1 00:00:00,400 –> 00:00:06,600 Please open your Bible at the Book of Revelation and chapter 14 and verse 13. 2 00:00:06,600 –> 00:00:12,580 And we’re going to read there one of the most remarkable statements in all of the Bible. 3 00:00:12,580 –> 00:00:13,900 Draw your attention to it. 4 00:00:13,900 –> 00:00:15,780 Verse 13 5 00:00:15,780 –> 00:00:19,559 I heard a voice, John says, from heaven saying, 6 00:00:19,559 –> 00:00:22,360 Write this. 7 00:00:22,360 –> 00:00:29,620 Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. 8 00:00:29,780 –> 00:00:32,000 Blessed indeed, says the Spirit, 9 00:00:32,000 –> 00:00:37,259 so here is the Holy Spirit affirming the word from heaven, 10 00:00:37,259 –> 00:00:40,020 that they may rest from their labors. 11 00:00:40,020 –> 00:00:46,720 He says, for their deeds follow them. 12 00:00:46,720 –> 00:00:51,080 One day soon all of us will be in another world. 13 00:00:51,080 –> 00:00:55,959 And our purpose in this New Year series is that we should learn everything that we can 14 00:00:55,959 –> 00:01:01,259 about it and do everything we can to prepare ourselves for it. 15 00:01:01,259 –> 00:01:05,980 Last week we began our journey by noting that people die in many different ways, 16 00:01:05,980 –> 00:01:10,680 some through accidents, some through an illness, some through old age. 17 00:01:10,680 –> 00:01:13,400 People die at different times. 18 00:01:13,400 –> 00:01:17,379 The timing and the circumstances vary. 19 00:01:17,379 –> 00:01:25,199 These are important, but we saw last time that they are not the things of ultimate importance. 20 00:01:25,300 –> 00:01:27,260 What really matters is this. 21 00:01:27,260 –> 00:01:31,260 Ultimately, at some point, every one of us will die and 22 00:01:31,260 –> 00:01:36,540 every person who has ever lived, dies in one of two ways, according to the Bible. 23 00:01:36,540 –> 00:01:41,459 We looked last time at John chapter 8, verse 24, where Jesus defines one of them. 24 00:01:41,459 –> 00:01:45,599 He said to people, unless you believe that I am He, 25 00:01:45,599 –> 00:01:50,400 unless you believe that I am the Christ, you will die in your sins. 26 00:01:50,400 –> 00:01:52,360 So that’s one way in which people die. 27 00:01:52,360 –> 00:01:54,480 You can die in your sins. 28 00:01:54,500 –> 00:01:56,320 And today in Revelation chapter 14, 29 00:01:56,320 –> 00:01:59,500 we’re going to look at the other way in which a person can die. 30 00:01:59,500 –> 00:02:05,919 We’ve read these wonderful words, blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. 31 00:02:07,279 –> 00:02:09,940 So, when you leave this world, you will leave this world, 32 00:02:09,940 –> 00:02:13,119 as everyone else leaves this world, in one of two ways. 33 00:02:14,800 –> 00:02:19,619 Either you will die in your sins, or you will die in the Lord. 34 00:02:19,619 –> 00:02:22,960 And whatever the circumstances or whatever the timing of your death, 35 00:02:22,979 –> 00:02:25,479 that is the thing that ultimately matters. 36 00:02:25,479 –> 00:02:29,300 Folks, as I’ve been thinking about this more and more during this last week, 37 00:02:29,300 –> 00:02:34,639 my mind is just over awed by the incalculable difference between these two. 38 00:02:34,639 –> 00:02:36,559 To die in your sins, 39 00:02:37,940 –> 00:02:42,179 we thought about what that means, to carry your sins into your death with you, 40 00:02:42,179 –> 00:02:45,600 to go out of this world, to go into death and to go through it 41 00:02:45,600 –> 00:02:48,759 and then to stand in the presence of Almighty God 42 00:02:48,759 –> 00:02:52,039 and there you are with your sins still attached to you. 43 00:02:53,000 –> 00:02:55,000 And you are in them. 44 00:02:56,160 –> 00:02:58,919 To die in your sins! 45 00:02:58,919 –> 00:03:03,759 Could there be anything more tragic, anything more awful than this? 46 00:03:05,179 –> 00:03:09,160 Now today we are going to look at the other way in which a person can die. 47 00:03:09,940 –> 00:03:15,300 Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. 48 00:03:15,839 –> 00:03:18,759 We saw last time that the Lord Jesus on the cross, 49 00:03:18,759 –> 00:03:21,660 he took sins into his death 50 00:03:21,720 –> 00:03:25,259 so that you would not need to take your sins into yours. 