WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:19.640 I love the joy, the celebration of Easter, the beautiful flowers like these that I can't 00:00:19.640 --> 00:00:20.740 do anything like. 00:00:20.839 --> 00:00:21.480 This is amazing. 00:00:22.219 --> 00:00:28.000 I love the arrival of spring and new life that we're feeling on a gorgeous day like this. 00:00:28.000 --> 00:00:38.880 But sometimes a weekend full of hunting for colored eggs, of going to church maybe more 00:00:38.880 --> 00:00:47.179 than once, of celebrating with family can feel a little bit disconnected from reality, 00:00:47.340 --> 00:00:47.679 can it? 00:00:48.039 --> 00:00:50.679 It doesn't really feel like real life. 00:00:50.679 --> 00:00:59.500 It can be a little bit like Disney World, an escape briefly from reality that has no impact 00:00:59.500 --> 00:01:01.899 on real life afterwards, right? 00:01:02.000 --> 00:01:05.019 It's wonderful for a moment and then it's gone. 00:01:06.340 --> 00:01:10.500 I think it was the author Barbara Johnson who first said, 00:01:10.500 --> 00:01:14.879 we are Easter people living in a Good Friday world. 00:01:16.500 --> 00:01:18.980 The reality of life can be harsh. 00:01:20.319 --> 00:01:23.760 Real hope can be elusive for us, can't it? 00:01:24.620 --> 00:01:30.240 And so I want to talk together this morning about the hope of Easter for our real lives. 00:01:30.879 --> 00:01:34.579 We're going to look at a couple of different passages together as we go. 00:01:35.000 --> 00:01:39.599 But first let's pray and ask for God's help as we look at His Word together. 00:01:39.599 --> 00:01:40.459 Father, will you pray with me? 00:01:43.839 --> 00:01:50.719 God, it is Easter Sunday and so we have all these expectations and hopes. 00:01:52.019 --> 00:01:55.419 They all want this sermon to be short and sweet. 00:01:55.420 --> 00:02:01.980 I want this sermon to be impressive and memorable. 00:02:04.140 --> 00:02:09.740 And we confess that to you because what we all need is to hear from you. 00:02:11.099 --> 00:02:14.639 So we pray that you would speak to us through your Word. 00:02:15.500 --> 00:02:21.639 The only thing in this world that is completely reliable, that is always true. 00:02:21.639 --> 00:02:26.339 Father, would you speak that we might not be impressed with ourselves, 00:02:27.359 --> 00:02:30.239 might not be impressed with a preacher, 00:02:31.579 --> 00:02:34.279 that we might be overwhelmed by our Savior 00:02:34.279 --> 00:02:38.879 and comforted by an eternal hope because He's alive. 00:02:40.819 --> 00:02:43.259 Speak to us, we pray in Jesus' name. 00:02:44.139 --> 00:02:44.419 Amen. 00:02:44.419 --> 00:02:51.699 A few days ago, I woke up early and I got a good run in in the morning, 00:02:52.139 --> 00:02:54.279 a little bit further than I usually go. 00:02:55.000 --> 00:02:59.899 And I showered, came into the office and sat down for a meeting first thing. 00:03:00.219 --> 00:03:04.119 It was about 10 o'clock before I got to stand up from that meeting. 00:03:04.779 --> 00:03:07.699 And when I did, I groaned. 00:03:07.699 --> 00:03:13.939 Oh, lots of muscles were sore and tight. 00:03:14.519 --> 00:03:18.299 And there were at least three people in the room who looked at me with disgust 00:03:18.299 --> 00:03:20.219 and said, oh, come on, you're only 35. 00:03:22.019 --> 00:03:22.759 Fair enough. 00:03:23.539 --> 00:03:24.359 But it hurt. 00:03:25.679 --> 00:03:26.439 I'm out of shape. 00:03:28.019 --> 00:03:29.120 And I groaned. 00:03:30.259 --> 00:03:33.459 In many ways, the longer I live, the more groaning I do. 00:03:33.599 --> 00:03:34.379 Anybody else? 00:03:34.599 --> 00:03:34.859 Yes? 00:03:35.159 --> 00:03:35.519 A little bit? 00:03:35.519 --> 00:03:37.099 Oh, a lot of other people. 00:03:37.759 --> 00:03:42.639 Not merely from my body, not feeling or looking like it used to, 00:03:43.280 --> 00:03:50.680 but also because I experience more of the painful realities of living in this world. 00:03:52.680 --> 00:03:57.159 And this church family here at Southwood, there have been a lot of those recently. 00:03:58.900 --> 00:04:05.639 We've walked through the death of beloved family members and friends quite a bit in recent weeks, 00:04:05.639 --> 00:04:06.859 if you haven't noticed. 00:04:07.099 --> 00:04:14.379 And we groan in the grief and loneliness that many of us know firsthand right now. 00:04:15.680 --> 00:04:20.319 We've walked through quite a few broken relationships recently as well. 00:04:20.319 --> 00:04:27.240 And we groan through the pain of divorce or the difficulty of forgiveness and reconciliation. 00:04:29.300 --> 00:04:33.500 Many of us are walking through deep pain for our kids. 00:04:33.500 --> 00:04:35.220 We groan. 00:04:35.220 --> 00:04:42.740 And we groan as we watch them face difficult life situations we hope they'd never see or experience. 00:04:44.579 --> 00:04:47.300 We groan because we hate cancer. 00:04:48.500 --> 00:04:50.600 We worry about school shootings. 00:04:51.579 --> 00:04:53.620 We fear severe storms. 00:04:53.620 --> 00:04:57.680 We feel the shame of our repeated failures. 00:04:59.040 --> 00:05:03.540 And I may not have named your particular groaning this morning, 00:05:03.699 --> 00:05:09.100 but that's the kind of lives that dress up and drag themselves here on Easter Sunday, isn't it? 00:05:09.519 --> 00:05:10.420 That's who we are. 00:05:10.899 --> 00:05:12.160 That's what we experience. 00:05:12.160 --> 00:05:19.340 And you came thinking, surely on this day of celebration, no one will mention my heartache. 00:05:20.980 --> 00:05:22.580 Hashtag pastor fail. 00:05:22.579 --> 00:05:29.359 But I mention it to be honest about the reality of life. 00:05:29.919 --> 00:05:36.099 And also at the same time because I long for you, for us, to know the hope 00:05:36.099 --> 00:05:40.879 that Easter would be not merely an escape for a moment, 00:05:41.339 --> 00:05:45.120 but truly a refuge in the midst of real life. 00:05:45.939 --> 00:05:49.180 God's word actually addresses our groaning. 00:05:49.180 --> 00:05:51.379 And it offers us hope. 00:05:52.100 --> 00:05:54.879 Turn with me this morning to Romans chapter 8. 