WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.480 You are listening to a message from Southwood Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama. 00:00:06.980 --> 00:00:10.620 Our passion is to experience and express grace. Join us. 00:00:12.220 --> 00:00:15.800 You may have heard of the late Stephen Covey. 00:00:16.539 --> 00:00:23.760 Covey was a really successful businessman, a big author, best-selling author, 00:00:24.039 --> 00:00:27.820 and a very well-respected guy in the self-help industry. 00:00:27.820 --> 00:00:31.800 He wrote books like Seven Habits of Highly Successful People. 00:00:31.960 --> 00:00:32.820 That may ring a bell. 00:00:33.399 --> 00:00:38.980 It's been adapted for organizations, for schools, for individuals of all ages. 00:00:39.579 --> 00:00:42.340 Lots of wonderful advice in there. 00:00:42.460 --> 00:00:48.379 One of the things that Covey says in that book, one of his bits of wisdom, 00:00:49.200 --> 00:00:53.219 is the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing. 00:00:53.219 --> 00:00:58.899 If you write it out, it looks like the mess at the top of your bulletin that doesn't look like a word. 00:01:00.280 --> 00:01:01.899 That's pretty good advice. 00:01:03.060 --> 00:01:06.219 Find out what's important, what your priorities are, 00:01:06.319 --> 00:01:11.079 and then make sure they're treated as priorities, like things that are really important, right? 00:01:11.939 --> 00:01:13.859 It's a great bit of advice. 00:01:14.259 --> 00:01:19.900 The challenge with it, I find, is that figuring out what's important can be so difficult. 00:01:19.900 --> 00:01:22.580 There's just so much these days. 00:01:22.680 --> 00:01:24.020 Priorities are so hard. 00:01:24.760 --> 00:01:26.480 There's so much going on in my life. 00:01:26.600 --> 00:01:29.580 When I try to figure out, okay, let's just make a list. 00:01:29.700 --> 00:01:31.940 What are the important things I need to be doing? 00:01:32.180 --> 00:01:39.280 And marriage, and work, and kids, and church, and hobbies, and friendships, and volunteering. 00:01:39.960 --> 00:01:44.460 They all seem so important that they seem to crowd the list. 00:01:44.459 --> 00:01:48.339 And don't forget to sleep and exercise, because you should take care of yourself. 00:01:48.439 --> 00:01:49.500 That's important too, right? 00:01:51.780 --> 00:01:55.979 Culture tells us priorities should be things like comfort and ease. 00:01:58.059 --> 00:02:01.000 Fame, success, power, control. 00:02:01.439 --> 00:02:03.739 And we work really hard for those things. 00:02:04.379 --> 00:02:07.759 And then you're in a city like Huntsville with churches all over the place, right? 00:02:07.760 --> 00:02:13.200 And so you've heard messages from churches, from religious institutions, what they say 00:02:13.200 --> 00:02:14.759 should be really important. 00:02:15.840 --> 00:02:19.520 You've heard them say that the main thing is personal morality. 00:02:20.379 --> 00:02:26.960 Things you should not do, like don't smoke, or drink, or chew, or go with girls who do. 00:02:27.060 --> 00:02:28.280 That's really important. 00:02:28.860 --> 00:02:30.200 Don't do those things. 00:02:30.580 --> 00:02:34.400 Or on the other hand, do some really important things, like go to church. 00:02:34.400 --> 00:02:36.900 Read your Bible, pray. 00:02:37.879 --> 00:02:41.280 You've heard that as something that is of utmost importance. 00:02:41.980 --> 00:02:48.259 From other churches, you may have heard messages more of social or corporate morality. 00:02:49.240 --> 00:02:50.460 Be pro-life. 00:02:51.480 --> 00:02:52.319 Be Republican. 00:02:53.280 --> 00:02:54.560 Be pro-Israel. 00:02:55.480 --> 00:02:57.719 Or on the other hand, perhaps be tolerant. 00:02:58.240 --> 00:02:59.099 Be inclusive. 00:02:59.740 --> 00:03:00.879 Be benevolent. 00:03:01.280 --> 00:03:02.879 Those are the most important things. 00:03:02.879 --> 00:03:08.400 So we've heard all sorts of messages about what's really important, about what the main 00:03:08.400 --> 00:03:09.460 thing is. 00:03:10.859 --> 00:03:16.079 So the main thing may well be to keep the main thing the main thing, but in the muddle of 00:03:16.079 --> 00:03:21.039 our lives and all those voices telling us what's so important, that may not actually help us 00:03:21.039 --> 00:03:21.359 a lot. 00:03:21.699 --> 00:03:23.180 It may not clear much up. 00:03:24.039 --> 00:03:28.079 What really matters for me, for my family, for all of life? 00:03:28.080 --> 00:03:33.420 And God's Word makes that clear for us in the passage we will read this morning. 00:03:33.860 --> 00:03:40.160 In no uncertain terms, the Apostle Paul, writing to the church in Corinth, tells us the message 00:03:40.160 --> 00:03:43.439 we should be hearing from churches as the main thing. 00:03:43.920 --> 00:03:46.620 We'll see, it's actually remarkably good news. 00:03:46.920 --> 00:03:49.060 This is 1 Corinthians chapter 15. 00:03:49.500 --> 00:03:52.820 It's Paul's classic writing on the resurrection of Jesus. 00:03:52.819 --> 00:03:55.620 We're going to start reading at verse 3. 00:03:56.459 --> 00:03:58.039 This is God's Word. 00:03:58.959 --> 00:04:04.299 In a world of promises that fail you, the thing you can count on. 00:04:05.019 --> 00:04:10.400 In a world where things fade, the thing that lasts. 00:04:11.180 --> 00:04:16.240 In a world of imperfections, the perfect Word of God. 00:04:16.240 --> 00:04:19.480 Paul writes, 00:04:19.600 --> 00:04:27.240 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for 00:04:27.240 --> 00:04:32.759 our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the 00:04:32.759 --> 00:04:37.519 third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the 00:04:37.519 --> 00:04:37.980 twelve. 00:04:38.740 --> 00:04:44.199 Then He appeared to more than 500 brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though 00:04:44.199 --> 00:04:46.100 some have fallen asleep. 00:04:47.000 --> 00:04:47.720 Will you pray with me? 00:04:50.720 --> 00:04:55.060 Father, thank You for these words, these words of life. 00:04:56.220 --> 00:05:00.319 Thank You that they're unlike any other that we hear today. 00:05:01.540 --> 00:05:09.639 We will hear in the next few minutes the words of a dying man, but we need to hear this morning 00:05:09.639 --> 00:05:11.379 the words of the living God. 00:05:11.759 --> 00:05:13.560 We need to hear from You. 00:05:13.560 --> 00:05:17.459 And so, Father, would You speak to us clearly this morning? 00:05:18.100 --> 00:05:20.420 That's what would make a difference in our lives. 00:05:20.519 --> 00:05:23.220 We didn't come merely to be entertained. 00:05:23.899 --> 00:05:28.439 We don't want simply to be happy for a few moments and then go about our way. 00:05:28.680 --> 00:05:31.019 We would ask that You would speak to us. 00:05:31.019 --> 00:05:36.560 That we would meet the living God and be different forever because of that. 00:05:37.240 --> 00:05:39.979 Would You do that in this time that we have together? 00:05:40.139 --> 00:05:43.959 Speak through Your Word, we ask in Jesus' name. 00:05:43.959 --> 00:05:44.919 Amen. 00:05:44.919 --> 00:05:45.060 Amen. 00:05:48.180 --> 00:05:49.819 Okay, so what's the main thing? 