51 00:03:26,559 –> 00:03:29,940 To die in the Lord, separated from your sins, 52 00:03:29,940 –> 00:03:32,199 because He carried them far away from you. 53 00:03:32,199 –> 00:03:35,100 Could there be anything more glorious than this? 54 00:03:35,580 –> 00:03:39,020 Could there be anything more different than these two extremities? 55 00:03:39,139 –> 00:03:44,000 Well, this is what we are going to be looking at together in the Bible today. 56 00:03:44,600 –> 00:03:47,240 Now I do hope that you have this verse open in front of you. 57 00:03:47,240 –> 00:03:49,960 I want you to see immediately that this is a promise 58 00:03:49,960 –> 00:03:52,619 that belongs to every Christian. 59 00:03:52,919 –> 00:03:56,199 Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, 60 00:03:57,000 –> 00:03:59,600 but it is significantly given, 61 00:03:59,600 –> 00:04:04,919 especially to people who die the most difficult of deaths. 62 00:04:06,399 –> 00:04:08,139 Look at what it says here. 63 00:04:08,139 –> 00:04:13,179 Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. 64 00:04:14,580 –> 00:04:17,000 Now, what’s that reference, from now on? 65 00:04:17,480 –> 00:04:20,480 Well, if you glance back to chapter 13, 66 00:04:20,480 –> 00:04:22,600 you will see what is happening in that chapter 67 00:04:22,600 –> 00:04:25,299 is the Great Beast has arisen. 68 00:04:25,299 –> 00:04:29,200 The world is going after the anti-Christ. 69 00:04:29,200 –> 00:04:32,140 And the anti-Christ, verse 7 of chapter 13, 70 00:04:32,140 –> 00:04:34,320 is making war on the saints, 71 00:04:34,320 –> 00:04:36,320 bringing all kinds of trouble to Christians 72 00:04:36,320 –> 00:04:38,480 and all kinds of persecution to them. 73 00:04:38,480 –> 00:04:41,040 As so many of our brothers and sisters in Christ 74 00:04:41,040 –> 00:04:45,019 have died deaths that have been under persecution. 75 00:04:45,019 –> 00:04:46,640 And in verse 10 of chapter 13, 76 00:04:47,100 –> 00:04:48,920 it says if anyone is taken captive, 77 00:04:48,920 –> 00:04:50,420 to captivity he goes. 78 00:04:50,420 –> 00:04:52,200 If anyone is slain by the sword, 79 00:04:52,200 –> 00:04:53,980 with the sword he must be slain. 80 00:04:53,980 –> 00:04:58,980 Here is a call for endurance and faith from the saints. 81 00:05:00,600 –> 00:05:02,859 So you see in the context here are believers 82 00:05:02,859 –> 00:05:04,799 who are paying the ultimate price 83 00:05:04,799 –> 00:05:06,540 for following Jesus Christ. 84 00:05:06,540 –> 00:05:08,859 Some of them are going to die horrible deaths. 85 00:05:10,660 –> 00:05:15,500 And John says I heard a voice from heaven saying… 86 00:05:15,500 –> 00:05:17,420 And remember, he was on the Isle of Patmas 87 00:05:17,420 –> 00:05:19,779 imprisoned himself when he heard this. 88 00:05:20,779 –> 00:05:23,059 I heard a voice from heaven saying, 89 00:05:23,059 –> 00:05:27,019 blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. 90 00:05:28,299 –> 00:05:29,760 Now friends, think about this. 91 00:05:30,739 –> 00:05:33,179 If that is true for martyrs who die 92 00:05:33,179 –> 00:05:35,079 the most horrible of deaths, 93 00:05:36,019 –> 00:05:40,119 that they’re blessed to die in the Lord, 94 00:05:41,119 –> 00:05:45,600 how much more true is it for you and for me 95 00:05:46,420 –> 00:05:50,100 as we consider our deaths 96 00:05:50,100 –> 00:05:53,140 in a very different situation from theirs? 97 00:05:54,820 –> 00:05:59,700 Why are we blessed if we die in the Lord? 98 00:06:00,640 –> 00:06:05,640 Some of you have bitten a heart wrenching farewell 99 00:06:06,000 –> 00:06:08,260 to loved ones in these last weeks, 100 00:06:08,820 –> 00:06:11,660 and they’re in Christ. 101 00:06:12,739 –> 00:06:14,839 And this verse is saying to you, 102 00:06:14,839 –> 00:06:18,859 God is saying to you, now be at peace, they’re blessed. 103 00:06:18,859 –> 00:06:21,480 And I want you to see why they are blessed. 104 00:06:22,980 –> 00:06:24,720 Notice what it says. 105 00:06:24,720 –> 00:06:26,299 They are blessed first 106 00:06:27,119 –> 00:06:29,579 because they rest from their labors. 107 00:06:29,579 –> 00:06:32,600 Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. 108 00:06:33,480 –> 00:06:35,619 Blessed indeed says the Spirit 109 00:06:36,279 –> 00:06:41,279 that they may rest from their labors. 110 00:06:41,279 –> 00:06:43,480 Let’s focus in on that for a few moments. 