00:05:55.459 --> 00:05:59.780 It's on page 944 of the Bible in the pew in front of you. 00:06:00.079 --> 00:06:03.579 If you want to read along there, it'll also be on the screen behind me. 00:06:05.120 --> 00:06:09.180 Let's read what God says about our present lives. 00:06:10.840 --> 00:06:13.960 Starting at verse 18 of Romans chapter 8. 00:06:13.959 --> 00:06:43.939 Verse 18. 00:06:43.959 --> 00:06:50.899 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 00:06:51.459 --> 00:06:56.139 And not only the creation, but we ourselves who have the first fruits of the Spirit 00:06:56.139 --> 00:07:02.679 groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 00:07:03.240 --> 00:07:04.839 For in this hope we were saved. 00:07:06.120 --> 00:07:07.799 Now hope that is seen is not hope. 00:07:08.139 --> 00:07:09.819 For who hopes for what he sees? 00:07:09.819 --> 00:07:15.839 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. 00:07:17.439 --> 00:07:22.279 There's something glorious coming, but life now is not that. 00:07:22.540 --> 00:07:25.939 Do you hear the description of the present groaning? 00:07:27.100 --> 00:07:32.180 God says the whole of creation is groaning, right? 00:07:32.180 --> 00:07:36.019 And all Christians are groaning. 00:07:36.220 --> 00:07:40.680 We're not just these weirdly happy people, are we? 00:07:40.920 --> 00:07:45.579 If you're not a follower of Christ and you're here today and you think Christians just have 00:07:45.579 --> 00:07:48.759 to smile all the time and act like everything's okay, that's not true. 00:07:48.819 --> 00:07:49.439 We groan. 00:07:50.759 --> 00:07:51.579 And why? 00:07:51.579 --> 00:07:56.479 Well, because life is not the way it's supposed to be. 00:07:57.439 --> 00:08:02.899 Creation and the people who live in it don't function the way God intended us to. 00:08:03.800 --> 00:08:07.120 Verse 20 says it goes all the way back to Genesis. 00:08:08.039 --> 00:08:15.240 When as a result of our rebellion, the Creator placed a curse on all of His good creation. 00:08:15.240 --> 00:08:20.639 No longer perfect, but now broken and cursed. 00:08:21.840 --> 00:08:24.699 The ground wouldn't produce fruit easily. 00:08:25.980 --> 00:08:27.759 Childbirth would be painful. 00:08:28.579 --> 00:08:32.100 Men and women would struggle in relationship with each other. 00:08:32.419 --> 00:08:35.720 Those are the places right where God had created us to live. 00:08:36.100 --> 00:08:41.980 Those exact places where He had called us to, to fill the earth. 00:08:41.980 --> 00:08:45.940 He said, well, that's going to be difficult now, painful in childbirth. 00:08:46.320 --> 00:08:49.159 He called us to subdue and rule over the earth. 00:08:49.320 --> 00:08:51.100 And now that's going to be hard. 00:08:51.180 --> 00:08:53.980 It's going to fight against us with thorns and thistles. 00:08:54.920 --> 00:09:00.820 And the relationships we were to enjoy while doing those things are not going to come naturally. 00:09:02.580 --> 00:09:05.879 And so all of creation has been groaning. 00:09:05.879 --> 00:09:08.080 And we have too. 00:09:08.379 --> 00:09:08.860 Aching. 00:09:09.639 --> 00:09:13.259 Longing to get back to the way things were supposed to be. 00:09:14.500 --> 00:09:22.179 Don't you feel that sense of things in the world and in your own life just not being quite right? 00:09:24.259 --> 00:09:26.460 There's another great image here. 00:09:26.879 --> 00:09:31.299 When we read of this eager longing that creation has. 00:09:31.299 --> 00:09:36.299 The picture being painted is of all creation waiting on tiptoe. 00:09:37.479 --> 00:09:38.299 Looking forward. 00:09:39.240 --> 00:09:42.519 Peering ahead towards something. 00:09:43.279 --> 00:09:46.919 Something that would make all the groaning worth it. 00:09:47.719 --> 00:09:52.039 As God promised would happen even in the midst of the curse in Genesis. 00:09:52.039 --> 00:09:57.599 So creation presently is straining to see the glory. 00:09:58.419 --> 00:10:01.199 While groaning at the same time. 00:10:02.639 --> 00:10:05.039 Famous theologian John Calvin writes, 00:10:06.039 --> 00:10:13.719 There is no element and no part of the world which being touched as it were with a sense of its present misery. 00:10:13.980 --> 00:10:17.639 Does not intensely hope for a resurrection. 00:10:17.639 --> 00:10:23.299 I talked with one of our new moms recently in the hospital. 00:10:23.840 --> 00:10:29.699 She had just gone through the pain of labor for nearly two full days. 00:10:30.879 --> 00:10:37.519 And at the end of that pain she had endured the difficulty of a C-section to deliver her little girl. 00:10:37.519 --> 00:10:42.980 And so I came in the next day after the baby was born. 00:10:43.439 --> 00:10:44.879 And she was exhausted. 00:10:46.899 --> 00:10:48.199 But beaming. 00:10:49.079 --> 00:10:50.799 She was so excited. 00:10:51.379 --> 00:10:52.279 I said, how are you? 00:10:52.340 --> 00:10:54.079 She said, oh well you know it wasn't what I planned. 00:10:54.299 --> 00:10:57.139 But now we have her here and it's so wonderful. 00:10:58.620 --> 00:11:01.399 I thought, man, I don't know if I could go through all that. 00:11:02.120 --> 00:11:03.679 And she seemed so excited. 00:11:03.679 --> 00:11:10.239 This groaning that we experience is like childbirth, verse 22 says. 00:11:11.599 --> 00:11:15.919 It's a severe pain but a hopeful pain. 00:11:16.319 --> 00:11:20.359 A pain that doesn't last forever but looks forward. 00:11:21.500 --> 00:11:27.079 Looks ahead on tiptoes to glory that is coming. 00:11:28.799 --> 00:11:29.759 And here's our problem. 00:11:29.759 --> 00:11:33.759 We are often caught flat footed. 00:11:34.559 --> 00:11:35.639 Not on tiptoe. 00:11:36.980 --> 00:11:43.360 I love that the Bible acknowledges the reality of life and doesn't minimize our pain and suffering. 00:11:43.919 --> 00:11:47.539 But it gives us different messages from the ones we swim in. 00:11:47.620 --> 00:11:51.519 The ones we hear every day about how to make our lives better here. 00:11:52.740 --> 00:11:55.700 Pop psychology saying, you know, grin and bear it. 00:11:56.399 --> 00:11:57.759 Turn that frown upside down. 00:11:57.759 --> 00:12:03.279 Or as I heard this week, think positive, be happier. 