00:05:51.199 --> 00:05:52.919 What's the main thing here? 00:05:53.000 --> 00:05:57.419 One of the first things you notice when you read this passage, it says that there's something 00:05:57.419 --> 00:05:59.339 of first importance, right? 00:05:59.339 --> 00:06:05.199 Something that is the main thing Paul's going to remind the Corinthians is the essence of 00:06:05.199 --> 00:06:07.859 Christianity, the basis of life. 00:06:08.959 --> 00:06:14.539 The thing you notice is that it's about what God has done rather than what we do. 00:06:14.959 --> 00:06:15.759 Look at the passage. 00:06:15.899 --> 00:06:18.379 What's of first importance in this passage? 00:06:18.379 --> 00:06:21.420 That Christ died. 00:06:22.079 --> 00:06:23.920 That He was buried. 00:06:24.079 --> 00:06:25.319 That He was raised. 00:06:25.459 --> 00:06:26.519 That He appeared. 00:06:26.899 --> 00:06:32.540 Over and over, this passage says what's most important, what's of first importance is Jesus' 00:06:32.839 --> 00:06:35.399 performance, not yours. 00:06:35.759 --> 00:06:37.420 The whole list is His. 00:06:38.180 --> 00:06:44.060 Maybe you've missed that and what you've heard or perceived from churches before. 00:06:44.060 --> 00:06:51.899 Or we're often so loud on the messages of personal or social morality that I mentioned earlier 00:06:51.899 --> 00:06:58.000 that we muffle what God intended to be the clarion call of the church. 00:06:58.699 --> 00:06:59.899 Christ has conquered. 00:07:00.860 --> 00:07:06.100 Christianity is about what He has done for you, not about what you do for Him. 00:07:06.519 --> 00:07:12.899 The main thing is not how well you've performed religious duties, how correctly you've voted, 00:07:12.899 --> 00:07:17.339 how successfully you've balanced a full plate of responsibilities. 00:07:18.139 --> 00:07:24.239 The main thing is that Jesus has performed perfectly, that He has done everything that 00:07:24.239 --> 00:07:25.060 was necessary. 00:07:25.719 --> 00:07:28.560 So you can exhale for a minute this morning. 00:07:29.159 --> 00:07:33.000 Before we even dive into any details, that's the good news. 00:07:33.099 --> 00:07:34.939 He's carrying the load. 00:07:34.939 --> 00:07:40.660 What is it exactly that Jesus did that was so important? 00:07:41.459 --> 00:07:43.060 What does this passage tell us? 00:07:43.160 --> 00:07:47.079 Paul summarizes it in these verses with two primary events. 00:07:47.939 --> 00:07:53.800 Two primary things Jesus did and they each have a special confirmation of their reality 00:07:53.800 --> 00:07:54.680 attached to them. 00:07:54.779 --> 00:07:57.420 The first is Jesus' death. 00:07:58.220 --> 00:07:59.420 Look at verse 3. 00:07:59.420 --> 00:08:04.920 Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures. 00:08:06.020 --> 00:08:07.840 Jesus went to the cross. 00:08:08.740 --> 00:08:10.759 We've considered that this week. 00:08:11.240 --> 00:08:15.460 He suffered the pain and the agony there of a cruel death. 00:08:15.939 --> 00:08:20.500 The wrath of God being poured out on Him on the cross. 00:08:21.319 --> 00:08:22.680 And why did He do it? 00:08:22.879 --> 00:08:24.840 Why does it say He died? 00:08:24.839 --> 00:08:28.419 It says, for our sins. 00:08:29.479 --> 00:08:34.819 You may notice this is actually the one time that our actions come into the of first importance 00:08:34.819 --> 00:08:35.319 list. 00:08:36.220 --> 00:08:37.120 Our sins. 00:08:38.079 --> 00:08:40.519 That's where we make it in. 00:08:40.860 --> 00:08:45.319 Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures. 00:08:46.559 --> 00:08:48.799 There's a lot of Scriptures that talk about that. 00:08:48.879 --> 00:08:53.539 One of the most beautiful places in the Old Testament where we read of Christ dying for 00:08:53.539 --> 00:08:55.839 our sins is Isaiah chapter 53. 00:08:55.959 --> 00:08:57.419 Let me read you just a portion of it. 00:08:58.579 --> 00:08:58.879 It says, 00:08:59.019 --> 00:09:03.139 Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows. 00:09:04.099 --> 00:09:07.419 Yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God and afflicted. 00:09:07.839 --> 00:09:11.179 But He was pierced for our transgressions. 00:09:11.740 --> 00:09:14.159 He was crushed for our iniquities. 00:09:15.099 --> 00:09:18.079 Upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace. 00:09:18.179 --> 00:09:20.599 And with His wounds, we are healed. 00:09:20.600 --> 00:09:23.639 All we like sheep have gone astray. 00:09:23.759 --> 00:09:25.920 We have turned everyone to His own way. 00:09:26.500 --> 00:09:30.779 And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. 00:09:32.000 --> 00:09:34.180 Do you hear what's happening there in that passage? 00:09:34.360 --> 00:09:37.080 All our punishment laid on Him. 00:09:37.399 --> 00:09:40.259 Everything we deserved, He takes. 00:09:40.779 --> 00:09:43.960 You see, the amazing thing about those five little words, 00:09:44.279 --> 00:09:46.700 Christ died for our sins, 00:09:47.200 --> 00:09:49.560 is that died and sins go together. 00:09:49.559 --> 00:09:52.879 You should often see them in the same sentence. 00:09:53.379 --> 00:09:56.459 That's exactly what has always been true of sin, 00:09:56.539 --> 00:09:57.939 that it deserved death. 00:09:58.819 --> 00:10:01.539 A holy God must punish sin. 00:10:02.000 --> 00:10:05.239 The punishment for sin against a holy God is death. 00:10:05.979 --> 00:10:07.399 From the beginning it has been. 00:10:08.799 --> 00:10:10.939 Someone must die. 00:10:11.639 --> 00:10:13.339 The glory of these words, 00:10:13.500 --> 00:10:15.659 and you can see it, this is not complicated, 00:10:15.659 --> 00:10:18.519 is what we just read in Isaiah 53. 00:10:18.519 --> 00:10:20.759 Everything we deserved, He takes. 00:10:21.579 --> 00:10:24.759 Christ died for our sins. 00:10:24.939 --> 00:10:27.179 That's the part that is not supposed to be that way. 00:10:27.879 --> 00:10:30.459 We should die for our sins, 00:10:30.639 --> 00:10:32.579 but Christ does instead. 00:10:33.019 --> 00:10:36.019 Picture the judge coming out from behind His gavel, 00:10:36.399 --> 00:10:38.559 having cast the guilty verdict. 00:10:38.559 --> 00:10:42.179 And yet, before He reads the sentence, 00:10:42.299 --> 00:10:44.759 He steps out from behind the gavel 00:10:44.759 --> 00:10:46.419 and takes the place of the convict 00:10:46.419 --> 00:10:46.799 and says, 00:10:46.939 --> 00:10:49.519 I'll take the sentence that's due Him. 00:10:50.119 --> 00:10:51.019 That's what happens. 00:10:51.159 --> 00:10:52.599 The just judge says, 00:10:52.679 --> 00:10:53.799 sin deserves death. 00:10:54.239 --> 00:10:54.879 And then He says, 00:10:54.939 --> 00:10:56.799 but I'll be the one who takes it, 00:10:57.439 --> 00:10:58.019 not you. 00:10:58.839 --> 00:10:59.359 Amazing. 00:11:00.139 --> 00:11:03.879 Amazing that He would do that for our sins. 00:11:03.879 --> 00:11:06.720 And Jesus really died. 00:11:07.259 --> 00:11:08.960 Really, truly died. 00:11:09.500 --> 00:11:11.659 The confirmation of that in this passage, 00:11:11.759 --> 00:11:13.019 of course, is His burial. 