111 00:06:43,480 –> 00:06:44,640 Three observations. 112 00:06:46,739 –> 00:06:50,359 Here’s the first, hard work is the distinguishing mark 113 00:06:50,359 –> 00:06:52,480 of people who are in Christ. 114 00:06:52,480 –> 00:06:53,359 That’s one of the ways you know 115 00:06:53,359 –> 00:06:55,239 you’re a Christian, by the way. 116 00:06:55,239 –> 00:06:57,559 It’s a distinguishing mark of a Christian. 117 00:06:58,619 –> 00:07:02,220 Hard work is a distinguishing mark 118 00:07:02,220 –> 00:07:04,660 of people who are in Christ. 119 00:07:04,700 –> 00:07:07,619 They rest from their labors. 120 00:07:09,220 –> 00:07:10,399 Now think about this. 121 00:07:11,500 –> 00:07:15,760 I’ve banged in a few nails and cut a few boards 122 00:07:15,760 –> 00:07:17,200 in the course of my life. 123 00:07:18,239 –> 00:07:21,359 But if I said that I was a carpenter, 124 00:07:21,359 –> 00:07:23,339 any of you guys who are carpenters 125 00:07:23,339 –> 00:07:25,880 would rightly laugh. 126 00:07:25,880 –> 00:07:27,640 Because banging in a few nails 127 00:07:27,640 –> 00:07:30,880 does not make a guy a carpenter, right? 128 00:07:30,899 –> 00:07:34,000 A carpenter is someone who gives his life 129 00:07:34,940 –> 00:07:37,739 to this important work. 130 00:07:39,239 –> 00:07:41,619 Now think about this then, what is a Christian? 131 00:07:43,200 –> 00:07:45,040 A Christian is not simply a person 132 00:07:45,040 –> 00:07:46,559 who says a prayer now and again 133 00:07:46,559 –> 00:07:48,359 or turns up at church once in a while. 134 00:07:48,359 –> 00:07:52,420 No, a Christian is a person who gives himself 135 00:07:52,420 –> 00:07:57,420 or gives herself to a life of following Jesus Christ. 136 00:07:58,179 –> 00:08:01,279 Saying you’re a Christian doesn’t make you a Christian 137 00:08:01,279 –> 00:08:03,140 any more than me saying I’m a carpenter 138 00:08:03,140 –> 00:08:04,859 makes me a carpenter. 139 00:08:04,859 –> 00:08:07,500 The evidence that you are in Jesus Christ 140 00:08:07,500 –> 00:08:10,299 is that the goal of your life is to serve Him. 141 00:08:10,299 –> 00:08:11,619 Now is that true of you? 142 00:08:12,660 –> 00:08:14,140 Well, it’s easier to say that you’re a Christian 143 00:08:14,140 –> 00:08:15,660 than to be one. 144 00:08:17,000 –> 00:08:18,779 How are you doing this? 145 00:08:18,779 –> 00:08:22,399 How is your life marked by a labor for the Lord? 146 00:08:23,700 –> 00:08:25,559 What are you doing in terms of what we thought about 147 00:08:25,600 –> 00:08:26,559 a couple of weeks ago? 148 00:08:26,559 –> 00:08:30,019 Extending yourself in order to live in the light 149 00:08:30,019 –> 00:08:32,500 of the upward call that one day lies ahead of us. 150 00:08:32,500 –> 00:08:34,280 That’s the first observation. 151 00:08:34,280 –> 00:08:36,719 That those who are blessed when they die 152 00:08:36,719 –> 00:08:39,260 are marked by the fact that they rest from their labors. 153 00:08:39,260 –> 00:08:41,080 They give themselves to serving Christ. 154 00:08:41,080 –> 00:08:43,299 It’s what it is to be a Christian. 155 00:08:43,299 –> 00:08:44,799 Here’s the second observation. 156 00:08:44,799 –> 00:08:46,619 Serving Christ is not easy. 157 00:08:47,739 –> 00:08:49,739 I say this by way of encouragement. 158 00:08:50,919 –> 00:08:53,039 The word labor makes this very clear. 159 00:08:53,080 –> 00:08:55,679 The word labor means hard work. 160 00:08:55,679 –> 00:08:58,419 Work that would make you sweat. 161 00:08:58,419 –> 00:09:03,419 And that’s the word that is used 162 00:09:03,440 –> 00:09:07,440 in the description of those who are pressing 163 00:09:07,440 –> 00:09:09,039 hard after Jesus Christ. 164 00:09:09,039 –> 00:09:11,880 It’s hard work to go on serving Him. 165 00:09:11,880 –> 00:09:14,400 If you give your life to following Jesus Christ, 166 00:09:14,400 –> 00:09:16,460 let me tell you honestly, 167 00:09:16,460 –> 00:09:19,039 you will experience what every other Christian 168 00:09:19,039 –> 00:09:19,880 is experiencing. 169 00:09:19,880 –> 00:09:21,340 You’ll face difficulties. 170 00:09:21,340 –> 00:09:23,179 You’ll face discouragements. 171 00:09:23,179 –> 00:09:24,820 You will come to a point in the road 172 00:09:24,820 –> 00:09:26,659 where you face big disappointments. 173 00:09:28,099 –> 00:09:29,280 Labor. 