00:12:05.600 --> 00:12:11.980 Politicians offering hope of fixing your city or making America great again. 00:12:13.939 --> 00:12:17.919 Pastors chime in with false promises of a better life here. 00:12:18.480 --> 00:12:20.100 Have your best life now. 00:12:21.720 --> 00:12:23.600 Speak your truth into reality. 00:12:23.600 --> 00:12:30.500 All of these are intended to offer hope to groaning people, aren't they? 00:12:30.960 --> 00:12:32.040 That's very well intended. 00:12:33.060 --> 00:12:34.700 That's the desire there. 00:12:35.440 --> 00:12:38.340 You've heard them in many places, in many forms. 00:12:38.680 --> 00:12:42.200 Here's a rope you can hold on to if life is drowning you. 00:12:42.440 --> 00:12:43.940 Here's something that will give you hope. 00:12:43.940 --> 00:12:55.520 The problem is all these solutions for hope and a better life here center on us and our control, don't they? 00:12:56.600 --> 00:12:57.420 Think about it. 00:12:58.980 --> 00:13:03.000 They're about us making our lives better. 00:13:04.460 --> 00:13:05.580 Can I just be honest? 00:13:05.580 --> 00:13:10.040 I've lived long enough to realize I'm part of the problem. 00:13:11.100 --> 00:13:15.420 So finding hope in myself is a nice thought for a minute because it makes me really proud. 00:13:16.040 --> 00:13:19.960 But honestly, it's really a disappointing offer to me. 00:13:20.460 --> 00:13:24.940 I groan not merely because the world out there is painful and difficult, 00:13:24.940 --> 00:13:34.380 but particularly because I still act selfishly and hurt the ones I love most. 00:13:35.420 --> 00:13:37.180 Even on Easter weekend, I do it. 00:13:37.260 --> 00:13:40.520 I mean, doesn't everyone understand Easter weekend is busy for pastors? 00:13:41.220 --> 00:13:46.480 So they get a weekend to just think about themselves and not listen thoughtfully to their wife and kids, right? 00:13:48.220 --> 00:13:49.500 Man, how selfish. 00:13:49.500 --> 00:13:57.039 I still grasp at control and frustrate people I should trust and respect. 00:13:58.779 --> 00:14:03.019 I don't want this to be my best life now. 00:14:03.659 --> 00:14:06.019 I don't want to be flat-footed. 00:14:06.840 --> 00:14:10.740 I don't want to keep going and think this is all there is. 00:14:10.899 --> 00:14:16.899 I want to be done with these failings, looking forward on tiptoes to that day. 00:14:16.899 --> 00:14:20.959 And that's the difference of the message of Easter. 00:14:22.039 --> 00:14:26.220 See, the Bible doesn't just acknowledge the reality of pain. 00:14:26.919 --> 00:14:31.879 You probably know God's promise to wipe away every tear one day, right? 00:14:32.659 --> 00:14:38.360 Did you know that Psalm 56 says God collects and counts our tears now? 00:14:38.360 --> 00:14:42.080 He cares about our groaning? 00:14:43.419 --> 00:14:47.899 And yes, Jesus makes a difference in this world, as I was saying earlier. 00:14:48.279 --> 00:14:49.980 We talk about that a lot here. 00:14:50.019 --> 00:14:53.560 His new kingdom, a new society, new people. 00:14:54.060 --> 00:14:58.879 But he also says in this world we will never be through groaning. 00:14:58.879 --> 00:15:03.340 It's still Friday here. 00:15:05.259 --> 00:15:12.500 And so Jesus enters into our groaning to bring us glory. 00:15:13.879 --> 00:15:17.799 An eternal glory that is actually our true hope. 00:15:18.340 --> 00:15:20.019 That's the good news of Easter. 00:15:20.600 --> 00:15:24.960 In 1 Corinthians 15 we read of the basis for true hope. 00:15:24.960 --> 00:15:27.980 And it's not in ourselves, it's in someone else. 00:15:28.800 --> 00:15:30.900 1 Corinthians 15 verse 3. 00:15:31.259 --> 00:15:35.120 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received. 00:15:35.379 --> 00:15:37.240 What's the most important thing? 00:15:37.600 --> 00:15:40.200 What's the basis for all of our hope? 00:15:40.920 --> 00:15:42.720 It's not something we do. 00:15:44.220 --> 00:15:45.180 Who does it? 00:15:45.940 --> 00:15:49.519 Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures. 00:15:50.400 --> 00:15:51.780 He was buried. 00:15:51.779 --> 00:15:55.980 He was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures. 00:15:56.339 --> 00:16:02.159 And he appeared to Cephas the 12 and then more than 500 at the same time. 00:16:03.379 --> 00:16:05.279 He did that. 00:16:05.899 --> 00:16:10.220 God doesn't stand far off and close his ears to our groaning. 00:16:11.120 --> 00:16:11.459 No. 00:16:11.860 --> 00:16:15.839 Jesus enters in and endures our suffering. 00:16:15.840 --> 00:16:18.540 The difficulties of this life. 00:16:18.800 --> 00:16:21.180 The painful death of the cross. 00:16:21.560 --> 00:16:23.820 And he does it for us. 00:16:24.139 --> 00:16:25.320 In our place. 00:16:26.460 --> 00:16:28.660 He groans in agony. 00:16:30.120 --> 00:16:31.740 But then he shouts. 00:16:32.240 --> 00:16:33.200 In victory. 00:16:33.759 --> 00:16:35.820 Because death couldn't handle him. 00:16:36.120 --> 00:16:38.060 And the grave couldn't hold him. 00:16:38.720 --> 00:16:39.660 Pastor Lockridge. 00:16:39.659 --> 00:16:42.379 He rises from the dead. 00:16:42.860 --> 00:16:43.860 And Easter says. 00:16:44.179 --> 00:16:46.219 God hasn't given up on this world. 00:16:46.659 --> 00:16:49.039 All creation will get resurrection. 00:16:49.939 --> 00:16:53.179 The hope of Easter is an eternal hope. 00:16:53.879 --> 00:16:55.639 It's not one fully realized. 00:16:55.860 --> 00:16:58.279 Looking around flat footed at ourselves. 00:16:59.279 --> 00:17:01.939 But one we see looking on tiptoes. 00:17:02.439 --> 00:17:03.600 Into the future. 00:17:03.980 --> 00:17:04.940 For glory. 00:17:05.500 --> 00:17:06.619 For our Savior. 00:17:06.619 --> 00:17:09.199 Set your hope fully. 00:17:09.819 --> 00:17:10.879 On the grace. 00:17:11.539 --> 00:17:12.959 That will be brought to you. 00:17:13.159 --> 00:17:14.139 At the revelation. 00:17:14.759 --> 00:17:16.579 Of Jesus Christ. 00:17:16.939 --> 00:17:18.119 1 Peter chapter 1. 