00:11:14.019 --> 00:11:15.559 Jesus' burial is mentioned. 00:11:15.799 --> 00:11:18.419 Having been confirmed dead on the cross 00:11:18.419 --> 00:11:19.559 by Roman soldiers, 00:11:20.439 --> 00:11:21.539 He's placed in a tomb 00:11:21.539 --> 00:11:23.600 with a large stone in front 00:11:23.600 --> 00:11:26.039 and a Roman guard placed in front of it. 00:11:27.059 --> 00:11:28.379 He didn't die figuratively. 00:11:29.080 --> 00:11:31.220 He really died, Paul is saying, 00:11:31.220 --> 00:11:32.120 and He was buried. 00:11:32.120 --> 00:11:35.580 And now we make it to Easter. 00:11:36.179 --> 00:11:38.060 I know, you're as anxious as I am. 00:11:38.279 --> 00:11:39.039 Skip that part. 00:11:39.279 --> 00:11:40.299 It's Sunday morning. 00:11:40.399 --> 00:11:40.879 Come on. 00:11:41.120 --> 00:11:42.080 Let's get to verse 4. 00:11:42.700 --> 00:11:44.060 What happens next? 00:11:44.980 --> 00:11:47.679 Of course, it's Jesus' resurrection. 00:11:49.440 --> 00:11:50.060 Verse 4, 00:11:50.159 --> 00:11:52.200 after being in that tomb Friday night, 00:11:53.179 --> 00:11:54.120 all day Saturday, 00:11:54.600 --> 00:11:55.679 Sunday morning comes, 00:11:55.759 --> 00:11:57.019 the stone is rolled away, 00:11:57.200 --> 00:11:58.960 and Jesus walks out of the tomb. 00:11:58.960 --> 00:11:59.680 He is risen. 00:11:59.679 --> 00:12:02.279 And it's of first importance 00:12:02.279 --> 00:12:04.839 that this happened, Paul says. 00:12:05.899 --> 00:12:07.120 Why is it in the list? 00:12:07.839 --> 00:12:09.219 Why is it so important? 00:12:10.339 --> 00:12:11.899 I think among other reasons, 00:12:12.019 --> 00:12:13.459 because many, many people 00:12:13.459 --> 00:12:15.299 in the history of the world 00:12:15.299 --> 00:12:17.779 have died and been buried. 00:12:18.599 --> 00:12:19.599 Many of them. 00:12:21.059 --> 00:12:22.699 There's lists and lists 00:12:22.699 --> 00:12:24.059 of those who have died 00:12:24.059 --> 00:12:24.639 and been buried 00:12:24.639 --> 00:12:25.799 in the history of mankind, 00:12:25.799 --> 00:12:27.779 but it's not at all common 00:12:27.779 --> 00:12:29.519 to talk about what happens 00:12:29.519 --> 00:12:31.319 when someone walks out of the tomb. 00:12:32.159 --> 00:12:33.859 If Jesus remained in the grave, 00:12:33.959 --> 00:12:35.199 then He's just one more guy 00:12:35.199 --> 00:12:37.099 among a long, long list. 00:12:37.579 --> 00:12:38.620 One more person 00:12:38.620 --> 00:12:40.659 who succumbed to death 00:12:40.659 --> 00:12:41.439 in the end. 00:12:41.519 --> 00:12:42.459 He may have done 00:12:42.459 --> 00:12:43.559 some interesting things, 00:12:43.699 --> 00:12:45.419 but if that's the end of it, 00:12:45.459 --> 00:12:48.039 He's just like the rest of us. 00:12:48.879 --> 00:12:50.459 There's no value to us 00:12:50.459 --> 00:12:51.740 in His death 00:12:51.740 --> 00:12:52.939 if that's the end. 00:12:52.940 --> 00:12:54.700 In fact, Paul will go on 00:12:54.700 --> 00:12:55.940 to say in this chapter 00:12:55.940 --> 00:12:57.800 that if Jesus didn't rise 00:12:57.800 --> 00:12:58.380 from the dead, 00:12:58.440 --> 00:13:00.480 we're still in our sins. 00:13:01.200 --> 00:13:03.100 The claim that Jesus died 00:13:03.100 --> 00:13:04.340 for our sins 00:13:04.340 --> 00:13:05.320 that's so wonderful 00:13:05.320 --> 00:13:06.640 that we were just talking about, 00:13:07.040 --> 00:13:08.460 if He didn't rise from the dead, 00:13:09.420 --> 00:13:10.880 it's unhelpful. 00:13:11.320 --> 00:13:12.160 It's untrue. 00:13:12.820 --> 00:13:14.640 He didn't defeat sin, 00:13:14.980 --> 00:13:16.460 death, and the grave for us 00:13:16.460 --> 00:13:18.240 if that's the case. 00:13:18.660 --> 00:13:20.680 But if sin's just punishment, 00:13:20.679 --> 00:13:23.599 death can't hold Jesus, 00:13:24.239 --> 00:13:26.359 then He has conquered sin for us. 00:13:26.599 --> 00:13:27.959 He's paid our full penalty. 00:13:28.120 --> 00:13:28.679 He's risen triumphant. 00:13:29.519 --> 00:13:30.459 And the Father says, 00:13:30.620 --> 00:13:33.179 yes, I accept that offering. 00:13:33.579 --> 00:13:35.179 Sin has been defeated. 00:13:36.459 --> 00:13:37.679 So the joy of the resurrection 00:13:37.679 --> 00:13:39.979 is that Jesus walked out of the grave 00:13:39.979 --> 00:13:41.500 in His glorious body, 00:13:42.399 --> 00:13:44.199 conquered sin, death, and the grave, 00:13:44.339 --> 00:13:46.039 that now death is being reversed 00:13:46.039 --> 00:13:48.319 and life brought in its place 00:13:48.319 --> 00:13:50.620 to those who deserved death. 00:13:51.059 --> 00:13:53.339 There's hope for us again. 00:13:55.379 --> 00:13:56.899 Paul spends the rest of this chapter 00:13:56.899 --> 00:13:58.279 talking about how important 00:13:58.279 --> 00:13:59.679 the resurrection is, 00:13:59.740 --> 00:14:00.899 how it makes all the difference 00:14:00.899 --> 00:14:01.360 in the world 00:14:01.360 --> 00:14:03.779 if Jesus really did walk out of the tomb. 00:14:04.679 --> 00:14:06.539 And He begins by giving confirmation 00:14:06.539 --> 00:14:08.519 to this historic event. 00:14:09.079 --> 00:14:11.559 He gives Jesus' appearances, 00:14:12.139 --> 00:14:12.879 some of them, 00:14:13.379 --> 00:14:15.419 listed in verses 5 and 6. 00:14:16.379 --> 00:14:17.459 Paul gives names, 00:14:18.659 --> 00:14:19.759 eyewitnesses, 00:14:20.240 --> 00:14:21.599 numbers of people 00:14:21.599 --> 00:14:23.339 who witnessed the same encounter 00:14:23.339 --> 00:14:24.620 with a risen Jesus. 00:14:24.839 --> 00:14:26.139 And he makes the point of saying 00:14:26.139 --> 00:14:27.599 that most of them are still alive. 00:14:28.599 --> 00:14:30.259 Go talk to them, he's saying. 00:14:30.759 --> 00:14:32.559 Refute this incredible claim 00:14:32.559 --> 00:14:35.079 and shut this upstart movement down. 00:14:35.240 --> 00:14:36.699 Go talk to these people 00:14:36.699 --> 00:14:38.919 and see if they are just making this up, 00:14:38.959 --> 00:14:40.339 if they all have different stories. 00:14:41.159 --> 00:14:43.339 Or join in with Jews, Romans. 00:14:43.459 --> 00:14:44.559 Pick anybody there 00:14:44.559 --> 00:14:46.019 who'd love to produce his body 00:14:46.019 --> 00:14:47.759 and end this crazy movement 00:14:47.759 --> 00:14:49.299 that's driving them mad. 00:14:49.339 --> 00:14:50.339 All those in power, 00:14:50.419 --> 00:14:51.239 when it stopped, 00:14:52.059 --> 00:14:52.699 go do that. 00:14:52.739 --> 00:14:53.719 You can talk to them. 00:14:55.059 --> 00:14:55.919 Unless, of course, 00:14:55.979 --> 00:14:57.559 as you talk to one witness 00:14:57.559 --> 00:14:58.379 after another, 00:14:59.219 --> 00:15:00.419 you find it to be credible 00:15:00.419 --> 00:15:01.719 and true. 00:15:03.500 --> 00:15:04.419 Jesus' appearances 00:15:04.419 --> 00:15:05.579 are meant to confirm 00:15:05.579 --> 00:15:07.799 that He really rose from the dead. 00:15:07.979 --> 00:15:09.579 Just like He really died, 00:15:09.679 --> 00:15:11.399 that He really rose from the dead, 00:15:11.399 --> 00:15:12.899 that that's the most important event 00:15:12.899 --> 00:15:14.139 in human history. 