174 00:09:29,280 –> 00:09:30,119 Not easy. 175 00:09:31,500 –> 00:09:33,539 But in Heaven it will be very different. 176 00:09:33,539 –> 00:09:37,039 Oh, in Heaven we will serve Christ, 177 00:09:37,039 –> 00:09:38,820 we’ll look at that later in the series 178 00:09:38,820 –> 00:09:40,799 and think about how wonderful it is. 179 00:09:40,799 –> 00:09:43,739 We will serve Christ, but we will not labor. 180 00:09:43,739 –> 00:09:45,260 Spurgeon says, we’re gonna quote him 181 00:09:45,260 –> 00:09:47,900 a number of times today very beautifully, 182 00:09:47,940 –> 00:09:50,179 whatever the saints do in Heaven 183 00:09:50,179 –> 00:09:53,099 will yield them refreshment 184 00:09:53,099 –> 00:09:56,940 and will never cause them weariness. 185 00:09:58,080 –> 00:10:00,159 and I love this piece when I read it this week. 186 00:10:00,159 –> 00:10:02,119 It brought such strength to my own heart. 187 00:10:02,119 –> 00:10:03,400 I hope it does to yours. 188 00:10:03,400 –> 00:10:08,400 He says, there in Heaven no cold-hearted brethren 189 00:10:08,840 –> 00:10:13,840 will damp our enthusiasm or accuse us of evil motives. 190 00:10:14,820 –> 00:10:17,280 No desponding brethren will warn us 191 00:10:17,320 –> 00:10:19,640 that we are rash when our faith is strong 192 00:10:19,640 –> 00:10:22,099 and obstinate when our confidence is firm. 193 00:10:23,239 –> 00:10:24,960 None will pluck us by the sleeve 194 00:10:24,960 –> 00:10:27,239 and hold us back when we would run the race 195 00:10:27,239 –> 00:10:28,299 with all of our might. 196 00:10:29,200 –> 00:10:32,280 And, none will foretell disaster and defeat 197 00:10:32,280 –> 00:10:33,640 when we confidently know 198 00:10:33,640 –> 00:10:36,880 that God will give us the victory. 199 00:10:38,840 –> 00:10:41,260 It’s hard work serving Jesus Christ, 200 00:10:41,260 –> 00:10:43,679 but the day is coming when you’re going to serve Him 201 00:10:43,679 –> 00:10:45,039 and it will no longer be labor. 202 00:10:45,039 –> 00:10:46,820 They rest from their labor. 203 00:10:48,099 –> 00:10:52,099 And now serve Him in all of the joys and delights 204 00:10:52,099 –> 00:10:53,559 of heaven and itself. 205 00:10:54,440 –> 00:10:55,840 There’s a third observation. 206 00:10:57,400 –> 00:11:02,400 There are works for Christ that can only be done here. 207 00:11:03,400 –> 00:11:06,159 Now, this follows very obviously from the fact 208 00:11:06,159 –> 00:11:08,640 that those who are with Christ, 209 00:11:08,640 –> 00:11:11,500 as every Christian one day will be, 210 00:11:11,500 –> 00:11:13,140 they rest from their labors. 211 00:11:14,119 –> 00:11:15,960 So there is work that you and I can do 212 00:11:16,059 –> 00:11:19,039 for Christ here and now that we cannot do 213 00:11:19,039 –> 00:11:20,820 when we are in His presence 214 00:11:21,679 –> 00:11:24,840 for then we rest from these particular labors. 215 00:11:24,840 –> 00:11:28,679 By the way, pastors will be the first 216 00:11:28,679 –> 00:11:31,320 to be out of a job in heaven. 217 00:11:31,320 –> 00:11:33,719 Think of how wonderful this is. 218 00:11:33,719 –> 00:11:37,919 Why would you need a preacher to speak to you 219 00:11:37,919 –> 00:11:40,760 about the greatness of Jesus Christ 220 00:11:40,760 –> 00:11:45,479 when you can directly see His glories for yourself? 221 00:11:45,520 –> 00:11:46,320 Marvelous. 222 00:11:47,140 –> 00:11:49,119 Why would you need counseling? 223 00:11:49,119 –> 00:11:51,719 Why would you need pastoral care 224 00:11:51,719 –> 00:11:53,880 when all your wounds are healed 225 00:11:53,880 –> 00:11:58,159 and when Jesus Christ has wiped every tear from your eyes? 226 00:11:59,320 –> 00:12:01,479 Oh, and think about this, whatever your work is. 227 00:12:01,479 –> 00:12:04,640 The work that you do that may bring you many frustrations, 228 00:12:04,640 –> 00:12:07,080 it will no longer be needed. 229 00:12:07,080 –> 00:12:09,960 In a new creation, a new heaven and a new earth, 230 00:12:09,960 –> 00:12:12,280 all of us will be serving Christ. 231 00:12:12,280 –> 00:12:14,159 We will be doing it with a new energy. 232 00:12:14,159 –> 00:12:16,400 We will be doing it with a new creativity 233 00:12:16,400 –> 00:12:18,679 and new fulfillment and a new joy, 234 00:12:18,679 –> 00:12:21,239 and we will be doing it in ways that are adapted 235 00:12:21,239 –> 00:12:24,479 to the whole new creation that are beyond 236 00:12:24,479 –> 00:12:27,760 what can enter into our minds and into our hearts. 