WEBVTT 00:00:00.300 --> 00:00:02.779 I'm going to be speaking today on the resurrection 00:00:02.779 --> 00:00:07.299 of Jesus Christ and the resurrected life. We're 00:00:07.299 --> 00:00:09.560 going to be looking at a number of scriptures, 00:00:09.839 --> 00:00:12.460 but for our beginning text, we're going to turn 00:00:12.460 --> 00:00:17.179 to the book of 1 Corinthians chapter 15. This 00:00:17.179 --> 00:00:20.899 chapter is considered by many, and I would include 00:00:20.899 --> 00:00:24.760 myself in this. It is the magnum opus. That is 00:00:24.760 --> 00:00:28.980 the greatest work. In the description of the 00:00:28.980 --> 00:00:32.539 resurrection and its theological implications 00:00:32.539 --> 00:00:36.159 in all of scripture. But for today, for right 00:00:36.159 --> 00:00:39.200 now, we're just going to go to verse 20 to 22 00:00:39.200 --> 00:00:42.060 and read these at the beginning of this sermon. 00:00:43.079 --> 00:00:47.659 But now Christ is risen from the dead and has 00:00:47.659 --> 00:00:50.079 become the first fruits of those who have fallen 00:00:50.079 --> 00:00:54.920 asleep. For since by man came death. By man also 00:00:54.920 --> 00:00:58.179 came the resurrection of the dead. For as in 00:00:58.179 --> 00:01:02.619 Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be 00:01:02.619 --> 00:01:06.620 made alive. Let's pray and ask for the Lord's 00:01:06.620 --> 00:01:09.799 blessing on this time in the Word together. Our 00:01:09.799 --> 00:01:11.980 Father and our God, we come before you, Lord, 00:01:12.060 --> 00:01:14.900 looking to you today. We pray that as we look 00:01:14.900 --> 00:01:17.700 into your Word and this great subject, We ask 00:01:17.700 --> 00:01:19.739 that you would be with us, Lord. We pray that 00:01:19.739 --> 00:01:22.519 you would open up your word to our hearts, to 00:01:22.519 --> 00:01:25.319 each one of us, Lord. I pray that you would illuminate 00:01:25.319 --> 00:01:28.780 us by the power of the Holy Spirit. I pray that 00:01:28.780 --> 00:01:30.920 I might be able to speak the words, Lord, that 00:01:30.920 --> 00:01:33.620 are pleasing to you as we look at this wonderful 00:01:33.620 --> 00:01:36.640 subject. And we ask for your blessing on us all. 00:01:36.739 --> 00:01:42.879 In Christ's name, amen. The greatest day in human 00:01:42.879 --> 00:01:46.079 history. was the day of Jesus Christ's resurrection 00:01:46.079 --> 00:01:49.299 from the dead, which we especially celebrate 00:01:49.299 --> 00:01:54.219 today on this Resurrection Sunday. This is the 00:01:54.219 --> 00:01:59.200 day when Jesus rose bodily from the dead, on 00:01:59.200 --> 00:02:02.540 the third day after his cruel death on a Roman 00:02:02.540 --> 00:02:06.540 cross, somewhere around the years of A .D. 30 00:02:06.540 --> 00:02:12.870 to A .D. 33. Having been accused by the Jewish 00:02:12.870 --> 00:02:16.430 leaders who hated him, he was tried during the 00:02:16.430 --> 00:02:19.990 rule of Pontius Pilate, the Roman prefect, during 00:02:19.990 --> 00:02:24.710 the Jewish Passover season. And then he was buried 00:02:24.710 --> 00:02:30.310 in a tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea. On the 00:02:30.310 --> 00:02:32.710 third day, early in the morning, that is the 00:02:32.710 --> 00:02:35.509 first day of the week, he overcame the bounds 00:02:35.509 --> 00:02:40.219 of death and his body came to life again. And 00:02:40.219 --> 00:02:43.759 he burst out of the tomb despite it being sealed 00:02:43.759 --> 00:02:47.439 with a large stone and having a whole watch of 00:02:47.439 --> 00:02:51.120 soldiers around to make sure that nothing would 00:02:51.120 --> 00:02:55.180 happen. This is described in great detail in 00:02:55.180 --> 00:02:58.060 all of the Gospels with the angel's announcement 00:02:58.060 --> 00:03:03.620 that said, He is not here. He has risen just 00:03:03.620 --> 00:03:08.810 like he said. Then Jesus appeared to his followers 00:03:08.810 --> 00:03:13.289 multiple times. This account is central to the 00:03:13.289 --> 00:03:17.090 Christian faith. And it is of first importance. 00:03:17.270 --> 00:03:20.750 As the apostle Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 00:03:20.750 --> 00:03:25.030 15 verse 3 and 4. For I delivered to you first 00:03:25.030 --> 00:03:41.479 of all that which I also received. Now why is 00:03:41.479 --> 00:03:43.900 the resurrection considered the greatest day 00:03:43.900 --> 00:03:46.740 in history? There are several reasons and I have 00:03:46.740 --> 00:03:50.120 a few of them here. First of all, it defeated 00:03:50.120 --> 00:03:56.020 death and sin for all who believe in Jesus Christ. 00:03:56.300 --> 00:04:00.810 Without this, Our faith is futile and we remain 00:04:00.810 --> 00:04:04.909 in our sins. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15 00:04:04.909 --> 00:04:09.090 verse 17, And if Christ is not risen, your faith 00:04:09.090 --> 00:04:14.550 is futile, you are still in your sins. His resurrection 00:04:14.550 --> 00:04:18.430 defeated death and sin for all who believe. Secondly, 00:04:18.550 --> 00:04:21.870 it changed the course of history. Because of 00:04:21.870 --> 00:04:25.889 the fall of Adam, the entire human race is under 00:04:25.889 --> 00:04:29.779 the power of death. and of sin. For as in Adam, 00:04:29.879 --> 00:04:33.800 all die, the scripture says. The resurrection 00:04:33.800 --> 00:04:36.540 opened the way to forgiveness, it opened the 00:04:36.540 --> 00:04:39.560 way to new life, and it brought eternal hope 00:04:39.560 --> 00:04:43.420 for all who believe that we also will rise again 00:04:43.420 --> 00:04:48.180 one day. Even so, in Christ, shall all be made 00:04:48.180 --> 00:04:51.740 alive. Third, it is the foundation of the Christian 00:04:51.740 --> 00:04:55.000 faith. The early church preached it as the pivotal 00:04:55.000 --> 00:04:58.860 event in Acts chapter 2, in Acts chapter 17, 00:04:58.980 --> 00:05:02.899 and a number of other places. It distinguishes 00:05:02.899 --> 00:05:09.500 Christianity from all other religions. That Jesus 00:05:09.500 --> 00:05:13.139 Christ rose from the dead. And finally, number 00:05:13.139 --> 00:05:17.139 four, because of Christ's