00:17:19.759 --> 00:17:21.539 See because of Easter. 00:17:22.500 --> 00:17:24.959 Because of what Jesus has done. 00:17:25.339 --> 00:17:26.459 Our hope. 00:17:27.219 --> 00:17:28.839 Is in a future. 00:17:29.839 --> 00:17:30.159 Glory. 00:17:30.979 --> 00:17:32.759 It's not merely a hope. 00:17:32.899 --> 00:17:33.879 For this life. 00:17:33.879 --> 00:17:35.859 It's hope in the future. 00:17:36.619 --> 00:17:38.159 1 Corinthians 15. 00:17:38.319 --> 00:17:39.439 At verse 19. 00:17:39.839 --> 00:17:40.799 If in Christ. 00:17:40.979 --> 00:17:41.719 We have hope. 00:17:41.879 --> 00:17:43.559 In this life only. 00:17:44.079 --> 00:17:45.539 We are of all people. 00:17:45.699 --> 00:17:46.159 Most. 00:17:46.459 --> 00:17:47.179 To be pitied. 00:17:47.839 --> 00:17:48.419 But in fact. 00:17:48.519 --> 00:17:50.000 Christ has been raised from the dead. 00:17:50.059 --> 00:17:50.939 The first fruits. 00:17:51.039 --> 00:17:52.559 Of those who have fallen asleep. 00:17:53.419 --> 00:17:55.219 For as by a man came death. 00:17:55.500 --> 00:17:57.099 By a man has come also. 00:17:57.359 --> 00:17:58.959 The resurrection of the dead. 00:17:59.959 --> 00:18:00.839 For as in Adam. 00:18:00.839 --> 00:18:01.639 All die. 00:18:01.639 --> 00:18:03.419 So also in Christ. 00:18:03.420 --> 00:18:04.779 Christ shall all. 00:18:05.240 --> 00:18:05.920 Be made. 00:18:06.640 --> 00:18:07.200 Alive. 00:18:07.740 --> 00:18:09.660 The resurrection of Jesus. 00:18:10.480 --> 00:18:13.160 Means a resurrection for us. 00:18:13.720 --> 00:18:13.940 Too. 00:18:14.080 --> 00:18:14.519 Doesn't it? 00:18:14.800 --> 00:18:16.120 That's what Jesus says. 00:18:16.380 --> 00:18:17.380 First fruits. 00:18:17.800 --> 00:18:18.240 Means. 00:18:18.500 --> 00:18:21.300 That there's another resurrection coming. 00:18:21.720 --> 00:18:22.940 Another Sunday. 00:18:23.440 --> 00:18:23.900 Coming. 00:18:24.060 --> 00:18:25.800 At the end of our Friday. 00:18:25.799 --> 00:18:26.000 Friday. 00:18:27.619 --> 00:18:29.200 The promise of life. 00:18:29.559 --> 00:18:31.299 To those facing death. 00:18:31.519 --> 00:18:34.539 To those enduring in a good Friday world. 00:18:35.200 --> 00:18:36.379 Is hope. 00:18:36.799 --> 00:18:37.519 And life. 00:18:38.019 --> 00:18:38.379 Forever. 00:18:38.579 --> 00:18:39.500 Because our king. 00:18:39.700 --> 00:18:40.460 And champion. 00:18:40.779 --> 00:18:42.159 Has conquered death. 00:18:42.720 --> 00:18:44.220 So he offers to us. 00:18:44.779 --> 00:18:45.220 Life. 00:18:47.319 --> 00:18:49.139 What does that glorious life look like? 00:18:49.140 --> 00:18:52.320 It's the glorious restoration. 00:18:52.840 --> 00:18:54.720 Of all of God's creation. 00:18:55.180 --> 00:18:56.620 To the way he intended it. 00:18:56.720 --> 00:18:57.080 Isn't it? 00:18:58.140 --> 00:19:00.000 That glory we read about earlier. 00:19:00.180 --> 00:19:01.860 That far outweighs. 00:19:01.860 --> 00:19:04.680 Even our most painful sufferings here. 00:19:05.280 --> 00:19:07.360 That's even more beautiful than these flowers. 00:19:07.820 --> 00:19:09.520 And certainly longer lasting. 00:19:10.680 --> 00:19:12.700 A glory that is more intense. 00:19:13.140 --> 00:19:14.220 And more permanent. 00:19:14.640 --> 00:19:16.640 Than your deepest pain. 00:19:16.960 --> 00:19:17.780 Or suffering. 00:19:17.779 --> 00:19:21.519 The rest of 1 Corinthians 15. 00:19:21.639 --> 00:19:23.740 Tells us some things to look forward to. 00:19:23.839 --> 00:19:24.720 To rejoice in. 00:19:25.980 --> 00:19:27.899 Our physical bodies for example. 00:19:28.119 --> 00:19:29.480 Are transformed. 00:19:29.740 --> 00:19:30.899 Verse 42. 00:19:31.359 --> 00:19:33.460 So it is with the resurrection of the dead. 00:19:33.779 --> 00:19:35.279 What is sown is perishable. 00:19:35.660 --> 00:19:37.440 What is raised is imperishable. 00:19:38.000 --> 00:19:39.240 It is sown in dishonor. 00:19:39.339 --> 00:19:40.519 It is raised in glory. 00:19:40.819 --> 00:19:42.039 It is sown in weakness. 00:19:42.039 --> 00:19:43.740 It is raised in power. 00:19:44.139 --> 00:19:45.779 It is sown a natural body. 00:19:45.779 --> 00:19:48.960 It is raised a spiritual body. 00:19:49.799 --> 00:19:51.480 Power and strength. 00:19:52.420 --> 00:19:52.980 Honor. 00:19:53.879 --> 00:19:54.480 Permanence. 00:19:55.059 --> 00:19:58.859 I don't know exactly what our new bodies will be like. 00:19:59.680 --> 00:20:01.119 But I know it will be glorious. 00:20:02.259 --> 00:20:05.240 And I don't think I'll groan when I stand up anymore. 00:20:05.240 --> 00:20:07.599 Perhaps even better. 00:20:07.759 --> 00:20:10.620 I'll live life in community with others. 00:20:10.779 --> 00:20:14.819 With no self-consciousness about what I feel like or look like. 00:20:14.859 --> 00:20:15.819 With no shame. 00:20:17.099 --> 00:20:19.759 But there's even more here as we keep reading. 00:20:20.519 --> 00:20:21.660 Verse 26 says, 00:20:21.660 --> 00:20:25.320 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 00:20:25.880 --> 00:20:29.080 When the perishable puts on the imperishable. 00:20:29.360 --> 00:20:31.500 And the mortal puts on immortality. 00:20:32.100 --> 00:20:34.420 Then shall come to pass the saying that is written. 00:20:34.880 --> 00:20:36.860 Death is swallowed up in victory. 00:20:37.380 --> 00:20:38.840 Oh death where is your victory? 00:20:39.200 --> 00:20:40.860 Oh death where is your sting? 00:20:41.800 --> 00:20:43.220 The sting of death is sin. 00:20:43.300 --> 00:20:44.940 And the power of sin is the law. 00:20:44.940 --> 00:20:51.420 But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:20:52.620 --> 00:20:53.180 Death. 00:20:53.940 --> 00:20:55.380 The final enemy. 00:20:56.200 --> 00:20:56.799 And sin. 00:20:57.100 --> 00:20:58.039 The sting of death. 00:20:58.440 --> 00:21:00.259 Swallowed up completely. 00:21:00.820 --> 00:21:02.019 Done away with. 00:21:02.500 --> 00:21:03.140 Forever. 00:21:05.180 --> 00:21:06.320 Y'all just think for a minute. 00:21:07.900 --> 00:21:09.140 The glory. 00:21:10.140 --> 00:21:11.539 Of no more death. 00:21:13.480 --> 00:21:14.740 No more grieving. 