WEBVTT 00:00:00.880 --> 00:00:05.459 Heavenly Father, this weekend is one of great soberness. 00:00:05.940 --> 00:00:14.939 When we think about the fact that it was our sin, our brokenness, our rebellion that caused you to send your son to die on the cross in our place. 00:00:15.679 --> 00:00:20.120 In our place condemned he stood so that sinners like us could go free. 00:00:20.980 --> 00:00:30.260 And yet God is also a weekend of unparalleled celebration and joy to know and remember that death did not and does not have the final word. 00:00:30.640 --> 00:00:32.219 That the grave has been defeated. 00:00:32.600 --> 00:00:35.219 That the tomb beside Calvary stands empty. 00:00:35.340 --> 00:00:37.460 That the stone has been rolled away. 00:00:37.640 --> 00:00:42.359 And forever and ever we can say with the Apostle Paul, death where is your sting? 00:00:42.840 --> 00:00:44.180 Death where is your victory? 00:00:44.179 --> 00:00:50.280 This morning God we've come to celebrate and remember that our hope and our joy is in you God. 00:00:50.659 --> 00:00:53.799 And for that we worship you and we adore you. 00:00:54.579 --> 00:00:57.539 God we've come to recenter our hearts and our hopes. 00:00:58.039 --> 00:01:01.140 Our dreams and our desires and to fix our eyes on you. 00:01:01.700 --> 00:01:07.439 Thank you Jesus that because you are alive, because you conquered the grave, we get to live with hope. 00:01:07.760 --> 00:01:11.920 Not just a shallow superficial hope but a real hope, a living hope. 00:01:11.920 --> 00:01:18.920 Thank you Lord Jesus that just as you rose from the dead so you promised that we too will experience a new life in you. 00:01:19.579 --> 00:01:23.000 And so we do pray and ask for a greater experience of that new life. 00:01:23.379 --> 00:01:26.359 In this day and this week and the weeks to come. 00:01:27.180 --> 00:01:31.040 Thank you Jesus for those in our midst who have become Christians in the last few weeks. 00:01:31.400 --> 00:01:34.500 And who are experiencing this new life for the first time. 00:01:34.920 --> 00:01:40.820 God we join with all of heaven in celebrating your power to give new life to those who are spiritually dead. 00:01:40.819 --> 00:01:46.679 And we thank you Lord that your resurrection means that while we toil and strive. 00:01:47.000 --> 00:01:49.039 While things don't always go our way. 00:01:49.539 --> 00:01:53.699 While we may not even see the fruit from our efforts to honor and glorify you. 00:01:54.339 --> 00:01:56.579 You promise us that there will be fruit. 00:01:57.139 --> 00:02:00.319 You promise that our labor and our faithfulness will not be in vain. 00:02:00.319 --> 00:02:05.119 Jesus we long to see more of your resurrection life and power in our midst. 00:02:05.479 --> 00:02:07.819 In our hearts and in our church and in our city. 00:02:08.319 --> 00:02:11.099 We long to see the gospel take deeper root in our hearts. 00:02:11.159 --> 00:02:13.039 And for the Holy Spirit to open our eyes. 00:02:13.139 --> 00:02:14.539 To see you and to know you. 00:02:15.039 --> 00:02:16.799 We long God for sin to be gone. 00:02:16.979 --> 00:02:18.759 For idols to lose their grip on us. 00:02:19.039 --> 00:02:21.659 For Satan's lies to be exposed in our hearts. 00:02:22.099 --> 00:02:23.699 And for that we need your Holy Spirit. 00:02:24.459 --> 00:02:27.060 Oh Holy Spirit come and apply the gospel to our hearts. 00:02:27.060 --> 00:02:31.120 Come and help us to see you and to know you and to trust you we pray. 00:02:31.680 --> 00:02:33.140 Come Holy Spirit come. 00:02:33.719 --> 00:02:34.939 In your wonderful name. 00:02:35.640 --> 00:02:35.939 Amen. 00:02:36.680 --> 00:02:37.020 Amen. 00:02:37.180 --> 00:02:39.420 Let's listen to the reading of God's word. 00:02:40.140 --> 00:02:41.199 And then I'll be back. 00:02:43.060 --> 00:02:44.259 Thanks for the reading. 00:02:44.520 --> 00:02:48.960 This came from Matthew 27 and 28. 00:02:48.960 --> 00:02:53.860 The next day that is after the day of preparation. 00:02:54.460 --> 00:02:58.500 The chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said. 00:02:59.580 --> 00:03:04.680 Sir we remember how the imposter said when he was still alive. 00:03:05.240 --> 00:03:07.879 After three days I will rise. 00:03:08.700 --> 00:03:12.640 Therefore order the tomb to be made secure until the third day. 00:03:13.240 --> 00:03:16.860 Lest disciples go and steal him away and tell the people. 00:03:16.860 --> 00:03:18.680 He has risen from the dead. 00:03:19.260 --> 00:03:22.040 And the last fraud would be worse than the first. 00:03:22.740 --> 00:03:24.020 Pilate said to them. 00:03:24.540 --> 00:03:26.220 You have a guard of soldiers. 00:03:26.960 --> 00:03:29.240 Go make it as secure as you can. 00:03:29.780 --> 00:03:34.920 So they went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard. 00:03:35.700 --> 00:03:39.320 Now after the Sabbath toward the dawn of the first day of the week. 00:03:39.820 --> 00:03:42.920 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 00:03:42.919 --> 00:03:46.079 And behold there was a great earthquake. 00:03:46.319 --> 00:03:48.479 For an angel of the Lord descended from heaven. 00:03:48.739 --> 00:03:51.719 And came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 00:03:52.119 --> 00:03:53.879 His appearance was like lightning. 00:03:54.419 --> 00:03:56.319 In his clothing white as snow. 00:03:56.879 --> 00:04:00.819 And for fear of him the guards trembled and became like dead men. 00:04:01.239 --> 00:04:02.819 But the angel said to the women. 00:04:03.659 --> 00:04:05.139 Do not be afraid. 00:04:05.879 --> 00:04:08.899 For I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 00:04:08.900 --> 00:04:10.879 He is not here. 00:04:11.340 --> 00:04:12.300 For he has risen. 00:04:12.879 --> 00:04:16.160 And he said come see the place where he lay. 00:04:17.180 --> 00:04:21.620 Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead. 00:04:22.120 --> 00:04:25.220 And behold he is going before you to Galilee. 00:04:26.019 --> 00:04:27.399 There you will see him. 00:04:28.399 --> 00:04:29.920 See I have told you. 00:04:29.920 --> 00:04:36.340 So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy. 00:04:36.900 --> 00:04:38.740 And ran to tell his disciples. 00:04:39.400 --> 00:04:42.020 And behold Jesus met them and said. 00:04:42.620 --> 00:04:43.180 Greetings. 00:04:44.060 --> 00:04:48.280 And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshipped him. 00:04:48.939 --> 00:04:50.420 Then Jesus said to them. 00:04:51.200 --> 00:04:52.740 Do not be afraid. 00:04:53.580 --> 00:04:56.460 Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee. 00:04:57.080 --> 00:04:58.960 And there they will see me. 00:04:58.959 --> 00:05:01.259 While they were going. 