resurrection, there 00:05:17.139 --> 00:05:21.389 is assurance of life after death. And the promise 00:05:21.389 --> 00:05:24.110 that whoever believes in him shall not perish 00:05:24.110 --> 00:05:29.329 or be condemned, but will obtain eternal life 00:05:29.329 --> 00:05:35.350 and glory and honor and immortality. This is 00:05:35.350 --> 00:05:39.050 the promise of the resurrection and it is its 00:05:39.050 --> 00:05:43.230 effect. Thus, it is considered the greatest day 00:05:43.230 --> 00:05:47.470 in history. Today, I will be reading a number 00:05:47.470 --> 00:05:50.160 of portions of scripture. so that the scripture 00:05:50.160 --> 00:05:53.040 will speak for itself on the account of the resurrection 00:05:53.040 --> 00:05:56.180 and its impact. And then we're going to look 00:05:56.180 --> 00:05:59.180 at a few portions of the epistles on the resurrected 00:05:59.180 --> 00:06:01.680 life. So there's going to be a fair amount of 00:06:01.680 --> 00:06:04.060 the reading of scripture today. And we're going 00:06:04.060 --> 00:06:06.379 to begin with the account of the resurrection 00:06:06.379 --> 00:06:12.100 in Matthew chapter 28, verses 1 through 20. Now 00:06:12.100 --> 00:06:14.319 after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week 00:06:14.319 --> 00:06:17.850 began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary 00:06:17.850 --> 00:06:21.410 came to see the tomb. Behold, there was a great 00:06:21.410 --> 00:06:23.829 earthquake. For an angel of the Lord descended 00:06:23.829 --> 00:06:26.769 from heaven and came and rolled back the stone 00:06:26.769 --> 00:06:29.569 from the door and sat on it. His countenance 00:06:29.569 --> 00:06:32.470 was like lightning and his clothing was white 00:06:32.470 --> 00:06:36.290 as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him. 00:06:36.810 --> 00:06:40.589 And they became like dead men. But the angel 00:06:40.589 --> 00:06:44.889 answered and said to the women, Do not be afraid. 00:06:45.759 --> 00:06:48.579 For I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 00:06:48.980 --> 00:06:52.939 He is not here, for he is risen, as he said. 00:06:53.420 --> 00:06:56.939 Come, see the place where the Lord lay, and go 00:06:56.939 --> 00:06:59.819 quickly and tell his disciples that he is risen 00:06:59.819 --> 00:07:02.100 from the dead, and indeed he is going before 00:07:02.100 --> 00:07:05.759 you into Galilee. There you will see him. Behold, 00:07:05.860 --> 00:07:08.899 I have told you. So they went out quickly from 00:07:08.899 --> 00:07:12.060 the tomb with fear and great joy. and ran to 00:07:12.060 --> 00:07:14.740 bring his disciples word. And as they went to 00:07:14.740 --> 00:07:17.779 tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, 00:07:17.980 --> 00:07:21.040 Rejoice! So they came, and they held him by the 00:07:21.040 --> 00:07:24.180 feet, and they worshipped him. Then Jesus said 00:07:24.180 --> 00:07:28.100 to them, Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brethren 00:07:28.100 --> 00:07:31.000 to go to Galilee, and there they will see me. 00:07:31.420 --> 00:07:34.259 Now while they were going, behold, some of the 00:07:34.259 --> 00:07:36.519 guard came into the city and reported to the 00:07:36.519 --> 00:07:39.100 chief priests all the things that had happened. 00:07:39.360 --> 00:07:42.910 And while they assembled, When they had assembled 00:07:42.910 --> 00:07:45.389 with the elders and consulted together, they 00:07:45.389 --> 00:07:47.910 gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, saying, 00:07:48.069 --> 00:07:51.009 Tell them, his disciples came at night and stole 00:07:51.009 --> 00:07:53.629 him away while we slept. And if this comes to 00:07:53.629 --> 00:07:55.850 the governor's ears, we will appease him and 00:07:55.850 --> 00:07:58.629 make you secure. So they took the money and did 00:07:58.629 --> 00:08:01.529 as they were instructed. And this saying is commonly 00:08:01.529 --> 00:08:05.850 reported among the Jews until this day. Then 00:08:05.850 --> 00:08:07.889 the eleven disciples went away into Galilee. 00:08:08.350 --> 00:08:10.389 to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for 00:08:10.389 --> 00:08:13.069 them. When they saw him, they worshipped him, 00:08:13.209 --> 00:08:16.769 but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke to 00:08:16.769 --> 00:08:22.170 them, saying, All authority in heaven and in 00:08:22.170 --> 00:08:27.050 earth has been given unto me. Go, therefore, 00:08:27.170 --> 00:08:31.529 and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing 00:08:31.529 --> 00:08:34.169 them in the name of the Father and of the Son 00:08:34.169 --> 00:08:37.190 and of the Holy Spirit. teaching them to observe 00:08:37.190 --> 00:08:40.190 all things that I have commanded you. And lo, 00:08:40.389 --> 00:08:45.029 I am with you always, even to the end of the 00:08:45.029 --> 00:08:52.750 age. Amen. Now in the Gospels, we have four accounts 00:08:52.750 --> 00:08:56.669 of the resurrection. This is something that each 00:08:56.669 --> 00:08:59.889 of the Gospels brings out very clearly. Again, 00:08:59.970 --> 00:09:03.629 showing how central... This is how important 00:09:03.629 --> 00:09:07.389 it is. There are many gospels where some will 00:09:07.389 --> 00:09:09.409 teach of a certain parable or some will give 00:09:09.409 --> 00:09:12.690 another account of one that another does not. 00:09:12.850 --> 00:09:15.610 And then John gets into a lot of theological 00:09:15.610 --> 00:09:20.129 discourse about who Christ was. And so we see 00:09:20.129 --> 00:09:23.990 a beautiful view in all of the gospels of Jesus 00:09:23.990 --> 00:09:27.230 and his life on the earth. But all of them speak 00:09:27.230 --> 00:09:30.740 of the resurrection. I'd like to quickly go through 00:09:30.740 --> 00:09:34.419 a harmonized account from the Gospels. This is 00:09:34.419 --> 00:09:38.980 taken from Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and 00:09:38.980 --> 00:09:41.980 John chapter 20. First, there was the women at 00:09:41.980 --> 00:09:44.080 the tomb. This is in the sequence of the day. 00:09:44.460 --> 00:09:47.399 The women at the tomb came very early on the 00:09:47.399 --> 00:09:49.360 first day of the week. This was on Sunday, and 00:09:49.360 --> 00:09:52.080 we just read about this. It was still dark, and 00:09:52.080 --> 00:09:54.740 several women came. There was Mary Magdalene. 