00:21:15.880 --> 00:21:16.559 Loss. 00:21:17.900 --> 00:21:19.000 And no more sin. 00:21:19.620 --> 00:21:21.160 No more goodbyes. 00:21:22.039 --> 00:21:26.240 No more fears over harm that could come to a child or a friend. 00:21:27.700 --> 00:21:30.200 No more devastating news reports. 00:21:31.580 --> 00:21:31.980 Rather. 00:21:32.799 --> 00:21:34.500 Fullness of life. 00:21:34.860 --> 00:21:35.840 And love. 00:21:36.640 --> 00:21:37.640 And friendship. 00:21:38.000 --> 00:21:39.840 And all the joys of relationship. 00:21:40.380 --> 00:21:40.820 Forever. 00:21:41.200 --> 00:21:43.240 A world of justice and peace. 00:21:43.240 --> 00:21:44.799 Because if death. 00:21:44.920 --> 00:21:46.680 The final enemy is defeated. 00:21:46.819 --> 00:21:50.019 Then so are all the other ones that mar this world. 00:21:50.019 --> 00:21:58.180 I can't even comprehend what a sin free will feels like. 00:21:58.180 --> 00:22:00.519 Can you imagine for yourself? 00:22:02.099 --> 00:22:04.599 Longing only for God all the time. 00:22:05.480 --> 00:22:09.279 Thinking only of his priorities rather than my own. 00:22:09.980 --> 00:22:11.599 Serving only his kingdom. 00:22:11.599 --> 00:22:13.599 And never feeling insignificant. 00:22:13.599 --> 00:22:14.000 And never feeling insignificant. 00:22:14.559 --> 00:22:15.219 Or unimportant. 00:22:15.659 --> 00:22:16.500 Or ashamed. 00:22:18.359 --> 00:22:19.839 Anxieties relieved. 00:22:21.480 --> 00:22:23.399 Insecurities banished. 00:22:23.819 --> 00:22:25.939 Self-righteousness eliminated. 00:22:25.940 --> 00:22:30.640 Jesus chases evil away. 00:22:30.940 --> 00:22:33.240 He writes all wrongs. 00:22:33.320 --> 00:22:35.799 And he brings us to himself. 00:22:36.000 --> 00:22:37.360 That's our risen king. 00:22:37.480 --> 00:22:37.680 Amen. 00:22:37.680 --> 00:22:37.820 Amen. 00:22:38.820 --> 00:22:41.440 And so we will be with him. 00:22:41.820 --> 00:22:42.779 With the Lord. 00:22:43.660 --> 00:22:44.360 Forever. 00:22:46.559 --> 00:22:48.940 Y'all evil never returns. 00:22:50.940 --> 00:22:53.580 Sin never haunts again. 00:22:53.579 --> 00:22:53.619 Sin. 00:22:54.779 --> 00:22:55.419 Death. 00:22:56.139 --> 00:22:57.419 Is dead. 00:22:58.559 --> 00:23:00.079 Thanks be to God. 00:23:00.259 --> 00:23:02.179 Who gives us the victory. 00:23:02.179 --> 00:23:04.119 Through our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:23:04.419 --> 00:23:05.539 An eternal Sunday. 00:23:05.939 --> 00:23:07.319 An eternal hope. 00:23:07.559 --> 00:23:10.199 That's what Jesus offers us on Easter. 00:23:12.859 --> 00:23:15.519 Most of you heard at the beginning of this service. 00:23:16.559 --> 00:23:19.319 The recording of Pastor S.M. Lockridge. 00:23:19.319 --> 00:23:19.720 Preaching. 00:23:20.519 --> 00:23:20.879 Preaching. 00:23:21.099 --> 00:23:21.819 Reflecting. 00:23:22.279 --> 00:23:24.000 On the first Good Friday. 00:23:24.799 --> 00:23:28.279 And looking forward to that first Easter Sunday. 00:23:28.720 --> 00:23:29.679 It's Friday. 00:23:30.460 --> 00:23:32.559 But Sunday's a coming. 00:23:34.439 --> 00:23:36.039 I don't have his voice. 00:23:37.399 --> 00:23:38.599 But here's an attempt. 00:23:39.000 --> 00:23:39.859 In that vein. 00:23:40.240 --> 00:23:42.639 To reflect on this Friday world. 00:23:42.639 --> 00:23:46.139 And look forward to an eternal Sunday. 00:23:46.140 --> 00:23:48.960 It's Friday. 00:23:49.800 --> 00:23:51.660 Creation is groaning. 00:23:52.240 --> 00:23:53.600 People are moaning. 00:23:54.400 --> 00:23:56.380 Predatory lenders are loaning. 00:23:56.900 --> 00:23:58.700 But Sunday's coming. 00:23:59.840 --> 00:24:00.580 It's Friday. 00:24:01.100 --> 00:24:02.759 Enemies are reviling. 00:24:03.160 --> 00:24:04.720 Liars are deceiving. 00:24:05.120 --> 00:24:06.300 Gangs are killing. 00:24:06.720 --> 00:24:09.759 But they don't know Sunday's coming. 00:24:10.840 --> 00:24:11.960 It's Friday. 00:24:13.220 --> 00:24:14.480 Siblings are arguing. 00:24:14.480 --> 00:24:16.460 Parents are wondering. 00:24:17.180 --> 00:24:18.200 Children are wondering. 00:24:19.000 --> 00:24:20.279 But it's only Friday. 00:24:21.519 --> 00:24:22.860 Sunday's coming. 00:24:23.420 --> 00:24:24.279 It's Friday. 00:24:24.759 --> 00:24:26.000 Cancer is attacking. 00:24:26.440 --> 00:24:28.279 Depression is darkening. 00:24:28.940 --> 00:24:30.579 Christians are doubting. 00:24:31.740 --> 00:24:33.299 But Sunday's coming. 00:24:34.880 --> 00:24:35.559 It's Friday. 00:24:36.720 --> 00:24:38.380 Substances are addicting. 00:24:39.180 --> 00:24:41.120 Pornography is enslaving. 00:24:41.519 --> 00:24:43.099 Traffickers are profiting. 00:24:43.099 --> 00:24:46.299 But they don't know Sunday's coming. 00:24:47.079 --> 00:24:47.859 It's Friday. 00:24:48.099 --> 00:24:49.959 Selfishness is controlling. 00:24:50.480 --> 00:24:52.059 Anger is exploding. 00:24:52.480 --> 00:24:54.119 Divorce is overwhelming. 00:24:54.659 --> 00:24:55.919 But it's only Friday. 00:24:57.679 --> 00:24:59.559 And Sunday's coming. 00:25:01.339 --> 00:25:02.000 It's Friday. 00:25:03.199 --> 00:25:04.259 Hunger is aching. 00:25:04.939 --> 00:25:05.980 Thieves are taking. 00:25:06.719 --> 00:25:08.119 Friends are forsaking. 00:25:09.059 --> 00:25:10.379 But Sunday's coming. 00:25:10.380 --> 00:25:12.380 It's Friday. 00:25:12.380 --> 00:25:12.820 It's Friday. 00:25:13.140 --> 00:25:14.860 Racism is dividing. 00:25:15.900 --> 00:25:17.660 Shame is oppressing. 00:25:18.520 --> 00:25:19.980 Rich are hoarding. 00:25:20.820 --> 00:25:24.060 But they don't know Sunday's coming. 00:25:25.740 --> 00:25:27.020 It's Friday. 00:25:27.580 --> 00:25:29.940 Darkness is creeping. 00:25:31.200 --> 00:25:32.840 Hate is winning. 00:25:34.240 --> 00:25:36.380 Death is threatening. 00:25:36.380 --> 00:25:39.080 But it's only Friday. 00:25:40.140 --> 00:25:42.400 And Sunday's coming. 00:25:42.800 --> 00:25:43.500 Will you say it with me? 00:25:44.680 --> 00:25:46.300 It's only Friday. 00:25:46.940 --> 00:25:49.220 But Sunday is coming. 00:25:50.340 --> 00:25:56.460 Let me remind you how dark it looked that first Friday. 00:25:56.460 --> 00:26:00.819 And at the same time. 00:26:01.059 --> 00:26:02.259 How much glory. 