00:05:01.739 --> 00:05:02.199 Behold. 00:05:02.539 --> 00:05:04.919 Some of the guard went into the city. 00:05:05.319 --> 00:05:08.199 And told the chief priests all that had taken place. 00:05:08.659 --> 00:05:12.039 And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel. 00:05:12.479 --> 00:05:16.759 They gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers and said. 00:05:17.699 --> 00:05:18.859 Tell people. 00:05:19.240 --> 00:05:20.979 His disciples came by night. 00:05:21.299 --> 00:05:23.939 And stole him away while we were asleep. 00:05:24.439 --> 00:05:27.000 And if this comes to the governor's ear. 00:05:27.000 --> 00:05:29.060 We will satisfy him. 00:05:29.420 --> 00:05:31.040 And keep you out of trouble. 00:05:31.980 --> 00:05:33.600 So they took the money. 00:05:34.079 --> 00:05:35.439 And did as they were directed. 00:05:35.879 --> 00:05:39.660 And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day. 00:05:39.660 --> 00:05:45.960 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee. 00:05:46.340 --> 00:05:49.100 To the mountain to which Jesus has directed them. 00:05:49.520 --> 00:05:50.820 And when they saw him. 00:05:51.160 --> 00:05:52.180 They worshipped him. 00:05:52.500 --> 00:05:53.500 But some doubted. 00:05:53.820 --> 00:05:55.680 And Jesus came and said to them. 00:05:56.680 --> 00:06:01.300 All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 00:06:01.300 --> 00:06:05.759 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations. 00:06:06.759 --> 00:06:12.180 Baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 00:06:12.860 --> 00:06:17.060 Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. 00:06:17.580 --> 00:06:18.360 And behold. 00:06:18.939 --> 00:06:22.720 I am with you always to the end of the age. 00:06:23.199 --> 00:06:24.300 This is God's word. 00:06:25.019 --> 00:06:25.540 Great. 00:06:25.540 --> 00:06:27.040 Thank you Gary and Kathy. 00:06:28.160 --> 00:06:30.040 For two thousand years. 00:06:30.260 --> 00:06:32.360 Christians across the ages. 00:06:32.780 --> 00:06:34.000 Across every culture. 00:06:34.480 --> 00:06:35.460 Every ethnicity. 00:06:36.020 --> 00:06:37.780 In every corner of the globe. 00:06:38.160 --> 00:06:41.220 From every Christian tradition and heritage. 00:06:41.600 --> 00:06:44.620 Have celebrated the wonder of Easter weekend. 00:06:44.620 --> 00:06:49.560 This incredible and unexpected end to Jesus' time on earth. 00:06:49.560 --> 00:06:53.500 That though Jesus was clearly crucified to a Roman cross. 00:06:54.000 --> 00:06:56.399 His body was clearly laid in the tomb. 00:06:58.280 --> 00:06:58.920 Unexpectedly. 00:06:59.280 --> 00:07:01.060 On the third day he rose again. 00:07:01.579 --> 00:07:03.840 And the tomb was found to be empty. 00:07:04.220 --> 00:07:06.600 And he appeared to more than 500 people. 00:07:06.899 --> 00:07:09.360 In the coming weeks after his crucifixion. 00:07:09.540 --> 00:07:10.439 On Calvary. 00:07:10.920 --> 00:07:12.040 And ever since that day. 00:07:12.240 --> 00:07:14.240 Christians of every stripe and color. 00:07:14.620 --> 00:07:16.300 Have celebrated this weekend. 00:07:16.300 --> 00:07:17.620 As on one hand. 00:07:17.779 --> 00:07:18.899 One of the most horrific. 00:07:18.899 --> 00:07:20.379 Weekends. 00:07:20.699 --> 00:07:22.060 In the calendar of the year. 00:07:22.599 --> 00:07:23.620 But at the same time. 00:07:23.899 --> 00:07:24.979 One of the most glorious. 00:07:25.239 --> 00:07:25.839 And exciting. 00:07:26.399 --> 00:07:27.620 And wonderful weekends. 00:07:27.879 --> 00:07:28.819 In the Christian year. 00:07:29.139 --> 00:07:30.719 When Christ laid down his life. 00:07:30.979 --> 00:07:32.639 Only for him to take it up again. 00:07:32.899 --> 00:07:33.879 On the third day. 00:07:34.459 --> 00:07:34.759 And so. 00:07:35.279 --> 00:07:37.620 Augustine said this a couple of hundred years ago. 00:07:37.779 --> 00:07:38.039 He said. 00:07:38.159 --> 00:07:39.539 We are the Easter people. 00:07:39.979 --> 00:07:41.839 And hallelujah is our song. 00:07:42.419 --> 00:07:43.060 In other words. 00:07:43.219 --> 00:07:44.219 What he's saying is that. 00:07:44.219 --> 00:07:45.359 This weekend. 00:07:45.639 --> 00:07:47.339 Is so central to everything. 00:07:47.519 --> 00:07:48.500 That the Christian faith. 00:07:48.500 --> 00:07:49.639 Is all about. 00:07:50.579 --> 00:07:50.980 Now. 00:07:51.779 --> 00:07:53.360 You may be here this morning. 00:07:53.500 --> 00:07:55.259 And maybe you still got questions. 00:07:55.259 --> 00:07:56.100 About Christianity. 00:07:56.100 --> 00:07:56.839 And the faith. 00:07:56.939 --> 00:07:57.439 And Jesus. 00:07:57.620 --> 00:07:58.779 And the claims of the Bible. 00:07:59.339 --> 00:08:01.100 And you may wonder. 00:08:01.100 --> 00:08:02.240 Why it is. 00:08:02.339 --> 00:08:03.819 That this brutal. 00:08:04.199 --> 00:08:05.800 And yet astonishing. 00:08:06.199 --> 00:08:07.319 Claim of the Bible. 00:08:07.319 --> 00:08:08.579 That Jesus died. 00:08:08.660 --> 00:08:09.680 But he no longer stayed. 00:08:09.759 --> 00:08:09.920 Died. 00:08:09.939 --> 00:08:10.600 He came alive. 00:08:10.959 --> 00:08:12.300 Why is this so central. 00:08:12.300 --> 00:08:13.399 To the Christian faith. 00:08:13.879 --> 00:08:14.420 In other words. 00:08:14.420 --> 00:08:15.280 You may say. 00:08:15.600 --> 00:08:15.840 Look. 00:08:15.900 --> 00:08:17.780 I see the point in religion. 00:08:17.939 --> 00:08:18.960 Religion helps people. 00:08:19.100 --> 00:08:20.259 Be a better person. 00:08:20.259 --> 00:08:21.980 To contribute towards society. 00:08:22.480 --> 00:08:23.240 And Christians. 00:08:23.240 --> 00:08:24.040 Why don't you just. 00:08:24.280 --> 00:08:26.160 Emphasize Jesus moral teachings. 00:08:26.160 --> 00:08:27.220 Or his good example. 00:08:27.819 --> 00:08:29.439 Why do you need to make such a big deal. 00:08:29.439 --> 00:08:30.340 Of the resurrection. 00:08:31.020 --> 00:08:31.740 Can't you just. 00:08:32.100 --> 00:08:33.139 Teach us to all behave. 00:08:33.139 --> 00:08:34.620 And be moral like Jesus. 00:08:35.019 --> 00:08:36.560 Why is such a big deal. 00:08:36.560 --> 00:08:37.340 About the death. 00:08:37.580 --> 00:08:38.399 And resurrection. 00:08:38.399 --> 00:08:38.480 Resurrection. 00:08:38.840 --> 00:08:39.819 Well this morning. 00:08:39.959 --> 00:08:41.120 I'm not going to give us. 00:08:41.259 --> 00:08:42.759 A whole lot of proofs. 00:08:42.759 --> 00:08:44.039 For the Bible's claims. 00:08:44.039 --> 00:08:45.620 Or the historical credibility. 00:08:46.500 --> 00:08:47.759 For Jesus resurrection. 00:08:48.019 --> 00:08:49.199 Though we could do that easily. 