00:09:55.049 --> 00:09:57.450 There was Mary, the mother of Jesus. There was 00:09:57.450 --> 00:10:01.330 also women named Salome, Joanna, and others unnamed. 00:10:01.549 --> 00:10:04.909 And they went to Jesus' tomb. Why? To anoint 00:10:04.909 --> 00:10:07.450 his body with spices that they had prepared. 00:10:08.149 --> 00:10:11.250 They had watched his burial on Friday, and then 00:10:11.250 --> 00:10:13.389 they rested on the Sabbath day according to the 00:10:13.389 --> 00:10:16.330 commandment. But as they approached, they were 00:10:16.330 --> 00:10:19.990 wondering, who is going to roll away this stone? 00:10:20.750 --> 00:10:23.429 Because there's a large stone that was put there 00:10:23.429 --> 00:10:27.470 and it was sealed tight. And it was big enough 00:10:27.470 --> 00:10:29.970 that the women would not be able to move it. 00:10:29.990 --> 00:10:32.570 So how were they going to get in and put these 00:10:32.570 --> 00:10:37.549 spices on the body of Jesus? And then suddenly 00:10:37.549 --> 00:10:40.970 this great earthquake occurred. And the angel 00:10:40.970 --> 00:10:43.750 of the Lord at the same time then descended from 00:10:43.750 --> 00:10:46.750 heaven and he rolled back the stone and he sat 00:10:46.750 --> 00:10:49.299 on it. His appearance was like lightning, and 00:10:49.299 --> 00:10:51.860 his clothes as white as snow. And the guards 00:10:51.860 --> 00:10:54.659 who were stationed there at the tomb, they saw 00:10:54.659 --> 00:10:56.840 what was happening, but they could do nothing 00:10:56.840 --> 00:10:59.820 about it. They shook with fear. It says they 00:10:59.820 --> 00:11:04.200 became like dead men. And yet, they could see 00:11:04.200 --> 00:11:07.399 it happening. Entering the tomb then, the women 00:11:07.399 --> 00:11:12.429 found it empty. The body of Jesus was gone. Inside 00:11:12.429 --> 00:11:15.210 they saw either one or two angels in shining 00:11:15.210 --> 00:11:18.029 garments, sometimes described as a young man 00:11:18.029 --> 00:11:21.429 in a white robe. And the angel said, Why do you 00:11:21.429 --> 00:11:23.610 look for the living among the dead? He is not 00:11:23.610 --> 00:11:26.730 here. He is risen, just as he said. Remember, 00:11:26.929 --> 00:11:30.450 he told you. While he was still with you in Galilee, 00:11:30.629 --> 00:11:33.210 the Son of Man must be delivered over to the 00:11:33.210 --> 00:11:36.649 hand of sinners, be crucified, and on the third 00:11:36.649 --> 00:11:40.480 day be raised again. Now the angels instructed 00:11:40.480 --> 00:11:43.539 the women to go and tell the disciples and especially 00:11:43.539 --> 00:11:46.879 Peter that Jesus had risen and would meet them 00:11:46.879 --> 00:11:49.580 in Galilee just as he promised. So the women 00:11:49.580 --> 00:11:52.460 were filled with trembling and with joy and with 00:11:52.460 --> 00:11:55.519 awe and they left the tomb quickly and they ran 00:11:55.519 --> 00:11:59.559 to tell the disciples. And on the way, the risen 00:11:59.559 --> 00:12:03.679 Jesus himself met them. They fell at his feet. 00:12:03.840 --> 00:12:07.919 They worshipped him and clasped his feet. Jesus 00:12:07.919 --> 00:12:12.159 said, Do not be afraid. Go tell my brethren to 00:12:12.159 --> 00:12:15.419 go to Galilee, for there they will see me. Now 00:12:15.419 --> 00:12:19.539 John records that Mary Magdalene ran ahead to 00:12:19.539 --> 00:12:23.899 tell Peter and John. Secondly then, Peter and 00:12:23.899 --> 00:12:26.399 John come and investigate the empty tomb for 00:12:26.399 --> 00:12:29.919 themselves. Mary Magdalene had reached the disciples 00:12:29.919 --> 00:12:32.639 first, and she reported, They've taken the Lord 00:12:32.639 --> 00:12:34.259 out of the tomb, and we don't know where they 00:12:34.259 --> 00:12:36.600 have put him. Peter and the beloved disciple, 00:12:36.779 --> 00:12:40.720 that is John, ran to the tomb. John arrived first. 00:12:40.779 --> 00:12:43.000 He stooped and he saw the strips of linen lying 00:12:43.000 --> 00:12:46.120 there but did not go in. Peter entered, saw the 00:12:46.120 --> 00:12:48.500 linen cloths lying there and the cloth that had 00:12:48.500 --> 00:12:52.159 been around Jesus' head folded and placed separately. 00:12:52.840 --> 00:12:56.529 John then went in. He saw. and believed, they 00:12:56.529 --> 00:12:58.809 still did not fully understand from the scripture 00:12:58.809 --> 00:13:03.750 that Jesus had to rise from the dead, so they 00:13:03.750 --> 00:13:08.590 returned home. Well, then Jesus appears to Mary 00:13:08.590 --> 00:13:11.789 Magdalene. She returns to the tomb, and she stood 00:13:11.789 --> 00:13:16.289 outside, just weeping. As she wept, she stopped. 00:13:16.669 --> 00:13:19.070 She stooped down and she looked into the tomb. 00:13:19.230 --> 00:13:21.850 She saw the two angels in white sitting inside 00:13:21.850 --> 00:13:24.730 where Jesus' body had been. One at the head and 00:13:24.730 --> 00:13:27.529 another at the feet. And so they said, Woman, 00:13:27.789 --> 00:13:32.149 why are you weeping? She replied, Because they 00:13:32.149 --> 00:13:34.330 have taken away my Lord and I do not know where 00:13:34.330 --> 00:13:37.250 they have laid him. She then turned around and 00:13:37.250 --> 00:13:41.370 she saw Jesus standing there. And she mistook 00:13:41.370 --> 00:13:45.210 him for the gardener. Jesus said, Why, woman? 00:13:45.639 --> 00:13:48.320 Why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking? She 00:13:48.320 --> 00:13:50.279 thought he was the gardener, supposing him to 00:13:50.279 --> 00:13:52.799 be. She said to him, Sir, if you have carried 00:13:52.799 --> 00:13:55.259 him away, tell me where you have laid him, and 00:13:55.259 --> 00:13:59.679 I will take him away. And Jesus said to her, 00:14:00.480 --> 00:14:05.620 Mary. She turned and said to him, Rabboni, which 00:14:05.620 --> 00:14:09.440 is to say, Teacher. And Jesus said, Do not cling 00:14:09.440 --> 00:14:12.000 to me, for I have not yet ascended to my father, 00:14:12.159 --> 00:14:15.600 but go to my brethren and say to them, I am ascending 00:14:15.600 --> 00:14:19.539 to my Father and your Father, to my God and your 00:14:19.539 --> 00:14:22.419 God. Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples 00:14:22.419 --> 00:14:25.240 that she had seen the Lord and that he had spoken 00:14:25.240 --> 00:14:29.080 these things to her. Now, a little later in the 00:14:29.080 --> 00:14:32.259 day, there were two men who were traveling the 00:14:32.259 --> 00:14:34.399 same day to a village. This was a village called 00:14:34.399 --> 00:14:37.940 Emmaus. This was about seven miles from Jerusalem, 00:14:38.019 --> 00:14:40.799 and they were talking about all of these things 00:14:40.799 --> 00:14:42.879 that had just happened in the last few days. 00:14:43.389 --> 00:14:46.330 And as they conversed and reasoned, Jesus himself 00:14:46.330 --> 00:14:49.789 drew near and began a conversation with them, 00:14:49.809 --> 00:14:52.389 and he walked with them. Their eyes were restrained, 00:14:52.389 --> 00:14:55.669 however, so that they did not know him. And he 00:14:55.669 --> 00:14:58.230 said to them, What kind of conversation is this 00:14:58.230 --> 00:15:00.490 that you are having together with one another 00:15:00.490 --> 00:15:03.429 as you walk, and you're sad? And then there was 00:15:03.429 --> 00:15:05.570 one, his name was Cleopas, and he answered and 00:15:05.570 --> 00:15:07.929 said to him, Are you a stranger in Jerusalem 00:15:07.929 --> 00:15:10.860 that you don't know about these things? You don't 00:15:10.860 --> 00:15:12.440 know the things which have happened in these 00:15:12.440 --> 00:15:16.299 days? And Jesus said to them, What things? So 00:15:16.299 --> 00:15:18.720 they said to him, The things concerning Jesus 00:15:18.720 --> 00:15:23.840 of Nazareth. He was a prophet, mighty in deed 00:15:23.840 --> 00:15:26.759 and word before God. And all the people and the 00:15:26.759 --> 00:15:31.139 chief priests and our rulers delivered him to 00:15:31.139 --> 00:15:34.220 be condemned to death. And they crucified him. 00:15:34.360 --> 00:15:37.559 We were hoping that he would be the one who was 00:15:37.559 --> 00:15:40.350 going to redeem Israel. And now today is the 00:15:40.350 --> 00:15:42.970 third day since these things have happened. And 00:15:42.970 --> 00:15:45.529 certain women of the company who arrived at the 00:15:45.529 --> 00:15:48.870 tomb earlier, they astonished us and they did 00:15:48.870 --> 00:15:51.269 not find his body. And they came saying that 00:15:51.269 --> 00:15:54.710 they had seen a vision of angels who said that 00:15:54.710 --> 00:15:57.649 he was alive. And certain of those who were with 00:15:57.649 --> 00:16:00.389 us went to the tomb and they found it just as 00:16:00.389 --> 00:16:03.889 the woman had said. But him they did not see. 00:16:05.230 --> 00:16:09.120 Then he said to them, O foolish ones, and slow 00:16:09.120 --> 00:16:11.299 of heart to believe in all that the prophets 00:16:11.299 --> 00:16:14.080 have spoken. Ought not the Christ to have suffered 00:16:14.080 --> 00:16:16.419 these things and to enter into glory? And beginning 00:16:16.419 --> 00:16:20.299 at Moses and the Psalms and the prophets, he 00:16:20.299 --> 00:16:23.080 expounded to them in all the scriptures the things 00:16:23.080 --> 00:16:26.460 concerning himself. Well, then they drew near 00:16:26.460 --> 00:16:28.200 to the village where they were going, and he 00:16:28.200 --> 00:16:30.460 indicated that he would have gone farther. But 00:16:30.460 --> 00:16:33.120 they constrained him and said, Abide with us, 00:16:33.120 --> 00:16:34.919 for it is toward evening, and the day is far 00:16:34.919 --> 00:16:38.700 spent. He went in to stay with them. Now it came 00:16:38.700 --> 00:16:43.120 to pass, as he sat at the table with them, that 00:16:43.120 --> 00:16:47.259 he took bread, he blessed it, and he broke it, 00:16:47.340 --> 00:16:50.700 and he gave it to them. Then all of their eyes 00:16:50.700 --> 00:16:55.759 were opened, and they looked at one another and 00:16:55.759 --> 00:16:59.440 said, Did not our heart burn within us while 00:16:59.440 --> 00:17:01.759 he talked with us on the road and while he opened 00:17:01.759 --> 00:17:05.529 the scriptures to us? Now, after he had... broken 00:17:05.529 --> 00:17:07.890 the bread and given it to them, he just vanished 00:17:07.890 --> 00:17:10.750 from their sight. And they were just left in 00:17:10.750 --> 00:17:15.109 awe and wonder. So they rose up that very hour. 00:17:15.210 --> 00:17:17.569 They returned to Jerusalem. They found the eleven 00:17:17.569 --> 00:17:19.630 and those who were there with them gathered together. 00:17:19.950 --> 00:17:23.450 And again they testified, the Lord is risen indeed 00:17:23.450 --> 00:17:26.529 and has appeared to Simon. And they told him 00:17:26.529 --> 00:17:29.450 about the things, they told them about the things 00:17:29.450 --> 00:17:31.809 that had happened on the road and how he was 00:17:31.809 --> 00:17:35.339 known to them. In the breaking of the bread. 00:17:36.200 --> 00:17:39.680 Now that evening. Jesus then appeared to the 00:17:39.680 --> 00:17:42.779 disciples in Jerusalem. And as they were talking 00:17:42.779 --> 00:17:47.079 about these things. Jesus himself stood in the 00:17:47.079 --> 00:17:49.579 middle of them. He just appeared. And he said. 00:17:49.720 --> 00:17:53.460 Peace be to you. But they were terrified. And 00:17:53.460 --> 00:17:55.619 frightened. And supposed that they had seen a 00:17:55.619 --> 00:17:58.619 spirit. But he said to them. Why are you troubled? 