00:26:03.259 --> 00:26:04.740 How much hope. 00:26:05.440 --> 00:26:08.680 Easter Sunday brought into that darkness. 00:26:09.160 --> 00:26:10.680 And God will do it again. 00:26:11.519 --> 00:26:13.600 He promises forever. 00:26:14.240 --> 00:26:16.380 All those things from Friday. 00:26:16.920 --> 00:26:18.460 Completely gone. 00:26:19.460 --> 00:26:20.799 Never to return. 00:26:20.799 --> 00:26:24.539 An eternal Sunday is coming. 00:26:26.619 --> 00:26:28.879 So yes there's work to be done here. 00:26:30.480 --> 00:26:33.240 But it begins with fixing our eyes. 00:26:33.559 --> 00:26:35.399 Not on what is seen. 00:26:36.079 --> 00:26:37.759 But on what is unseen. 00:26:38.019 --> 00:26:39.619 For what is seen is temporary. 00:26:40.039 --> 00:26:41.799 But what is unseen. 00:26:41.799 --> 00:26:43.359 Yet at this moment. 00:26:43.359 --> 00:26:44.379 Is eternal. 00:26:44.380 --> 00:26:48.520 Most of the glimpses of glory. 00:26:49.060 --> 00:26:49.560 In the Bible. 00:26:49.960 --> 00:26:52.480 Are given with instructions for us. 00:26:52.560 --> 00:26:53.360 As we wait. 00:26:54.320 --> 00:26:55.740 To be encouraged. 00:26:56.780 --> 00:26:58.400 To stand firm. 00:26:59.140 --> 00:27:00.880 To be patient. 00:27:02.800 --> 00:27:04.120 To endure. 00:27:05.380 --> 00:27:06.420 To hope. 00:27:06.820 --> 00:27:08.220 Even as we wait. 00:27:08.780 --> 00:27:09.540 To hope. 00:27:09.539 --> 00:27:13.039 God meets you. 00:27:13.399 --> 00:27:14.279 In your groaning. 00:27:14.700 --> 00:27:15.299 This morning. 00:27:15.480 --> 00:27:16.940 And he wants to pull you up. 00:27:18.299 --> 00:27:20.180 He wants to stretch you. 00:27:20.279 --> 00:27:21.379 To your tip toes. 00:27:21.639 --> 00:27:23.099 And turn your eyes. 00:27:23.379 --> 00:27:24.279 To eternity. 00:27:25.619 --> 00:27:26.960 To comfort you. 00:27:28.139 --> 00:27:29.240 And encourage you. 00:27:29.720 --> 00:27:30.379 Where you are. 00:27:33.379 --> 00:27:34.379 Sunday's coming. 00:27:35.639 --> 00:27:37.960 An eternal Sunday is coming. 00:27:37.960 --> 00:27:40.180 The wolf. 00:27:40.180 --> 00:27:41.640 Shall dwell with the lamb. 00:27:41.779 --> 00:27:42.200 And the leopard. 00:27:42.400 --> 00:27:42.960 Shall lie down. 00:27:43.039 --> 00:27:43.819 With the young goat. 00:27:44.400 --> 00:27:45.200 And the calf. 00:27:45.319 --> 00:27:45.840 And the lion. 00:27:46.059 --> 00:27:46.960 And the fattened calf. 00:27:47.059 --> 00:27:47.380 Together. 00:27:47.900 --> 00:27:48.799 And a little child. 00:27:49.120 --> 00:27:49.759 Shall lead them. 00:27:50.279 --> 00:27:50.819 The cow. 00:27:50.880 --> 00:27:51.299 And the bear. 00:27:51.440 --> 00:27:52.100 Shall graze. 00:27:52.180 --> 00:27:52.640 Their young. 00:27:52.779 --> 00:27:53.940 Shall lie down together. 00:27:54.240 --> 00:27:54.920 And the lion. 00:27:55.079 --> 00:27:55.779 Shall eat straw. 00:27:55.860 --> 00:27:56.680 Like the ox. 00:27:57.019 --> 00:27:58.180 The nursing child. 00:27:58.360 --> 00:27:59.240 Shall play. 00:27:59.279 --> 00:27:59.860 Over the hole. 00:27:59.920 --> 00:28:00.500 Of the cobra. 00:28:00.660 --> 00:28:01.539 And the weaned child. 00:28:01.660 --> 00:28:02.840 Shall put his hand. 00:28:02.860 --> 00:28:03.880 On the adder's den. 00:28:04.360 --> 00:28:05.480 They shall not hurt. 00:28:05.620 --> 00:28:06.420 Or destroy. 00:28:06.420 --> 00:28:07.779 In all my holy. 00:28:07.779 --> 00:28:08.180 Mountain. 00:28:08.180 --> 00:28:09.319 For the earth. 00:28:09.460 --> 00:28:10.500 Shall be full. 00:28:10.500 --> 00:28:11.599 Of the knowledge. 00:28:11.720 --> 00:28:12.539 Of the Lord. 00:28:12.700 --> 00:28:13.619 As the waters. 00:28:13.980 --> 00:28:15.420 Cover the seas. 00:28:16.519 --> 00:28:17.440 Mortal enemies. 00:28:17.599 --> 00:28:17.879 Together. 00:28:18.579 --> 00:28:19.240 At peace. 00:28:20.059 --> 00:28:20.639 After this. 00:28:20.779 --> 00:28:21.480 I looked. 00:28:21.579 --> 00:28:21.980 And behold. 00:28:22.079 --> 00:28:23.059 A great multitude. 00:28:24.160 --> 00:28:25.259 That no one could number. 00:28:25.819 --> 00:28:26.819 From every nation. 00:28:26.980 --> 00:28:28.240 From all tribes. 00:28:28.559 --> 00:28:29.259 And peoples. 00:28:29.420 --> 00:28:29.960 And languages. 00:28:30.279 --> 00:28:31.460 Standing before the throne. 00:28:31.539 --> 00:28:32.420 And before the lamb. 00:28:32.779 --> 00:28:34.519 Clothed in white robes. 00:28:34.559 --> 00:28:35.480 With palm branches. 00:28:35.480 --> 00:28:36.379 In their hands. 00:28:36.380 --> 00:28:37.620 And crying out. 00:28:37.700 --> 00:28:38.680 With a loud voice. 00:28:39.100 --> 00:28:40.280 Salvation belongs. 00:28:40.280 --> 00:28:41.140 To our God. 00:28:41.260 --> 00:28:42.600 Who sits on the throne. 00:28:43.000 --> 00:28:43.740 And to. 00:28:44.320 --> 00:28:45.040 The lamb. 00:28:46.980 --> 00:28:47.540 Therefore. 00:28:47.720 --> 00:28:48.060 They are. 00:28:48.600 --> 00:28:49.000 Before. 00:28:49.340 --> 00:28:50.200 The throne of God. 00:28:50.560 --> 00:28:51.640 And serve him. 00:28:52.240 --> 00:28:52.860 Day and night. 00:28:52.980 --> 00:28:53.540 In his temple. 00:28:54.540 --> 00:28:55.860 And he who sits on the throne. 00:28:56.020 --> 00:28:56.220 Will. 00:28:56.600 --> 00:28:57.360 Shelter them. 00:28:57.780 --> 00:28:58.740 With his presence. 00:28:58.740 --> 00:29:01.660 So they shall hunger. 00:29:01.660 --> 00:29:02.660 No more. 00:29:03.620 --> 00:29:04.680 Neither thirst. 00:29:05.099 --> 00:29:05.620 Any more. 00:29:05.960 --> 00:29:07.559 The sun shall not strike them. 00:29:07.660 --> 00:29:09.039 Nor any scorching heat. 00:29:09.380 --> 00:29:10.160 For the lamb. 00:29:10.240 --> 00:29:11.460 In the midst of the throne. 00:29:11.460 --> 00:29:13.019 Will be their shepherd. 00:29:13.579 --> 00:29:15.099 And he will guide them. 00:29:15.559 --> 00:29:17.000 To springs of living water. 00:29:17.720 --> 00:29:19.120 And God will wipe away. 00:29:19.599 --> 00:29:20.480 Every tear. 00:29:21.160 --> 00:29:22.120 From their eyes. 00:29:24.059 --> 00:29:24.500 Sheltered. 00:29:24.960 --> 00:29:26.160 By God's presence. 00:29:26.160 --> 00:29:28.580 Nothing to fear. 00:29:29.460 --> 00:29:30.160 No racism. 