 --> 00:36:22.379 hey, 00:36:22.439 --> 00:36:23.079 how am I doing it 00:36:23.079 --> 00:36:23.859 looking like Jesus? 00:36:24.500 --> 00:36:24.899 Smile. 00:36:25.460 --> 00:36:26.460 They will tell you 00:36:26.460 --> 00:36:27.699 if you're doing it. 00:36:28.639 --> 00:36:29.219 Does that make sense? 00:36:30.419 --> 00:36:31.439 They will tell you 00:36:31.439 --> 00:36:34.279 because it is so atypical 00:36:34.279 --> 00:36:34.859 that they can't, 00:36:35.799 --> 00:36:37.279 what's the deal with you? 00:36:38.239 --> 00:36:39.359 And you can't propose 00:36:39.359 --> 00:36:40.599 that it's a nutritional supplement 00:36:40.599 --> 00:36:41.179 that you're taking. 00:36:41.279 --> 00:36:41.559 You can say, 00:36:41.619 --> 00:36:42.219 it's my faith. 00:36:43.039 --> 00:36:43.659 He's the one 00:36:43.659 --> 00:36:44.460 that's done this to me. 00:36:44.799 --> 00:36:45.319 He's the one 00:36:45.319 --> 00:36:46.119 that's brought the change. 00:36:46.559 --> 00:36:47.119 And so here 00:36:47.119 --> 00:36:48.179 the question revolves 00:36:48.179 --> 00:36:48.939 around the issue 00:36:48.939 --> 00:36:49.960 of the resurrection. 00:36:49.960 --> 00:36:51.380 How clearly 00:36:51.380 --> 00:36:52.559 are you focused 00:36:52.559 --> 00:36:53.280 on the power 00:36:53.280 --> 00:36:53.960 of the resurrection 00:36:53.960 --> 00:36:54.980 in your life 00:36:54.980 --> 00:36:55.559 as a believer 00:36:55.559 --> 00:36:57.099 and that fact 00:36:57.099 --> 00:36:58.460 is what drives you 00:36:58.460 --> 00:36:59.420 and motivates you 00:36:59.420 --> 00:37:00.179 to live a life 00:37:00.179 --> 00:37:01.900 that is so atypical 00:37:01.900 --> 00:37:04.559 that the unbelieving world 00:37:04.559 --> 00:37:06.019 asks you a reason 00:37:06.019 --> 00:37:06.559 for the hope 00:37:06.559 --> 00:37:07.199 that is in you. 00:37:08.940 --> 00:37:10.840 Paul argues this morning 00:37:10.840 --> 00:37:15.000 from the fact 00:37:15.000 --> 00:37:15.840 of the resurrection 00:37:15.840 --> 00:37:16.860 to the application 00:37:16.860 --> 00:37:18.000 of the resurrection. 00:37:18.000 --> 00:37:19.280 and this morning 00:37:19.280 --> 00:37:20.659 I speak to most of you 00:37:20.659 --> 00:37:21.280 who are here 00:37:21.280 --> 00:37:22.239 as believers 00:37:22.239 --> 00:37:24.059 and my charge is this, 00:37:24.420 --> 00:37:25.579 you who know Christ 00:37:25.579 --> 00:37:26.820 have every reason 00:37:26.820 --> 00:37:28.360 to live a life 00:37:28.360 --> 00:37:29.440 that represents 00:37:29.440 --> 00:37:30.800 the power of the cross 00:37:30.800 --> 00:37:31.719 and the resurrection 00:37:31.719 --> 00:37:33.019 of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:37:33.099 --> 00:37:33.599 Isn't that right? 00:37:33.840 --> 00:37:34.860 And God's people said, 00:37:35.119 --> 00:37:35.380 Amen. 00:37:36.039 --> 00:37:36.760 That's a fact. 00:37:38.119 --> 00:37:39.340 And you who listened 00:37:39.340 --> 00:37:39.820 this morning 00:37:39.820 --> 00:37:40.400 to the preaching 00:37:40.400 --> 00:37:40.980 of the word, 00:37:41.360 --> 00:37:42.059 one of two things 00:37:42.059 --> 00:37:42.699 should be happening. 00:37:42.980 --> 00:37:43.920 You're sitting here saying, 00:37:44.239 --> 00:37:45.099 I am encouraged 00:37:45.099 --> 00:37:46.239 by what Jesus Christ 00:37:46.239 --> 00:37:47.079 has done for me 00:37:47.079 --> 00:37:48.379 and by the empty tomb 00:37:48.379 --> 00:37:50.559 I don't have to stay 00:37:50.559 --> 00:37:51.419 the way I am. 00:37:51.599 --> 00:37:53.079 I can live for His glory 00:37:53.079 --> 00:37:54.059 and I can live 00:37:54.059 --> 00:37:55.179 with an eye on eternity. 