WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:01.360 Go ahead and take your Bible this morning. 00:00:01.360 --> 00:00:03.359 I'm going to Mark chapter 15 this morning. 00:00:03.919 --> 00:00:09.200 ! Mark chapter 15 as we're going to continue finishing up here in the book of Mark here. 00:00:09.200 --> 00:00:15.400 There's another section here this morning as we've been going through the book of Mark there. 00:00:15.519 --> 00:00:22.640 We find that here in Mark 15 that Jesus has been falsely accused and condemned and he 00:00:22.640 --> 00:00:25.800 was had been beaten and abused and crucified. 00:00:25.800 --> 00:00:32.020 You know, we'd understood that he gave his life as a ransom for many. 00:00:32.700 --> 00:00:39.100 You know, but as he hung there on the cross that day and he ended up as he died there about 00:00:39.100 --> 00:00:42.980 three in the afternoon and he hung there lifeless on the cross. 00:00:43.120 --> 00:00:48.240 He was rejected by everyone that he came to save. 00:00:48.439 --> 00:00:52.320 Those that should have known him refused to acknowledge him. 00:00:52.320 --> 00:00:58.079 You know, and we see here as there as Jesus has died on the cross, we know that it was a 00:00:58.079 --> 00:01:01.679 they wanted the Sabbath was near which was a high Sabbath. 00:01:02.039 --> 00:01:03.780 And that's a lesson for another time. 00:01:03.840 --> 00:01:06.159 Talk about there's being a high Sabbath and a regular Sabbath. 00:01:06.540 --> 00:01:08.719 But it's a special feast day. 00:01:08.780 --> 00:01:11.439 You might say that the Jews had set aside. 00:01:11.539 --> 00:01:13.159 We know this was Passover week. 00:01:13.519 --> 00:01:15.879 And so we have that high feast day. 00:01:15.980 --> 00:01:19.719 But we see here as Jesus had died, something needed to be done. 00:01:19.719 --> 00:01:25.819 Something needed to be done with the body of Jesus because it so it would not remain on 00:01:25.819 --> 00:01:31.439 the cross or to be discarded with just the thieves that were hanging with them. 00:01:31.500 --> 00:01:36.099 The Romans would have just thrown it in a pit with the others that died that day. 00:01:36.200 --> 00:01:39.960 But the Jews had already wanted the body of Jesus. 00:01:40.120 --> 00:01:45.180 And we're going to look today at a man who decided, made a decision as he saw Jesus and 00:01:45.180 --> 00:01:51.080 what was taking place, made a decision to be identified publicly with Christ. 00:01:51.800 --> 00:01:55.260 Because I want you to understand why salvation is personal. 00:01:56.100 --> 00:01:58.520 Your identification with Christ is public. 00:01:59.820 --> 00:02:01.700 There's a difference between them. 00:02:01.780 --> 00:02:04.700 And one, it starts privately between you and God. 00:02:05.040 --> 00:02:08.200 But it also becomes public to say, am I going to stand? 00:02:08.319 --> 00:02:11.400 Am I going to identify with my Savior? 00:02:11.400 --> 00:02:16.520 You know, because that's a hard question, a hard place that we find ourselves. 00:02:16.659 --> 00:02:21.580 Because we're going to read this morning, there was a man that stood up that day to stand 00:02:21.580 --> 00:02:24.800 and identify himself with Jesus. 00:02:25.500 --> 00:02:31.200 So we understand that he stepped up in a dark hour. 00:02:31.420 --> 00:02:38.340 And we're going to look at a man that's mentioned just here in the Gospels, each in this same area. 00:02:38.340 --> 00:02:42.000 And that is bearing of Jesus, that's Joseph of Arimathea. 00:02:42.560 --> 00:02:47.699 And so if you found Mark chapter 15 this morning, let's stand together in honor of the reading 00:02:47.699 --> 00:02:48.539 of the Word of God. 00:02:48.580 --> 00:02:50.819 And we'll pick up here in verse 42 this morning. 00:02:52.020 --> 00:02:52.719 It says, 00:02:52.860 --> 00:02:58.300 And now when even was come, because it was the preparation, that is the day before the Sabbath, 00:02:59.319 --> 00:03:03.719 Joseph of Arimathea, an honorable counselor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, 00:03:03.719 --> 00:03:08.219 came and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus. 00:03:08.979 --> 00:03:12.379 And Pilate marveled, as it were, if he were already dead. 00:03:12.460 --> 00:03:17.280 And calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead. 00:03:17.340 --> 00:03:20.759 And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph. 00:03:21.639 --> 00:03:26.139 And he brought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in 00:03:26.139 --> 00:03:31.979 a sepulcher, which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone under the door of the sepulcher. 00:03:31.979 --> 00:03:39.679 And Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of Moses, beheld where he was laid. 00:03:40.159 --> 00:03:40.639 Let's pray. 00:03:40.719 --> 00:03:43.439 Heavenly Fathers, we come before you this morning, Lord. 00:03:43.479 --> 00:03:44.399 We just thank you. 00:03:45.439 --> 00:03:50.719 Lord, we're thankful for salvation, such a great thing that you provide for us. 00:03:51.599 --> 00:03:57.359 But Lord, help us not to be ashamed of that identity with you, Lord, that we might identify 00:03:57.360 --> 00:04:03.640 with you, Lord, even in your suffering, even in the dark times. 00:04:03.780 --> 00:04:06.080 Lord, to understand that's where you are with us. 00:04:06.120 --> 00:04:08.300 You walk each day with us. 00:04:08.360 --> 00:04:10.960 And Lord, we pray just to have your hand upon each one here today. 00:04:11.780 --> 00:04:13.640 Lord, we might be challenged, encouraged. 00:04:13.920 --> 00:04:18.340 Lord, if there's one that doesn't know about their salvation, that today would be the day 00:04:18.340 --> 00:04:19.500 they would call upon you. 00:04:20.040 --> 00:04:21.920 And Lord, we just love you and thank you. 00:04:21.920 --> 00:04:23.939 In Jesus' name, amen. 00:04:24.120 --> 00:04:24.680 You may be seated. 00:04:25.939 --> 00:04:30.520 You know, this morning as we read here about Joseph of Arimathea, he was a man that stood 00:04:30.520 --> 00:04:35.900 up when it was not convenient or popular to do so. 00:04:36.220 --> 00:04:40.340 But yet we find he stood with Jesus. 00:04:40.339 --> 00:04:48.379 Just as you and I must also take our stand, we need to identify with the Savior, identify 00:04:48.379 --> 00:04:49.639 with Christ. 00:04:49.819 --> 00:04:54.500 Because we want you to see here a little background to understand what's happening here, because 00:04:54.500 --> 00:05:00.799 the Bible tells us that Joseph of Arimathea had been a disciple of Jesus for a while. 00:05:01.259 --> 00:05:03.239 He'd been one that followed Christ. 00:05:03.579 --> 00:05:05.719 And we'll look a little more at that here in a moment. 00:05:05.720 --> 00:05:10.760 But I want you to understand that he'd made a decision to trust Christ as the Messiah, 00:05:10.900 --> 00:05:16.180 but he had not yet come out and said, I want to publicly identify with Christ. 00:05:16.820 --> 00:05:23.100 I want others to know also where I stand, to understand the importance of this, because 00:05:23.100 --> 00:05:29.620 what we do know about this man is he took a, he made a bold decision to go before Pilate 00:05:29.620 --> 00:05:31.400 to request the body of Jesus. 00:05:31.399 --> 00:05:37.000 You know, here Joseph of Arimathea is mentioned in all four Gospels. 00:05:37.439 --> 00:05:43.819 All four Gospel writers make mention of this, and he's giving us a little different perspective 00:05:43.819 --> 00:05:49.259 of who he is, because today we need to be more like Joseph in many ways. 00:05:49.879 --> 00:05:54.259 This man was a man that he understood Christ was the Messiah. 00:05:54.560 --> 00:05:55.519 He was a disciple. 00:05:55.639 --> 00:05:57.319 He was a follower of Christ. 00:05:57.319 --> 00:06:02.480 But we're going to find here that he did not take a public stand until this point. 00:06:03.099 --> 00:06:05.800 He did not take a stand to say there's going to be a difference. 00:06:06.480 --> 00:06:12.480 And today we really need more people like Joseph that's willing to connect and to identify with 00:06:12.480 --> 00:06:16.620 the cause of Christ, to identify with what God would have for us. 00:06:17.819 --> 00:06:23.100 You know, we understand first the character of this man, because, you know, this wasn't just 00:06:23.100 --> 00:06:26.180 anybody, you might say, in a sense of the culture. 00:06:26.180 --> 00:06:29.600 This is a very prominent man, a very influential man. 00:06:29.680 --> 00:06:33.900 It was a man that many would have known or recognized, even if he didn't recognize them. 00:06:34.439 --> 00:06:36.319 He was one that would have been identified. 00:06:36.560 --> 00:06:38.860 And so, who is Joseph of Arimathea? 00:06:39.259 --> 00:06:41.120 You know, what kind of person was he? 00:06:41.759 --> 00:06:45.019 You know, and so we find throughout the Gospels different characteristics. 00:06:45.620 --> 00:06:49.699 We know he was from a place called Arimathea, and it's suspected. 00:06:49.699 --> 00:06:56.560 This is the Old Testament town of Ramah, the hometown of the prophet Samuel in the Old Testament 00:06:56.560 --> 00:06:57.620 there in 1 Samuel. 00:06:57.740 --> 00:07:02.920 And we find here that that's where he was from, but now his residence is in Jerusalem. 00:07:03.759 --> 00:07:05.120 There with the council. 