00:08:49.799 --> 00:08:51.480 If you want to read up about that. 00:08:51.559 --> 00:08:53.399 There's more than enough evidence online. 00:08:53.519 --> 00:08:54.419 And I encourage you to. 00:08:54.480 --> 00:08:55.759 To go and read up about that. 00:08:56.100 --> 00:08:57.720 And I think Professor N.T. Wright. 00:08:57.840 --> 00:08:59.559 From the University of St. Andrews. 00:08:59.579 --> 00:09:00.600 Is probably the academic. 00:09:00.919 --> 00:09:02.179 That's covered the subject. 00:09:02.179 --> 00:09:03.059 Most extensively. 00:09:03.639 --> 00:09:04.699 But I really do want to encourage. 00:09:04.699 --> 00:09:05.259 All of us. 00:09:05.319 --> 00:09:06.679 To go and examine the evidence. 00:09:06.679 --> 00:09:09.120 Why is it that Christians believe. 00:09:09.120 --> 00:09:10.799 That Jesus really did die. 00:09:10.879 --> 00:09:12.279 And really did rise again. 00:09:12.279 --> 00:09:13.279 In bodily form. 00:09:13.620 --> 00:09:15.659 It wasn't just an hallucination. 00:09:15.899 --> 00:09:18.120 Or a psychotic experience. 00:09:18.299 --> 00:09:18.959 Why is it. 00:09:19.299 --> 00:09:20.839 That Christians believe this. 00:09:20.879 --> 00:09:21.599 And I want to encourage you. 00:09:21.620 --> 00:09:23.099 To go and examine the evidence. 00:09:23.539 --> 00:09:24.620 And I think you'll find. 00:09:24.719 --> 00:09:26.439 That there's more than sufficient evidence. 00:09:26.439 --> 00:09:27.219 To believe. 00:09:27.399 --> 00:09:28.579 What the Bible claims. 00:09:29.120 --> 00:09:30.339 That though Jesus died. 00:09:30.379 --> 00:09:31.479 And was laid in the tomb. 00:09:31.879 --> 00:09:33.339 He really did rise again. 00:09:33.620 --> 00:09:34.559 But this morning. 00:09:34.699 --> 00:09:36.259 What I want to rather try and do. 00:09:36.259 --> 00:09:37.120 Is to show us. 00:09:37.299 --> 00:09:38.120 Both those of us. 00:09:38.120 --> 00:09:39.059 That consider ourselves. 00:09:39.179 --> 00:09:39.960 Followers of Jesus. 00:09:40.519 --> 00:09:41.700 As well as those of us. 00:09:41.700 --> 00:09:42.200 That are maybe. 00:09:42.379 --> 00:09:44.259 Still exploring the claims of Christ. 00:09:44.679 --> 00:09:45.600 What relevance. 00:09:45.600 --> 00:09:47.120 This has to our lives today. 00:09:47.819 --> 00:09:48.299 Why it is. 00:09:48.379 --> 00:09:49.240 That the empty grave. 00:09:49.240 --> 00:09:50.019 Is so central. 00:09:50.019 --> 00:09:50.679 To everything. 00:09:50.799 --> 00:09:51.700 That the Christian faith. 00:09:51.899 --> 00:09:52.379 Is all about. 00:09:52.759 --> 00:09:53.799 And why this should. 00:09:54.019 --> 00:09:54.980 Give us great cause. 00:09:55.080 --> 00:09:55.740 To celebrate. 00:09:56.340 --> 00:09:57.179 And to rejoice. 00:09:57.819 --> 00:09:58.960 Why is Easter Sunday. 00:09:59.120 --> 00:09:59.939 Such a big deal. 00:10:00.419 --> 00:10:00.759 Yes. 00:10:00.799 --> 00:10:01.679 It means that Jesus. 00:10:01.679 --> 00:10:02.379 Is remarkable. 00:10:02.919 --> 00:10:03.139 Yes. 00:10:03.179 --> 00:10:04.120 It means that Jesus. 00:10:04.299 --> 00:10:05.980 Probably is who he said he is. 00:10:06.420 --> 00:10:08.200 But if you already believe that. 00:10:08.639 --> 00:10:10.240 If you already believe that he died. 00:10:10.240 --> 00:10:11.060 For your sins. 00:10:11.800 --> 00:10:13.159 What relevance does this have. 00:10:13.360 --> 00:10:14.060 This afternoon. 00:10:14.320 --> 00:10:15.039 This week. 00:10:15.159 --> 00:10:15.800 This month. 00:10:15.940 --> 00:10:17.740 In the everyday trenches of life. 00:10:18.279 --> 00:10:19.980 Well I'm so glad you asked that question. 00:10:20.200 --> 00:10:21.600 And so let's answer it together. 00:10:22.320 --> 00:10:22.720 Now. 00:10:23.139 --> 00:10:23.720 What I. 00:10:23.920 --> 00:10:24.779 What I want us to do. 00:10:24.899 --> 00:10:26.680 Is to look at three very brief. 00:10:26.740 --> 00:10:27.840 New Testament passages. 00:10:27.840 --> 00:10:29.720 It's actually not the passage we read. 00:10:30.060 --> 00:10:31.740 The passages are in your bulletin. 00:10:31.840 --> 00:10:32.139 And so. 00:10:32.279 --> 00:10:33.820 Feel free to take a look there. 00:10:33.820 --> 00:10:35.700 And we're going to look at three reasons. 00:10:35.879 --> 00:10:37.820 Or three things that the resurrection. 00:10:38.440 --> 00:10:40.460 How it speaks hope into our lives today. 00:10:40.740 --> 00:10:42.160 And the first reason is this. 00:10:42.720 --> 00:10:44.140 Jesus' death and resurrection. 00:10:44.660 --> 00:10:46.500 Speaks about a living hope. 00:10:47.000 --> 00:10:47.840 A living hope. 00:10:48.840 --> 00:10:51.400 One of the things that us Hong Kongers. 00:10:52.260 --> 00:10:54.080 Frequently hear people saying. 00:10:54.260 --> 00:10:55.600 Is that you've got to have a hope. 00:10:56.120 --> 00:10:57.080 You have to have a hope. 00:10:57.160 --> 00:10:58.880 To get through the difficulties in life. 00:10:59.340 --> 00:11:00.120 Just last week. 00:11:00.159 --> 00:11:01.700 I was talking to a new friend of mine. 00:11:01.759 --> 00:11:03.419 Who's a barista at a coffee shop. 00:11:03.759 --> 00:11:04.879 And we were talking about faith. 00:11:04.939 --> 00:11:05.500 And the Bible. 00:11:05.500 --> 00:11:06.159 And Jesus. 00:11:06.659 --> 00:11:07.159 And I said. 00:11:07.279 --> 00:11:08.259 What do you believe? 00:11:08.360 --> 00:11:08.740 And he said. 00:11:08.759 --> 00:11:09.939 I believe in myself. 00:11:10.939 --> 00:11:11.320 Friends. 00:11:11.360 --> 00:11:12.059 What do you believe? 00:11:12.059 --> 00:11:13.919 Where is your source of hope? 00:11:15.200 --> 00:11:16.360 In the New Testament. 00:11:16.639 --> 00:11:18.320 The Apostle Peter writes this letter. 00:11:18.460 --> 00:11:19.460 To a bunch of Christians. 00:11:19.700 --> 00:11:21.539 And these Christians are experiencing. 00:11:21.899 --> 00:11:23.259 Unbelievable persecution. 00:11:23.500 --> 00:11:24.000 And oppression. 00:11:24.559 --> 00:11:25.179 As a church. 00:11:25.279 --> 00:11:26.320 We looked at this last year. 00:11:26.759 --> 00:11:27.700 They're being persecuted. 00:11:27.700 --> 00:11:30.160 And oppressed by civil leaders. 00:11:30.620 --> 00:11:31.580 They're being persecuted. 00:11:31.720 --> 00:11:32.960 And oppressed by society. 00:11:33.460 --> 00:11:34.259 And worst of all. 00:11:34.320 --> 00:11:34.840 Many of them. 00:11:34.900 --> 00:11:35.660 Are being persecuted. 00:11:35.660 --> 00:11:36.780 By their own families. 00:11:37.520 --> 00:11:38.620 And Peter writes to them. 00:11:38.660 --> 00:11:39.440 And look at what he says. 00:11:39.440 --> 00:11:40.140 In chapter one. 00:11:40.759 --> 00:11:41.060 He says. 00:11:41.560 --> 00:11:42.400 Blessed be the God. 00:11:42.440 --> 00:11:43.020 And the Father. 