00:15:16.500 --> 00:15:17.439 But they're meant to do 00:15:17.439 --> 00:15:18.860 something else too, I think. 00:15:19.779 --> 00:15:21.819 His appearances begin to confirm 00:15:21.819 --> 00:15:23.899 some of the personal impact 00:15:23.899 --> 00:15:25.139 of the resurrection. 00:15:26.279 --> 00:15:27.980 Look at the first name in the list. 00:15:28.720 --> 00:15:29.860 You may not recognize it. 00:15:29.899 --> 00:15:31.319 It says Cephas. 00:15:31.860 --> 00:15:32.740 It's a strange name. 00:15:33.879 --> 00:15:34.500 That's Peter. 00:15:35.259 --> 00:15:35.980 That's Peter, 00:15:35.980 --> 00:15:37.580 the one who denied Jesus 00:15:37.580 --> 00:15:38.820 three times. 00:15:38.940 --> 00:15:40.340 His disciple who, 00:15:40.820 --> 00:15:42.300 in his leader's 00:15:42.300 --> 00:15:44.019 greatest moment of need, 00:15:44.120 --> 00:15:45.360 in the big game, 00:15:45.899 --> 00:15:47.360 Peter lets him down. 00:15:47.500 --> 00:15:48.399 Peter fails. 00:15:49.159 --> 00:15:50.300 Peter denies Jesus. 00:15:51.800 --> 00:15:53.080 And after His resurrection, 00:15:53.279 --> 00:15:55.060 Jesus' appearance to Peter 00:15:55.060 --> 00:15:57.240 is like many of His appearances 00:15:57.240 --> 00:15:58.720 to people. 00:15:58.879 --> 00:16:00.060 He meets people 00:16:00.060 --> 00:16:01.180 right where they are. 00:16:02.399 --> 00:16:03.620 And the fact that He's risen 00:16:03.620 --> 00:16:04.879 changes everything. 00:16:04.879 --> 00:16:06.939 It changes everything 00:16:06.939 --> 00:16:07.779 for Peter. 00:16:08.059 --> 00:16:09.600 He's no longer defined 00:16:09.600 --> 00:16:10.559 as a failure, 00:16:11.159 --> 00:16:13.919 as one who's let Jesus down 00:16:13.919 --> 00:16:15.720 because when a risen Jesus 00:16:15.720 --> 00:16:16.879 walks out of the tomb, 00:16:17.320 --> 00:16:19.159 Jesus is one without Peter's help. 00:16:19.679 --> 00:16:20.419 Peter may have failed 00:16:20.419 --> 00:16:21.059 in the big game, 00:16:21.139 --> 00:16:22.000 but Jesus conquered. 00:16:22.679 --> 00:16:23.240 He won. 00:16:23.620 --> 00:16:24.179 And so now, 00:16:24.259 --> 00:16:25.340 rather than being defined 00:16:25.340 --> 00:16:25.980 as a failure, 00:16:26.120 --> 00:16:27.840 He's reinstated as a friend 00:16:27.840 --> 00:16:29.159 and a leader, 00:16:30.379 --> 00:16:31.639 as one Jesus loves. 00:16:31.639 --> 00:16:34.819 Jesus meets Thomas 00:16:34.819 --> 00:16:35.600 in his doubts 00:16:35.600 --> 00:16:36.179 and says, 00:16:36.639 --> 00:16:37.299 touch my hands 00:16:37.299 --> 00:16:38.139 and my side. 00:16:38.299 --> 00:16:39.799 See and believe. 00:16:41.159 --> 00:16:42.159 The resurrected Jesus 00:16:42.159 --> 00:16:43.120 changes everything 00:16:43.120 --> 00:16:43.759 for Thomas, 00:16:43.860 --> 00:16:44.240 doesn't He? 00:16:45.500 --> 00:16:46.919 Jesus meets a woman 00:16:46.919 --> 00:16:47.559 named Mary 00:16:47.559 --> 00:16:48.299 in the garden 00:16:48.299 --> 00:16:49.819 just outside the tomb. 00:16:51.179 --> 00:16:51.899 She's fearful. 00:16:53.199 --> 00:16:54.139 She's grieving. 00:16:55.299 --> 00:16:56.379 She's uncertain 00:16:56.379 --> 00:16:57.460 about the future. 00:16:58.379 --> 00:16:59.039 Her Lord, 00:16:59.039 --> 00:17:00.139 the one she followed 00:17:00.139 --> 00:17:01.539 is gone. 00:17:02.399 --> 00:17:02.980 She doesn't know 00:17:02.980 --> 00:17:04.159 what's coming next. 00:17:05.639 --> 00:17:07.059 And Jesus calls her by name. 00:17:07.659 --> 00:17:07.920 He says, 00:17:08.019 --> 00:17:08.319 Mary. 00:17:09.599 --> 00:17:10.200 Mary. 00:17:10.759 --> 00:17:11.839 Don't be afraid. 00:17:12.759 --> 00:17:13.859 I'm alive. 00:17:14.139 --> 00:17:14.839 I'm here. 00:17:16.220 --> 00:17:17.680 The resurrected Jesus 00:17:17.680 --> 00:17:19.240 changes everything 00:17:19.240 --> 00:17:20.159 for Mary. 00:17:22.220 --> 00:17:23.839 I don't know what each of you 00:17:23.839 --> 00:17:25.059 is facing this morning. 00:17:25.599 --> 00:17:27.220 I'm sure that there are 00:17:27.220 --> 00:17:28.460 those here who are 00:17:28.460 --> 00:17:30.360 struggling with failures, 00:17:31.279 --> 00:17:33.380 ashamed of things you've done. 00:17:33.880 --> 00:17:34.880 Those who are struggling 00:17:34.880 --> 00:17:35.839 with doubts. 00:17:36.960 --> 00:17:37.440 Certainly, 00:17:37.819 --> 00:17:39.019 those struggling with 00:17:39.019 --> 00:17:40.960 fear and grief 00:17:40.960 --> 00:17:42.500 and uncertainty 00:17:42.500 --> 00:17:43.460 about the future. 00:17:44.000 --> 00:17:45.900 Probably many more emotions 00:17:45.900 --> 00:17:47.500 and situations 00:17:47.500 --> 00:17:48.360 in your life 00:17:48.360 --> 00:17:48.819 than that. 00:17:48.900 --> 00:17:50.079 I couldn't possibly 00:17:50.079 --> 00:17:50.799 know them all. 00:17:52.600 --> 00:17:53.839 But I can tell you, 00:17:53.920 --> 00:17:54.880 the resurrected Jesus 00:17:54.880 --> 00:17:55.640 lives 00:17:55.640 --> 00:17:57.100 to meet you there. 00:17:57.800 --> 00:17:59.960 To call you by name. 00:18:00.080 --> 00:18:01.140 To remind you 00:18:01.140 --> 00:18:02.500 that because 00:18:02.500 --> 00:18:03.360 He lives, 00:18:03.660 --> 00:18:05.020 everything changes. 00:18:05.620 --> 00:18:07.000 You don't have to be afraid. 00:18:07.640 --> 00:18:09.259 He reigns over all 00:18:09.259 --> 00:18:10.540 and protects you. 00:18:10.780 --> 00:18:11.720 You can trust Him. 00:18:13.320 --> 00:18:14.180 You aren't defined 00:18:14.180 --> 00:18:15.420 by your mistakes. 00:18:16.240 --> 00:18:17.140 Even your bad ones. 00:18:17.200 --> 00:18:18.060 Even the ones 00:18:18.060 --> 00:18:18.680 you wouldn't admit 00:18:18.680 --> 00:18:19.400 to anybody 00:18:19.400 --> 00:18:20.400 this morning. 00:18:20.520 --> 00:18:22.240 He died for sins. 00:18:22.380 --> 00:18:23.780 Conquered sin. 00:18:23.779 --> 00:18:25.160 You're welcomed 00:18:25.160 --> 00:18:26.039 into His family 00:18:26.039 --> 00:18:26.700 whether you have 00:18:26.700 --> 00:18:27.799 a religious resume 00:18:27.799 --> 00:18:28.799 you're proud of 00:18:28.799 --> 00:18:29.879 or not. 00:18:30.220 --> 00:18:31.259 What He has done 00:18:31.259 --> 00:18:32.319 far outweighs 00:18:32.319 --> 00:18:34.099 what you do. 00:18:35.759 --> 00:18:36.119 See, 00:18:36.180 --> 00:18:36.740 the implications 00:18:36.740 --> 00:18:37.660 of the resurrection 00:18:37.660 --> 00:18:39.799 are intensely personal 00:18:39.799 --> 00:18:40.839 like that. 00:18:41.399 --> 00:18:42.399 Easter really does 00:18:42.399 --> 00:18:43.720 change everything. 00:18:44.359 --> 00:18:45.579 Easter cannot be 00:18:45.579 --> 00:18:46.859 merely a footnote. 00:18:47.799 --> 00:18:49.079 It either changes 00:18:49.079 --> 00:18:49.599 everything 00:18:49.599 --> 00:18:51.359 or nothing at all. 00:18:52.039 --> 00:18:52.919 Claiming that someone 00:18:52.919 --> 00:18:53.959 died and then 00:18:53.959 --> 00:18:54.779 walked bodily 00:18:54.779 --> 00:18:55.619 out of the tomb 00:18:55.619 --> 00:18:56.659 is not just 00:18:56.659 --> 00:18:57.799 oh well that would be 00:18:57.799 --> 00:18:58.839 nice I wonder 00:18:58.839 --> 00:18:59.539 we ought to go 00:18:59.539 --> 00:19:00.539 think about that 00:19:00.539 --> 00:19:01.059 occasionally. 