00:07:05.459 --> 00:07:10.019 And Mark, it tells us here, look at our text as we read here in verse 42. 00:07:10.019 --> 00:07:18.500 It says this, that Joseph of Arimathea, an honorable counselor, an honorable counselor, which would 00:07:18.500 --> 00:07:21.659 put him as part of the Sanhedrin, that governing body. 00:07:22.180 --> 00:07:27.379 And interesting enough, the very same body that had condemned Jesus to death. 00:07:28.060 --> 00:07:32.879 The very same ruling council that had condemned Jesus to death. 00:07:32.879 --> 00:07:39.980 Here is Joseph was part of that, and he's the one that, but it talks about him being an honorable counselor. 00:07:40.579 --> 00:07:45.899 You know, honorable means he was influential or respected amongst his peers. 00:07:46.500 --> 00:07:48.240 You know, he would have been easily recognized. 00:07:48.540 --> 00:07:50.100 Everybody would have said, hey, that's Joseph. 00:07:50.959 --> 00:07:56.759 People would have known him and understood who he was and his influence was great. 00:07:56.759 --> 00:08:03.639 And we know Matthew reveals to us in Matthew chapter 27, verse 57, reveals that he was a wealthy, 00:08:03.719 --> 00:08:04.939 he was a rich man. 00:08:05.759 --> 00:08:09.079 You know, and we're going to find that's how he could afford a new tomb that he was going 00:08:09.079 --> 00:08:10.219 to place Jesus in. 00:08:10.899 --> 00:08:15.740 A tomb he had already purchased, and we understand he didn't purchase it for Jesus, he purchased 00:08:15.740 --> 00:08:16.620 it for himself. 00:08:16.879 --> 00:08:17.579 But you know what? 00:08:17.599 --> 00:08:22.099 He was willing to use what he invested to say, if I'm going to identify with my Lord, 00:08:22.180 --> 00:08:24.159 then what's mine is his. 00:08:24.160 --> 00:08:31.420 To understand what we're going to see here this morning, in Luke 23, verse 50, says he 00:08:31.420 --> 00:08:33.300 was a good and just man. 00:08:33.360 --> 00:08:38.019 Look here what it says in verse 50 of Luke chapter 23, and behold, he was a man named 00:08:38.019 --> 00:08:41.560 Joseph, a counselor, and he was a good man and just. 00:08:42.220 --> 00:08:48.279 Now I want you to understand he was a man that possessed a good reputation, being known 00:08:48.279 --> 00:08:49.519 as a man of virtue. 00:08:50.000 --> 00:08:54.139 When the Bible here talks about a good man, it means he was a moral individual. 00:08:54.159 --> 00:08:57.639 Upright, when people looked at him, they said, hey, that's an honorable individual. 00:08:58.279 --> 00:09:00.480 It's somebody that had a character. 00:09:01.299 --> 00:09:04.919 And there was a man that was also here as jest. 00:09:05.000 --> 00:09:08.579 He did that which was right towards others and towards God. 00:09:08.679 --> 00:09:14.699 But I want you to understand, Joseph was a man known for his character and example. 00:09:14.700 --> 00:09:20.160 But I want you to also understand, look back in our text in verse 43, tells us something 00:09:20.160 --> 00:09:20.960 else about him. 00:09:21.240 --> 00:09:24.640 It says this, it says that he waited for the kingdom of God. 00:09:26.420 --> 00:09:29.540 Now the context here is a Jewish context. 00:09:30.420 --> 00:09:33.520 I want you to understand that he was waiting for the Messiah. 00:09:34.240 --> 00:09:36.460 He was looking for the Messiah. 00:09:36.460 --> 00:09:39.139 He was waiting for God. 00:09:39.139 --> 00:09:45.800 And we understand that he had recognized Jesus as the one that fulfilled that. 00:09:46.240 --> 00:09:51.820 He made a recognition that Jesus was the one who fulfilled that promise that was there. 00:09:52.340 --> 00:09:54.400 Joseph wasn't fake in his belief. 00:09:54.519 --> 00:09:56.960 He truly believed the word of God. 00:09:57.040 --> 00:09:59.500 He said, God said there will one day be a deliverer. 00:09:59.720 --> 00:10:01.740 And I'm looking for that deliverer. 00:10:02.160 --> 00:10:04.480 He says, I'm going to trust what God says. 00:10:04.480 --> 00:10:08.440 And his faith was real and longed to see the promised Messiah. 00:10:09.779 --> 00:10:11.960 You know, we find others in Jesus' day. 00:10:12.139 --> 00:10:17.940 You remember around Christmas time, oftentimes we might mention Simeon and Anna in the temple 00:10:17.940 --> 00:10:23.500 that were good and just individuals that looked for the kingdom of God in Luke chapter 2. 00:10:23.600 --> 00:10:29.139 I want you to understand, Joseph wasn't the only one that had that attitude or that spirit 00:10:29.139 --> 00:10:32.700 about looking and trusting what God said. 00:10:32.700 --> 00:10:36.920 They were trying to figure out, is this who God said he is? 00:10:37.259 --> 00:10:40.400 But I want you to see here, Joseph was a man of character. 00:10:41.620 --> 00:10:44.440 But it's very important, he's a man that still needed a savior. 00:10:46.259 --> 00:10:49.640 Because I want you to understand, there's a difference between having good character 00:10:49.640 --> 00:10:51.860 and being honorable and being redeemed. 00:10:52.040 --> 00:10:52.840 There's a difference. 00:10:54.020 --> 00:10:55.360 There's a lot of honorable individuals. 00:10:57.140 --> 00:11:00.440 You know, the sad part is, there's a lot of lost people that sometimes are more honorable 00:11:00.440 --> 00:11:01.540 than people that are believers. 00:11:04.220 --> 00:11:06.540 The reality is, it doesn't matter. 00:11:08.160 --> 00:11:10.480 It doesn't get you to heaven by being good. 00:11:11.400 --> 00:11:16.760 It doesn't get you to heaven by being a just individual, you know, doing that which is right 00:11:16.760 --> 00:11:17.500 towards others. 00:11:17.500 --> 00:11:23.600 And we understand that Joseph, though, well, he would possess many qualities that were honorable 00:11:23.600 --> 00:11:27.240 and right, but it was his faith in Christ that made a difference. 00:11:27.980 --> 00:11:32.460 You know, I want you to understand, we cannot be saved by good character, but I want you to 00:11:32.460 --> 00:11:34.539 understand also, he's a very religious man. 00:11:34.960 --> 00:11:36.440 You don't get saved by religion. 00:11:38.159 --> 00:11:40.860 Practicing religious things does not save anybody. 00:11:40.860 --> 00:11:46.300 You know, oftentimes people rely on, when you go talk to people, well, they'll say, I was 00:11:46.300 --> 00:11:50.840 baptized in such and such a church, or I do this, or I do that, or I believe this. 00:11:51.879 --> 00:11:55.980 But I want you to understand, there's only one real ultra-critical belief, and that's 00:11:55.980 --> 00:11:57.460 belief of who Jesus is. 00:11:58.360 --> 00:12:01.940 To understand the importance of that, that's the pivotal thing. 00:12:02.419 --> 00:12:06.000 I'm not saying the rest of the Bible's not critical, important, but I want you to understand, 00:12:06.080 --> 00:12:09.399 if you miss the point about Jesus, the rest becomes irrelevant. 00:12:09.399 --> 00:12:09.879 Right. 00:12:11.740 --> 00:12:17.759 Jesus is the focal point of everything, and I want you to understand that he needed a 00:12:17.759 --> 00:12:18.100 savior. 00:12:18.600 --> 00:12:23.620 You know, Titus chapter 3 tells us this, but after that, the kindness and love of God our 00:12:23.620 --> 00:12:28.879 savior toward men appeared, not by works of righteousness, which we have done, but according 00:12:28.879 --> 00:12:34.480 to his mercy, he saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost. 00:12:34.480 --> 00:12:39.659 You know, Ephesians chapter 2 tells us, for by grace are you saved through what? 00:12:40.539 --> 00:12:41.019 Faith. 00:12:41.960 --> 00:12:43.779 And not of yourselves. 00:12:44.879 --> 00:12:48.100 You know, there's a lot of people today that think they're saved because of who they are. 00:12:49.940 --> 00:12:51.100 I'm a good person. 00:12:51.100 --> 00:12:57.300 I'm not as bad as, you know, whenever, whenever you see as bad as, you know, they always will 00:12:57.300 --> 00:13:01.220 point to somebody else to justify themselves. 00:13:01.540 --> 00:13:04.840 I want you to understand we're all sinners that need to be saved. 00:13:05.379 --> 00:13:07.060 There's not a one of us exempt. 00:13:07.180 --> 00:13:08.019 And it goes on. 00:13:08.080 --> 00:13:10.960 It says, not of works, lest any man should boast. 00:13:11.100 --> 00:13:13.700 There's nothing we can boast about our salvation. 00:13:13.700 --> 00:13:20.560 You have to come to Christ humbly recognizing that he is the one that came and died upon the 00:13:20.560 --> 00:13:21.440 cross for you. 00:13:21.920 --> 00:13:26.440 Matter of fact, it tells us in Acts chapter 4 and verse 12, it says clearly this, neither 00:13:26.440 --> 00:13:31.100 is there salvation any other, for there's none other name under heaven given among men 00:13:31.100 --> 00:13:34.140 whereby we must be saved. 00:13:35.640 --> 00:13:41.900 I want you to understand that Joseph made a difference because he was a disciple, a follower 00:13:41.900 --> 00:13:43.200 of Christ. 00:13:43.200 --> 00:13:46.879 He had not identified or connected himself with Christ though publicly. 00:13:47.759 --> 00:13:52.060 You know, because sometimes when we trust God as our savior, sometimes the pressure of 00:13:52.060 --> 00:13:56.280 this world hinders us from coming out and saying, I'm going to stand with Christ. 