00:11:43.259 --> 00:11:44.420 Of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:11:44.940 --> 00:11:46.240 According to his great mercy. 00:11:46.480 --> 00:11:47.580 He has caused us. 00:11:47.680 --> 00:11:48.540 To be born again. 00:11:48.960 --> 00:11:49.740 Born again. 00:11:49.740 --> 00:11:51.140 To a living hope. 00:11:51.620 --> 00:11:52.420 Through the resurrection. 00:11:52.420 --> 00:11:53.180 Of Christ. 00:11:53.280 --> 00:11:53.920 From the dead. 00:11:54.640 --> 00:11:55.800 Into an inheritance. 00:11:56.300 --> 00:11:57.520 That is imperishable. 00:11:57.700 --> 00:11:58.720 Undefiled. 00:11:59.540 --> 00:12:00.020 Unfading. 00:12:00.600 --> 00:12:01.560 Kept or guarded. 00:12:01.560 --> 00:12:02.280 In heaven. 00:12:02.620 --> 00:12:03.320 For you. 00:12:03.960 --> 00:12:04.900 And so Peter writes. 00:12:05.020 --> 00:12:05.840 That for the Christians. 00:12:06.300 --> 00:12:08.020 This radical persecution. 00:12:08.220 --> 00:12:08.700 And oppression. 00:12:09.180 --> 00:12:11.240 Doesn't mean that life is now miserable. 00:12:11.480 --> 00:12:12.379 And we've just got to. 00:12:12.720 --> 00:12:13.780 Grin and bear it. 00:12:13.860 --> 00:12:15.460 And try and get through this life. 00:12:15.540 --> 00:12:16.300 To the other side. 00:12:16.879 --> 00:12:18.220 Peter says that for the Christian. 00:12:18.400 --> 00:12:20.840 Even in the midst of the difficulties of life. 00:12:21.180 --> 00:12:22.620 Even in the midst of trials. 00:12:22.780 --> 00:12:24.220 And things that we face. 00:12:24.220 --> 00:12:25.360 For the Christian. 00:12:25.360 --> 00:12:26.220 We get to live. 00:12:26.220 --> 00:12:27.100 With what he calls. 00:12:27.200 --> 00:12:28.180 A living hope. 00:12:28.720 --> 00:12:30.160 In the midst of life's difficulties. 00:12:30.820 --> 00:12:31.279 It's a hope. 00:12:31.460 --> 00:12:32.379 Which doesn't depend. 00:12:32.560 --> 00:12:34.200 On the circumstances of your life. 00:12:34.700 --> 00:12:36.019 It doesn't go up and down. 00:12:36.019 --> 00:12:37.000 With who likes you. 00:12:37.040 --> 00:12:38.100 Or who doesn't like you. 00:12:38.440 --> 00:12:39.220 It's not a hope. 00:12:39.340 --> 00:12:39.980 That is dependent. 00:12:39.980 --> 00:12:41.399 On your financial status. 00:12:41.560 --> 00:12:42.779 Your marital status. 00:12:43.180 --> 00:12:45.460 Your status in society. 00:12:45.660 --> 00:12:46.620 What people think of you. 00:12:46.899 --> 00:12:47.620 It's a hope. 00:12:47.660 --> 00:12:48.519 Which is anchored. 00:12:48.639 --> 00:12:50.320 In a historical event. 00:12:50.320 --> 00:12:52.580 But an event that carries with it. 00:12:52.879 --> 00:12:54.040 Unbelievable promise. 00:12:54.480 --> 00:12:55.080 For the future. 00:12:55.920 --> 00:12:56.360 You see. 00:12:57.000 --> 00:12:58.060 Christ's resurrection. 00:12:58.060 --> 00:12:58.960 From the dead. 00:12:59.360 --> 00:13:01.140 Wasn't God's plan B. 00:13:01.560 --> 00:13:02.600 To make the best. 00:13:02.740 --> 00:13:03.780 Out of a bad situation. 00:13:04.780 --> 00:13:04.980 You know. 00:13:05.020 --> 00:13:05.620 It wasn't like. 00:13:05.860 --> 00:13:07.220 Jesus is being carried off. 00:13:07.340 --> 00:13:08.020 To Calvary. 00:13:08.540 --> 00:13:09.260 And God says. 00:13:09.480 --> 00:13:09.860 Oh boy. 00:13:09.940 --> 00:13:11.460 That's not how we plan things to go. 00:13:11.660 --> 00:13:13.660 Let's come up with a contingency plan. 00:13:14.040 --> 00:13:14.380 Okay. 00:13:14.420 --> 00:13:15.880 We'll rise him from the dead. 00:13:16.180 --> 00:13:17.940 And so that at least things work out. 00:13:18.000 --> 00:13:18.300 All right. 00:13:18.680 --> 00:13:18.880 No. 00:13:18.880 --> 00:13:19.020 No. 00:13:19.080 --> 00:13:19.180 No. 00:13:19.179 --> 00:13:19.299 No. 00:13:19.699 --> 00:13:21.439 From before the world began. 00:13:21.620 --> 00:13:23.139 It was always God's plan. 00:13:23.359 --> 00:13:24.479 That God himself. 00:13:24.639 --> 00:13:25.319 Jesus Christ. 00:13:25.399 --> 00:13:26.179 Would come to earth. 00:13:26.599 --> 00:13:27.419 Die on the cross. 00:13:27.539 --> 00:13:28.719 Take the sins of the world. 00:13:28.759 --> 00:13:29.479 Upon himself. 00:13:29.679 --> 00:13:30.799 But he wouldn't stay dead. 00:13:31.120 --> 00:13:32.359 He would rise again. 00:13:32.839 --> 00:13:33.319 Victoriously. 00:13:33.779 --> 00:13:35.419 It's what the Old Testament spoke about. 00:13:35.919 --> 00:13:38.759 It's what the prophets in the Old Testament promised. 00:13:39.379 --> 00:13:40.559 It's what Jesus promised. 00:13:41.139 --> 00:13:42.079 And it's what happened. 00:13:43.039 --> 00:13:44.539 Jesus' death and resurrection. 00:13:44.539 --> 00:13:45.979 Was always God's plan. 00:13:46.079 --> 00:13:48.259 To deal with the sin of the world. 00:13:48.259 --> 00:13:49.259 And friends. 00:13:49.580 --> 00:13:52.299 You see the Christian hope is an unshakable confidence. 00:13:52.299 --> 00:13:55.500 That God will do what he said he'll do. 00:13:55.819 --> 00:13:57.740 And if you need one bit of proof. 00:13:58.080 --> 00:13:59.220 One bit of evidence. 00:13:59.360 --> 00:14:01.019 How can we take God at his word? 00:14:01.399 --> 00:14:02.759 Why should we trust him? 00:14:03.319 --> 00:14:04.659 Look to the empty grave. 00:14:05.240 --> 00:14:06.980 Look to the tomb that was once filled. 00:14:07.059 --> 00:14:07.860 But is now empty. 00:14:08.559 --> 00:14:10.720 God who spoke for thousands of years. 00:14:10.720 --> 00:14:13.799 His promises that one day his son would come and die. 00:14:13.799 --> 00:14:15.120 But would be raised from the dead. 00:14:15.259 --> 00:14:16.179 He did it. 00:14:16.620 --> 00:14:18.139 And you can bank your life on him. 00:14:19.019 --> 00:14:19.899 You see friends. 00:14:19.979 --> 00:14:21.019 At the very essence. 00:14:21.279 --> 00:14:24.279 Christianity is not a philosophy. 00:14:25.159 --> 00:14:26.879 It's not a world view. 00:14:27.099 --> 00:14:28.399 Though it will give you a world view. 00:14:28.879 --> 00:14:30.740 It's not just an approach to life. 00:14:30.799 --> 00:14:32.579 Though it will shape your approach to life. 00:14:33.299 --> 00:14:34.319 At its very essence. 00:14:34.459 --> 00:14:36.539 Christianity is a person. 00:14:37.459 --> 00:14:39.459 It's the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:14:39.460 --> 00:14:41.860 It's the person who made you for himself. 00:14:41.960 --> 00:14:42.660 And to know him. 00:14:43.220 --> 00:14:46.180 It's the person of Christ who loves you unconditionally. 00:14:46.379 --> 00:14:47.480 And went to the cross for you. 00:14:48.100 --> 00:14:49.560 But at the essence of Christianity. 