00:19:01.639 --> 00:19:02.479 It's not an event 00:19:02.479 --> 00:19:03.579 with a one day a year 00:19:03.579 --> 00:19:04.459 kind of impact. 00:19:04.599 --> 00:19:05.319 It can't fit 00:19:05.319 --> 00:19:06.119 that category. 00:19:06.879 --> 00:19:07.479 Either it is 00:19:07.479 --> 00:19:08.839 an absolute fairy tale 00:19:08.839 --> 00:19:09.719 that shouldn't matter 00:19:09.719 --> 00:19:10.179 at all 00:19:10.179 --> 00:19:11.779 or it changes 00:19:11.779 --> 00:19:12.679 every moment 00:19:12.679 --> 00:19:13.879 of every day. 00:19:14.000 --> 00:19:14.859 It's of first 00:19:14.859 --> 00:19:15.679 importance. 00:19:17.119 --> 00:19:17.719 That's what Paul 00:19:17.719 --> 00:19:18.619 means when he says 00:19:18.619 --> 00:19:19.240 these are matters 00:19:19.240 --> 00:19:20.419 of first importance. 00:19:20.420 --> 00:19:21.320 that it's a matter 00:19:21.320 --> 00:19:22.420 of life and death. 00:19:22.700 --> 00:19:23.320 Issues of 00:19:23.320 --> 00:19:25.160 eternal significance. 00:19:25.920 --> 00:19:26.680 Because Christ 00:19:26.680 --> 00:19:27.440 has indeed 00:19:27.440 --> 00:19:28.279 been raised 00:19:28.279 --> 00:19:28.900 from the dead. 00:19:28.980 --> 00:19:29.180 Amen? 00:19:29.660 --> 00:19:30.620 He has. 00:19:30.960 --> 00:19:32.140 Because that's true 00:19:32.140 --> 00:19:33.080 Easter changes 00:19:33.080 --> 00:19:33.920 everything 00:19:33.920 --> 00:19:35.340 for all of us. 00:19:36.539 --> 00:19:37.400 For all of us. 00:19:37.480 --> 00:19:37.960 Not just 00:19:37.960 --> 00:19:39.100 those who are 00:19:39.100 --> 00:19:40.640 considering Jesus 00:19:40.640 --> 00:19:41.860 for the first time. 00:19:41.940 --> 00:19:42.480 Not just the 00:19:42.480 --> 00:19:43.539 first moment 00:19:43.539 --> 00:19:44.500 we trust Jesus 00:19:44.500 --> 00:19:44.900 but 00:19:44.900 --> 00:19:46.160 every moment 00:19:46.160 --> 00:19:47.000 of every day 00:19:47.000 --> 00:19:48.779 for all of us. 00:19:48.779 --> 00:19:49.859 the resurrection 00:19:49.859 --> 00:19:50.680 remains 00:19:50.680 --> 00:19:52.079 of prime importance. 00:19:52.259 --> 00:19:52.940 Paul says this 00:19:52.940 --> 00:19:54.059 in verse 1 00:19:54.059 --> 00:19:55.240 before what we read. 00:19:56.180 --> 00:19:56.660 He says now 00:19:56.660 --> 00:19:57.920 I would remind you 00:19:57.920 --> 00:19:59.039 brothers of the gospel 00:19:59.039 --> 00:20:00.160 I preached to you. 00:20:00.740 --> 00:20:02.279 The gospel you received 00:20:02.279 --> 00:20:03.740 at first 00:20:03.740 --> 00:20:05.319 and also 00:20:05.319 --> 00:20:05.899 the gospel 00:20:05.899 --> 00:20:07.539 in which you now stand. 00:20:08.119 --> 00:20:09.019 The same one. 00:20:09.099 --> 00:20:10.000 That's how he sets up 00:20:10.000 --> 00:20:10.519 this list 00:20:10.519 --> 00:20:11.480 of first importance. 00:20:12.160 --> 00:20:13.500 The thing you first heard 00:20:13.500 --> 00:20:14.399 when I came to you 00:20:14.399 --> 00:20:15.379 that was so important 00:20:15.379 --> 00:20:16.420 I had to tell you 00:20:16.420 --> 00:20:17.940 and it hasn't changed. 00:20:18.940 --> 00:20:19.720 It's still 00:20:19.720 --> 00:20:20.700 what's so important. 00:20:21.660 --> 00:20:22.140 That's 00:20:22.140 --> 00:20:23.100 the gospel. 00:20:23.279 --> 00:20:24.360 The good news 00:20:24.360 --> 00:20:25.440 is what you receive 00:20:25.440 --> 00:20:26.320 and 00:20:26.320 --> 00:20:27.080 now 00:20:27.080 --> 00:20:27.800 stand in. 00:20:28.039 --> 00:20:28.620 It continues 00:20:28.620 --> 00:20:29.200 to shape 00:20:29.200 --> 00:20:29.820 every day. 00:20:30.259 --> 00:20:30.820 Easter speaks 00:20:30.820 --> 00:20:31.680 into every 00:20:31.680 --> 00:20:32.539 situation. 00:20:34.720 --> 00:20:35.539 So what does that 00:20:35.539 --> 00:20:36.080 look like 00:20:36.080 --> 00:20:36.460 Will? 00:20:37.200 --> 00:20:37.820 What do you mean 00:20:37.820 --> 00:20:38.860 Easter can't be 00:20:38.860 --> 00:20:39.300 a mere 00:20:39.300 --> 00:20:40.320 footnote 00:20:40.320 --> 00:20:40.660 but 00:20:40.660 --> 00:20:41.400 instead 00:20:41.400 --> 00:20:42.160 it changes 00:20:42.160 --> 00:20:42.700 everything? 00:20:42.860 --> 00:20:43.400 How is the 00:20:43.400 --> 00:20:44.100 gospel 00:20:44.099 --> 00:20:45.740 the good news 00:20:45.740 --> 00:20:46.219 of Jesus' 00:20:46.500 --> 00:20:46.819 life 00:20:46.819 --> 00:20:47.419 death 00:20:47.419 --> 00:20:48.099 and resurrection 00:20:48.099 --> 00:20:49.139 the most important 00:20:49.139 --> 00:20:49.679 reality 00:20:49.679 --> 00:20:51.139 in every moment? 00:20:51.519 --> 00:20:52.139 What does that 00:20:52.139 --> 00:20:52.719 look like? 00:20:53.939 --> 00:20:54.779 I want to admit 00:20:54.779 --> 00:20:55.159 to you 00:20:55.159 --> 00:20:56.259 before I explain it 00:20:56.259 --> 00:20:57.599 that this passage 00:20:57.599 --> 00:20:58.159 was written 00:20:58.159 --> 00:20:59.259 pre-Iron Bowl. 00:21:00.199 --> 00:21:00.399 Okay 00:21:00.399 --> 00:21:01.299 and that is 00:21:01.299 --> 00:21:02.019 true 00:21:02.019 --> 00:21:02.399 and I know 00:21:02.399 --> 00:21:02.939 that's a really 00:21:02.939 --> 00:21:03.639 important 00:21:03.639 --> 00:21:04.719 event 00:21:04.719 --> 00:21:05.219 at least 00:21:05.219 --> 00:21:06.079 once a year 00:21:06.079 --> 00:21:08.339 but I also 00:21:08.339 --> 00:21:08.839 want to tell you 00:21:08.839 --> 00:21:09.439 I don't think 00:21:09.439 --> 00:21:10.480 God's unclear 00:21:10.480 --> 00:21:11.539 on what's 00:21:11.539 --> 00:21:12.179 most important. 00:21:12.180 --> 00:21:13.900 I don't think 00:21:13.900 --> 00:21:14.759 it would change 00:21:14.759 --> 00:21:15.640 how Paul 00:21:15.640 --> 00:21:16.660 put the list 00:21:16.660 --> 00:21:17.100 together 00:21:17.100 --> 00:21:18.440 because it's 00:21:18.440 --> 00:21:18.960 not all the 00:21:18.960 --> 00:21:19.320 temporary 00:21:19.320 --> 00:21:20.539 passing priorities 00:21:20.539 --> 00:21:21.700 that we give 00:21:21.700 --> 00:21:22.160 our time 00:21:22.160 --> 00:21:22.580 and energy 00:21:22.580 --> 00:21:23.140 to that are 00:21:23.140 --> 00:21:23.600 of first 00:21:23.600 --> 00:21:24.100 importance 00:21:24.100 --> 00:21:24.500 is it? 00:21:25.440 --> 00:21:26.039 They're just 00:21:26.039 --> 00:21:26.620 not there 00:21:26.620 --> 00:21:27.340 there's no 00:21:27.340 --> 00:21:28.039 room for them 00:21:28.039 --> 00:21:28.539 on the list 00:21:28.539 --> 00:21:29.180 and man 00:21:29.180 --> 00:21:29.720 I struggle 00:21:29.720 --> 00:21:30.259 with that 00:21:30.259 --> 00:21:31.480 because I 00:21:31.480 --> 00:21:32.320 honestly feel 00:21:32.320 --> 00:21:32.759 like my 00:21:32.759 --> 00:21:33.100 agenda 00:21:33.100 --> 00:21:34.019 is so 00:21:34.019 --> 00:21:34.460 important 00:21:34.460 --> 00:21:35.980 I love 00:21:35.980 --> 00:21:36.440 schedules 00:21:36.440 --> 00:21:36.980 and plans 00:21:36.980 --> 00:21:37.640 and the 00:21:37.640 --> 00:21:38.120 things I 00:21:38.120 --> 00:21:38.400 want to 00:21:38.400 --> 00:21:38.900 see happen 