00:17:58.859 --> 00:18:03.000 Why do doubts arise in your heart? Behold. My 00:18:03.000 --> 00:18:10.319 hands and my feet. Handle me and see. For a spirit 00:18:10.319 --> 00:18:12.599 does not have flesh and bones as you see that 00:18:12.599 --> 00:18:15.660 I have. Now when he said this, he showed them 00:18:15.660 --> 00:18:17.880 his hands and his feet. While they still did 00:18:17.880 --> 00:18:20.059 not believe for joy and marveled, he said to 00:18:20.059 --> 00:18:22.740 them, Have you any food here? So they gave him 00:18:22.740 --> 00:18:25.259 a piece of broiled fish and some honeycomb. And 00:18:25.259 --> 00:18:28.059 he took it and ate it in their presence. Then 00:18:28.059 --> 00:18:30.359 he said to them, These are the words which I 00:18:30.359 --> 00:18:33.079 spoke to you while I was still with you, that 00:18:33.079 --> 00:18:37.279 all things must be fulfilled that were written 00:18:37.279 --> 00:18:39.980 in the law of Moses and the prophets and the 00:18:39.980 --> 00:18:43.319 Psalms concerning me. And he opened their understanding 00:18:43.319 --> 00:18:46.720 that they might comprehend the scriptures. Then 00:18:46.720 --> 00:18:49.920 he said to them, thus it is written and thus 00:18:49.920 --> 00:18:53.160 it is necessary for the Christ to suffer and 00:18:53.160 --> 00:18:57.799 to rise from the dead the third day. that repentance 00:18:57.799 --> 00:19:01.180 and remission of sins should be preached in his 00:19:01.180 --> 00:19:04.160 name to all nations beginning at Jerusalem. And 00:19:04.160 --> 00:19:07.539 you are witnesses of these things. Behold, I 00:19:07.539 --> 00:19:10.819 send the promise of my Father upon you, but tarry 00:19:10.819 --> 00:19:13.180 in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued 00:19:13.180 --> 00:19:16.799 with power from on high. So Jesus said to them 00:19:16.799 --> 00:19:20.460 again, Peace to you. As the Father has sent me, 00:19:20.500 --> 00:19:23.910 I also send you. And when he had said this, He 00:19:23.910 --> 00:19:28.289 breathed on them and said to them, Receive the 00:19:28.289 --> 00:19:31.869 Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, 00:19:31.990 --> 00:19:34.809 they are forgiven them. If you retain the sins 00:19:34.809 --> 00:19:38.910 of any, they are retained. Now Thomas, however, 00:19:39.170 --> 00:19:42.529 called the twin, one of the twelve, was not with 00:19:42.529 --> 00:19:46.049 them during this time when Jesus came. And so 00:19:46.049 --> 00:19:48.289 the other disciples then told him when he came, 00:19:48.450 --> 00:19:52.170 We have seen the Lord. But he said to them, Unless 00:19:52.170 --> 00:19:54.970 I see in his hands the print of the nails and 00:19:54.970 --> 00:19:57.829 put my finger into the print of the nails and 00:19:57.829 --> 00:20:02.329 put my hand into his side, I will not believe. 00:20:03.210 --> 00:20:06.410 So after eight days, his disciples were again 00:20:06.410 --> 00:20:09.970 inside the room. And Thomas was with them this 00:20:09.970 --> 00:20:14.430 time. Jesus came again. The doors being shut, 00:20:14.690 --> 00:20:18.450 he stood in their midst and said, Peace to you. 00:20:18.690 --> 00:20:22.180 Then he said to Thomas, Reach your finger here. 00:20:23.099 --> 00:20:26.640 Look at my hands. Reach your hand here and put 00:20:26.640 --> 00:20:30.059 it in my side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing. 00:20:30.420 --> 00:20:33.799 And Thomas answered and said to him, My Lord 00:20:33.799 --> 00:20:38.579 and my God. Jesus said to him, Thomas, because 00:20:38.579 --> 00:20:41.819 you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed 00:20:41.819 --> 00:20:44.900 are those who have not seen and yet believed. 00:20:45.960 --> 00:20:48.579 The third time then that Jesus showed himself 00:20:48.579 --> 00:20:50.960 to the disciples after he was raised from the 00:20:50.960 --> 00:20:54.400 dead, he appeared by the Sea of Galilee as they 00:20:54.400 --> 00:20:57.759 were fishing. This is in John 21. He performed 00:20:57.759 --> 00:21:01.039 a miraculous, or he enabled a miraculous catch 00:21:01.039 --> 00:21:04.619 of fish. He prepared breakfast for them on the 00:21:04.619 --> 00:21:09.279 shore. And he restored Peter after his denial 00:21:09.279 --> 00:21:14.599 by asking him three times, Simon, son of Jonah, 00:21:15.079 --> 00:21:19.859 Do you love me? He then commissioned Peter to 00:21:19.859 --> 00:21:24.339 feed and to tend his lambs and sheep. And he 00:21:24.339 --> 00:21:27.359 prophesied of his death, called him again to 00:21:27.359 --> 00:21:32.339 follow me. This was Jesus testing and probing 00:21:32.339 --> 00:21:36.440 Peter after his threefold denial that had happened 00:21:36.440 --> 00:21:40.740 after Christ's arrest. And through this, Jesus 00:21:40.740 --> 00:21:44.490 restores Peter to fellowship. and he commissions 00:21:44.490 --> 00:21:49.750 him to service. Finally then, Jesus led the disciples 00:21:49.750 --> 00:21:53.130 out to the vicinity of Bethany. He lifted up 00:21:53.130 --> 00:21:55.650 his hands, and he blessed them. While he was 00:21:55.650 --> 00:21:58.869 blessing them, he was taken up into heaven and 00:21:58.869 --> 00:22:01.930 sat down at the right hand of the Father. The 00:22:01.930 --> 00:22:04.609 disciples worshipped him, and they returned to 00:22:04.609 --> 00:22:08.509 Jerusalem with great joy. Acts chapter 1 adds 00:22:08.509 --> 00:22:11.170 that the angels confirmed that he would return 00:22:11.170 --> 00:22:16.369 again in the same way that he had ascended. And 00:22:16.369 --> 00:22:17.849 then, of course, we have the Great Commission, 00:22:18.049 --> 00:22:21.490 which we read in Matthew just before he ascended, 00:22:21.589 --> 00:22:25.650 where he came, he proclaimed that all authority 00:22:25.650 --> 00:22:28.750 had been given to him in heaven and earth, and 00:22:28.750 --> 00:22:31.829 that as a result of that, in that power and in 00:22:31.829 --> 00:22:35.029 that authority, they were to go and make disciples 00:22:35.029 --> 00:22:39.990 of all. nations to baptize them to teach them 00:22:39.990 --> 00:22:43.670 to observe all things that he has commanded them 00:22:43.670 --> 00:22:47.029 and that his presence would be with them that 00:22:47.029 --> 00:22:49.589 he would be with them always even to the end 00:22:49.589 --> 00:22:52.490 of the age this then is a faithful narrative 00:22:52.490 --> 00:22:56.170 of the gospels according to Matthew Mark Luke 00:22:56.170 --> 00:22:59.410 and John these were four men who were moved by 00:22:59.410 --> 00:23:02.069 the Holy Spirit and they wrote these accounts 00:23:02.069 --> 00:23:05.440 of the life of Jesus and of his teaching Now, 00:23:05.460 --> 00:23:08.779 the apostle Paul was the last of the apostles 00:23:08.779 --> 00:23:12.960 to see Jesus, and he adds that he was seen by 00:23:12.960 --> 00:23:17.180 over 500 brethren at once. of whom the greater 00:23:17.180 --> 00:23:19.440 part remain to the present, but some have fallen 00:23:19.440 --> 00:23:23.359 asleep. After that he was seen by James, then 00:23:23.359 --> 00:23:26.319 by all the apostles, and last of all he was seen 00:23:26.319 --> 00:23:30.720 by me also, as by one born out of due time. This 00:23:30.720 --> 00:23:33.680 is in 1 Corinthians 15, but there is no record 00:23:33.680 --> 00:23:37.079 of the Gospels about the 500, or about being 00:23:37.079 --> 00:23:42.980 seen by James. Paul adds that in his dissertation. 