00:29:30.340 --> 00:29:31.340 Or classism. 00:29:31.620 --> 00:29:32.240 Left there. 00:29:32.420 --> 00:29:33.400 Around his throne. 00:29:33.480 --> 00:29:33.740 Is there? 00:29:35.220 --> 00:29:36.460 And then I saw a new heaven. 00:29:36.519 --> 00:29:37.060 And a new earth. 00:29:37.140 --> 00:29:37.880 For the first heaven. 00:29:37.920 --> 00:29:38.620 And the first earth. 00:29:38.680 --> 00:29:39.420 Had passed away. 00:29:39.480 --> 00:29:40.560 And the sea was no more. 00:29:40.800 --> 00:29:42.200 And I saw the holy city. 00:29:42.380 --> 00:29:43.180 New Jerusalem. 00:29:43.420 --> 00:29:44.060 Coming down. 00:29:44.120 --> 00:29:44.700 Out of heaven. 00:29:44.700 --> 00:29:45.360 From God. 00:29:45.700 --> 00:29:46.779 Prepared as a bride. 00:29:46.860 --> 00:29:48.279 Adorned for her husband. 00:29:48.820 --> 00:29:50.140 And I heard a loud voice. 00:29:50.140 --> 00:29:50.820 From the throne. 00:29:50.980 --> 00:29:51.259 Saying. 00:29:51.540 --> 00:29:51.900 Behold. 00:29:51.980 --> 00:29:53.340 The dwelling place of God. 00:29:53.340 --> 00:29:54.160 Is with man. 00:29:54.160 --> 00:29:55.660 He will dwell with them. 00:29:55.660 --> 00:29:56.960 And they will be his people. 00:29:57.360 --> 00:29:58.140 And God himself. 00:29:58.140 --> 00:29:59.080 Will be with them. 00:29:59.080 --> 00:30:00.060 As their God. 00:30:00.700 --> 00:30:01.779 He will wipe away. 00:30:01.980 --> 00:30:02.440 Every tear. 00:30:02.680 --> 00:30:03.380 From their eyes. 00:30:03.980 --> 00:30:05.380 And death shall be no more. 00:30:06.600 --> 00:30:07.800 Neither shall there be mourning. 00:30:08.759 --> 00:30:09.540 Nor crying. 00:30:10.320 --> 00:30:11.100 Nor pain. 00:30:11.140 --> 00:30:11.600 Any more. 00:30:12.880 --> 00:30:14.200 For the former things. 00:30:14.540 --> 00:30:15.460 Have passed away. 00:30:16.620 --> 00:30:17.100 Gone. 00:30:17.420 --> 00:30:17.779 Forever. 00:30:19.040 --> 00:30:19.840 Sunday's a coming. 00:30:22.680 --> 00:30:23.500 Our citizenship. 00:30:23.500 --> 00:30:24.200 Is in heaven. 00:30:24.200 --> 00:30:25.500 And from it. 00:30:25.580 --> 00:30:26.019 We await. 00:30:26.019 --> 00:30:26.799 A savior. 00:30:27.460 --> 00:30:28.740 The Lord Jesus Christ. 00:30:28.740 --> 00:30:30.019 Who will transform. 00:30:30.019 --> 00:30:31.279 Our lowly body. 00:30:31.279 --> 00:30:32.920 To be like his. 00:30:33.360 --> 00:30:33.960 Glorious. 00:30:34.600 --> 00:30:35.000 Body. 00:30:35.480 --> 00:30:35.980 From there. 00:30:36.440 --> 00:30:37.340 We await a savior. 00:30:38.460 --> 00:30:39.440 And isn't he the most. 00:30:39.759 --> 00:30:40.620 Glorious part. 00:30:40.620 --> 00:30:41.759 Of all that we can see. 00:30:41.840 --> 00:30:42.840 As we stand. 00:30:42.940 --> 00:30:43.559 And look forward. 00:30:44.180 --> 00:30:45.039 The one whose. 00:30:45.400 --> 00:30:46.120 Presence there. 00:30:46.259 --> 00:30:47.240 Makes it glorious. 00:30:47.759 --> 00:30:48.900 And whose presence there. 00:30:49.299 --> 00:30:49.940 Guarantees. 00:30:50.019 --> 00:30:51.279 Our presence there. 00:30:51.340 --> 00:30:51.660 Because. 00:30:52.000 --> 00:30:52.600 He lives. 00:30:52.740 --> 00:30:53.220 We too. 00:30:53.319 --> 00:30:53.860 Will live. 00:30:54.339 --> 00:30:55.659 Can you see our risen king. 00:30:56.259 --> 00:30:57.279 As you look forward. 00:30:59.919 --> 00:31:01.240 I saw in the night visions. 00:31:01.439 --> 00:31:02.919 Behold with the clouds of heaven. 00:31:03.019 --> 00:31:04.659 There came one like the son of man. 00:31:05.119 --> 00:31:06.679 And he came to the ancient of days. 00:31:06.759 --> 00:31:08.519 And was presented before him. 00:31:08.519 --> 00:31:10.399 And to him was given dominion. 00:31:10.559 --> 00:31:11.299 And glory. 00:31:11.679 --> 00:31:12.319 And a kingdom. 00:31:12.639 --> 00:31:13.639 That all peoples. 00:31:13.779 --> 00:31:14.859 Nations and languages. 00:31:15.199 --> 00:31:16.339 Should serve him. 00:31:16.679 --> 00:31:17.519 His dominion. 00:31:17.639 --> 00:31:19.699 Is an everlasting dominion. 00:31:20.159 --> 00:31:21.099 Which shall not. 00:31:21.399 --> 00:31:21.979 Pass away. 00:31:21.980 --> 00:31:23.620 And his kingdom. 00:31:23.620 --> 00:31:24.059 One. 00:31:24.660 --> 00:31:25.420 That shall not. 00:31:25.799 --> 00:31:26.860 Be destroyed. 00:31:28.860 --> 00:31:29.759 One of the elders. 00:31:29.940 --> 00:31:30.440 Said to me. 00:31:30.519 --> 00:31:31.240 Weep no more. 00:31:31.559 --> 00:31:32.420 Behold the lion. 00:31:32.620 --> 00:31:33.799 Of the tribe of Judah. 00:31:34.279 --> 00:31:34.980 The root. 00:31:35.200 --> 00:31:35.960 Of David. 00:31:36.319 --> 00:31:37.120 Has conquered. 00:31:37.519 --> 00:31:38.480 So that he can open. 00:31:38.680 --> 00:31:39.400 The scroll. 00:31:39.799 --> 00:31:40.880 And its seven seals. 00:31:41.279 --> 00:31:42.339 And between the throne. 00:31:42.420 --> 00:31:43.539 And the four living creatures. 00:31:43.660 --> 00:31:44.460 And among the elders. 00:31:44.740 --> 00:31:45.579 I saw a lamb. 00:31:45.900 --> 00:31:47.440 Standing as though it had been slain. 00:31:48.080 --> 00:31:49.000 With seven horns. 00:31:49.000 --> 00:31:50.320 And with seven eyes. 00:31:50.920 --> 00:31:52.080 And when he had taken the scroll. 00:31:52.380 --> 00:31:53.360 The four living creatures. 00:31:53.480 --> 00:31:54.440 And the twenty-four elders. 00:31:54.700 --> 00:31:56.220 Fell down before the lamb. 00:31:56.440 --> 00:31:57.539 Each holding a harp. 00:31:57.640 --> 00:31:59.380 And golden bowls full of incense. 00:31:59.480 --> 00:32:00.759 The prayers of the saints. 00:32:01.559 --> 00:32:02.759 And they sang a new song. 00:32:03.180 --> 00:32:03.519 Saying. 00:32:03.980 --> 00:32:04.779 Worthy are you. 00:32:04.900 --> 00:32:05.840 To take the scroll. 00:32:06.039 --> 00:32:07.220 And to open its seals. 00:32:07.660 --> 00:32:08.720 For you were slain. 00:32:08.799 --> 00:32:09.740 And by your blood. 00:32:09.900 --> 00:32:11.039 You ransomed people. 00:32:11.160 --> 00:32:11.640 For God. 00:32:11.700 --> 00:32:12.640 From every tribe. 00:32:12.799 --> 00:32:13.519 And language. 00:32:13.720 --> 00:32:14.340 And people. 