00:14:49.800 --> 00:14:52.400 It's the person of Jesus who died and didn't stay dead. 00:14:52.740 --> 00:14:54.639 And he rose again from the grave. 00:14:54.980 --> 00:14:57.759 And because Jesus really did rise from the grave. 00:14:58.139 --> 00:15:00.240 Because the grave really is empty. 00:15:00.800 --> 00:15:05.580 Because Jesus really did show himself to more than 500 people in the coming weeks. 00:15:06.080 --> 00:15:09.080 Because Jesus really did go to those that have doubts. 00:15:09.080 --> 00:15:11.300 And he convinced them. 00:15:11.379 --> 00:15:13.259 He showed them that it is who he said he is. 00:15:13.800 --> 00:15:16.400 Christians get to live with this living hope. 00:15:16.860 --> 00:15:21.180 Because Christ who is the ground and the essence and the foundation of our faith. 00:15:21.580 --> 00:15:23.340 Lives and lives forever more. 00:15:24.200 --> 00:15:29.180 Karen Jobes is a theological expert and theologian. 00:15:29.320 --> 00:15:30.160 And she writes this. 00:15:30.220 --> 00:15:30.560 She says. 00:15:31.060 --> 00:15:33.560 The present reality of the Christian's life. 00:15:34.140 --> 00:15:34.420 Okay. 00:15:34.500 --> 00:15:35.840 So that's your life today. 00:15:36.040 --> 00:15:36.440 Tomorrow. 00:15:36.680 --> 00:15:37.259 This week. 00:15:37.259 --> 00:15:40.039 The present reality of the Christian's life. 00:15:40.039 --> 00:15:44.340 Is defined and determined by the reality of the past. 00:15:44.840 --> 00:15:46.059 The resurrection of Jesus. 00:15:46.419 --> 00:15:49.379 But it's also guaranteed into the future. 00:15:49.679 --> 00:15:53.000 Because Christ died and lives forever more. 00:15:53.399 --> 00:15:57.539 And just think about how this affects your everyday realities of life. 00:15:58.139 --> 00:16:02.340 And one of the biggest challenges for us who live in Hong Kong is property. 00:16:02.559 --> 00:16:02.779 Right? 00:16:03.120 --> 00:16:03.980 Property prices. 00:16:03.980 --> 00:16:08.980 How many young people here feel like I'll never be able to afford a property. 00:16:08.980 --> 00:16:11.060 And there's this real sense of hopelessness. 00:16:11.120 --> 00:16:14.259 And we consider the price of rent and the price of buying property. 00:16:14.420 --> 00:16:17.560 It's such an area of concern for Hong Kongers. 00:16:18.279 --> 00:16:21.080 Well, do you know in the first century when Peter writes to these Christians. 00:16:21.920 --> 00:16:22.720 In their day and age. 00:16:22.899 --> 00:16:27.139 Property and land was too a source of great financial security. 00:16:27.680 --> 00:16:28.899 A source of your inheritance. 00:16:28.899 --> 00:16:32.159 And your wealth and your security was tied up to the land. 00:16:32.740 --> 00:16:36.120 But as these followers of Jesus put their faith in Jesus. 00:16:36.319 --> 00:16:37.019 What happens? 00:16:37.439 --> 00:16:39.179 The government starts persecuting them. 00:16:39.559 --> 00:16:40.939 Society persecutes them. 00:16:41.279 --> 00:16:45.360 And many of them need to flee the land which they've grown up on. 00:16:45.840 --> 00:16:49.639 Many of them have to leave the towns and cities in which they've lived all their life. 00:16:50.000 --> 00:16:52.360 And what's worse is when their families turn on them. 00:16:52.720 --> 00:16:53.699 Their very inheritance. 00:16:53.919 --> 00:16:55.559 Their financial security in the future. 00:16:55.679 --> 00:16:57.159 Is now jeopardized. 00:16:57.159 --> 00:16:59.039 But look at what Peter writes. 00:16:59.759 --> 00:17:00.079 He says, 00:17:00.079 --> 00:17:03.860 In the gospel, because Jesus died and because Jesus rose again. 00:17:04.519 --> 00:17:05.819 You are given an inheritance. 00:17:06.299 --> 00:17:09.779 Which cannot be taken away by any opposition or any government. 00:17:10.460 --> 00:17:11.879 You are guaranteed inheritance. 00:17:12.039 --> 00:17:15.339 Which cannot be destroyed by all the evil or the wickedness in the world. 00:17:15.819 --> 00:17:17.019 You are given an inheritance. 00:17:17.319 --> 00:17:20.039 Which doesn't fade or diminish with time. 00:17:20.500 --> 00:17:22.740 You are given an inheritance which is rock solid. 00:17:22.839 --> 00:17:24.940 Because it's rooted in the historical fact. 00:17:25.279 --> 00:17:26.940 That Jesus Christ is God. 00:17:27.160 --> 00:17:29.220 That he loved us enough to die for us. 00:17:29.259 --> 00:17:30.259 But he didn't stay dead. 00:17:30.259 --> 00:17:33.160 And that is the reason for our hope. 00:17:33.880 --> 00:17:37.740 Friends, blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:17:37.860 --> 00:17:40.500 He's caused us to be born again to a living hope. 00:17:40.720 --> 00:17:43.820 Through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. 00:17:43.940 --> 00:17:46.160 Into an inheritance that cannot perish. 00:17:46.700 --> 00:17:47.500 Cannot spoil. 00:17:48.080 --> 00:17:48.759 Cannot fade. 00:17:48.759 --> 00:17:49.379 Cannot fail. 00:17:49.379 --> 00:17:51.559 But that's not all the Bible promises. 00:17:52.220 --> 00:17:55.339 The Bible promises that because Jesus died and rose again. 00:17:55.539 --> 00:17:59.220 There is a new life for those who come to trust him. 00:18:00.119 --> 00:18:05.559 In the New Testament, the book of Romans is one of the most magnificent books in the entire Bible. 00:18:05.700 --> 00:18:08.000 It's kind of a high point in the gospel story. 00:18:08.000 --> 00:18:14.900 And the reason is because the book of Romans so clearly differentiates between Christianity and religion. 00:18:15.279 --> 00:18:20.440 Between the hopelessness of humanity apart from Christ and the hope of humanity in Christ. 00:18:20.920 --> 00:18:22.619 But then there's this accusation. 00:18:22.759 --> 00:18:26.940 Some people say, well if Jesus died on the cross to die for our sins. 00:18:27.000 --> 00:18:29.920 If this radical promise of forgiveness is given to us. 00:18:30.160 --> 00:18:31.400 Why do we stop sinning? 00:18:31.880 --> 00:18:34.359 Why don't we just continue to live as we please? 00:18:34.359 --> 00:18:36.359 I mean Jesus has promised forgiveness. 00:18:36.699 --> 00:18:37.899 He's purchased forgiveness. 00:18:38.500 --> 00:18:41.199 Shouldn't we just carry on living as we please? 00:18:41.639 --> 00:18:44.519 And listen to how Paul answers that accusation. 00:18:44.639 --> 00:18:45.419 Listen carefully. 00:18:45.539 --> 00:18:47.479 He says this in chapter 6 verse 3. 00:18:48.219 --> 00:18:54.099 He says, don't you know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ were baptized into his death? 00:18:54.559 --> 00:18:56.799 Now he's not here only talking about water baptism. 00:18:56.919 --> 00:18:59.159 He's talking about when you're put into Christ. 