00:13:56.800 --> 00:14:02.140 I'm going to stand with that which is right, that which is proper to do so. 00:14:02.700 --> 00:14:06.920 You know, we need to understand that's an important element because we're going to see here next 00:14:06.920 --> 00:14:11.220 the concealment of Joseph, the concealment of Joseph. 00:14:11.220 --> 00:14:14.960 You know, Matthew 27 reveals to us here. 00:14:15.060 --> 00:14:18.960 Take a look over there in your Bible, turn over a few pages there to Matthew chapter 27. 00:14:19.360 --> 00:14:26.279 Matthew chapter 27 tells us this, that he was a disciple of Jesus. 00:14:26.500 --> 00:14:29.740 And he tells us here in verse 57, it says, 00:14:29.740 --> 00:14:36.879 And when the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathea named Joseph, who also himself 00:14:36.879 --> 00:14:40.019 was Jesus' disciple. 00:14:40.759 --> 00:14:42.879 He was a disciple of Jesus. 00:14:43.080 --> 00:14:46.159 Now take a look over to John in John chapter 19. 00:14:46.600 --> 00:14:51.220 John chapter 19, we see something else about this man that's very important. 00:14:51.220 --> 00:14:54.220 As we look here in John chapter 19, look at verse 38. 00:14:54.680 --> 00:14:58.300 John chapter 19, verse 38 tells us this. 00:14:58.360 --> 00:15:01.800 It's very clear of this dynamic because you know what? 00:15:01.840 --> 00:15:05.920 I think a lot of us can find ourselves in the place Joseph was here. 00:15:07.160 --> 00:15:10.360 We find here in chapter 19, verse 38, it says, 00:15:11.019 --> 00:15:15.040 And after this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus. 00:15:15.560 --> 00:15:17.200 Now notice that next phrase, but what? 00:15:17.200 --> 00:15:22.080 But secretly for fear of the Jews. 00:15:22.340 --> 00:15:25.100 But you know, he had been secret until now. 00:15:26.560 --> 00:15:28.140 Because notice what the rest of it says, 00:15:28.220 --> 00:15:31.280 He besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus. 00:15:31.720 --> 00:15:36.020 And Pilate gave him leave and came therefore and took the body of Jesus. 00:15:36.640 --> 00:15:41.240 Now I want you to understand, we're not told the where and the when that Joseph trusted Christ. 00:15:41.360 --> 00:15:43.300 You know, he would have had many opportunities. 00:15:43.299 --> 00:15:50.240 As oftentimes the Sanhedrin would send out individuals to go listen and try to entrap Jesus. 00:15:50.500 --> 00:15:57.339 And it wouldn't be hard to imagine that Joseph here, being a leader and honorable among them, 00:15:57.379 --> 00:15:59.639 that he wasn't one that they would have sent sometime. 00:16:00.000 --> 00:16:01.240 And he would have heard Jesus. 00:16:01.379 --> 00:16:03.519 Maybe he saw Jesus heal somebody. 00:16:03.519 --> 00:16:08.340 Maybe he saw the reality of many things over and over. 00:16:08.720 --> 00:16:14.500 And understand that what Jesus taught about the kingdom and the way of salvation became clear to him. 00:16:14.579 --> 00:16:17.139 This must be the one. 00:16:17.960 --> 00:16:19.460 This must be the one. 00:16:19.659 --> 00:16:21.419 This is the one we're looking for. 00:16:22.179 --> 00:16:25.559 You know, maybe it was the testimony of someone that Jesus had touched. 00:16:25.679 --> 00:16:28.299 You know, a personal testimony goes a long ways. 00:16:28.299 --> 00:16:34.599 The reality of what Christ has done for you changes others. 00:16:35.500 --> 00:16:36.879 It impacts others. 00:16:37.679 --> 00:16:43.439 You know, we don't know, but we do know that he did let others know at this point. 00:16:44.079 --> 00:16:47.719 You know, he didn't want people to know, but then he came to a point where he says, 00:16:47.879 --> 00:16:52.839 I have to make a decision that says I'm going to stand up and identify with Christ. 00:16:52.840 --> 00:16:58.379 You know, today we read this passage and maybe if you do your Bible reading all the time 00:16:58.379 --> 00:17:01.740 and you've read through this many times and you just kind of brush over it. 00:17:01.740 --> 00:17:05.039 But I want you to understand, it was not an easy thing for him to stand up. 00:17:06.600 --> 00:17:10.920 Here's a man of position, authority, wealth, influence, 00:17:11.319 --> 00:17:14.759 and he risked them all to go get the body of Jesus. 00:17:15.079 --> 00:17:19.200 He had tried to keep it secret, but he understood there was a time when you have to say, 00:17:19.680 --> 00:17:21.740 I need to stand with Christ. 00:17:21.740 --> 00:17:26.059 He had been afraid of the reaction of those that looked up to him. 00:17:26.140 --> 00:17:28.599 I mean, he was kind of a pillar in the society. 00:17:29.019 --> 00:17:31.180 And people were saying, well, what about Joseph? 00:17:31.559 --> 00:17:36.519 I want you to understand, he took a lot of risk and a lot of personal cost to say, 00:17:36.640 --> 00:17:38.000 I don't care what it costs. 00:17:38.079 --> 00:17:39.299 I don't care what others think. 00:17:39.680 --> 00:17:41.039 I'm going to take a stand. 00:17:41.440 --> 00:17:43.319 I'm going to identify with Christ. 00:17:43.480 --> 00:17:46.180 You know, consider what it tells us over in Proverbs chapter 29. 00:17:47.200 --> 00:17:49.299 You know, look over there at Proverbs chapter 29. 00:17:49.299 --> 00:17:52.200 The Bible makes it clear, the reality. 00:17:52.399 --> 00:17:55.599 It says, the fear of man bringeth a snare. 00:17:57.159 --> 00:17:57.899 You know what? 00:17:58.119 --> 00:18:03.240 When we fear others, it ensnares us, it traps us, it holds us. 00:18:04.319 --> 00:18:09.539 It becomes something that keeps you from moving forward with the Lord. 00:18:09.879 --> 00:18:14.559 But notice this, but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe. 00:18:14.559 --> 00:18:19.679 You know, I want you to understand, it's good to understand that Jesus is the Savior, 00:18:20.059 --> 00:18:23.000 but with that you need to understand that you are now safe. 00:18:24.679 --> 00:18:26.319 You're secure in Christ. 00:18:27.299 --> 00:18:30.419 If you have Jesus as your Savior, you can't lose him. 00:18:30.460 --> 00:18:31.299 He'll never leave you. 00:18:31.559 --> 00:18:32.839 He'll never forsake you. 00:18:34.519 --> 00:18:36.639 You don't get any more secure than that. 00:18:37.480 --> 00:18:40.159 You know, it's something that we understand the fear of man, 00:18:40.160 --> 00:18:41.820 but look over to Psalm 107. 00:18:42.259 --> 00:18:45.340 Psalm 107 in verse 2 tells us this. 00:18:45.440 --> 00:18:47.940 It says, let the redeemed of the Lord do what? 00:18:48.840 --> 00:18:49.759 Say so. 00:18:51.660 --> 00:18:55.120 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so. 00:18:56.400 --> 00:18:59.420 Whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy. 00:19:00.279 --> 00:19:03.220 You know, if you're saved today, you ought to be willing to say so. 00:19:03.220 --> 00:19:06.940 You know, there's a lot of people that want to stay hid. 00:19:07.200 --> 00:19:09.740 You know, I want people just to think I'm a good person. 00:19:11.200 --> 00:19:14.860 You know, there's a difference between being a good person and identifying with Christ. 00:19:15.279 --> 00:19:18.799 I'm doing this not for my benefit, because of my Savior's. 00:19:19.920 --> 00:19:21.640 To identify with the Savior. 00:19:22.160 --> 00:19:26.100 But sadly, many believers fit the profile of Joseph beforehand. 00:19:26.759 --> 00:19:31.100 They want to hide their faith because they're afraid of what people may say about them. 00:19:31.099 --> 00:19:34.480 They want to hide their faith thinking they might lose something. 00:19:35.319 --> 00:19:37.819 You know, oftentimes we try to hold on to things, 00:19:37.939 --> 00:19:43.139 and Jesus says, trust me, obey me, move with me, follow me. 00:19:43.339 --> 00:19:49.139 They're willing to be changed and modify their behavior to fit into the world, 00:19:49.259 --> 00:19:51.799 but not take a stand for the truth of God's Word. 00:19:53.159 --> 00:19:56.199 You know, sometimes it's a matter they want to break religious ties 00:19:56.199 --> 00:19:59.439 and stand on the truth of God's Word. 00:19:59.440 --> 00:20:01.259 You know what? 00:20:01.380 --> 00:20:04.980 Sadly, religion is one of the biggest entrapments of people you'll find. 00:20:05.320 --> 00:20:07.640 Over the years, I've seen many people who said, 00:20:07.740 --> 00:20:11.680 I trust Christ as my Savior, but I won't leave a church that's teaching contrary. 00:20:13.380 --> 00:20:14.480 You know what that tells me? 00:20:14.539 --> 00:20:17.519 It says, my people and the people there, 00:20:17.640 --> 00:20:21.180 what they think of me is more important than identifying with my Savior. 00:20:22.019 --> 00:20:24.759 To identify with Christ, to say, I'm going to take a stand, 00:20:24.759 --> 00:20:26.819 and I'm going to put those things behind me. 00:20:26.859 --> 00:20:29.440 I'm not going to be entrapped by man's religion, 00:20:29.440 --> 00:20:31.539 and I'm going to be a follower of Christ, 00:20:31.640 --> 00:20:34.379 and I'm going to be obedient unto the things that God would have 00:20:34.379 --> 00:20:37.259 to take a stand on the truth of God's Word. 00:20:38.279 --> 00:20:43.099 I want you to understand, you can't have hundreds of denominations and everybody be right. 00:20:43.359 --> 00:20:45.640 The reality is, if there's a difference of opinion, 00:20:46.099 --> 00:20:47.579 there's only a couple of options. 