00:21:38.900 --> 00:21:40.340 and plus 00:21:40.340 --> 00:21:40.900 there are 00:21:40.900 --> 00:21:41.500 many days 00:21:41.500 --> 00:21:42.200 where you 00:21:42.200 --> 00:21:42.619 could look 00:21:42.619 --> 00:21:42.980 at my 00:21:42.980 --> 00:21:43.319 life 00:21:43.319 --> 00:21:43.680 and say 00:21:43.680 --> 00:21:44.240 I'm pretty 00:21:44.240 --> 00:21:44.700 sure if 00:21:44.700 --> 00:21:45.400 Clemson 00:21:45.400 --> 00:21:45.839 were to win 00:21:45.839 --> 00:21:46.359 the national 00:21:46.359 --> 00:21:47.019 championship 00:21:47.019 --> 00:21:48.160 and may 00:21:48.160 --> 00:21:48.700 it indeed 00:21:48.700 --> 00:21:49.359 happen one 00:21:49.359 --> 00:21:49.619 day 00:21:49.619 --> 00:21:52.559 that you'd 00:21:52.559 --> 00:21:52.980 look at my 00:21:52.980 --> 00:21:53.640 life and think 00:21:53.640 --> 00:21:54.359 that would be 00:21:54.359 --> 00:21:55.019 the best thing 00:21:55.019 --> 00:21:55.279 that could 00:21:55.279 --> 00:21:55.940 happen to him 00:21:55.940 --> 00:21:56.880 that would be 00:21:56.880 --> 00:21:57.279 the most 00:21:57.279 --> 00:21:58.140 important thing 00:21:58.140 --> 00:21:58.539 that would be 00:21:58.539 --> 00:21:59.039 the highlight 00:21:59.039 --> 00:21:59.799 of his year 00:21:59.799 --> 00:22:02.599 y'all even 00:22:02.599 --> 00:22:03.220 saying those 00:22:03.220 --> 00:22:04.019 words I feel 00:22:04.019 --> 00:22:04.599 the emptiness 00:22:04.599 --> 00:22:05.180 of it 00:22:05.180 --> 00:22:07.279 that that 00:22:07.279 --> 00:22:07.759 would be the 00:22:07.759 --> 00:22:08.559 best thing 00:22:08.559 --> 00:22:08.839 that could 00:22:08.839 --> 00:22:09.559 happen to me 00:22:09.559 --> 00:22:10.899 but there's 00:22:10.899 --> 00:22:11.659 a long list 00:22:11.659 --> 00:22:12.460 of things 00:22:12.460 --> 00:22:14.279 that I'd 00:22:14.279 --> 00:22:14.839 love to see 00:22:14.839 --> 00:22:15.359 happen that 00:22:15.359 --> 00:22:16.200 probably more 00:22:16.200 --> 00:22:16.919 quickly get on 00:22:16.919 --> 00:22:17.720 my list of 00:22:17.720 --> 00:22:18.759 what's most 00:22:18.759 --> 00:22:19.299 important 00:22:19.299 --> 00:22:20.500 but Jesus 00:22:20.500 --> 00:22:21.059 resurrection 00:22:21.059 --> 00:22:22.179 changes everything 00:22:22.179 --> 00:22:22.779 because it 00:22:22.779 --> 00:22:24.279 redefines what's 00:22:24.279 --> 00:22:24.980 really important 00:22:24.980 --> 00:22:25.480 doesn't it 00:22:25.480 --> 00:22:27.419 we don't have 00:22:27.419 --> 00:22:27.919 to wring 00:22:27.919 --> 00:22:28.740 everything out 00:22:28.740 --> 00:22:29.399 of this life 00:22:29.399 --> 00:22:29.799 anymore 00:22:29.799 --> 00:22:30.819 when his 00:22:30.819 --> 00:22:31.279 resurrection 00:22:31.279 --> 00:22:32.179 promises there's 00:22:32.179 --> 00:22:32.899 life beyond 00:22:32.899 --> 00:22:33.480 the grave 00:22:33.480 --> 00:22:35.059 when you go to 00:22:35.059 --> 00:22:35.679 work tomorrow 00:22:35.679 --> 00:22:36.220 morning the 00:22:36.220 --> 00:22:37.299 ultimate goal 00:22:37.299 --> 00:22:38.119 can't be 00:22:38.119 --> 00:22:38.639 it can't 00:22:38.639 --> 00:22:39.639 possibly be 00:22:39.639 --> 00:22:40.659 to make 00:22:40.659 --> 00:22:41.059 the most 00:22:41.059 --> 00:22:41.879 money or 00:22:41.879 --> 00:22:42.559 to accumulate 00:22:42.559 --> 00:22:43.359 the most 00:22:43.359 --> 00:22:44.359 toys when 00:22:44.359 --> 00:22:44.679 there are 00:22:44.679 --> 00:22:45.599 eternal riches 00:22:45.599 --> 00:22:46.379 offered to 00:22:46.379 --> 00:22:47.159 us by a 00:22:47.159 --> 00:22:47.859 risen savior 00:22:47.859 --> 00:22:49.599 it can't 00:22:49.599 --> 00:22:50.199 in your 00:22:50.199 --> 00:22:50.859 relationships 00:22:50.859 --> 00:22:51.519 this week 00:22:51.519 --> 00:22:52.259 the most 00:22:52.259 --> 00:22:53.000 important thing 00:22:53.000 --> 00:22:53.500 can't be 00:22:53.500 --> 00:22:54.219 your fame 00:22:54.219 --> 00:22:56.079 your recognition 00:22:56.079 --> 00:22:56.799 how well you 00:22:56.799 --> 00:22:57.359 fit in how 00:22:57.359 --> 00:22:57.979 many people 00:22:57.979 --> 00:22:59.259 like you or 00:22:59.259 --> 00:22:59.839 your Facebook 00:22:59.839 --> 00:23:00.339 picture 00:23:00.339 --> 00:23:02.739 if there is 00:23:02.739 --> 00:23:04.359 actually eternal 00:23:04.359 --> 00:23:06.039 life lasting 00:23:06.039 --> 00:23:07.779 success permanent 00:23:07.779 --> 00:23:08.639 acceptance 00:23:08.639 --> 00:23:09.759 offered to you 00:23:09.759 --> 00:23:10.420 by a risen 00:23:10.420 --> 00:23:10.960 savior 00:23:10.960 --> 00:23:12.879 it changes 00:23:12.879 --> 00:23:13.240 that 00:23:13.240 --> 00:23:14.200 the most 00:23:14.200 --> 00:23:15.139 important things 00:23:15.139 --> 00:23:15.779 remember are 00:23:15.779 --> 00:23:16.539 are the things 00:23:16.539 --> 00:23:17.180 that he has 00:23:17.180 --> 00:23:17.519 done 00:23:17.519 --> 00:23:19.379 not things we 00:23:19.379 --> 00:23:19.660 do 00:23:19.660 --> 00:23:22.039 and that 00:23:22.039 --> 00:23:22.819 shakes me up 00:23:22.819 --> 00:23:24.160 because it 00:23:24.160 --> 00:23:25.139 challenges my 00:23:25.139 --> 00:23:26.720 natural feelings 00:23:26.720 --> 00:23:27.960 that on the list 00:23:27.960 --> 00:23:28.799 of most important 00:23:28.799 --> 00:23:30.019 things is is being 00:23:30.019 --> 00:23:30.980 a perfect parent 00:23:30.980 --> 00:23:32.740 because man that 00:23:32.740 --> 00:23:33.440 seems important 00:23:33.440 --> 00:23:34.700 when you've got 00:23:34.700 --> 00:23:35.539 three little kids 00:23:35.539 --> 00:23:38.379 making the right 00:23:38.379 --> 00:23:39.200 decisions for where 00:23:39.200 --> 00:23:39.659 they'll go to 00:23:39.659 --> 00:23:41.259 school for figuring 00:23:41.259 --> 00:23:42.079 out how to 00:23:42.079 --> 00:23:43.000 discipline them 00:23:43.000 --> 00:23:44.420 that those many 00:23:44.420 --> 00:23:45.099 moments of many 00:23:45.099 --> 00:23:46.220 days feel like the 00:23:46.220 --> 00:23:46.980 most important 00:23:46.980 --> 00:23:48.819 things and listen 00:23:48.819 --> 00:23:50.920 Easter the gospel 00:23:50.920 --> 00:23:51.819 being of first 00:23:51.819 --> 00:23:53.240 importance tells me 00:23:53.240 --> 00:23:54.379 my kids need not 00:23:54.379 --> 00:23:56.200 merely a good 00:23:56.200 --> 00:23:57.559 parent or a right 00:23:57.559 --> 00:23:59.099 set of rules but 00:23:59.099 --> 00:24:00.639 a righteous risen 00:24:00.639 --> 00:24:02.519 savior that's what 00:24:02.519 --> 00:24:02.960 they need 00:24:02.960 --> 00:24:06.279 this challenges my 00:24:06.279 --> 00:24:07.160 natural feelings 00:24:07.160 --> 00:24:08.460 that on the list 00:24:08.460 --> 00:24:09.220 of most important 00:24:09.220 --> 00:24:10.480 things is planning 00:24:10.480 --> 00:24:11.480 well for retirement 00:24:11.480 --> 00:24:13.460 managing my money 00:24:13.460 --> 00:24:13.859 well 00:24:13.859 --> 00:24:16.480 listen Easter 00:24:16.480 --> 00:24:18.579 the gospel being 00:24:18.579 --> 00:24:19.920 of first importance 00:24:19.920 --> 00:24:20.940 tells me that if my 00:24:20.940 --> 00:24:21.940 heavenly father was 00:24:21.940 --> 