237 00:12:27,760 –> 00:12:29,200 But no more labor. 238 00:12:30,760 –> 00:12:32,919 By the way, that gives great significance 239 00:12:32,919 –> 00:12:36,020 to your work, whatever it is, this coming week, 240 00:12:37,799 –> 00:12:39,799 because you won’t be doing it in heaven. 241 00:12:41,080 –> 00:12:43,520 And the only chance you have to honor Christ 242 00:12:43,520 –> 00:12:46,119 in doing it is here on earth. 243 00:12:47,520 –> 00:12:52,119 Let that lift your perspective on your daily work. 244 00:12:53,479 –> 00:12:55,239 But then think about this, think about some 245 00:12:55,239 –> 00:12:59,200 of the other things that we won’t be doing in heaven. 246 00:12:59,200 –> 00:13:03,179 We work at them now, but we won’t be doing them then. 247 00:13:05,000 –> 00:13:07,479 The only prayers you will offer 248 00:13:08,599 –> 00:13:11,099 are the prayers you offer while you’re here. 249 00:13:11,960 –> 00:13:16,520 The only evangelism, folks, that we will ever do 250 00:13:17,960 –> 00:13:20,599 is the evangelism that we are committed 251 00:13:20,599 –> 00:13:24,640 to doing here in this world, not there, here. 252 00:13:25,940 –> 00:13:29,359 The only victories over sin and over temptation 253 00:13:29,359 –> 00:13:32,080 you will ever have are the victories 254 00:13:32,080 –> 00:13:33,700 in your struggle here and now. 255 00:13:33,700 –> 00:13:35,039 You will be made perfect here. 256 00:13:35,039 –> 00:13:36,479 The struggle will be no more. 257 00:13:36,479 –> 00:13:39,460 The fight is now, this is when you glorify Christ 258 00:13:39,460 –> 00:13:40,960 in the battle of the Christian life. 259 00:13:40,960 –> 00:13:42,400 Listen, Sunday school teacher, 260 00:13:42,400 –> 00:13:45,140 the only children you will ever teach 261 00:13:46,280 –> 00:13:47,840 are the children that you teach here, 262 00:13:47,840 –> 00:13:49,440 so invest yourself in it. 263 00:13:49,440 –> 00:13:51,359 It is of eternal significance. 264 00:13:51,359 –> 00:13:52,619 You won’t be doing it then. 265 00:13:52,619 –> 00:13:54,520 You are given the chance to do it now. 266 00:13:55,739 –> 00:13:57,799 The only giving you ever release 267 00:13:58,679 –> 00:14:00,599 is going to be the giving you release here. 268 00:14:00,599 –> 00:14:03,299 The only stand you ever take for what is true 269 00:14:03,299 –> 00:14:05,460 and for what is right is the stand you take 270 00:14:05,460 –> 00:14:07,460 for what is true and what is right here. 271 00:14:08,719 –> 00:14:09,799 So, here’s the challenge, 272 00:14:09,960 –> 00:14:11,859 please think about this with me. 273 00:14:11,859 –> 00:14:14,619 We have all eternity to rejoice 274 00:14:14,619 –> 00:14:16,979 in our victories in Jesus Christ, 275 00:14:16,979 –> 00:14:19,460 but we only have a very short time to win them. 276 00:14:20,719 –> 00:14:22,179 A very short time to win them. 277 00:14:23,200 –> 00:14:26,460 Long time to enjoy them, short time to win them. 278 00:14:27,960 –> 00:14:30,140 That’s the urgency of the Christian life. 279 00:14:30,140 –> 00:14:32,739 That’s the urgency of the mission of the gospel. 280 00:14:34,559 –> 00:14:35,979 They rest from their labors, 281 00:14:36,979 –> 00:14:39,179 and there are so many things that 282 00:14:39,179 –> 00:14:40,979 Christ has given us to do here and now 283 00:14:40,979 –> 00:14:42,700 that we can only do here and now 284 00:14:42,700 –> 00:14:44,200 and will not be doing then. 285 00:14:46,159 –> 00:14:48,900 They’re blessed, those who die in the Lord. 286 00:14:48,900 –> 00:14:50,400 Why? 287 00:14:50,400 –> 00:14:54,919 Because they rest from their labors. 288 00:14:55,760 –> 00:14:58,179 Here’s the second reason why you’re blessed 289 00:14:58,179 –> 00:14:59,140 if you die in the Lord. 290 00:14:59,140 –> 00:15:02,500 Only two ways to die, die in your sins or die in the Lord. 291 00:15:02,500 –> 00:15:04,580 Terrible, unimaginably terrible thing 292 00:15:04,580 –> 00:15:07,419 to die in your sins, glorious, wonderful thing 293 00:15:07,419 –> 00:15:08,320 to die in the Lord. 294 00:15:08,320 –> 00:15:09,159 Why? 295 00:15:10,700 –> 00:15:14,219 Because, number two, their deeds follow them. 296 00:15:14,219 –> 00:15:15,419 Do you see what it says? 297 00:15:16,440 –> 00:15:20,500 Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, 298 00:15:20,500 –> 00:15:25,500 blessed indeed says the Spirit for their deeds follow them. 299 00:15:29,260 –> 00:15:32,359 This is a wonderful statement and so full of significance. 