00:20:47.900 --> 00:20:49.000 Or should I say, a few options. 00:20:49.720 --> 00:20:52.279 You're either right, they're either right, 00:20:52.740 --> 00:20:54.740 if there's a contradiction of opinion, 00:20:55.180 --> 00:20:57.599 or you have a third option, you might both be wrong. 00:20:58.839 --> 00:21:01.400 Because if both of them go contrary to the Word of God, 00:21:01.480 --> 00:21:02.819 you know what, you just got outvoted. 00:21:04.319 --> 00:21:05.940 You got out-authority. 00:21:06.599 --> 00:21:10.259 I want you to understand that it's the Word of God that we must stand upon, 00:21:10.619 --> 00:21:12.000 not on our opinions. 00:21:13.000 --> 00:21:17.539 You know, I want you to understand and to be identified with Christ. 00:21:17.539 --> 00:21:21.420 You know, one of the things as a believer, a New Testament believer, salvation. 00:21:21.879 --> 00:21:22.879 But then there's baptism. 00:21:23.019 --> 00:21:23.960 You know what baptism is? 00:21:24.079 --> 00:21:27.019 Public identification with Christ. 00:21:28.599 --> 00:21:30.500 When you're baptized, it's saying, 00:21:30.680 --> 00:21:32.740 I want to identify with Christ. 00:21:33.559 --> 00:21:38.399 I want everybody to know that I have called upon Him to save me. 00:21:38.519 --> 00:21:39.940 Baptism doesn't save you, 00:21:40.139 --> 00:21:43.200 but it does identify you. 00:21:43.200 --> 00:21:46.920 And throughout history, you'll understand, 00:21:47.080 --> 00:21:48.180 baptism identifies. 00:21:49.900 --> 00:21:51.880 If you doubt what I'm saying, talk to somebody. 00:21:51.960 --> 00:21:54.620 Well, I was identified in such and such a church. 00:21:55.920 --> 00:21:56.940 You know what they're saying? 00:21:57.059 --> 00:21:59.500 My baptism identifies me with this doctrine. 00:22:01.380 --> 00:22:02.940 When you're scripturally baptized, 00:22:02.940 --> 00:22:07.299 it's saying, I want to identify with the doctrine of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:22:07.380 --> 00:22:09.600 I want to identify with the doctrine of His Word. 00:22:09.599 --> 00:22:12.039 I want to identify with what Christ says. 00:22:12.099 --> 00:22:14.299 I don't want to identify with a religion. 00:22:14.559 --> 00:22:16.879 I want to identify with my Savior. 00:22:17.359 --> 00:22:22.000 I want you to understand that true church isn't just a religious place that people meet. 00:22:23.399 --> 00:22:26.099 Now, I want you to understand, in another context of the words, 00:22:26.179 --> 00:22:28.019 you ought to be religious about coming to church. 00:22:29.179 --> 00:22:32.119 The Bible says not to forsake the assembling of yourselves together. 00:22:33.119 --> 00:22:35.279 You know, you can be religious about a lot of things. 00:22:35.279 --> 00:22:37.379 You know? 00:22:38.819 --> 00:22:39.879 Let me ask you a question. 00:22:39.960 --> 00:22:41.139 How many drink coffee in the morning? 00:22:43.940 --> 00:22:45.839 This isn't a trick question, but you know what? 00:22:45.920 --> 00:22:48.379 People that drink coffee are pretty religious about their coffee. 00:22:49.200 --> 00:22:52.420 I get up in the morning, and you put it in there, and you mix it, 00:22:52.460 --> 00:22:53.139 and you hit the button, 00:22:53.399 --> 00:22:54.940 and if the little light doesn't glow, 00:22:55.019 --> 00:22:56.599 and you don't hear the gurgling, 00:22:56.779 --> 00:22:57.940 it's like you start panicking. 00:22:58.200 --> 00:22:59.039 I want you to understand, 00:22:59.119 --> 00:23:01.160 religious means it's something that you do. 00:23:01.160 --> 00:23:05.200 And as a believer, there's things we ought to do. 00:23:06.220 --> 00:23:09.220 The Bible tells us there's things we ought to be doing 00:23:09.220 --> 00:23:12.279 when it comes to our faith in Christ. 00:23:12.380 --> 00:23:14.920 But I want you to understand that doing doesn't save you. 00:23:16.320 --> 00:23:18.519 The choices you make, the things you do, 00:23:18.580 --> 00:23:20.440 ought to identify you with Christ, 00:23:20.540 --> 00:23:25.259 because those things ought to identify us or connect us with Christ. 00:23:25.720 --> 00:23:27.820 And understand, you know, Romans chapter 6 00:23:27.819 --> 00:23:30.859 tells us this in verse 3. 00:23:30.980 --> 00:23:31.159 It says, 00:23:31.279 --> 00:23:31.919 Know ye not? 00:23:32.200 --> 00:23:35.000 So many of us, as we're baptized into Jesus Christ, 00:23:35.079 --> 00:23:36.700 we're baptized into His death. 00:23:37.019 --> 00:23:37.359 You know what? 00:23:37.379 --> 00:23:38.220 I want you to understand, 00:23:38.339 --> 00:23:41.119 Romans 6 reveals something here about baptism, 00:23:41.200 --> 00:23:42.759 because it's a picture of what happens. 00:23:43.079 --> 00:23:44.379 That at the moment of salvation, 00:23:44.559 --> 00:23:46.099 you are buried, you're crucified, 00:23:46.279 --> 00:23:47.579 the old man with Christ, 00:23:47.720 --> 00:23:49.240 and you're raised again, 00:23:49.299 --> 00:23:50.960 just as Jesus was resurrected. 00:23:51.439 --> 00:23:53.659 When you're baptized, that doesn't save you. 00:23:53.659 --> 00:23:55.740 It's a picture of what's already happened. 00:23:55.740 --> 00:23:58.299 It identifies you. 00:23:59.940 --> 00:24:04.120 You know, identification with Christ and His doctrine. 00:24:05.539 --> 00:24:06.779 I want you to understand, 00:24:06.900 --> 00:24:08.579 the teaching of Christ is important. 00:24:08.960 --> 00:24:09.960 You know, oftentimes today, 00:24:10.039 --> 00:24:11.779 we have so many religious people who say, 00:24:12.059 --> 00:24:13.819 Well, as long as they preach the gospel, 00:24:13.900 --> 00:24:14.640 you know what the problem is? 00:24:14.660 --> 00:24:16.460 They do gospel plus many places. 00:24:18.380 --> 00:24:20.339 Gospel plus this, gospel plus that. 00:24:20.440 --> 00:24:21.700 They add this, they add that. 00:24:22.240 --> 00:24:22.519 You know? 00:24:22.779 --> 00:24:23.660 I want you to understand, 00:24:23.759 --> 00:24:25.120 being baptized doesn't save you. 00:24:25.119 --> 00:24:27.059 Being a member of this church doesn't get you to heaven. 00:24:27.359 --> 00:24:29.839 Me being your preacher doesn't give you any brownie points. 00:24:30.119 --> 00:24:31.739 Doesn't gain any favor, let me tell you. 00:24:33.000 --> 00:24:33.699 But you know what? 00:24:33.939 --> 00:24:35.599 Identifying with Christ gets you favor. 00:24:37.179 --> 00:24:39.459 The identity with Christ makes a difference. 00:24:40.399 --> 00:24:42.079 Here's Joseph of Arimathea. 00:24:42.239 --> 00:24:44.919 He understood that dynamic. 00:24:44.919 --> 00:24:49.759 You know, 1 Peter chapter 3 in verse 21 says this, 00:24:49.759 --> 00:24:52.920 In like figure whereunto even baptism does now save us. 00:24:53.240 --> 00:24:55.059 Not the putting away the filth of the flesh, 00:24:55.319 --> 00:24:55.859 but notice this, 00:24:55.900 --> 00:24:56.819 but an answer of what? 00:24:56.859 --> 00:24:58.819 A good conscience towards God 00:24:58.819 --> 00:25:01.259 by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 00:25:01.539 --> 00:25:02.660 You know what baptism says? 00:25:02.720 --> 00:25:05.539 I want to identify not with the death of Jesus. 00:25:05.759 --> 00:25:08.640 I want to identify with the living for Jesus. 00:25:08.640 --> 00:25:10.880 Because as a believer, 00:25:11.400 --> 00:25:12.740 you're dead in Christ, 00:25:12.860 --> 00:25:15.540 but you're raised to walk in newness of life. 00:25:15.759 --> 00:25:18.140 The Bible says you're a new creature in Christ. 00:25:19.300 --> 00:25:20.700 At the moment of salvation, 00:25:20.880 --> 00:25:21.460 you're different. 00:25:23.220 --> 00:25:24.780 Baptism is a picture that says, 00:25:24.920 --> 00:25:26.940 I want to identify with my Savior. 00:25:28.040 --> 00:25:30.880 And the doctrine surrounding baptism is important. 00:25:30.880 --> 00:25:33.180 But I want you to see here 00:25:33.180 --> 00:25:35.480 why Joseph had hid his faith from others. 00:25:35.960 --> 00:25:38.100 We find there was something that changed. 00:25:39.340 --> 00:25:41.880 Because there was something in his life at this moment, 00:25:41.980 --> 00:25:43.560 some things that took place that said, 00:25:43.720 --> 00:25:45.560 there's some things that need to be different. 00:25:45.860 --> 00:25:48.300 Just as salvation happens in a moment 00:25:48.300 --> 00:25:50.780 when the Spirit of God convicts a lost sinner 00:25:50.780 --> 00:25:51.500 that says, 00:25:51.640 --> 00:25:53.680 I understand that Jesus is the way, 00:25:53.800 --> 00:25:54.700 the truth, and the life, 00:25:54.940 --> 00:25:57.840 and no man cometh unto the Father but by him. 00:25:57.880 --> 00:25:59.380 We understand that reality. 00:25:59.380 --> 00:26:01.740 And we understand that we have to call upon him. 00:26:01.740 --> 00:26:02.860 We have to do something with it. 00:26:03.200 --> 00:26:04.000 And I want you to understand, 00:26:04.100 --> 00:26:05.280 you can know a lot of things, 00:26:05.340 --> 00:26:07.160 but there's a difference when you take action with it. 00:26:09.000 --> 00:26:09.480 You know? 00:26:10.240 --> 00:26:11.320 I want you to understand, 00:26:11.440 --> 00:26:13.120 salvation isn't a YouTube video. 00:26:14.600 --> 00:26:17.140 You know, a lot of people do DIY YouTube videos. 00:26:17.260 --> 00:26:18.180 You know, I'm now an expert. 00:26:18.780 --> 00:26:19.920 You know, and then they find out 00:26:19.920 --> 00:26:21.020 and they get in trouble. 