00:23:43.819 --> 00:23:46.519 Indeed, to the disciples he also presented himself 00:23:46.519 --> 00:23:50.099 alive, the book of Acts says in chapter 1, after 00:23:50.099 --> 00:23:54.259 his suffering by many infallible proofs, being 00:23:54.259 --> 00:23:56.819 seen by them during forty days, and speaking 00:23:56.819 --> 00:24:00.460 of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. 00:24:01.759 --> 00:24:07.319 The fact of this resurrection is so well attested 00:24:07.319 --> 00:24:11.059 to by all of these witnesses. It is far, far 00:24:11.059 --> 00:24:14.359 more than any court. would ask because in the 00:24:14.359 --> 00:24:17.079 presence normally of one or two witnesses and 00:24:17.079 --> 00:24:20.220 sometimes it's even some more circumstantial 00:24:20.220 --> 00:24:22.539 evidence but as this according to the scripture 00:24:22.539 --> 00:24:24.859 should be one or two witnesses every word shall 00:24:24.859 --> 00:24:29.900 be established this is hundreds of them attest 00:24:29.900 --> 00:24:35.859 to the fact that jesus rose from the dead now 00:24:35.859 --> 00:24:39.190 what are we to make of all of this How then shall 00:24:39.190 --> 00:24:42.829 we structure our lives in light of this glory? 00:24:43.369 --> 00:24:46.349 We're going to turn now to the epistles and we're 00:24:46.349 --> 00:24:49.809 going to see some great things and not nearly 00:24:49.809 --> 00:24:51.970 all of them but we're going to look at a few. 00:24:52.190 --> 00:24:54.930 These now are words of encouragement and comfort 00:24:54.930 --> 00:24:58.630 to all believers in Christ Jesus. The first one 00:24:58.630 --> 00:25:00.890 we're going to go to is the book of Colossians 00:25:00.890 --> 00:25:06.660 chapter 2 verses 9 to 15. Paul here is extolling 00:25:06.660 --> 00:25:10.920 in this chapter the glories of Jesus and how, 00:25:11.160 --> 00:25:13.299 and I'm going to begin here in the verse, for 00:25:13.299 --> 00:25:17.700 in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead 00:25:17.700 --> 00:25:22.240 bodily. So in other words, Jesus was God. He 00:25:22.240 --> 00:25:24.799 is the second person of the Trinity. There is 00:25:24.799 --> 00:25:28.140 no question about His authority or who He is. 00:25:28.299 --> 00:25:32.279 And in Him dwells the fullness, all the fullness 00:25:32.279 --> 00:25:35.940 of the Godhead bodily. Furthermore, Paul continues 00:25:35.940 --> 00:25:38.700 that you all, and he's speaking there to Christian 00:25:38.700 --> 00:25:41.519 believers, you all as Christian believers, you 00:25:41.519 --> 00:25:46.819 are complete in him who is the head of all principality 00:25:46.819 --> 00:25:51.039 and power. In him you were also circumcised with 00:25:51.039 --> 00:25:53.900 the circumcision made without hands by putting 00:25:53.900 --> 00:25:56.940 off the body of the sins of the flesh by the 00:25:56.940 --> 00:25:59.779 circumcision of Christ. You were buried with 00:25:59.779 --> 00:26:04.690 him in baptism in which also This is astonishing. 00:26:05.130 --> 00:26:11.450 Get this. In which also you were raised with 00:26:11.450 --> 00:26:16.509 him through faith in the working of God who raised 00:26:16.509 --> 00:26:20.990 him from the dead. You, being dead in your trespasses 00:26:20.990 --> 00:26:24.170 and the uncircumcision of your flesh, he has 00:26:24.170 --> 00:26:29.059 made alive together with him. Having forgiven 00:26:29.059 --> 00:26:32.579 you all trespasses. Having wiped out the handwriting 00:26:32.579 --> 00:26:35.599 of requirements that was against us. Which was 00:26:35.599 --> 00:26:38.359 contrary to us. And he has taken it out of the 00:26:38.359 --> 00:26:41.440 way. Having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed 00:26:41.440 --> 00:26:45.380 principalities and powers. He made a public spectacle 00:26:45.380 --> 00:26:50.640 of them. Triumphing over them in it. Therefore 00:26:50.640 --> 00:26:54.720 we conclude from this and other passages. That 00:26:54.720 --> 00:26:59.680 in one sense we. For us, the resurrection is 00:26:59.680 --> 00:27:02.279 past. Now, not only in one sense. It is that 00:27:02.279 --> 00:27:05.920 all who are saved have been raised with Christ. 00:27:08.039 --> 00:27:12.720 Now, not only do we look forward to the resurrection 00:27:12.720 --> 00:27:16.420 of our bodies when Christ returns in glory, but 00:27:16.420 --> 00:27:20.319 our salvation is a resurrection from death unto 00:27:20.319 --> 00:27:23.789 life. This is something that we cannot accomplish. 00:27:24.029 --> 00:27:28.609 This comes from God. Salvation is of God who 00:27:28.609 --> 00:27:33.910 calls the dead into life again. All who are in 00:27:33.910 --> 00:27:36.910 Christ have been resurrected already. That is, 00:27:36.990 --> 00:27:40.450 in the words of various of the teachings of the 00:27:40.450 --> 00:27:42.849 epistles, we have been made alive, we have been 00:27:42.849 --> 00:27:45.250 quickened with the life -giving spirit, and that 00:27:45.250 --> 00:27:49.309 we are raised up together with Christ. In one 00:27:49.309 --> 00:27:51.509 sense, it's what theologians call the already 00:27:51.509 --> 00:27:54.490 and not yet. So in other words, this has already 00:27:54.490 --> 00:27:58.190 happened, and yet we look forward to the resurrection 00:27:58.190 --> 00:28:01.190 of the body. But this is what conversion is. 00:28:01.410 --> 00:28:05.509 It is a turn from darkness to life. It is a turn 00:28:05.509 --> 00:28:08.829 from sin unto righteousness. And this is done 00:28:08.829 --> 00:28:12.289 by the work