300 00:15:32,520 –> 00:15:36,219 When Christians enter heaven, 301 00:15:36,219 –> 00:15:41,219 their works are behind them, not in front of them. 302 00:15:42,000 –> 00:15:43,380 That’s very important. 303 00:15:43,380 –> 00:15:48,380 When Christians enter heaven, their deeds, their works, 304 00:15:48,380 –> 00:15:53,099 all the fruit of their Christian life is behind them, 305 00:15:53,099 –> 00:15:55,659 it is not in front of them. 306 00:15:55,659 –> 00:16:00,119 In other words, the Christian does not enter heaven 307 00:16:00,119 –> 00:16:02,239 because of his or her good works. 308 00:16:02,239 –> 00:16:05,520 It’s very clear here, their deeds follow them. 309 00:16:06,440 –> 00:16:10,679 Remember Jesus said, now I go to prepare a place for you. 310 00:16:10,679 –> 00:16:13,640 Jesus is the pioneer of our faith. 311 00:16:13,640 –> 00:16:16,219 He is the one who enters heaven on our behalf 312 00:16:16,219 –> 00:16:19,280 and opens the door and those who follow enter 313 00:16:19,280 –> 00:16:23,039 because of him and their good works follow after them, 314 00:16:23,039 –> 00:16:24,179 not in front of them. 315 00:16:24,179 –> 00:16:26,200 That is very important to grasp. 316 00:16:26,200 –> 00:16:28,640 Good works never lead the way. 317 00:16:29,640 –> 00:16:31,840 It’s a very simple way to grasp this point. 318 00:16:32,880 –> 00:16:34,359 Good works never lead the way 319 00:16:34,359 –> 00:16:36,140 nor open the door into heaven. 320 00:16:36,140 –> 00:16:37,780 Sturgeon makes this point. 321 00:16:37,780 –> 00:16:41,479 Our good deeds do not even walk beside us into heaven. 322 00:16:41,479 –> 00:16:43,539 That is very important. 323 00:16:43,539 –> 00:16:45,359 Let me quote what Sturgeon says, 324 00:16:45,359 –> 00:16:48,919 do they march at our right hand or on our left 325 00:16:48,919 –> 00:16:52,580 as the subjects of cheering contemplation? 326 00:16:52,580 –> 00:16:54,960 In other words, when you are passing through death 327 00:16:54,960 –> 00:16:56,960 into heaven is the thing to think about. 328 00:16:56,960 –> 00:16:58,520 The works that you’ve done 329 00:16:58,640 –> 00:17:00,299 are they going to be your companions 330 00:17:00,299 –> 00:17:02,359 walking by your side into heaven? 331 00:17:03,359 –> 00:17:06,619 And Sturgeon says, no, no. 332 00:17:06,619 –> 00:17:10,319 We dare not take them as companions to comfort us. 333 00:17:11,199 –> 00:17:14,880 They follow us at our heel. 334 00:17:14,880 –> 00:17:17,979 They keep behind us out of sight 335 00:17:19,119 –> 00:17:22,859 and we ourselves, in our desires after holiness 336 00:17:22,859 –> 00:17:24,739 always out march them. 337 00:17:25,599 –> 00:17:27,219 In other words, if you’re truly a Christian, 338 00:17:27,300 –> 00:17:28,979 then your desire to do more for Christ 339 00:17:28,979 –> 00:17:31,959 is always greater than what you’ve already done. 340 00:17:31,959 –> 00:17:33,599 The good works follow, they’re never ahead, 341 00:17:33,599 –> 00:17:37,300 they’re never beside, they’re always behind. 342 00:17:37,300 –> 00:17:40,619 That’s the first thing to notice here. 343 00:17:41,619 –> 00:17:45,760 But thank God that the good deeds of a Christian do follow 344 00:17:47,239 –> 00:17:51,319 and that for this reason there will be great reward. 345 00:17:52,400 –> 00:17:55,880 It is something that again I have found quite staggering 346 00:17:55,900 –> 00:18:00,060 as I’ve just tried to meditate on it these last days. 347 00:18:00,920 –> 00:18:04,839 How can it be that all my sins, which are many, 348 00:18:09,579 –> 00:18:13,020 are erased from the mind and the heart of God 349 00:18:13,020 –> 00:18:17,420 when they’re placed under the blood of Jesus Christ, 350 00:18:17,420 –> 00:18:21,000 and God says, I will remember them no more. 351 00:18:21,939 –> 00:18:25,459 And at the same time my deeds that are too feeble 352 00:18:25,459 –> 00:18:29,640 and they are too few, they somehow live in the memory 353 00:18:30,660 –> 00:18:33,020 and mind of God forever and forever and forever 354 00:18:33,020 –> 00:18:35,599 so that he says, even a cup of cold water 355 00:18:35,599 –> 00:18:37,560 that is given in the name of Jesus Christ 356 00:18:37,560 –> 00:18:40,819 will certainly not go without its reward. 