00:26:21.140 --> 00:26:22.100 But I want you to understand, 00:26:22.520 --> 00:26:23.700 the reality is, 00:26:23.760 --> 00:26:25.400 is Christ isn't just a theory. 00:26:25.560 --> 00:26:26.660 It just isn't a concept. 00:26:27.380 --> 00:26:28.780 Salvation is a reality 00:26:28.779 --> 00:26:30.980 that happens when a person calls upon the Lord 00:26:30.980 --> 00:26:32.480 and they are transformed, 00:26:32.599 --> 00:26:33.879 they are changed 00:26:33.879 --> 00:26:36.579 in Christ. 00:26:36.740 --> 00:26:37.460 But Joseph, 00:26:37.720 --> 00:26:39.240 even though he trusted Christ, 00:26:39.359 --> 00:26:39.639 he said, 00:26:39.700 --> 00:26:40.379 this is the one, 00:26:40.440 --> 00:26:42.000 I'm a follower of Christ. 00:26:42.980 --> 00:26:44.240 He did so secretly. 00:26:44.639 --> 00:26:44.879 He said, 00:26:44.920 --> 00:26:46.039 I don't want others to know. 00:26:46.339 --> 00:26:46.519 You know, 00:26:46.539 --> 00:26:47.619 the same thing is true today. 00:26:47.680 --> 00:26:48.899 It's safe being religious. 00:26:49.240 --> 00:26:50.899 It's safe being a secret 00:26:50.899 --> 00:26:53.099 disciple of Christ. 00:26:53.099 --> 00:26:54.639 But I want you to understand 00:26:54.639 --> 00:26:55.299 there comes a time 00:26:55.299 --> 00:26:56.019 when you have to say, 00:26:56.539 --> 00:26:57.980 if I'm going to truly follow Christ, 00:26:58.099 --> 00:26:59.459 I have to take that step 00:26:59.459 --> 00:27:00.319 to identify 00:27:00.319 --> 00:27:02.500 and let everybody know 00:27:02.500 --> 00:27:04.480 that I'm with Christ. 00:27:05.179 --> 00:27:07.240 It's to take a stand for Him 00:27:07.240 --> 00:27:09.359 and understand that courage 00:27:09.359 --> 00:27:10.759 that is needed, 00:27:10.919 --> 00:27:13.000 that courage to come forth. 00:27:13.119 --> 00:27:14.659 Now let's look back at our text here 00:27:14.659 --> 00:27:16.959 in Mark chapter 15 for a moment. 00:27:16.960 --> 00:27:19.319 because we've talked about 00:27:19.319 --> 00:27:20.600 Joseph of Arimathea, 00:27:20.740 --> 00:27:21.740 an honorable counselor, 00:27:22.140 --> 00:27:23.240 which also waited 00:27:23.240 --> 00:27:24.500 for the kingdom of God. 00:27:24.900 --> 00:27:25.420 And it says, 00:27:25.579 --> 00:27:28.059 he came and went in boldly 00:27:28.059 --> 00:27:28.880 unto Pilate 00:27:28.880 --> 00:27:32.059 and craved the body of Jesus. 00:27:32.980 --> 00:27:34.000 I want you to understand 00:27:34.000 --> 00:27:35.940 that it took some courage 00:27:35.940 --> 00:27:38.340 to stand with Christ. 00:27:39.200 --> 00:27:40.180 It took some courage. 00:27:40.279 --> 00:27:41.100 I want you to understand 00:27:41.100 --> 00:27:42.680 that to come in boldly 00:27:42.680 --> 00:27:44.740 means to muster up courage. 00:27:44.840 --> 00:27:45.220 In other words, 00:27:45.259 --> 00:27:46.180 I want you to understand 00:27:46.180 --> 00:27:48.060 he wasn't going in confidence. 00:27:48.400 --> 00:27:49.880 He was going in courage 00:27:49.880 --> 00:27:51.160 and in the fear of the Lord 00:27:51.160 --> 00:27:52.519 saying this is what's right 00:27:52.519 --> 00:27:53.940 and I'm going to trust God. 00:27:54.120 --> 00:27:55.100 I'm going to take a stand. 00:27:55.180 --> 00:27:55.900 I'm going to identify. 00:27:56.480 --> 00:27:57.340 There was a moment 00:27:57.340 --> 00:27:58.440 that Joseph knew 00:27:58.440 --> 00:27:59.380 he could no longer 00:27:59.380 --> 00:28:00.880 have his faith in Christ 00:28:00.880 --> 00:28:01.960 just in the background. 00:28:02.299 --> 00:28:03.980 As a member of the Sanhedrin, 00:28:04.060 --> 00:28:05.259 that council of 70, 00:28:05.340 --> 00:28:06.039 he was presented 00:28:06.039 --> 00:28:07.120 that early morning. 00:28:08.200 --> 00:28:09.500 He was there present 00:28:09.500 --> 00:28:10.320 that morning 00:28:10.320 --> 00:28:12.160 when the council met together 00:28:12.160 --> 00:28:13.060 with Jesus 00:28:13.060 --> 00:28:14.600 and where the high priest 00:28:14.599 --> 00:28:17.399 and others began questioning him. 00:28:17.480 --> 00:28:18.379 Here's Joseph 00:28:18.379 --> 00:28:19.699 there that day. 00:28:20.480 --> 00:28:21.539 The Bible says 00:28:21.539 --> 00:28:23.259 that at that last council, 00:28:23.359 --> 00:28:24.240 the whole council 00:28:24.240 --> 00:28:24.799 had gathered. 00:28:24.919 --> 00:28:25.359 So in other words, 00:28:25.419 --> 00:28:26.319 we know he was there. 00:28:28.000 --> 00:28:29.519 We know he was present 00:28:29.519 --> 00:28:30.559 that early morning 00:28:30.559 --> 00:28:32.699 when Jesus was tried 00:28:32.699 --> 00:28:33.379 and condemned. 00:28:35.159 --> 00:28:36.119 But you know what? 00:28:36.199 --> 00:28:37.019 Right there is when 00:28:37.019 --> 00:28:38.139 I think he made a difference 00:28:38.139 --> 00:28:38.919 in his decision. 00:28:40.039 --> 00:28:40.839 Because the Bible 00:28:40.839 --> 00:28:41.619 tells us something 00:28:41.619 --> 00:28:42.599 about Joseph of Arimathea. 00:28:42.599 --> 00:28:43.079 Arimathea. 00:28:43.339 --> 00:28:44.919 He tried to keep it silent, 00:28:45.039 --> 00:28:45.740 but there was a point 00:28:45.740 --> 00:28:46.159 where he says, 00:28:46.259 --> 00:28:47.719 I could not anymore. 00:28:47.879 --> 00:28:49.259 Look over to Luke chapter 23 00:28:49.259 --> 00:28:49.939 for a moment. 00:28:50.459 --> 00:28:51.500 Luke chapter 23. 00:28:51.619 --> 00:28:52.839 Look here in verse 51. 00:28:53.199 --> 00:28:54.059 The Bible says this 00:28:54.059 --> 00:28:54.740 about Joseph. 00:28:54.899 --> 00:28:55.619 During that meeting, 00:28:55.899 --> 00:28:57.039 they do like most meetings 00:28:57.039 --> 00:28:57.879 and most councils, 00:28:57.980 --> 00:28:58.579 they took a vote. 00:28:58.639 --> 00:28:59.559 What are we going to do with Jesus? 00:28:59.939 --> 00:29:01.019 The same, notice this, 00:29:01.059 --> 00:29:02.000 the same had what? 00:29:02.099 --> 00:29:04.039 Not consented to the council 00:29:04.039 --> 00:29:07.000 and the deeds of them. 00:29:07.319 --> 00:29:07.699 You know what? 00:29:07.699 --> 00:29:08.719 I think that's the moment 00:29:08.719 --> 00:29:11.099 that Joseph made a decision. 00:29:11.099 --> 00:29:13.019 I'm going to identify with Christ. 00:29:15.579 --> 00:29:16.240 He said, 00:29:16.279 --> 00:29:17.879 what's going on here is wrong. 00:29:17.959 --> 00:29:19.279 They're going to kill my Savior. 00:29:19.699 --> 00:29:20.039 He said, 00:29:20.079 --> 00:29:21.480 I'm not going to consent to it. 00:29:21.659 --> 00:29:23.699 He took a stand earlier that day. 00:29:25.299 --> 00:29:26.199 Now I want you to understand 00:29:26.199 --> 00:29:26.959 most councils, 00:29:27.079 --> 00:29:28.139 how most councils work 00:29:28.139 --> 00:29:29.219 are the same they work today. 00:29:30.059 --> 00:29:31.240 You can get outvoted. 00:29:31.579 --> 00:29:33.619 I believe not every individual there 00:29:33.619 --> 00:29:34.179 said yes, 00:29:34.299 --> 00:29:35.559 condemn Jesus to death, 00:29:35.619 --> 00:29:36.299 but there was enough 00:29:36.299 --> 00:29:38.219 overwhelming majority of them 00:29:38.219 --> 00:29:39.559 that there was no choice 00:29:39.559 --> 00:29:40.799 of the direction of the council. 00:29:41.099 --> 00:29:42.399 But we see here that Jesus, 00:29:42.879 --> 00:29:44.039 that the Bible tells us 00:29:44.039 --> 00:29:45.359 that He had not consented 00:29:45.359 --> 00:29:46.679 to the council 00:29:46.679 --> 00:29:48.059 and the deed of them. 00:29:48.119 --> 00:29:48.519 In other words, 00:29:48.559 --> 00:29:49.619 He looked at what happened 00:29:49.619 --> 00:29:49.980 and said, 00:29:50.179 --> 00:29:51.699 what you did was wrong. 00:29:53.179 --> 00:29:54.259 He took a stand. 00:29:55.939 --> 00:29:57.740 And now He takes a big stand 00:29:57.740 --> 00:29:59.579 because as He had witnessed 00:29:59.579 --> 00:30:01.059 the mockery of justice 00:30:01.059 --> 00:30:02.679 during the trial of Jesus 00:30:02.679 --> 00:30:04.359 and had voted against 00:30:04.359 --> 00:30:05.740 the proceeding with it, 00:30:05.740 --> 00:30:07.319 but something changed. 00:30:07.399 --> 00:30:09.259 For now He boldly went to Pilate 00:30:09.259 --> 00:30:10.900 to request the body of Jesus. 00:30:11.440 --> 00:30:12.619 Notice it wasn't just 00:30:12.619 --> 00:30:13.920 a hopeful request. 00:30:14.200 --> 00:30:15.099 The Bible says 00:30:15.099 --> 00:30:17.559 He craved the body of Jesus. 00:30:18.000 --> 00:30:19.119 I want you to understand 00:30:19.119 --> 00:30:20.619 something very important here. 00:30:20.640 --> 00:30:21.640 That word craved 00:30:21.640 --> 00:30:23.059 implies with it 00:30:23.059 --> 00:30:24.759 that He had His heart set, 00:30:24.819 --> 00:30:25.859 He had His mind set, 00:30:26.119 --> 00:30:27.359 He had a direction to say, 00:30:27.440 --> 00:30:29.140 this is what I'm going to go in there and do. 00:30:29.140 --> 00:30:32.640 He had a vigor behind 00:30:32.640 --> 00:30:33.540 what He was doing. 00:30:34.980 --> 00:30:37.259 He knew somebody had to take action. 00:30:37.620 --> 00:30:38.940 You know, the Jews had requested 00:30:38.940 --> 00:30:40.240 the body be removed 00:30:40.240 --> 00:30:41.759 before the Sabbath began. 00:30:42.900 --> 00:30:44.060 Now I want you to understand, 00:30:44.160 --> 00:30:45.600 this was a pretty short time frame. 