00:24:23.420 willing to give up 00:24:23.420 --> 00:24:25.079 his only son for me 00:24:25.079 --> 00:24:26.460 how will he not also 00:24:26.460 --> 00:24:27.240 along with him 00:24:27.240 --> 00:24:28.579 graciously give me 00:24:28.579 --> 00:24:30.740 everything I need 00:24:30.740 --> 00:24:32.539 he's got it 00:24:32.539 --> 00:24:34.079 what he has done 00:24:34.079 --> 00:24:35.299 is most important 00:24:35.299 --> 00:24:37.079 not how well I 00:24:37.079 --> 00:24:37.740 manage it 00:24:37.740 --> 00:24:39.140 it frees me up 00:24:39.140 --> 00:24:39.920 it does 00:24:39.920 --> 00:24:40.799 there's great freedom 00:24:40.799 --> 00:24:41.160 there 00:24:41.160 --> 00:24:42.420 Easter frees me up 00:24:42.420 --> 00:24:43.259 from the pressure of 00:24:43.259 --> 00:24:44.120 performance and 00:24:44.120 --> 00:24:45.220 record keeping with 00:24:45.220 --> 00:24:46.700 God to invest 00:24:46.700 --> 00:24:48.160 deeply in every 00:24:48.160 --> 00:24:49.279 aspect of creation 00:24:49.279 --> 00:24:50.799 and every person 00:24:50.799 --> 00:24:52.420 he puts in my path 00:24:52.420 --> 00:24:53.599 for me to love 00:24:53.599 --> 00:24:56.099 see it's not that my 00:24:56.099 --> 00:24:57.299 job or my family 00:24:57.299 --> 00:24:59.259 my finances don't 00:24:59.259 --> 00:25:00.359 matter anymore 00:25:00.359 --> 00:25:01.440 that's not the 00:25:01.440 --> 00:25:01.759 point 00:25:01.759 --> 00:25:03.379 it's that I can 00:25:03.379 --> 00:25:04.440 approach all of them 00:25:04.440 --> 00:25:05.400 differently now is 00:25:05.400 --> 00:25:06.339 now that Christ has 00:25:06.339 --> 00:25:07.079 taken care of what 00:25:07.079 --> 00:25:07.779 matters most 00:25:07.779 --> 00:25:10.339 it changes the way I 00:25:10.339 --> 00:25:11.339 approach those things 00:25:11.339 --> 00:25:12.839 because he has risen 00:25:12.839 --> 00:25:14.200 he's remaking all of 00:25:14.200 --> 00:25:15.279 his creation isn't he 00:25:15.279 --> 00:25:17.220 Jesus is the first 00:25:17.220 --> 00:25:18.400 fruits and now he's 00:25:18.400 --> 00:25:19.480 remaking our bodies 00:25:19.480 --> 00:25:20.700 our relationships 00:25:20.700 --> 00:25:21.819 our neighborhoods 00:25:21.819 --> 00:25:23.480 hey outer space 00:25:23.480 --> 00:25:25.460 he cares about all of 00:25:25.460 --> 00:25:26.940 it and we get to 00:25:26.940 --> 00:25:27.879 participate in that 00:25:27.880 --> 00:25:30.120 every day what I do 00:25:30.120 --> 00:25:31.100 matters because it's 00:25:31.100 --> 00:25:32.240 not the most important 00:25:32.240 --> 00:25:35.000 thing it now has a 00:25:35.000 --> 00:25:36.420 place where it does 00:25:36.420 --> 00:25:37.080 matter 00:25:37.080 --> 00:25:40.580 my daughters have been 00:25:40.580 --> 00:25:41.760 trying to convince me 00:25:41.760 --> 00:25:43.380 this weekend that we 00:25:43.380 --> 00:25:44.440 should keep celebrating 00:25:44.440 --> 00:25:46.560 Easter this coming week 00:25:46.560 --> 00:25:48.780 I think it's not because 00:25:48.780 --> 00:25:49.780 they're so spiritual but 00:25:49.780 --> 00:25:50.580 because they really want 00:25:50.580 --> 00:25:52.220 to keep eating candy and 00:25:52.220 --> 00:25:53.680 playing all of the fun 00:25:53.680 --> 00:25:55.480 games together and I'm 00:25:55.480 --> 00:25:56.780 actually really okay with 00:25:56.779 --> 00:25:58.259 this idea honestly because 00:25:58.259 --> 00:25:59.779 the jelly beans that I 00:25:59.779 --> 00:26:00.899 put in the Easter eggs 00:26:00.899 --> 00:26:01.960 over the next few days 00:26:01.960 --> 00:26:02.819 will be ones I got on 00:26:02.819 --> 00:26:05.000 clearance and so it 00:26:05.000 --> 00:26:06.420 really it's a great idea 00:26:06.420 --> 00:26:08.000 I think to to keep 00:26:08.000 --> 00:26:10.779 celebrating that that's 00:26:10.779 --> 00:26:11.599 something that they would 00:26:11.599 --> 00:26:13.519 be excited about and it's 00:26:13.519 --> 00:26:14.720 funny to consider and we 00:26:14.720 --> 00:26:16.059 probably will do some more 00:26:16.059 --> 00:26:17.019 Easter egg hunts through 00:26:17.019 --> 00:26:19.399 the week but ask yourself 00:26:19.400 --> 00:26:22.820 seriously does Easter change 00:26:22.820 --> 00:26:26.600 tomorrow for me is Easter 00:26:26.600 --> 00:26:28.259 going to make any difference 00:26:28.259 --> 00:26:31.180 the rest of this week is 00:26:31.180 --> 00:26:31.920 it going to matter in your 00:26:31.920 --> 00:26:33.360 life tomorrow morning when 00:26:33.360 --> 00:26:35.560 you wake up doesn't it have 00:26:35.560 --> 00:26:38.259 to if it matters at all if 00:26:38.259 --> 00:26:39.780 it matters at all in this 00:26:39.780 --> 00:26:41.100 moment enough to to come 00:26:41.100 --> 00:26:43.019 into a church building then 00:26:43.019 --> 00:26:44.400 it has to matter tomorrow 00:26:45.000 --> 00:26:48.300 morning we don't have time to 00:26:48.299 --> 00:26:49.940 tease out every situation of 00:26:49.940 --> 00:26:51.399 life and every occupation 00:26:51.399 --> 00:26:53.940 maybe you can do that in 00:26:53.940 --> 00:26:55.519 your small groups these 00:26:55.519 --> 00:26:56.599 Sunday school classes that 00:26:56.599 --> 00:26:57.460 are starting next week I'm 00:26:57.460 --> 00:26:58.419 so excited about because 00:26:58.419 --> 00:26:59.099 that's what they're going to 00:26:59.099 --> 00:27:00.339 do they're actually 00:27:00.339 --> 00:27:01.539 specifically designed to 00:27:01.539 --> 00:27:02.639 talk about that and what it 00:27:02.639 --> 00:27:05.680 looks like in your life but 00:27:05.680 --> 00:27:07.139 you get the joy the 00:27:07.139 --> 00:27:08.579 privilege of thinking about 00:27:08.579 --> 00:27:10.079 what Easter means where God 00:27:10.079 --> 00:27:13.240 has you in your life and 00:27:13.240 --> 00:27:14.680 I'll be honest it seems so 00:27:14.680 --> 00:27:16.339 much easier to me to think 00:27:16.339 --> 00:27:18.099 about waking up tomorrow and 00:27:18.099 --> 00:27:20.439 just carrying on with life the 00:27:20.439 --> 00:27:22.079 way I always have as though 00:27:22.079 --> 00:27:24.799 nothing has changed that that's 00:27:24.799 --> 00:27:26.059 where the momentum will carry 00:27:26.059 --> 00:27:27.579 me it doesn't seem like that'll 00:27:27.579 --> 00:27:31.220 take much effort but God says 00:27:31.220 --> 00:27:34.879 everything has changed someone 00:27:34.879 --> 00:27:38.039 has walked out of a tomb Jesus 00:27:38.039 --> 00:27:39.899 walks out of the tomb and says 00:27:39.899 --> 00:27:42.159 I'm only the first fruits you too 00:27:42.159 --> 00:27:45.339 will live forever this creation is 00:27:45.339 --> 00:27:47.619 being remade so face your job your 00:27:47.619 --> 00:27:49.879 family your sin struggles your 00:27:49.879 --> 00:27:51.959 fear of death your hatred of 00:27:51.959 --> 00:27:54.079 brokenness and pain and the world 00:27:54.079 --> 00:27:56.299 around you all of that in light of 00:27:56.299 --> 00:27:58.599 my resurrection don't forget the 00:27:58.599 --> 00:28:01.959 main thing Easter changes everything 00:28:01.959 --> 00:28:05.519 and some of us really hate that 00:28:05.519 --> 00:28:09.379 about