357 00:18:40,819 –> 00:18:42,959 And every tear that’s ever been shed in prayer 358 00:18:42,959 –> 00:18:46,540 and in repentance, is stored up in the heart of God. 359 00:18:46,540 –> 00:18:50,699 The Psalm says he stores these tears as in a bottle 360 00:18:51,500 –> 00:18:55,959 and they are treasured by God forever and forever 361 00:18:55,959 –> 00:18:59,420 and by His grace bring their own reward. 362 00:18:59,420 –> 00:19:01,500 Blessed, blessed. 363 00:19:01,500 –> 00:19:03,819 Why are those who die in the Lord blessed? 364 00:19:03,819 –> 00:19:07,540 They’re blessed because they rest from their labors 365 00:19:07,540 –> 00:19:11,719 and they’re blessed because their deeds follow them. 366 00:19:12,719 –> 00:19:14,380 Let’s not skip over this third thing 367 00:19:14,380 –> 00:19:17,719 which is the most obvious and the most central. 368 00:19:17,739 –> 00:19:21,640 They are blessed because they die in the Lord. 369 00:19:21,640 –> 00:19:26,640 Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. 370 00:19:27,880 –> 00:19:29,599 Now, see, this is very important. 371 00:19:30,699 –> 00:19:32,859 Not all of the dead are blessed. 372 00:19:34,000 –> 00:19:35,880 Some die in their sins 373 00:19:36,959 –> 00:19:39,020 and as we saw last time, nothing in the world 374 00:19:39,020 –> 00:19:40,739 could be more tragic than that. 375 00:19:42,339 –> 00:19:46,719 But, heaven declares, to every Christian believer, 376 00:19:46,760 –> 00:19:49,199 to every follower after Jesus Christ, 377 00:19:49,199 –> 00:19:52,599 whenever you die, however it happens, 378 00:19:53,359 –> 00:19:56,319 whether it’s suddenly unexpected in an accident, 379 00:19:56,319 –> 00:19:58,280 whether it’s years and years from now, 380 00:20:00,000 –> 00:20:03,599 you are blessed if you die in the Lord. 381 00:20:03,599 –> 00:20:05,719 Isn’t that a great assurance to live with? 382 00:20:06,839 –> 00:20:10,920 You say, what does it mean to die in the Lord? 383 00:20:12,140 –> 00:20:16,060 What would it be like for me, at that moment, 384 00:20:17,719 –> 00:20:20,859 let me offer to you just three very simple words 385 00:20:20,859 –> 00:20:23,319 that I think encapsulate what’s at the heart 386 00:20:23,319 –> 00:20:25,880 of this wonderful, wonderful reality. 387 00:20:27,819 –> 00:20:32,339 To die in the Lord means first to be released, 388 00:20:33,219 –> 00:20:36,900 to be released, you see think of these martyrs 389 00:20:36,900 –> 00:20:39,260 and Johns on the isle of Patmos here 390 00:20:39,260 –> 00:20:41,939 and there are going to be many many more 391 00:20:41,939 –> 00:20:44,140 who are going to suffer very very greatly 392 00:20:44,140 –> 00:20:46,199 down through the Christian centuries. 393 00:20:47,819 –> 00:20:49,719 Here is a believer and he’s imprisoned 394 00:20:49,719 –> 00:20:51,619 and he’s been tortured and his body 395 00:20:51,619 –> 00:20:54,280 has become weakened and he’s surrounded by cursing 396 00:20:54,280 –> 00:20:56,859 and he’s in some dark and awful hole 397 00:20:56,859 –> 00:21:00,420 and he’s surrounded by hatred and he’s in pain 398 00:21:00,420 –> 00:21:03,260 and then in a moment he closes his eyes 399 00:21:04,780 –> 00:21:07,380 and he awakens in the pure light 400 00:21:07,380 –> 00:21:10,300 and joy of the presence of Jesus 401 00:21:11,180 –> 00:21:16,180 and he’s released, to be absent from the body 402 00:21:17,060 –> 00:21:20,160 is to be present with the Lord, Paul says. 403 00:21:21,699 –> 00:21:24,260 Here’s another Christian, not suffering persecution, 404 00:21:24,260 –> 00:21:25,739 someone more like us. 405 00:21:27,420 –> 00:21:30,400 She is enduring though the trial of a severe cancer. 406 00:21:30,400 –> 00:21:32,719 The treatments have become hard to bear. 407 00:21:33,939 –> 00:21:36,939 The energy has sapped, the scope of her life 408 00:21:36,939 –> 00:21:39,260 has become terribly terribly limited. 409 00:21:40,619 –> 00:21:44,459 She closes her eyes in that bed or in that hospice 410 00:21:44,459 –> 00:21:49,459 and opens them in the brilliant light 411 00:21:49,859 –> 00:21:52,380 of the everlasting joy and presence of Jesus. 