00:30:45.720 --> 00:30:47.400 Jesus died at 3 in the afternoon. 00:30:47.740 --> 00:30:48.880 In the Jewish calendar, 00:30:49.520 --> 00:30:51.940 the Jewish day starts at 6 p.m. 00:30:53.000 --> 00:30:55.160 From the time Jesus died 00:30:55.160 --> 00:30:57.320 to the time of the beginning 00:30:57.319 --> 00:30:57.980 of the Sabbath, 00:30:58.879 --> 00:31:00.119 was three-hour window. 00:31:02.240 --> 00:31:03.079 And when you consider 00:31:03.079 --> 00:31:04.799 what happened in that three hours, 00:31:04.879 --> 00:31:05.879 there's a lot going on. 00:31:07.299 --> 00:31:07.539 You know? 00:31:08.319 --> 00:31:10.759 Now, let's just think about today. 00:31:11.059 --> 00:31:12.679 Dealing with government bureaucracy, 00:31:13.000 --> 00:31:13.759 what's three hours? 00:31:14.079 --> 00:31:14.299 You know? 00:31:14.519 --> 00:31:15.500 He went into Pilate, 00:31:15.579 --> 00:31:17.579 the leader of the local government, 00:31:17.679 --> 00:31:18.259 you might say, 00:31:18.299 --> 00:31:19.179 the Roman government. 00:31:20.039 --> 00:31:21.299 In less than three hours, 00:31:21.399 --> 00:31:22.559 he craved the body of Jesus. 00:31:22.659 --> 00:31:23.519 He got Jesus. 00:31:23.759 --> 00:31:24.919 He prepared the body 00:31:24.919 --> 00:31:26.240 and put Him in a tomb. 00:31:26.240 --> 00:31:27.900 Things were happening fast. 00:31:29.099 --> 00:31:31.160 Things were happening quickly here. 00:31:31.759 --> 00:31:32.740 I want you to understand, 00:31:32.859 --> 00:31:34.380 as he began there, 00:31:34.480 --> 00:31:36.099 it was not much time 00:31:36.099 --> 00:31:38.620 for what was needed 00:31:38.620 --> 00:31:39.519 to be accomplished. 00:31:40.079 --> 00:31:41.900 He understood what was required. 00:31:42.519 --> 00:31:43.480 And we understand here, 00:31:43.559 --> 00:31:45.279 Pilate granted him the request 00:31:45.279 --> 00:31:46.920 after the centurion returned 00:31:46.920 --> 00:31:48.140 with the confirmation 00:31:48.140 --> 00:31:49.740 that Jesus was dead. 00:31:50.599 --> 00:31:51.200 Now, I just want you 00:31:51.200 --> 00:31:52.120 to point out something here. 00:31:52.140 --> 00:31:53.160 When you read the Gospels, 00:31:53.160 --> 00:31:54.840 it's very clear that Jesus died. 00:31:56.019 --> 00:31:57.620 You know, there's some weird things 00:31:57.620 --> 00:31:58.060 of history. 00:31:58.180 --> 00:31:59.400 There's people who try to say, 00:31:59.759 --> 00:32:01.240 well, Jesus didn't really die. 00:32:01.320 --> 00:32:02.680 He just swooned on the cross 00:32:02.680 --> 00:32:04.140 and He recovered in a cool tomb. 00:32:04.580 --> 00:32:05.440 It's like you guys are, 00:32:05.779 --> 00:32:07.019 I don't know what you're reading 00:32:07.019 --> 00:32:08.060 or what you understand, 00:32:08.640 --> 00:32:09.500 but I guarantee you 00:32:09.500 --> 00:32:10.980 when the centurion came back 00:32:10.980 --> 00:32:12.160 and said Jesus is dead, 00:32:12.200 --> 00:32:12.960 he was pretty sure. 00:32:15.160 --> 00:32:16.100 A centurion, 00:32:16.180 --> 00:32:18.160 he was a leader of a band of men. 00:32:18.480 --> 00:32:18.960 In other words, 00:32:18.980 --> 00:32:19.960 he'd been around a while. 00:32:19.960 --> 00:32:21.039 I'm pretty sure he understood 00:32:21.039 --> 00:32:22.000 is he dead or not. 00:32:24.019 --> 00:32:25.220 There wasn't any question 00:32:25.220 --> 00:32:25.860 in his mind 00:32:25.860 --> 00:32:27.620 when he had the soldier 00:32:27.620 --> 00:32:30.319 put the spear in the side of Jesus 00:32:30.319 --> 00:32:32.259 and the blood and water came out. 00:32:32.460 --> 00:32:33.460 He said, there's no doubt. 00:32:33.740 --> 00:32:34.880 Probably wasn't the first time 00:32:34.880 --> 00:32:35.500 he'd seen it. 00:32:35.720 --> 00:32:36.720 The centurion came back 00:32:36.720 --> 00:32:37.840 and said, yes, he's dead. 00:32:38.039 --> 00:32:38.880 But we see here 00:32:38.880 --> 00:32:41.340 that Joseph could no longer hide 00:32:41.340 --> 00:32:43.960 that he was a disciple of Jesus. 00:32:44.100 --> 00:32:46.259 He can courageously request 00:32:46.259 --> 00:32:47.480 the body of Jesus. 00:32:47.880 --> 00:32:49.720 He took him down from the cross, 00:32:50.059 --> 00:32:51.259 preparing his body 00:32:51.259 --> 00:32:53.039 and placing him in a new tomb 00:32:53.039 --> 00:32:55.140 that he had purchased for himself. 00:32:56.720 --> 00:32:57.960 Now I want you to understand 00:32:57.960 --> 00:32:58.759 this was a tomb 00:32:58.759 --> 00:32:59.819 that was hewn out 00:32:59.819 --> 00:33:01.180 of the side of a rock. 00:33:01.279 --> 00:33:01.980 I want you to understand 00:33:01.980 --> 00:33:03.700 it would be expensive today 00:33:03.700 --> 00:33:04.279 to do that. 00:33:04.400 --> 00:33:06.059 It was expensive in Joseph's day 00:33:06.059 --> 00:33:07.279 to do something of that nature. 00:33:08.640 --> 00:33:10.160 That tomb that he had dug 00:33:10.160 --> 00:33:12.559 was a picture to the prominence 00:33:12.559 --> 00:33:14.000 of his wealth and position 00:33:14.000 --> 00:33:15.360 and his authority, 00:33:15.539 --> 00:33:16.839 the place that he had served. 00:33:17.160 --> 00:33:19.120 He had an honorable place, 00:33:19.119 --> 00:33:20.359 a place above others. 00:33:20.799 --> 00:33:21.899 You know, I want you to understand 00:33:21.899 --> 00:33:22.739 it was a place 00:33:22.739 --> 00:33:24.139 that people could see 00:33:24.139 --> 00:33:25.739 and understand who he was. 00:33:27.099 --> 00:33:28.779 But he takes Jesus down 00:33:28.779 --> 00:33:29.459 from the cross 00:33:29.459 --> 00:33:30.779 and he prepares his body 00:33:30.779 --> 00:33:31.959 and he takes him 00:33:31.959 --> 00:33:33.159 to his own tomb. 00:33:34.599 --> 00:33:35.659 Now we don't have time 00:33:35.659 --> 00:33:36.099 this morning, 00:33:36.179 --> 00:33:37.259 but I want you to understand 00:33:37.259 --> 00:33:38.859 that the Bible tells us 00:33:38.859 --> 00:33:39.939 in Isaiah 53 00:33:39.939 --> 00:33:42.179 that when he died, 00:33:42.399 --> 00:33:43.759 his body took a place 00:33:43.759 --> 00:33:45.699 with the rich or the wealthy. 00:33:45.700 --> 00:33:46.480 You know what? 00:33:46.519 --> 00:33:46.960 He did. 00:33:47.200 --> 00:33:48.340 A rich man came 00:33:48.340 --> 00:33:49.059 and took Jesus 00:33:49.059 --> 00:33:50.279 and put him in his own tomb 00:33:50.279 --> 00:33:52.220 that nobody had used before. 00:33:52.620 --> 00:33:53.319 We don't have time 00:33:53.319 --> 00:33:54.620 to get into all the dynamics 00:33:54.620 --> 00:33:57.559 of early New Testament tombs 00:33:57.559 --> 00:33:58.819 and that they wouldn't do 00:33:58.819 --> 00:33:59.500 like today, 00:33:59.700 --> 00:34:01.080 but they would actually put, 00:34:01.180 --> 00:34:02.240 have a family tomb 00:34:02.240 --> 00:34:03.340 and they have multiple people 00:34:03.340 --> 00:34:04.559 buried in the same location. 00:34:06.559 --> 00:34:08.220 So to have a brand new one 00:34:08.220 --> 00:34:09.039 was a big deal. 00:34:10.639 --> 00:34:11.980 It was expensive. 00:34:12.539 --> 00:34:14.780 Matthew 27 verse 60 tells us 00:34:14.780 --> 00:34:15.360 that he laid him 00:34:15.360 --> 00:34:16.500 in his own new tomb 00:34:16.500 --> 00:34:18.099 which he had hewn out 00:34:18.099 --> 00:34:18.780 in the rock 00:34:18.780 --> 00:34:20.039 and rolled a great stone 00:34:20.039 --> 00:34:21.219 to the door of the sepulcher 00:34:21.219 --> 00:34:21.820 and departed. 00:34:23.920 --> 00:34:25.059 I want you to understand here 00:34:25.059 --> 00:34:25.539 if you're willing 00:34:25.539 --> 00:34:26.920 to identify with Christ, 00:34:27.039 --> 00:34:27.699 it makes a difference 00:34:27.699 --> 00:34:28.440 in your life. 00:34:28.760 --> 00:34:29.960 But I want you to see here 00:34:29.960 --> 00:34:30.940 as we read the Gospels, 00:34:31.019 --> 00:34:31.639 I want you to understand 00:34:31.639 --> 00:34:32.380 it's made a difference 00:34:32.380 --> 00:34:33.420 in somebody else's life. 00:34:33.679 --> 00:34:34.900 There's something else here 00:34:34.900 --> 00:34:36.599 that when you take a stand 00:34:36.599 --> 00:34:37.300 with the Savior, 00:34:37.440 --> 00:34:38.960 when you identify with Christ, 00:34:39.059 --> 00:34:40.579 when you let others know 00:34:40.579 --> 00:34:42.400 that you are going to identify 00:34:42.400 --> 00:34:43.239 with Christ 00:34:43.239 --> 00:34:44.440 and His doctrine 00:34:44.440 --> 00:34:45.679 and what He wants, 00:34:45.719 --> 00:34:47.219 it impacts others also. 00:34:47.940 --> 00:34:49.239 Turn over to John chapter 19 00:34:49.239 --> 00:34:49.960 for a moment. 00:34:51.319 --> 00:34:52.539 John chapter 19. 00:34:52.980 --> 00:34:54.039 And we find here 00:34:54.039 --> 00:34:55.239 in John chapter 19 00:34:55.239 --> 00:34:56.880 in verse 39 00:34:56.880 --> 00:34:58.719 that when He took a stand, 00:34:58.840 --> 00:34:59.819 it impacted others. 00:35:01.179 --> 00:35:01.440 You know, 00:35:01.500 --> 00:35:02.440 when you take a stand 00:35:02.440 --> 00:35:04.000 to identify with Christ, 00:35:04.340 --> 00:35:05.679 it helps others 00:35:05.679 --> 00:35:06.559 to take a stand. 00:35:06.840 --> 00:35:07.940 Look at verse 39 00:35:07.940 --> 00:35:08.799 in chapter 19 00:35:08.800 --> 00:35:09.920 in the Gospel of John. 00:35:10.400 --> 00:35:10.720 It says, 00:35:10.840 --> 00:35:12.220 and there came also who? 00:35:14.000 --> 00:35:14.440 Who? 00:35:16.380 --> 00:35:16.780 Nicodemus. 