00:18:59.199 --> 00:19:02.240 When you become a follower of Jesus, you are immersed in Christ. 00:19:02.240 --> 00:19:08.059 And he says, don't you know that when that happened, something inside of you died with Jesus. 00:19:08.599 --> 00:19:12.740 Don't you know that those of us who have been put into Christ have been put into his death? 00:19:13.000 --> 00:19:21.039 We were buried with him into death in order that just as Jesus was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, 00:19:21.440 --> 00:19:24.500 so we too might walk in newness of life. 00:19:25.680 --> 00:19:27.759 Now that might sound like quite a mouthful. 00:19:28.000 --> 00:19:29.779 Let's see if we can try and make sense of it. 00:19:29.779 --> 00:19:31.440 Paul's saying this. 00:19:31.539 --> 00:19:35.759 He says, if you are a follower of Jesus, when you become a follower of Jesus, 00:19:35.920 --> 00:19:40.940 something deep inside of you, something intrinsic to who you are, dies. 00:19:41.440 --> 00:19:45.660 The part of you that wants to live for yourself, the part of you that lives to answer the question, 00:19:45.839 --> 00:19:46.819 what's in it for me? 00:19:47.379 --> 00:19:49.119 How can I make myself successful? 00:19:49.720 --> 00:19:54.700 That self-orientated person, a part of that dies and is buried with Christ. 00:19:54.700 --> 00:19:54.779 Christ. 00:19:55.319 --> 00:20:00.680 And God gives you a new kind of self, a new heart, a new control center in your life. 00:20:01.100 --> 00:20:04.279 And that new self he calls the newness of life. 00:20:04.380 --> 00:20:04.980 Look at what he says. 00:20:05.059 --> 00:20:11.140 He says, we were buried with Christ into his death in order that we might walk in newness of life. 00:20:11.920 --> 00:20:14.920 But to what can we attribute this newness of life? 00:20:14.920 --> 00:20:20.240 Is it that you kind of, you know, turn 30 years old and you think, okay, I've partied long and hard enough. 00:20:20.320 --> 00:20:21.539 It's time to get responsible. 00:20:22.060 --> 00:20:23.300 It's time to get my act together. 00:20:23.800 --> 00:20:29.560 Is it that you feel like through meditation and self-improvement, I'm going to make myself a better person? 00:20:30.320 --> 00:20:33.200 To what can you attribute this new life that God gives you? 00:20:33.960 --> 00:20:34.820 Well, look what he says. 00:20:34.819 --> 00:20:48.059 And what is this newness of life? 00:20:48.139 --> 00:20:49.240 What does this actually mean? 00:20:49.339 --> 00:20:55.339 What does this look like this week as you go to work and as you go on dates and you look for work and you make money? 00:20:55.419 --> 00:20:56.500 What does this actually mean? 00:20:56.679 --> 00:20:57.700 Well, it means a couple of things. 00:20:58.179 --> 00:20:59.460 It means you have a new hope. 00:21:00.179 --> 00:21:01.500 We already spoke about that. 00:21:01.500 --> 00:21:07.140 It means that you have a hope that is not based on circumstances but based on the truth of who God is. 00:21:07.619 --> 00:21:09.460 It means that you are given a new identity. 00:21:10.200 --> 00:21:16.759 Your identity is not found in what people think about you or what society says about you or what your colleague or your boss says about you. 00:21:17.220 --> 00:21:20.680 You have an identity that is based on truth, not in opinions. 00:21:21.359 --> 00:21:24.240 You have an identity that is based on grace, not on performance. 00:21:24.839 --> 00:21:29.779 You have a new identity that is based on love, not just on how you feel about yourself. 00:21:29.779 --> 00:21:38.319 You have this new identity which is given, which is rooted in God's unchanging love rather than your ever-changing feelings. 00:21:38.940 --> 00:21:40.220 God gives you a new identity. 00:21:40.980 --> 00:21:44.759 He gives you a new purpose to live for the glory of God and for the well-being of others. 00:21:45.200 --> 00:21:47.740 Rather than just looking for how can I get ahead in life? 00:21:48.139 --> 00:21:49.839 How can I be successful in life? 00:21:50.180 --> 00:21:51.779 How can I make a name for myself? 00:21:52.299 --> 00:21:54.119 In Christ, God gives you a new purpose. 00:21:54.519 --> 00:21:57.539 He gives you a new reason for living, a new reason for your being. 00:21:57.539 --> 00:22:02.519 How can I love and honor the one who made me for himself and will never turn away from me? 00:22:02.899 --> 00:22:05.299 How can I love and serve those in my city? 00:22:06.099 --> 00:22:13.379 And friends, though your name may never be written in life, in lights, though your name may never be found in the newspaper, 00:22:14.159 --> 00:22:18.519 maybe you won't make as much money as you would another way. 00:22:19.099 --> 00:22:20.779 You'll be found in Christ. 00:22:20.859 --> 00:22:21.599 You'll have a purpose. 00:22:22.119 --> 00:22:22.899 You'll have an identity. 00:22:23.480 --> 00:22:24.659 You'll have a reason for living. 00:22:24.660 --> 00:22:31.279 You'll have a purpose which at the end of your life will not have been a waste because Christ gives you this newness of life. 00:22:31.920 --> 00:22:36.640 But then also he gives you a new power to defeat sin because this new life is yours. 00:22:36.740 --> 00:22:38.640 It's not just a revamp of the old life. 00:22:39.100 --> 00:22:42.380 Jesus doesn't just give you extra strength to try and be a better person. 00:22:42.640 --> 00:22:44.400 He puts his spirit inside of you. 00:22:44.480 --> 00:22:46.700 He causes you to be a new person. 00:22:46.700 --> 00:22:56.400 I remember a few years ago hearing a testimony of a guy in the UK, and he was considered to be Britain's most dangerous criminal. 00:22:56.960 --> 00:22:57.080 Okay? 00:22:57.319 --> 00:23:02.039 Young man in his 30s, mid-30s, Britain's most dangerous criminal. 00:23:02.559 --> 00:23:04.880 And essentially he was brought up by his uncle. 00:23:05.279 --> 00:23:09.559 His uncle was also a violent criminal. 00:23:09.559 --> 00:23:13.379 And his uncle taught him from a young age how to be respected. 00:23:13.960 --> 00:23:20.879 And the way to be respected was just to beat up anybody that gave you a funny look or didn't treat you the way that you wanted to be treated. 00:23:21.539 --> 00:23:30.279 And so this man and his uncle would go around robbing houses, stealing cars, beating up people that got in their way, and just living a life of thuggery. 00:23:30.279 --> 00:23:32.440 Anyway, eventually it caught up with him. 00:23:32.680 --> 00:23:34.279 And so this man goes to jail. 00:23:34.779 --> 00:23:43.379 And he spends a number of years in various maximum security prisons, going from one prison to the next to the next in solitary confinement. 