Easter and about Jesus it's one 00:28:09.379 --> 00:28:11.299 of the most common complaints about 00:28:11.299 --> 00:28:14.299 Christianity from people who don't 00:28:14.299 --> 00:28:17.099 believe in Jesus it's it's that 00:28:17.099 --> 00:28:19.740 frustration that Jesus messes with 00:28:19.740 --> 00:28:23.460 my life and tells me how everything in 00:28:23.460 --> 00:28:27.980 my life should be that's a huge 00:28:27.980 --> 00:28:30.299 complaint against Christianity and 00:28:30.299 --> 00:28:32.019 I'll be honest it's not entirely 00:28:32.019 --> 00:28:35.220 untrue but listen there's something 00:28:35.220 --> 00:28:37.720 that actually is really significant in 00:28:37.720 --> 00:28:39.099 that if you feel that way today or if 00:28:39.099 --> 00:28:41.099 you've ever felt that way before and 00:28:41.099 --> 00:28:44.259 that's this Jesus doesn't come to you 00:28:44.259 --> 00:28:47.099 telling you how to live your life he 00:28:47.740 --> 00:28:51.099 comes to you laying down his life for 00:28:51.639 --> 00:28:54.719 you and that's a huge difference he 00:28:54.719 --> 00:28:56.419 doesn't come and say the first thing I 00:28:56.419 --> 00:28:57.599 want to tell you is how to live your 00:28:57.599 --> 00:28:59.980 life this is the first thing I want to 00:28:59.980 --> 00:29:02.719 do for you is lay my life down for you 00:29:02.719 --> 00:29:06.299 that's where it starts that's the 00:29:06.299 --> 00:29:10.379 difference between good news and good 00:29:10.379 --> 00:29:14.379 advice the main thing is to keep the 00:29:14.379 --> 00:29:16.519 main thing the main thing is is good 00:29:16.519 --> 00:29:20.919 advice but when the main thing is that 00:29:20.919 --> 00:29:23.700 someone else has done everything for 00:29:23.700 --> 00:29:27.599 you then it becomes good news that's a 00:29:27.599 --> 00:29:29.720 really significant difference because 00:29:29.720 --> 00:29:31.579 there's lots of good advice out there 00:29:31.579 --> 00:29:35.480 tips on how to handle stress how to find 00:29:35.480 --> 00:29:38.619 fulfillment in life how to find success 00:29:38.619 --> 00:29:40.939 but good news is something entirely 00:29:40.939 --> 00:29:43.839 different good advice by definition 00:29:43.839 --> 00:29:46.599 tells you something to do or to do 00:29:46.599 --> 00:29:51.240 better good news by definition tells you 00:29:51.240 --> 00:29:53.399 something that has already been done 00:29:53.399 --> 00:29:56.019 something that has already happened 00:29:56.019 --> 00:29:59.259 good advice is don't forget to take your 00:29:59.259 --> 00:30:02.740 medication good news is the surgery went 00:30:02.740 --> 00:30:06.200 well and you have a clear report good 00:30:06.200 --> 00:30:08.039 advice is hang on tight to that life 00:30:08.039 --> 00:30:12.700 preserver good news is I've jumped in I'm 00:30:12.700 --> 00:30:18.599 here to rescue you Buddha's dying words 00:30:18.599 --> 00:30:23.220 were keep on striving now I know most of 00:30:23.220 --> 00:30:25.940 you aren't Buddhist but I think that 00:30:25.940 --> 00:30:29.140 would work well as a slogan for our 00:30:29.140 --> 00:30:32.080 American society wouldn't it just just 00:30:32.080 --> 00:30:35.080 try a little bit harder just put your 00:30:35.080 --> 00:30:38.380 mind to it learn more you can make it 00:30:38.380 --> 00:30:43.720 happen Jesus is dying words where it is 00:30:43.720 --> 00:30:47.000 finished it's the difference between your 00:30:47.000 --> 00:30:50.480 slogan being just do it and come to me 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:54.539 like Jesus says I've done it it's 00:30:54.539 --> 00:31:00.339 finished come to me good news Jesus says 00:31:00.339 --> 00:31:03.819 you've messed up miserably you've failed 00:31:03.819 --> 00:31:07.460 but I've died for your sins and risen from 00:31:07.460 --> 00:31:10.259 the grave to offer you not a second chance 00:31:10.259 --> 00:31:15.420 to do it but to give you a new life the 00:31:15.420 --> 00:31:17.779 Bible doesn't say because Jesus rose we 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:20.399 better start acting like it and do better 00:31:20.400 --> 00:31:24.640 it says because he rose we will rise to to 00:31:24.640 --> 00:31:29.600 new life the good news of the gospel there 00:31:29.600 --> 00:31:34.140 are a lot of places you can get good advice the 00:31:34.140 --> 00:31:35.820 main thing is to keep the main thing the 00:31:35.820 --> 00:31:40.280 main thing is is really good advice I hope 00:31:40.280 --> 00:31:43.560 you haven't heard good advice this morning I'll 00:31:43.560 --> 00:31:45.800 be honest with you I'm just not that smart or 00:31:45.799 --> 00:31:50.919 helpful to dispense good advice Jesus offers 00:31:50.919 --> 00:31:55.700 you good news he says the main thing is I 00:31:55.700 --> 00:31:59.720 died for your sins was buried rose from the 00:31:59.720 --> 00:32:02.599 dead to conquer sin and death for you and 00:32:02.599 --> 00:32:05.599 appeared to many and my resurrection changes 00:32:05.599 --> 00:32:10.399 everything that's good news let's pray 00:32:10.399 --> 00:32:18.039 Jesus could that could that really be true 00:32:18.039 --> 00:32:21.139 would the headline that we're reading this 00:32:21.139 --> 00:32:25.219 morning really say sins forgiven death 00:32:25.219 --> 00:32:30.459 defeated eternal hope daily purpose true 00:32:30.459 --> 00:32:34.980 freedom oh thank you thank you that Easter is 00:32:34.980 --> 00:32:39.299 good news that it's what you have done for us 00:32:39.299 --> 00:32:41.380 that we're not struggling to find our way out 00:32:41.380 --> 00:32:46.460 of the grave that you've walked out for us and 00:32:46.460 --> 00:32:53.339 now we will to forgive us father we we forget what 00:32:53.339 --> 00:33:00.259 is most important we regularly get confused would 00:33:00.259 --> 00:33:04.519 you change our hearts would you change our lives as 00:33:04.519 --> 00:33:07.859 we begin to consider this message would you change our 00:33:07.859 --> 00:33:11.119 neighborhoods and our our workplaces and and this 00:33:11.119 --> 00:33:14.700 city because you are alive and at work and that's what's 00:33:14.700 --> 00:33:20.019 most important oh Jesus that gives us great hope we don't 00:33:20.019 --> 00:33:24.799 feel like we could change even ourselves much less the world but 00:33:24.799 --> 00:33:30.279 if you're risen living Savior and King you can and you 00:33:30.279 --> 00:33:41.160 would with that great news give us great joy today and tomorrow would it 00:33:41.160 --> 00:33:47.839 inspire us to live as you've called us to oh Jesus change us change us may we 00:33:47.839 --> 00:33:51.899 never forget the good news of what you've done for us we ask in your name 00:33:51.900 --> 00:33:58.900 amen for more information visit us online at southwood.org 00:33:58.900 --> 00:34:05.900 at southwood.org 00:34:05.900 --> 00:34:07.900 you 00:34:07.900 --> 00:34:09.900 you 00:34:09.900 --> 00:34:11.900 you 00:34:11.900 --> 00:34:13.900 you 00:34:13.900 --> 00:34:15.900 you 00:34:15.900 --> 00:34:17.900 you 00:34:17.900 --> 00:34:19.900 you