00:35:18.160 --> 00:35:18.600 Now, 00:35:18.660 --> 00:35:19.640 who was Nicodemus? 00:35:21.080 --> 00:35:21.820 If you remember 00:35:21.820 --> 00:35:22.760 John chapter 3, 00:35:22.860 --> 00:35:24.100 Nicodemus was the ruler 00:35:24.100 --> 00:35:25.039 who came to Jesus 00:35:25.039 --> 00:35:25.740 by night. 00:35:27.640 --> 00:35:29.380 And Jesus had spoke to him 00:35:29.380 --> 00:35:31.000 about ye must born again. 00:35:31.360 --> 00:35:32.140 That religion 00:35:32.140 --> 00:35:33.380 and practice of religion 00:35:33.380 --> 00:35:34.760 is not going to do it. 00:35:36.720 --> 00:35:38.180 That's the same Nicodemus. 00:35:38.799 --> 00:35:39.599 Nicodemus had not 00:35:39.599 --> 00:35:40.759 publicly identified 00:35:40.759 --> 00:35:41.879 with Christ either. 00:35:43.859 --> 00:35:44.739 But you know what? 00:35:44.779 --> 00:35:45.859 When Joseph stood up 00:35:45.859 --> 00:35:46.159 and said, 00:35:46.279 --> 00:35:46.679 I will, 00:35:47.039 --> 00:35:47.819 Nicodemus said, 00:35:47.960 --> 00:35:48.699 I'm with you. 00:35:48.919 --> 00:35:50.039 These two men, 00:35:50.899 --> 00:35:52.079 there may have been others 00:35:52.079 --> 00:35:52.619 we don't know, 00:35:52.719 --> 00:35:53.679 but at least these two 00:35:53.679 --> 00:35:54.319 are the ones 00:35:54.319 --> 00:35:55.399 who went to the cross, 00:35:56.119 --> 00:35:57.679 took Jesus' body down, 00:35:58.000 --> 00:35:59.359 carried it back through 00:35:59.359 --> 00:36:00.719 to where the tomb was, 00:36:02.719 --> 00:36:03.779 prepared the body. 00:36:04.059 --> 00:36:04.899 I want you to understand 00:36:04.899 --> 00:36:05.859 it was where everybody 00:36:05.859 --> 00:36:06.440 could see. 00:36:06.440 --> 00:36:07.659 There was no hiding 00:36:07.659 --> 00:36:09.139 who they were identifying with. 00:36:09.360 --> 00:36:09.980 When they went up 00:36:09.980 --> 00:36:11.139 to the cross of Jesus 00:36:11.139 --> 00:36:12.240 and took Jesus down, 00:36:12.320 --> 00:36:12.880 there was no doubt 00:36:12.880 --> 00:36:13.700 in anybody's mind. 00:36:14.000 --> 00:36:14.460 Joseph said, 00:36:14.539 --> 00:36:15.220 I'm going to identify 00:36:15.220 --> 00:36:16.079 with my Savior. 00:36:16.400 --> 00:36:17.619 I'm willing to be courageous 00:36:17.619 --> 00:36:18.619 to step forward 00:36:18.619 --> 00:36:20.599 and to do what I ought to do. 00:36:22.599 --> 00:36:23.780 Nicodemus was influenced 00:36:23.780 --> 00:36:24.700 by the courage 00:36:24.700 --> 00:36:25.760 he saw in Joseph. 00:36:26.579 --> 00:36:26.820 You know, 00:36:27.519 --> 00:36:28.220 we find here 00:36:28.220 --> 00:36:29.340 these two took the body 00:36:29.340 --> 00:36:29.900 of Jesus, 00:36:30.099 --> 00:36:31.260 prepared it for the grave, 00:36:31.639 --> 00:36:32.480 placed Jesus 00:36:32.480 --> 00:36:34.260 in the borrowed tomb 00:36:34.260 --> 00:36:35.940 from Joseph. 00:36:36.320 --> 00:36:36.500 You know, 00:36:36.519 --> 00:36:37.460 this passage here 00:36:37.460 --> 00:36:38.320 in chapter 15 00:36:38.320 --> 00:36:39.579 closes with Jesus 00:36:39.579 --> 00:36:40.980 being laid in the tomb. 00:36:41.840 --> 00:36:42.760 But you know what? 00:36:42.820 --> 00:36:43.619 I want you to understand 00:36:43.619 --> 00:36:44.420 that's not the end 00:36:44.420 --> 00:36:44.980 of the story. 00:36:46.699 --> 00:36:47.659 That's not the end 00:36:47.659 --> 00:36:48.340 of the story. 00:36:48.780 --> 00:36:49.980 And we're going to see here 00:36:49.980 --> 00:36:51.559 that it makes a difference 00:36:51.559 --> 00:36:53.320 and the story continues 00:36:53.320 --> 00:36:55.219 because though Jesus is dead, 00:36:55.539 --> 00:36:56.360 they may have thought 00:36:56.360 --> 00:36:57.019 their hopes 00:36:57.019 --> 00:36:57.679 and their dreams, 00:36:57.760 --> 00:36:58.139 but they said, 00:36:58.199 --> 00:36:58.880 we're going to honor 00:36:58.880 --> 00:36:59.380 the one 00:36:59.380 --> 00:37:00.720 that we recognize 00:37:00.720 --> 00:37:01.579 that we follow. 00:37:01.820 --> 00:37:02.539 I'm not sure 00:37:02.539 --> 00:37:03.539 they fully understand. 00:37:03.660 --> 00:37:04.900 I doubt they fully understand 00:37:04.900 --> 00:37:05.680 what was going to happen. 00:37:06.740 --> 00:37:08.119 They may have heard Jesus 00:37:08.119 --> 00:37:08.780 even telling 00:37:08.780 --> 00:37:09.740 His other disciples 00:37:09.740 --> 00:37:10.820 that I'm going to go 00:37:10.820 --> 00:37:11.480 to Jerusalem 00:37:11.480 --> 00:37:12.519 and I'm going to be 00:37:12.519 --> 00:37:13.559 crucified. 00:37:14.000 --> 00:37:14.900 I'm going to be buried. 00:37:15.059 --> 00:37:15.920 But rest assured, 00:37:16.019 --> 00:37:17.000 I'm going to rise again 00:37:17.000 --> 00:37:17.640 the third day. 00:37:17.720 --> 00:37:18.019 You know what? 00:37:18.059 --> 00:37:19.240 Even the 11 00:37:19.240 --> 00:37:20.220 that were there 00:37:20.220 --> 00:37:20.900 were doubtful 00:37:20.900 --> 00:37:21.700 of the resurrection. 00:37:23.559 --> 00:37:24.740 Jesus told it to them 00:37:24.740 --> 00:37:25.840 multiple times 00:37:25.840 --> 00:37:27.200 and all they could hear 00:37:27.200 --> 00:37:28.720 is you're not going to die. 00:37:28.880 --> 00:37:29.760 And Jesus says, 00:37:29.840 --> 00:37:30.599 yes, I am, 00:37:30.680 --> 00:37:31.780 but rest assured, 00:37:31.780 --> 00:37:33.180 I'm going to rise again. 00:37:33.420 --> 00:37:34.500 That day when Joseph 00:37:34.500 --> 00:37:35.260 of Arimathea 00:37:35.260 --> 00:37:36.039 and Nicodemus 00:37:36.039 --> 00:37:36.880 walked away 00:37:36.880 --> 00:37:38.740 to go home, 00:37:38.900 --> 00:37:40.420 it was but three days later 00:37:40.420 --> 00:37:41.920 that Jesus was no longer 00:37:41.920 --> 00:37:42.660 in that tomb. 00:37:44.059 --> 00:37:45.000 They returned 00:37:45.000 --> 00:37:45.820 and found it empty. 00:37:47.800 --> 00:37:48.019 You know, 00:37:48.099 --> 00:37:49.420 1 Peter chapter 1 00:37:49.420 --> 00:37:50.260 tells us this. 00:37:50.380 --> 00:37:50.559 It says, 00:37:50.680 --> 00:37:51.539 Blessed be the God 00:37:51.539 --> 00:37:52.000 and Father 00:37:52.000 --> 00:37:53.320 of our Lord Jesus Christ, 00:37:53.820 --> 00:37:54.420 which according 00:37:54.420 --> 00:37:55.820 to His abundant mercy 00:37:55.820 --> 00:37:57.519 hath begotten us again 00:37:57.519 --> 00:37:59.500 unto a lively hope 00:37:59.500 --> 00:38:00.039 by the what? 00:38:00.280 --> 00:38:01.340 The resurrection 00:38:01.340 --> 00:38:03.539 of Jesus Christ 00:38:03.539 --> 00:38:04.380 from the dead. 00:38:05.300 --> 00:38:06.619 I want you to understand 00:38:06.619 --> 00:38:08.480 the gospel is great 00:38:08.480 --> 00:38:09.239 not just because 00:38:09.239 --> 00:38:10.500 He paid for our sin. 00:38:10.739 --> 00:38:11.860 The gospel's great 00:38:11.860 --> 00:38:12.639 because you can be 00:38:12.639 --> 00:38:14.059 a new creature in Christ 00:38:14.059 --> 00:38:16.000 because Jesus resurrected 00:38:16.000 --> 00:38:16.739 from the dead. 00:38:17.739 --> 00:38:18.900 He has victory, 00:38:19.139 --> 00:38:20.300 it tells us in Corinthians. 00:38:20.679 --> 00:38:21.940 Oh, victory over death 00:38:21.940 --> 00:38:24.420 and to give us life. 00:38:24.519 --> 00:38:25.320 There's a life 00:38:25.320 --> 00:38:25.880 in it, 00:38:25.900 --> 00:38:26.880 that living hope, 00:38:27.000 --> 00:38:28.039 that lively hope 00:38:28.039 --> 00:38:29.000 by the resurrection 00:38:29.000 --> 00:38:30.200 of Jesus Christ. 00:38:30.579 --> 00:38:30.760 You know, 00:38:30.780 --> 00:38:31.679 we find here today 00:38:31.679 --> 00:38:33.240 a man named Joseph 00:38:33.240 --> 00:38:35.400 who said, 00:38:35.500 --> 00:38:36.360 I'm going to make a difference. 00:38:36.480 --> 00:38:37.300 I'm not going to say 00:38:37.300 --> 00:38:38.280 I believe in Christ. 00:38:38.380 --> 00:38:39.260 I'm going to take action 00:38:39.260 --> 00:38:40.200 and say I'm going to identify 00:38:40.200 --> 00:38:40.980 with Christ. 00:38:42.760 --> 00:38:43.700 I'm going to identify 00:38:43.700 --> 00:38:44.780 with who He is. 00:38:45.079 --> 00:38:45.240 You know, 00:38:45.240 --> 00:38:46.079 today let me ask you 00:38:46.079 --> 00:38:46.480 a question. 00:38:46.579 --> 00:38:47.480 What kind of disciple 00:38:47.480 --> 00:38:47.980 are you? 00:38:48.200 --> 00:38:49.019 What's your testimony? 00:38:49.500 --> 00:38:50.719 Is it a private testimony 00:38:50.719 --> 00:38:52.000 or a public one? 00:38:52.239 --> 00:38:53.440 Do you tend to hold back 00:38:53.440 --> 00:38:54.159 out of fear 00:38:54.159 --> 00:38:55.360 for what others may say 00:38:55.360 --> 00:38:56.400 or think about you? 00:38:56.639 --> 00:38:57.300 Maybe you need to say 00:38:57.300 --> 00:38:58.179 I need to be bold 00:38:58.179 --> 00:38:59.000 in my faith 00:38:59.000 --> 00:39:01.980 to trust God 00:39:01.980 --> 00:39:02.780 to do 00:39:02.780 --> 00:39:03.940 with the Scripture 00:39:03.940 --> 00:39:04.880 and to identify 00:39:04.880 --> 00:39:06.639 with Christ. 00:39:06.880 --> 00:39:07.099 You know, 00:39:07.099 --> 00:39:07.619 this morning, 00:39:07.739 --> 00:39:08.340 most importantly, 00:39:08.420 --> 00:39:09.259 have you been saved? 00:39:09.519 --> 00:39:09.639 You know, 00:39:09.639 --> 00:39:10.480 have you ever told somebody 00:39:10.480 --> 00:39:11.420 about your salvation? 