of the Spirit that is applied to 00:28:12.289 --> 00:28:16.329 us, and it makes us alive and brings us awake 00:28:16.329 --> 00:28:20.559 from the dead. From a dead sleep or the sleep 00:28:20.559 --> 00:28:25.059 of the dead. So we have been raised with him 00:28:25.059 --> 00:28:29.000 through faith in the working of God. Then he 00:28:29.000 --> 00:28:31.539 continues on and this is an application of this. 00:28:31.619 --> 00:28:34.279 Paul then right immediately after in Colossians 00:28:34.279 --> 00:28:37.599 chapter 3 he says. If you then were raised with 00:28:37.599 --> 00:28:42.099 Christ. Seek those things which are above. Where 00:28:42.099 --> 00:28:46.160 Christ is. seated at the right hand of God. Set 00:28:46.160 --> 00:28:48.480 your mind on things above, not on things in the 00:28:48.480 --> 00:28:51.400 earth, for you died and your life is hidden with 00:28:51.400 --> 00:28:54.039 Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, 00:28:54.099 --> 00:28:57.759 appears, then you shall also appear with him 00:28:57.759 --> 00:29:00.920 in glory. Now there's two things given in this 00:29:00.920 --> 00:29:03.700 passage then. To all who are raised from the 00:29:03.700 --> 00:29:07.680 dead, to all who are raised with Christ, we are 00:29:07.680 --> 00:29:10.299 given these two things here. Number one, seek 00:29:10.299 --> 00:29:13.349 those things which are above. And second, set 00:29:13.349 --> 00:29:18.460 your mind on things above. Right away, does this 00:29:18.460 --> 00:29:20.900 mean that we're supposed to just forsake absolutely 00:29:20.900 --> 00:29:23.359 everything and go out in the desert and just 00:29:23.359 --> 00:29:26.680 look up to God in some way and just say, I'm 00:29:26.680 --> 00:29:29.140 seeking things that are above. Are we supposed 00:29:29.140 --> 00:29:32.720 to forsake everything like that? No, that is 00:29:32.720 --> 00:29:34.279 not what the scripture is teaching. There are 00:29:34.279 --> 00:29:37.240 many, many places that talk about the works of 00:29:37.240 --> 00:29:39.500 a Christian and how we are to live and so forth. 00:29:39.700 --> 00:29:42.799 This does not mean that we cannot plan or think 00:29:42.799 --> 00:29:45.619 about meals or work or enjoyments of this life. 00:29:46.250 --> 00:29:49.509 To set your mind on things above is what then? 00:29:49.650 --> 00:29:53.329 It is to live in God's creation properly, first 00:29:53.329 --> 00:29:56.690 of all, by acknowledging him as creator and Lord 00:29:56.690 --> 00:29:59.730 and Savior, and then to live for him according 00:29:59.730 --> 00:30:03.950 to his rules by the power of the Holy Spirit. 00:30:04.230 --> 00:30:07.569 That's what it means. To seek those things which 00:30:07.569 --> 00:30:10.430 are above. Yes, we continue to live in the earth. 00:30:10.529 --> 00:30:13.869 We continue to do all that we need to do. The 00:30:13.869 --> 00:30:16.470 many tasks and responsibilities that each one 00:30:16.470 --> 00:30:19.470 of us have. But now we do them as unto Christ. 00:30:19.829 --> 00:30:23.630 We do them thinking of Him and bowing before 00:30:23.630 --> 00:30:26.690 Him and acknowledging that what He says is good 00:30:26.690 --> 00:30:29.910 and right and true. And then we seek by the power 00:30:29.910 --> 00:30:33.849 of the Spirit to be obedient to Him. That is 00:30:33.849 --> 00:30:37.069 how we seek those things which are above. All 00:30:37.069 --> 00:30:40.089 of life and creation belongs to him. And we can 00:30:40.089 --> 00:30:42.670 no longer live according to our fleshly or sinful 00:30:42.670 --> 00:30:45.930 desires. We are to renounce the hidden things 00:30:45.930 --> 00:30:50.650 of shame and darkness. We're not to walk in craftiness 00:30:50.650 --> 00:30:53.809 or handle the word of God deceitfully. And we're 00:30:53.809 --> 00:30:58.569 to have a clear conscience before God and men. 00:30:59.309 --> 00:31:03.210 For indeed, as Hebrews 4 verse 13 says, there 00:31:03.210 --> 00:31:06.869 is no creature hidden from his sight, but all 00:31:06.869 --> 00:31:10.690 things are naked and open to the eyes of him 00:31:10.690 --> 00:31:15.650 to whom we must give an account. God's word is 00:31:15.650 --> 00:31:19.210 sure. His law is perfect. And he gives it to 00:31:19.210 --> 00:31:21.930 us for our instruction so that as we are raised 00:31:21.930 --> 00:31:25.970 with Christ, we acknowledge his word and we seek. 00:31:26.349 --> 00:31:29.049 To obey it. Not as the means of our salvation. 00:31:29.349 --> 00:31:32.549 We are not saved by the keeping of his commandments. 00:31:32.970 --> 00:31:37.569 But we are saved by a faith. A living faith that 00:31:37.569 --> 00:31:41.490 works. And that is how we seek those things which 00:31:41.490 --> 00:31:44.930 are above. And we set our mind on things above. 00:31:45.329 --> 00:31:48.049 We are children of light. And we must walk in 00:31:48.049 --> 00:31:51.549 light. For you were once darkness. But now you 00:31:51.549 --> 00:31:54.890 are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. 00:31:55.259 --> 00:31:58.839 Ephesians 5 in verse 8. And again in 1 John chapter 00:31:58.839 --> 00:32:02.000 1 verse 7. But if we walk in the light as he 00:32:02.000 --> 00:32:04.720 is in the light. We have fellowship one with 00:32:04.720 --> 00:32:07.500 another. And the blood of Jesus Christ his son 00:32:07.500 --> 00:32:12.160 cleanses us from all sin. So we have been raised 00:32:12.160 --> 00:32:14.140 with him through faith in the working of God. 00:32:14.339 --> 00:32:16.880 Number two. If we're raised with Christ then 00:32:16.880 --> 00:32:19.359 seek those things which are above. Number three. 00:32:19.849 --> 00:32:22.670 we take great comfort in the reality of the bodily 00:32:22.670 --> 00:32:25.670 resurrection from the dead that lies in our future. 