00:37:56.439 --> 00:37:57.139 And for some of you 00:37:57.139 --> 00:37:57.759 that are sitting here 00:37:57.759 --> 00:37:58.199 this morning 00:37:58.199 --> 00:37:58.919 it's a matter of 00:37:58.919 --> 00:38:00.239 rededicating your life 00:38:00.239 --> 00:38:01.259 to that holy purpose. 00:38:03.019 --> 00:38:03.979 There are some of you here 00:38:03.979 --> 00:38:05.039 that don't know Christ. 00:38:06.439 --> 00:38:07.500 And the fact of the matter 00:38:07.500 --> 00:38:08.139 is the scripture 00:38:08.139 --> 00:38:09.479 makes it undeniably clear 00:38:09.480 --> 00:38:11.519 that if you should die 00:38:11.519 --> 00:38:12.760 before you come to faith 00:38:12.760 --> 00:38:16.400 you will stand 00:38:16.400 --> 00:38:17.719 before the holy judge 00:38:17.719 --> 00:38:20.039 who is the one 00:38:20.039 --> 00:38:21.539 who also died upon the cross 00:38:21.539 --> 00:38:22.420 for your sins 00:38:22.420 --> 00:38:25.199 and He will judge you 00:38:25.199 --> 00:38:26.139 for all eternity 00:38:26.139 --> 00:38:28.719 and you will pay 00:38:28.719 --> 00:38:30.920 for your unrepentant 00:38:30.920 --> 00:38:31.920 and stubborn heart 00:38:31.920 --> 00:38:32.980 forever. 00:38:34.740 --> 00:38:36.139 And I would plead with you 00:38:36.139 --> 00:38:37.019 in Christ's stead 00:38:37.019 --> 00:38:39.559 you come broken 00:38:39.559 --> 00:38:40.379 and contrite 00:38:40.379 --> 00:38:42.500 calling upon the name 00:38:42.500 --> 00:38:42.940 of the Lord 00:38:42.940 --> 00:38:43.500 and believing 00:38:43.500 --> 00:38:44.239 that through Him 00:38:44.239 --> 00:38:45.259 alone is salvation. 00:38:47.059 --> 00:38:48.059 Let's pray together. 00:38:51.159 --> 00:38:52.219 Our gracious Father 00:38:52.219 --> 00:38:52.759 this morning 00:38:52.759 --> 00:38:53.480 as we attend 00:38:53.480 --> 00:38:54.259 to the word of God 00:38:54.259 --> 00:38:55.379 and we remind ourselves 00:38:55.379 --> 00:38:56.819 that you sent Jesus 00:38:56.819 --> 00:38:57.480 into the world 00:38:57.480 --> 00:38:58.239 to be the Savior 00:38:58.239 --> 00:39:01.059 and we remind ourselves 00:39:01.059 --> 00:39:02.019 of the empty tomb 00:39:02.019 --> 00:39:02.599 and the victory 00:39:02.599 --> 00:39:05.460 that He purchased 00:39:05.460 --> 00:39:06.860 for us on the cross 00:39:06.860 --> 00:39:07.840 and at the empty tomb 00:39:07.840 --> 00:39:08.659 we are thankful 00:39:08.659 --> 00:39:12.239 that we can live 00:39:12.239 --> 00:39:14.400 a life of purpose 00:39:14.400 --> 00:39:15.059 and worth 00:39:15.059 --> 00:39:16.679 because of Jesus. 00:39:17.659 --> 00:39:18.679 And there are some of us 00:39:18.679 --> 00:39:19.280 here this morning 00:39:19.280 --> 00:39:20.079 that need to humble 00:39:20.079 --> 00:39:20.980 ourselves enough 00:39:20.980 --> 00:39:22.559 and take our thoughts 00:39:22.559 --> 00:39:23.900 off of our own heart 00:39:23.900 --> 00:39:24.440 and life 00:39:24.440 --> 00:39:25.480 and say Jesus 00:39:25.480 --> 00:39:26.480 you've died for me 00:39:26.480 --> 00:39:27.239 you own me 00:39:27.239 --> 00:39:28.619 and I am committed 00:39:28.619 --> 00:39:29.619 by your grace 00:39:29.619 --> 00:39:30.739 to live for you. 00:39:32.019 --> 00:39:33.199 There are some here today 00:39:33.199 --> 00:39:34.059 that need Christ 00:39:34.059 --> 00:39:34.739 as their Savior 00:39:34.739 --> 00:39:35.679 and as we sing 00:39:35.679 --> 00:39:37.259 this closing song 00:39:37.259 --> 00:39:39.500 our prayer is this 00:39:39.500 --> 00:39:40.079 is that they would be 00:39:40.079 --> 00:39:40.880 drawn to the cross 00:39:40.880 --> 00:39:41.880 and believing in Jesus. 00:39:42.840 --> 00:39:44.420 We ask this in Jesus' name. 00:39:44.679 --> 00:39:44.920 Amen.