00:23:44.680 --> 00:23:53.379 Anyway, after a couple of years, relatively good behavior, and he hears that there's an alpha course in the prison. 00:23:53.599 --> 00:23:57.299 An alpha course is a course that helps people discover the wonder of Jesus. 00:23:57.299 --> 00:24:03.200 And so he hears there's this alpha course, and so he convinces the gods to let him go on the alpha course. 00:24:03.379 --> 00:24:06.919 He's not really interested in the course, but he hears that they give you free food there. 00:24:07.319 --> 00:24:09.180 And so he decides to go for the free food. 00:24:09.599 --> 00:24:12.059 And the first couple of times, he's not all that interested. 00:24:12.240 --> 00:24:15.019 He's just sitting on the side, munching his cookies. 00:24:15.700 --> 00:24:18.000 But after a while, he starts to listen in. 00:24:18.319 --> 00:24:22.039 And he starts to wonder whether the stuff about Jesus is really true. 00:24:22.039 --> 00:24:30.659 And eventually a question comes into his mind is, if Jesus is real, and if Jesus is who he said he is, I wonder if he can change my life around. 00:24:31.700 --> 00:24:36.240 And a couple of weeks later, he says he goes to his prison cell one night after an alpha course. 00:24:36.259 --> 00:24:38.500 And he gets on his knees, and this is what he says. 00:24:39.379 --> 00:24:44.539 He says, God, I don't even know if I believe in you, but I hate the man that I've become. 00:24:44.539 --> 00:24:49.200 If you are real, you need to come and change me. 00:24:50.460 --> 00:24:52.000 Friends, isn't that an incredible statement? 00:24:52.639 --> 00:24:54.619 God, I hate the man that I've become. 00:24:55.399 --> 00:24:57.139 I need you to come and change me. 00:24:57.720 --> 00:24:59.259 I need you to come and make me new. 00:25:00.339 --> 00:25:05.980 And he says, in that moment, it's like the whole of heaven, the love of heaven got flooded into his prison cell. 00:25:06.519 --> 00:25:09.460 He was overwhelmed with emotion, and he starts crying out. 00:25:09.779 --> 00:25:11.700 And he says, that day his life turned around. 00:25:12.379 --> 00:25:13.559 He became a different person. 00:25:13.559 --> 00:25:16.179 He changed the orientation of his heart. 00:25:16.839 --> 00:25:19.200 Suddenly, the things that he loved to do, he now hated doing. 00:25:19.639 --> 00:25:24.799 The things he previously hated doing, showing respect to people, being kind to people, he now loved to do. 00:25:25.440 --> 00:25:29.319 Something inside of his life turned around, and he became a whole new person. 00:25:29.980 --> 00:25:30.200 Why? 00:25:30.299 --> 00:25:36.960 Because Paul promises us that because Jesus died and he rose from the dead, there is a newness of life. 00:25:37.079 --> 00:25:40.279 There is a new person that he promises, and he can turn your life around. 00:25:41.399 --> 00:25:42.480 Friends, maybe that's you. 00:25:42.480 --> 00:25:51.000 Maybe you feel like, I've put on a brave face, and I say face in front of people, but actually inside of me, I hate who I've become. 00:25:51.700 --> 00:25:52.960 Friends, there's new life for you. 00:25:53.599 --> 00:25:56.660 There's new life, and the promise is this, that the grave is empty. 00:25:57.460 --> 00:25:58.079 It's done. 00:25:58.640 --> 00:25:59.779 He rose from the grave. 00:26:00.259 --> 00:26:03.579 He's alive, and he can promise you new life as well. 00:26:04.259 --> 00:26:06.120 Friends, there is a new life awaiting for you. 00:26:06.119 --> 00:26:10.219 And if you're not a Christian this morning, this promise of new life is freely available. 00:26:10.639 --> 00:26:11.939 You don't need to earn it. 00:26:12.139 --> 00:26:13.459 You don't need to buy it. 00:26:13.639 --> 00:26:15.179 You don't need to perform for it. 00:26:15.339 --> 00:26:17.000 You don't need to pay any money for it. 00:26:17.179 --> 00:26:18.899 It is absolutely free. 00:26:18.900 --> 00:26:24.980 All you need to do is come to Jesus and surrender and ask him to be Lord of your life. 00:26:25.620 --> 00:26:28.600 But all this is given because the grave is empty. 00:26:28.599 --> 00:26:33.179 Thirdly and finally, last point is this, our labor is not in vain. 00:26:34.459 --> 00:26:44.959 In 1 Corinthians chapter 15, Paul gives his greatest defense for an argument, or defense of an argument for the resurrection from the dead. 00:26:45.480 --> 00:26:47.879 And he goes through this whole long argument. 00:26:48.019 --> 00:26:49.819 And at the end, he says this. 00:26:49.879 --> 00:26:51.980 He says, death, where is your sting? 00:26:52.659 --> 00:26:54.240 Death, where is your victory? 00:26:54.379 --> 00:26:55.719 In other words, he's mocking death. 00:26:55.720 --> 00:26:58.380 He says, you gave your best attempts at Jesus. 00:26:58.539 --> 00:26:59.740 And look how that turned out. 00:27:00.039 --> 00:27:01.279 He rose from the grave. 00:27:02.079 --> 00:27:05.700 And then after this long chapter on the resurrection, Paul writes this. 00:27:05.759 --> 00:27:06.539 And this is incredible. 00:27:06.680 --> 00:27:07.160 Listen up. 00:27:07.740 --> 00:27:11.720 He says, therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast. 00:27:12.819 --> 00:27:18.299 Abound in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 00:27:19.079 --> 00:27:20.500 And isn't that an incredible statement? 00:27:20.500 --> 00:27:28.220 That if you are in Christ, your faithfulness and your labor and the things that you give yourself to are not in vain. 00:27:29.059 --> 00:27:39.359 Friends, Paul is saying here that because Jesus died and he didn't stay dead, the way you spend your life, if you live for the glory of God and for the good of others, that may not make you a lot of money. 00:27:39.900 --> 00:27:43.839 It may not earn you the applause and the accolades of society. 00:27:43.839 --> 00:27:47.039 You may not get the best paying job in society. 00:27:47.039 --> 00:27:51.319 And you may not stay in the biggest apartment that you could stay in otherwise. 00:27:51.819 --> 00:28:01.779 But your labors, your efforts, your faithfulness to serve Jesus, even if they attract the ridicule and the scoffing and the mocking of others, none of it is in vain. 00:28:01.879 --> 00:28:05.079 Because every bit of it will reap a harvest in eternity. 00:28:05.980 --> 00:28:07.139 Think about it this way. 00:28:07.140 --> 00:28:09.340 Those of you that are in finance. 00:28:09.940 --> 00:28:18.540 Imagine one day you're at home and Jesus Christ himself comes to you and he says, I've got some information for you. 00:28:19.080 --> 00:28:23.140 You know this stock that is very cheap and considered worthless. 00:28:23.800 --> 00:28:27.820 I want you to buy that stock because at the end of your life you'll be a billionaire. 