00:32:14.339 --> 00:32:15.220 And nation. 00:32:15.599 --> 00:32:16.699 And you've made them a kingdom. 00:32:16.879 --> 00:32:17.559 And priests. 00:32:17.879 --> 00:32:18.619 To our God. 00:32:18.679 --> 00:32:19.559 And they shall reign. 00:32:20.059 --> 00:32:20.919 On the earth. 00:32:22.439 --> 00:32:23.019 A lamb. 00:32:23.899 --> 00:32:24.299 Slain. 00:32:25.980 --> 00:32:26.980 One more glimpse. 00:32:28.579 --> 00:32:29.500 In the midst of the lamp. 00:32:29.599 --> 00:32:30.039 Stands. 00:32:30.199 --> 00:32:31.539 One like a son of man. 00:32:32.859 --> 00:32:34.119 Clothed with a long robe. 00:32:34.240 --> 00:32:35.339 And with a golden sash. 00:32:35.339 --> 00:32:36.220 Around his chest. 00:32:36.659 --> 00:32:37.539 The hairs of his head. 00:32:37.659 --> 00:32:38.740 Were white like wool. 00:32:38.859 --> 00:32:39.799 As white as snow. 00:32:40.659 --> 00:32:42.419 His eyes were like a flame of fire. 00:32:42.759 --> 00:32:44.179 His feet were like burnished. 00:32:44.180 --> 00:32:44.740 Bronze. 00:32:44.900 --> 00:32:45.920 Refined in a furnace. 00:32:46.380 --> 00:32:48.240 And his voice was like the roar. 00:32:48.360 --> 00:32:49.240 Of many waters. 00:32:50.180 --> 00:32:51.240 In his right hand. 00:32:51.440 --> 00:32:52.840 He held seven stars. 00:32:53.900 --> 00:32:55.340 From his mouth came a sharp. 00:32:55.460 --> 00:32:56.380 Two-edged sword. 00:32:56.840 --> 00:32:57.660 And his face. 00:32:57.860 --> 00:32:58.900 Was like the sun. 00:32:59.060 --> 00:33:00.940 Shining in full strength. 00:33:01.460 --> 00:33:02.539 When I saw him. 00:33:02.640 --> 00:33:03.820 I fell at his feet. 00:33:03.820 --> 00:33:04.880 As though dead. 00:33:05.920 --> 00:33:08.080 But he laid his right hand on me. 00:33:09.480 --> 00:33:10.420 Saying fear not. 00:33:11.539 --> 00:33:12.539 I'm the first. 00:33:12.920 --> 00:33:13.640 And the last. 00:33:13.640 --> 00:33:14.660 And the living one. 00:33:14.660 --> 00:33:15.960 I died. 00:33:15.960 --> 00:33:16.940 And behold. 00:33:17.120 --> 00:33:18.160 I am alive. 00:33:18.520 --> 00:33:19.480 Forevermore. 00:33:19.900 --> 00:33:21.520 And I have the keys. 00:33:21.840 --> 00:33:22.600 Of death. 00:33:23.300 --> 00:33:24.340 And Hades. 00:33:25.200 --> 00:33:26.240 Can you see him? 00:33:27.840 --> 00:33:29.960 The one who has triumphed. 00:33:30.460 --> 00:33:32.200 Who holds the keys. 00:33:32.420 --> 00:33:33.180 Of death. 00:33:33.540 --> 00:33:34.440 And hell. 00:33:34.920 --> 00:33:36.160 And says to you. 00:33:36.820 --> 00:33:38.380 Fear not. 00:33:38.380 --> 00:33:40.060 I am alive. 00:33:40.060 --> 00:33:41.100 I am alive. 00:33:41.760 --> 00:33:42.060 Forevermore. 00:33:42.060 --> 00:33:42.660 Forevermore. 00:33:43.060 --> 00:33:45.160 And I will bring you. 00:33:45.380 --> 00:33:46.740 To be with me. 00:33:47.700 --> 00:33:48.120 Forever. 00:33:50.480 --> 00:33:51.440 Sunday's coming. 00:33:53.120 --> 00:33:53.840 Jesus. 00:33:54.700 --> 00:33:55.580 Is coming. 00:33:56.700 --> 00:33:57.340 Let's pray. 00:33:57.339 --> 00:34:02.599 Jesus. 00:34:02.759 --> 00:34:03.399 We look forward. 00:34:03.500 --> 00:34:04.159 To that day. 00:34:04.879 --> 00:34:05.220 And. 00:34:06.279 --> 00:34:07.099 A day. 00:34:07.519 --> 00:34:08.619 That never ends. 00:34:11.019 --> 00:34:11.579 Glory. 00:34:11.799 --> 00:34:12.639 That continues. 00:34:12.639 --> 00:34:13.079 Forever. 00:34:13.079 --> 00:34:13.380 Forever. 00:34:13.900 --> 00:34:15.319 And we confess. 00:34:15.440 --> 00:34:16.440 That we so often. 00:34:17.219 --> 00:34:17.799 Don't. 00:34:18.360 --> 00:34:18.579 Look. 00:34:19.019 --> 00:34:19.319 Forward. 00:34:19.460 --> 00:34:19.539 We. 00:34:19.719 --> 00:34:20.500 We look around. 00:34:20.619 --> 00:34:21.259 We look inward. 00:34:21.500 --> 00:34:21.580 We. 00:34:21.760 --> 00:34:22.400 We search. 00:34:22.660 --> 00:34:23.140 Desperately. 00:34:23.140 --> 00:34:23.860 For hope. 00:34:24.000 --> 00:34:24.100 And. 00:34:25.680 --> 00:34:27.040 We fool ourselves. 00:34:29.980 --> 00:34:31.140 Would you stretch us. 00:34:31.220 --> 00:34:32.160 Onto our tiptoes. 00:34:32.200 --> 00:34:32.680 This morning. 00:34:34.560 --> 00:34:35.600 Might you give us. 00:34:35.600 --> 00:34:36.220 A hope. 00:34:36.220 --> 00:34:37.400 That will. 00:34:37.980 --> 00:34:38.700 Never fail. 00:34:39.000 --> 00:34:39.380 A hope. 00:34:39.560 --> 00:34:40.220 That is imperishable. 00:34:42.180 --> 00:34:42.220 Undefiled. 00:34:43.520 --> 00:34:44.500 And unfading. 00:34:44.940 --> 00:34:45.560 Because it is. 00:34:45.920 --> 00:34:46.320 Kept. 00:34:46.640 --> 00:34:47.140 In heaven. 00:34:47.420 --> 00:34:48.140 For us. 00:34:48.860 --> 00:34:50.460 In Jesus Christ. 00:34:51.260 --> 00:34:54.340 Jesus. 00:34:54.500 --> 00:34:54.860 You are the. 00:34:55.240 --> 00:34:55.540 Pinnacle. 00:34:56.400 --> 00:34:57.340 Of that hope. 00:34:59.300 --> 00:35:00.500 The most glorious. 00:35:00.680 --> 00:35:01.240 Part of that. 00:35:01.380 --> 00:35:02.240 Greatest glory. 00:35:02.380 --> 00:35:03.080 We can imagine. 00:35:04.000 --> 00:35:05.260 And we worship you. 00:35:05.380 --> 00:35:06.200 And look forward. 00:35:06.200 --> 00:35:07.640 To being with you. 00:35:08.340 --> 00:35:08.660 Forever. 00:35:09.060 --> 00:35:10.140 We pray in your name. 00:35:10.800 --> 00:35:11.040 Amen. 00:35:14.800 --> 00:35:16.080 For more information. 00:35:16.460 --> 00:35:17.380 Visit us online. 00:35:17.660 --> 00:35:18.660 At southwood.org. 00:35:21.720 --> 00:35:23.460 Thank you. 00:35:23.520 --> 00:35:23.880 Love you. 00:35:23.960 --> 00:35:24.360 God bless you. 00:35:24.360 --> 00:35:24.400 God bless you. 00:35:24.400 --> 00:35:25.040 God bless you. 00:35:25.300 --> 00:35:25.800 God bless you. 00:35:25.860 --> 00:35:26.340 God bless you. 00:35:26.340 --> 00:35:26.880 God bless you. 00:35:27.060 --> 00:35:27.200 God bless you. 00:35:27.440 --> 00:35:27.660 God bless you. 00:35:27.660 --> 00:35:28.540 God bless you. 00:35:28.540 --> 00:35:29.380 God bless you. 00:35:29.540 --> 00:35:30.100 God bless you. 00:35:30.200 --> 00:35:30.600 God bless you. 00:35:31.060 --> 00:35:31.980 God bless you. 00:35:32.200 --> 00:35:32.880 God bless you.