00:32:26.150 --> 00:32:29.670 For all who have gone before and for our own 00:32:29.670 --> 00:32:34.029 selves, all who are in Christ will rise again 00:32:34.029 --> 00:32:38.289 and shall go to be with Him. Our corruptible 00:32:38.289 --> 00:32:41.970 body that decays and turns back to dust will 00:32:41.970 --> 00:32:45.630 be raised from the grave and we shall all be 00:32:45.630 --> 00:32:50.420 changed and have a new life. resurrected body 00:32:50.420 --> 00:32:53.640 for as the word of god says in first corinthians 00:32:53.640 --> 00:32:57.720 chapter 15 verse 50 flesh and blood cannot inherit 00:32:57.720 --> 00:33:01.019 the kingdom of god nor does corruption inherit 00:33:01.019 --> 00:33:07.000 incorruption behold i tell you a mystery we shall 00:33:07.000 --> 00:33:13.380 not all sleep but we shall all be changed in 00:33:13.380 --> 00:33:16.720 a moment in the twinkling of an eye At the last 00:33:16.720 --> 00:33:19.579 trumpet. For the trumpet will sound. And the 00:33:19.579 --> 00:33:22.619 dead will be raised incorruptible. And we shall 00:33:22.619 --> 00:33:25.359 be changed. For this corruptible must put on 00:33:25.359 --> 00:33:28.759 incorruption. And this mortal must put on immortality. 00:33:29.000 --> 00:33:31.799 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption. 00:33:31.940 --> 00:33:34.980 And this mortal has put on immortality. Then 00:33:34.980 --> 00:33:37.500 shall be brought to pass the saying that is written. 00:33:37.819 --> 00:33:42.279 Death is swallowed up in victory. Oh death where 00:33:42.279 --> 00:33:45.339 is your sting? Oh Hades where is your victory? 00:33:45.920 --> 00:33:48.799 The sting of death is sin and the strength of 00:33:48.799 --> 00:33:52.700 sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which gives 00:33:52.700 --> 00:33:56.000 us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:33:56.299 --> 00:34:00.480 This is the great truth of the resurrection and 00:34:00.480 --> 00:34:05.000 the resurrection power in us, in all who believe. 00:34:05.380 --> 00:34:10.739 Now, this promise of eternal life is for all 00:34:10.739 --> 00:34:16.110 who are in Christ. It is for all who have trusted 00:34:16.110 --> 00:34:20.170 in Christ and who have been made alive by the 00:34:20.170 --> 00:34:24.429 Spirit. If you do not know or trust Him, then 00:34:24.429 --> 00:34:28.369 I invite you to flee from the wrath to come and 00:34:28.369 --> 00:34:31.849 to repent and believe in Christ and obtain that 00:34:31.849 --> 00:34:35.329 eternal life of which He speaks and promises. 00:34:35.530 --> 00:34:39.280 Do not delay. The scripture is clear. Repent 00:34:39.280 --> 00:34:42.880 and believe. Trust in him. Cast all your care 00:34:42.880 --> 00:34:47.639 on him. And he will save all who cry out to him 00:34:47.639 --> 00:34:52.179 for salvation. So the promise is for all who 00:34:52.179 --> 00:34:58.300 are in Christ. Now know this and further. Your 00:34:58.300 --> 00:35:02.760 labor is not in vain. In fact, the scriptures 00:35:02.760 --> 00:35:06.420 teach your good works. They will follow you. 00:35:06.760 --> 00:35:09.199 Again, they're not the method of salvation, but 00:35:09.199 --> 00:35:12.679 they will follow you. Your labor is not in vain 00:35:12.679 --> 00:35:15.059 in the Lord. Paul ends this great chapter in 00:35:15.059 --> 00:35:18.539 chapter 15. He says, therefore, my beloved brethren, 00:35:18.860 --> 00:35:24.199 be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in 00:35:24.199 --> 00:35:27.280 the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor 00:35:27.280 --> 00:35:32.500 is not in vain in the Lord. Are you going through 00:35:32.500 --> 00:35:36.019 trials? Is it a difficult time for you right 00:35:36.019 --> 00:35:39.989 now? Perhaps you're experiencing pain. Maybe 00:35:39.989 --> 00:35:43.650 it's just you're tired. You're continually working 00:35:43.650 --> 00:35:46.570 hard and you're trying to stay ahead of things 00:35:46.570 --> 00:35:49.650 and you're seeking to take care of your family 00:35:49.650 --> 00:35:52.889 and to provide for your wife and your children 00:35:52.889 --> 00:35:56.030 or for those who are dependent upon you. And 00:35:56.030 --> 00:35:59.210 you pour out your soul over and over again. Maybe 00:35:59.210 --> 00:36:02.030 you're in some other type of ministry to people 00:36:02.030 --> 00:36:05.820 in some way. And you're simply tired. Dear brethren, 00:36:05.920 --> 00:36:09.420 dear brother, dear sister in Christ, be steadfast, 00:36:09.639 --> 00:36:12.719 abound in the work of the Lord. Your labor is 00:36:12.719 --> 00:36:16.920 not in vain in the Lord. God will bless you and 00:36:16.920 --> 00:36:19.800 will reward you that even besides all of the 00:36:19.800 --> 00:36:21.780 eternal life and the blessings that there are, 00:36:21.900 --> 00:36:24.739 then he heaps upon blessings and rewards even 00:36:24.739 --> 00:36:28.659 on top of that. Again, this is not, your works 00:36:28.659 --> 00:36:30.820 are not your salvation. Don't think that you 00:36:30.820 --> 00:36:33.699 can work your way to eternal life. No, it's a 00:36:33.699 --> 00:36:37.699 gift from God. But then, your works follow after. 00:36:37.780 --> 00:36:42.599 As John speaks about in the book of Revelation, 00:36:42.900 --> 00:36:46.820 chapter 14. He says, I heard a voice from heaven 00:36:46.820 --> 00:36:50.559 saying to me, write. Blessed are the dead who 00:36:50.559 --> 00:36:53.539 die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, 00:36:53.719 --> 00:36:56.679 that they may rest from their labors and their 00:36:56.679 --> 00:37:05.760 works follow them. Rest in Christ. Delight in 00:37:05.760 --> 00:37:09.920 the resurrection. And then work hard for the 00:37:09.920 --> 00:37:13.599 glory of God in all that he has given to you 00:37:13.599 --> 00:37:17.920 and know that your works will follow you. Today, 00:37:18.760 --> 00:37:23.760 We proclaim and believe that Jesus Christ is 00:37:23.760 --> 00:37:28.860 Lord and Savior. He died on the cross. He rose 00:37:28.860 --> 00:37:32.019 from the dead. He came out of the grave. And 00:37:32.019 --> 00:37:34.860 He is declared to be the Son of God. He is the 00:37:34.860 --> 00:37:37.800 Lord over all creation. He is the giver of good 00:37:37.800 --> 00:37:41.019 gifts to His people. And so, dear people of God, 00:37:41.239 --> 00:37:46.219 worship Him, exalt Him, and magnify His glorious 00:37:46.219 --> 00:37:50.420 name. On this resurrection day. In the name of 00:37:50.420 --> 00:37:54.099 the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 00:37:54.400 --> 00:37:55.340 Let us pray.