00:39:11.420 --> 00:39:11.679 You know, 00:39:11.759 --> 00:39:12.300 as a believer, 00:39:12.460 --> 00:39:12.980 you ought to have 00:39:12.980 --> 00:39:13.759 a testimony 00:39:13.759 --> 00:39:17.179 about what happened 00:39:17.179 --> 00:39:18.420 when you accepted Christ 00:39:18.420 --> 00:39:19.059 as your Savior. 00:39:19.360 --> 00:39:19.840 Because I want you 00:39:19.840 --> 00:39:20.240 to understand 00:39:20.240 --> 00:39:21.019 the Bible says 00:39:21.019 --> 00:39:21.980 that we can know 00:39:21.980 --> 00:39:24.680 that we have salvation. 00:39:25.000 --> 00:39:25.300 But you know, 00:39:25.320 --> 00:39:25.900 there's a lot of people 00:39:25.900 --> 00:39:26.700 today when you talk 00:39:26.700 --> 00:39:26.980 to them, 00:39:27.039 --> 00:39:28.039 it's like they're kind 00:39:28.039 --> 00:39:28.920 of wishy-washy 00:39:28.920 --> 00:39:30.000 about their testimony. 00:39:30.559 --> 00:39:31.280 The reality is 00:39:31.280 --> 00:39:32.000 your testimony 00:39:32.000 --> 00:39:33.099 ought to include 00:39:33.099 --> 00:39:33.619 some things. 00:39:33.700 --> 00:39:34.880 I recognize who I am. 00:39:34.920 --> 00:39:35.420 I'm a sinner. 00:39:36.460 --> 00:39:37.900 I've broken God's law. 00:39:38.940 --> 00:39:40.500 I'm separated from God 00:39:40.500 --> 00:39:41.400 because of my, 00:39:41.880 --> 00:39:42.820 who I am. 00:39:43.480 --> 00:39:44.300 But He sent 00:39:44.300 --> 00:39:45.380 His only begotten Son, 00:39:45.480 --> 00:39:46.260 Jesus Christ, 00:39:46.340 --> 00:39:47.460 to die upon the cross 00:39:47.460 --> 00:39:49.820 to pay the price 00:39:49.820 --> 00:39:50.780 of the penalty of sin. 00:39:50.860 --> 00:39:51.360 The Bible says 00:39:51.360 --> 00:39:52.260 the wages of sin 00:39:52.260 --> 00:39:52.920 is death. 00:39:54.039 --> 00:39:55.119 But the gift of God 00:39:55.119 --> 00:39:56.039 is eternal life 00:39:56.039 --> 00:39:56.980 through Jesus Christ, 00:39:57.079 --> 00:39:57.500 our Lord. 00:39:57.699 --> 00:39:58.720 It's through Christ. 00:40:00.360 --> 00:40:01.119 You ought to have 00:40:01.119 --> 00:40:02.240 a clear testimony 00:40:02.240 --> 00:40:04.360 that you can tell 00:40:04.360 --> 00:40:04.860 to somebody, 00:40:04.940 --> 00:40:05.079 say, 00:40:05.139 --> 00:40:06.079 this is what happened. 00:40:06.360 --> 00:40:06.880 You ought to be able 00:40:06.880 --> 00:40:07.240 to go back 00:40:07.240 --> 00:40:08.360 to a place in time 00:40:08.360 --> 00:40:08.760 when you said, 00:40:08.860 --> 00:40:09.860 that was the moment 00:40:09.860 --> 00:40:10.659 I recognized 00:40:10.659 --> 00:40:11.460 I was a sinner 00:40:11.460 --> 00:40:12.800 and needed a Savior. 00:40:12.800 --> 00:40:16.100 not back to the fact 00:40:16.100 --> 00:40:17.140 somebody got you wet 00:40:17.140 --> 00:40:17.880 or threw some water 00:40:17.880 --> 00:40:18.300 on you. 00:40:19.660 --> 00:40:20.539 Not to the fact 00:40:20.539 --> 00:40:21.340 that you confirmed 00:40:21.340 --> 00:40:22.300 some creed 00:40:22.300 --> 00:40:24.019 or some catechism. 00:40:24.380 --> 00:40:25.000 The Bible says, 00:40:25.100 --> 00:40:25.940 whosoever shall call 00:40:25.940 --> 00:40:26.440 upon the name 00:40:26.440 --> 00:40:26.800 of the Lord 00:40:26.800 --> 00:40:27.620 shall be saved. 00:40:27.900 --> 00:40:28.240 Has there been 00:40:28.240 --> 00:40:29.100 a moment in time 00:40:29.100 --> 00:40:30.100 when you can look back 00:40:30.100 --> 00:40:30.380 and say, 00:40:30.480 --> 00:40:31.380 my testimony is 00:40:31.380 --> 00:40:32.080 I recognized 00:40:32.080 --> 00:40:32.740 I was a sinner. 00:40:33.160 --> 00:40:34.019 I knew Jesus 00:40:34.019 --> 00:40:34.760 was the Savior 00:40:34.760 --> 00:40:36.500 and I responded 00:40:36.500 --> 00:40:37.480 by faith saying, 00:40:37.580 --> 00:40:37.940 Christ, 00:40:38.080 --> 00:40:38.600 I'm a sinner, 00:40:38.760 --> 00:40:39.280 save me. 00:40:39.519 --> 00:40:40.080 It's needed. 00:40:41.640 --> 00:40:42.600 It's required. 00:40:42.760 --> 00:40:43.700 It's the only way 00:40:43.700 --> 00:40:44.120 to heaven. 00:40:44.500 --> 00:40:45.080 Maybe you have 00:40:45.080 --> 00:40:45.740 that testimony 00:40:45.740 --> 00:40:46.420 but you kept 00:40:46.420 --> 00:40:47.420 your faith a secret. 00:40:48.900 --> 00:40:49.560 Maybe you need 00:40:49.560 --> 00:40:50.920 to take a public stand 00:40:50.920 --> 00:40:51.700 with your Savior 00:40:51.700 --> 00:40:52.440 to stand up 00:40:52.440 --> 00:40:53.100 and identify 00:40:53.100 --> 00:40:54.800 with Him. 00:40:56.640 --> 00:40:56.880 You know, 00:40:56.900 --> 00:40:57.440 this morning 00:40:57.440 --> 00:40:59.200 as the Spirit 00:40:59.200 --> 00:41:00.300 spoke to you 00:41:00.300 --> 00:41:01.800 about any area 00:41:01.800 --> 00:41:02.560 of your life 00:41:02.560 --> 00:41:04.660 because you know 00:41:04.660 --> 00:41:05.200 as we get ready 00:41:05.200 --> 00:41:06.180 to conclude the service 00:41:06.180 --> 00:41:07.260 it's a great opportunity 00:41:07.260 --> 00:41:07.720 to say, 00:41:07.800 --> 00:41:07.960 Lord, 00:41:08.040 --> 00:41:08.600 I need to spend 00:41:08.600 --> 00:41:09.140 a few minutes 00:41:09.139 --> 00:41:09.599 with you. 00:41:09.719 --> 00:41:09.980 Lord, 00:41:10.039 --> 00:41:10.879 I need to be bold. 00:41:12.799 --> 00:41:13.900 I need to identify 00:41:13.900 --> 00:41:15.839 with you 00:41:15.839 --> 00:41:16.379 and not worry 00:41:16.379 --> 00:41:17.139 about what somebody 00:41:17.139 --> 00:41:19.440 else has to say. 00:41:20.539 --> 00:41:21.299 As heads are bowed 00:41:21.299 --> 00:41:21.980 and eyes are closed 00:41:21.980 --> 00:41:22.480 this morning, 00:41:22.599 --> 00:41:23.199 I want you to just 00:41:23.199 --> 00:41:24.379 consider those things 00:41:24.379 --> 00:41:24.799 today. 00:41:26.239 --> 00:41:27.460 What about you today? 00:41:27.819 --> 00:41:28.319 Where are you? 00:41:28.379 --> 00:41:29.199 Do you know Christ 00:41:29.199 --> 00:41:29.879 as your Savior? 00:41:30.159 --> 00:41:30.659 If you say, 00:41:30.839 --> 00:41:31.579 I hope so, 00:41:32.259 --> 00:41:34.379 in a wishful sense, 00:41:34.480 --> 00:41:35.139 there's a problem. 00:41:35.400 --> 00:41:35.859 You ought to be able 00:41:35.859 --> 00:41:36.159 to say, 00:41:36.279 --> 00:41:37.119 I know that was 00:41:37.119 --> 00:41:37.679 the moment 00:41:37.679 --> 00:41:39.119 Christ saved me. 00:41:39.119 --> 00:41:40.960 that's what the 00:41:40.960 --> 00:41:41.639 Bible says. 00:41:43.079 --> 00:41:43.719 Just like when 00:41:43.719 --> 00:41:44.159 he talked to 00:41:44.159 --> 00:41:44.659 Nicodemus, 00:41:44.719 --> 00:41:44.940 he says, 00:41:45.019 --> 00:41:45.799 you must be born 00:41:45.799 --> 00:41:46.139 again. 00:41:46.239 --> 00:41:46.799 When you're born, 00:41:46.900 --> 00:41:47.619 everybody knows. 00:41:47.839 --> 00:41:48.759 When you're born again, 00:41:48.839 --> 00:41:49.539 you ought to know 00:41:49.539 --> 00:41:50.480 that you're saved. 00:41:51.779 --> 00:41:52.380 Maybe the Lord 00:41:52.380 --> 00:41:53.000 spoke to you 00:41:53.000 --> 00:41:53.980 about your testimony. 00:41:55.319 --> 00:41:55.679 Say, 00:41:55.739 --> 00:41:56.079 I'm going to take 00:41:56.079 --> 00:41:56.719 a stand 00:41:56.719 --> 00:41:58.960 for the Lord. 00:41:59.579 --> 00:42:00.279 Heavenly Fathers, 00:42:00.380 --> 00:42:01.079 we come before you 00:42:01.079 --> 00:42:01.519 this morning, 00:42:01.579 --> 00:42:01.719 Lord, 00:42:01.759 --> 00:42:02.519 we just thank you 00:42:02.519 --> 00:42:03.079 and praise you 00:42:03.079 --> 00:42:03.579 for the day, 00:42:03.659 --> 00:42:04.440 for the opportunity. 00:42:04.440 --> 00:42:05.820 as we look 00:42:05.820 --> 00:42:06.599 into your word, 00:42:06.720 --> 00:42:06.860 Lord, 00:42:06.940 --> 00:42:07.440 even in a, 00:42:07.880 --> 00:42:10.260 the reality 00:42:10.260 --> 00:42:10.980 and light 00:42:10.980 --> 00:42:12.519 of your death 00:42:12.519 --> 00:42:13.220 on the cross 00:42:13.220 --> 00:42:13.860 for us. 00:42:15.360 --> 00:42:15.800 But, 00:42:15.900 --> 00:42:16.019 Lord, 00:42:16.079 --> 00:42:17.360 also the reality 00:42:17.360 --> 00:42:18.280 of identifying 00:42:18.280 --> 00:42:19.099 in your victory 00:42:19.099 --> 00:42:19.800 over death, 00:42:20.480 --> 00:42:22.599 your resurrection. 00:42:23.059 --> 00:42:23.179 Lord, 00:42:23.240 --> 00:42:23.539 help us 00:42:23.539 --> 00:42:24.300 to take a stand 00:42:24.300 --> 00:42:24.780 for you. 00:42:24.880 --> 00:42:25.099 Help us 00:42:25.099 --> 00:42:25.700 to be bold 00:42:25.700 --> 00:42:26.480 for you today. 00:42:26.820 --> 00:42:26.920 And, 00:42:26.980 --> 00:42:27.000 Lord, 00:42:27.039 --> 00:42:27.360 as we have an 00:42:27.360 --> 00:42:27.800 opportunity 00:42:27.800 --> 00:42:28.460 to respond 00:42:28.460 --> 00:42:29.179 here this morning, 00:42:29.280 --> 00:42:29.420 Lord, 00:42:29.500 --> 00:42:30.200 you might work 00:42:30.200 --> 00:42:31.519 mightily in the 00:42:31.519 --> 00:42:32.360 hearts of individuals 00:42:32.360 --> 00:42:33.000 here today. 00:42:33.559 --> 00:42:33.680 And, 00:42:33.760 --> 00:42:33.840 Lord, 00:42:33.860 --> 00:42:34.280 we just give you 00:42:34.280 --> 00:42:35.039 all the praise 00:42:35.039 --> 00:42:35.519 and glory 00:42:35.519 --> 00:42:35.960 and honor. 00:42:37.440 --> 00:42:37.760 Amen. 00:42:37.980 --> 00:42:38.800 As the piano plays, 00:42:38.880 --> 00:42:39.519 what about you?