00:28:29.100 --> 00:28:29.380 Okay? 00:28:29.380 --> 00:28:34.800 I don't think Jesus would say that, but just imagine hypothetically. 00:28:35.520 --> 00:28:37.820 He came to you and he said, this stock, I know it looks worthless. 00:28:37.980 --> 00:28:38.580 I know it's cheap. 00:28:38.680 --> 00:28:42.320 I know everyone's going to ridicule you and scoff you. 00:28:42.900 --> 00:28:43.540 Buy the stock. 00:28:43.640 --> 00:28:44.420 You'll be a billionaire. 00:28:45.420 --> 00:28:46.300 What would you do? 00:28:47.400 --> 00:28:49.940 Well, friends, in a way, that's what Peter's saying here. 00:28:50.020 --> 00:28:50.960 Or that's what Paul's saying. 00:28:51.360 --> 00:28:56.160 He's saying for those of us who are in Christ, when we invest our lives in the purposes of God, 00:28:56.160 --> 00:28:59.340 when we invest our lives for the glory of God and for the good of others, 00:28:59.820 --> 00:29:01.700 this stock may not look very impressive. 00:29:02.540 --> 00:29:05.140 Others may mock you and laugh at you and ridicule you. 00:29:05.720 --> 00:29:09.019 You may not make a whole lot of money for it, but it won't be in vain 00:29:09.019 --> 00:29:15.140 because the return on investment will be more than a billion fold in this life and in the life to come. 00:29:15.820 --> 00:29:17.920 And, friends, sometimes you may wonder, what's the point? 00:29:18.680 --> 00:29:21.940 Sometimes you may feel like I've sown and I've sown and I've sown. 00:29:22.240 --> 00:29:24.300 I've tried and I've tried and I've tried. 00:29:24.299 --> 00:29:26.639 I've been faithful to God and where's the fruit? 00:29:27.139 --> 00:29:28.000 What's the point? 00:29:28.680 --> 00:29:30.000 Has it amounted to anything? 00:29:30.839 --> 00:29:33.220 Some of us have been witnessing to friends and family. 00:29:33.799 --> 00:29:36.240 Some of us maybe have passed over work opportunities. 00:29:36.819 --> 00:29:41.220 Some of us maybe have walked away from a relationship because you knew that that wasn't honoring God. 00:29:41.659 --> 00:29:43.500 And now you may ask him, what's the point? 00:29:44.079 --> 00:29:45.079 Was it all a waste? 00:29:45.960 --> 00:29:47.339 Look at what Paul says. 00:29:47.859 --> 00:29:52.779 He says, know this, that in the Lord, your faithfulness is not in vain. 00:29:52.779 --> 00:29:54.099 But why? 00:29:54.720 --> 00:29:56.879 Because Jesus died and he didn't stay dead. 00:29:57.240 --> 00:29:58.779 Because he rose from the grave. 00:29:59.079 --> 00:30:00.680 Because the tomb is empty. 00:30:01.200 --> 00:30:06.420 And because he promises that what happened to him is going to happen to those who trust him and follow him. 00:30:06.680 --> 00:30:12.639 Because he is the first fruits, the example of what's going to happen to everyone who trusts and follow him. 00:30:13.160 --> 00:30:18.119 Friends, for those of you who are looking into the claims of Christ, one of the things that Jesus says is this. 00:30:18.119 --> 00:30:21.319 You got to know, he doesn't only take half of you. 00:30:21.799 --> 00:30:23.959 He'll take all of you or he'll take none of you. 00:30:24.559 --> 00:30:27.439 Jesus says if you want to follow him, you have to come and surrender all. 00:30:27.739 --> 00:30:28.879 You have to surrender everything. 00:30:29.539 --> 00:30:34.859 Jesus says you have to turn your back completely on the false gods which promise so much but only enslave you. 00:30:35.299 --> 00:30:37.179 You have to come and surrender everything. 00:30:37.659 --> 00:30:39.699 You have to embrace the cost of following him. 00:30:40.199 --> 00:30:42.599 And that may mean that the world will turn its back on you. 00:30:42.979 --> 00:30:44.399 That may mean persecution. 00:30:44.400 --> 00:30:46.759 That may mean that your family doesn't understand. 00:30:47.480 --> 00:30:48.480 But look at the promise. 00:30:49.300 --> 00:30:54.200 For those who are in the Lord, your labor is not in vain. 00:30:54.580 --> 00:30:57.560 Because Jesus has died and he's risen again. 00:30:58.019 --> 00:31:01.920 And he promises that his resurrection will be your resurrection too. 00:31:02.500 --> 00:31:06.820 And friends, what this means for us is that Easter Sunday is a day of great celebration and hope. 00:31:07.140 --> 00:31:09.500 It's a day of remarkable joy and confidence. 00:31:09.500 --> 00:31:16.599 It's a day of living hope, of newness of life, knowing that nothing we do for the glory of God is ever in vain. 00:31:17.039 --> 00:31:21.720 We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song. 00:31:22.000 --> 00:31:24.220 Will you stand with me and let's pray together. 00:31:24.220 --> 00:31:34.539 Lord Jesus Christ, Heavenly Father, Holy Spirit, we've come to worship and adore you. 00:31:35.059 --> 00:31:40.000 We've come, God, to be reminded that our hope in this world is not found in our circumstances. 00:31:40.600 --> 00:31:42.920 It's not found in our bank accounts. 00:31:43.180 --> 00:31:45.839 It's not found in who likes us or doesn't like us. 00:31:46.200 --> 00:31:48.440 Our hope in this world is found in you, God. 00:31:48.440 --> 00:31:52.980 And it's found in the historical event that you died and you rose again. 00:31:53.200 --> 00:31:58.539 And you promised to return and you promised to bring all those who are in you with you to glory. 00:31:59.080 --> 00:32:03.920 God, I pray that for those of us that are followers of Jesus, I pray this week, God, 00:32:04.559 --> 00:32:06.640 won't you remind us of the wonder of the cross. 00:32:07.340 --> 00:32:10.240 This week, God, I pray that we won't just move on from Easter, 00:32:10.740 --> 00:32:14.559 but that, God, we will continue to celebrate and find our hope in that. 00:32:14.559 --> 00:32:22.440 God, for those of us that feel tired, feel exhausted, feel worn out, feel weary, 00:32:23.139 --> 00:32:26.579 feel like we've sown and we've sown, we've tried and we've tried. 00:32:27.179 --> 00:32:32.000 God, for those of us who feel like our faithfulness to you has cost us so much 00:32:32.000 --> 00:32:33.599 and we wonder if it's worth it. 00:32:34.039 --> 00:32:38.619 Jesus, this morning, won't you send your Holy Spirit to refresh us and to revive us? 00:32:39.059 --> 00:32:41.899 Won't you cause that newness of life to flood our hearts? 00:32:41.900 --> 00:32:49.720 God, this morning, won't you open our eyes to see that whatever we do in you and for you and with you is not in vain. 00:32:50.480 --> 00:32:56.960 God, this morning, come and wash us, flood us, give us great reason and cause to celebrate and rejoice. 00:32:58.440 --> 00:32:59.960 Come and draw near, we pray. 00:33:00.560 --> 00:33:03.040 In your wonderful name, amen.