412 00:21:52,380 –> 00:21:57,380 Released, life, to be away from the body 413 00:21:58,400 –> 00:21:59,760 is to be at home with the Lord, 414 00:21:59,760 –> 00:22:04,380 and the apostle Paul says that is better by far. 415 00:22:04,380 –> 00:22:06,040 However good your life is here, 416 00:22:06,859 –> 00:22:09,020 you cannot live a life that is so good 417 00:22:09,020 –> 00:22:13,339 it gets close to the joy of what will be yours 418 00:22:13,339 –> 00:22:14,859 in the presence of Jesus. 419 00:22:17,219 –> 00:22:18,599 It means to be released. 420 00:22:18,599 –> 00:22:22,319 Second word, it means to be carried, carried. 421 00:22:23,579 –> 00:22:26,479 Jesus told a story about two men who died. 422 00:22:27,439 –> 00:22:30,199 One was a rich man who died in his sins, 423 00:22:30,199 –> 00:22:32,500 lived for himself and was characterized 424 00:22:32,500 –> 00:22:33,859 by greed and indifference. 425 00:22:34,640 –> 00:22:37,920 The other was a poor man called Lazarus 426 00:22:37,920 –> 00:22:39,699 who died in the Lord. 427 00:22:41,420 –> 00:22:45,239 Listen to how Jesus describes the deaths of these two men. 428 00:22:45,239 –> 00:22:48,099 This is in Luke chapter 16, verse 22. 429 00:22:49,219 –> 00:22:54,219 Jesus said, the rich man died and was buried, period. 430 00:22:57,180 –> 00:23:01,479 The rich man died and was buried. 431 00:23:01,479 –> 00:23:03,239 That’s all you can say really. 432 00:23:03,619 –> 00:23:05,319 He went into it and he went through it 433 00:23:05,319 –> 00:23:06,660 completely and utterly alone. 434 00:23:06,660 –> 00:23:08,760 He lived for himself, he died to himself. 435 00:23:10,739 –> 00:23:12,780 And Jesus said the poor man died 436 00:23:12,780 –> 00:23:17,780 and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. 437 00:23:20,640 –> 00:23:22,439 Remember Jesus said that? 438 00:23:22,439 –> 00:23:23,619 Jesus said that. 439 00:23:25,199 –> 00:23:27,079 That’s what it is to die in the Lord. 440 00:23:27,079 –> 00:23:30,099 He was carried by the angels 441 00:23:30,739 –> 00:23:34,280 into Abraham’s bosom. 442 00:23:35,800 –> 00:23:39,319 See die in your sins and you go into death alone. 443 00:23:39,319 –> 00:23:41,579 You live for yourself, you die to yourself, 444 00:23:42,719 –> 00:23:45,160 die in the Lord, you are carried by the angels 445 00:23:45,160 –> 00:23:48,760 into the presence of the Son of God Himself in heaven. 446 00:23:48,760 –> 00:23:51,959 If you die in the Lord you can say this 447 00:23:53,000 –> 00:23:55,900 the Lord is my shepherd. 448 00:23:56,900 –> 00:23:59,760 And even though I walk through the valley 449 00:23:59,839 –> 00:24:02,500 with the SHADOW of death I will fear no evil 450 00:24:02,500 –> 00:24:06,160 for your rod and your staff they comfort me. 451 00:24:07,640 –> 00:24:08,939 He’s gonna walk with you, 452 00:24:10,079 –> 00:24:11,479 He’s gonna carry your through this valley. 453 00:24:11,479 –> 00:24:12,939 It’s a place He’s already been 454 00:24:12,939 –> 00:24:15,140 as we’ll see again next week. 455 00:24:17,280 –> 00:24:21,859 Third word, released, carried, welcomed. 456 00:24:23,619 –> 00:24:26,660 Welcomed, that’s what it is to die in the Lord. 457 00:24:26,660 –> 00:24:29,560 It is to be welcomed into the immediate presence of Jesus 458 00:24:30,219 –> 00:24:33,020 who said I go to prepare a place for you. 459 00:24:34,640 –> 00:24:37,599 The first Christian martyr was a man by the name of Stephen. 460 00:24:38,900 –> 00:24:42,160 He was a deacon of the church, lay person, 461 00:24:43,780 –> 00:24:46,839 boldly confessed his faith in Jesus Christ 462 00:24:46,839 –> 00:24:49,699 and you can read the story in Acts chapter seven, 463 00:24:49,699 –> 00:24:53,439 Stephen confessed Christ and when those 464 00:24:53,439 –> 00:24:56,180 who heard his testimony listened 465 00:24:56,180 –> 00:24:59,060 they became absolutely furious and the Bible tells us 466 00:24:59,300 –> 00:25:02,380 when they heard these things they became enraged 467 00:25:02,380 –> 00:25:05,180 and they ground their teeth at him. 468 00:25:06,540 –> 00:25:09,839 And then I quote from Acts chapter seven, verse 55 469 00:25:09,839 –> 00:25:13,640 but Stephen full of the Holy Spirit gazed into heaven 470 00:25:13,640 –> 00:25:18,640 and he saw the glory of God and Jesus 471 00:25:19,280 –> 00:25:23,280 standing at the right hand of God 472 00:25:23,280 –> 00:25:25,439 and he said behold I see the heavens 473 00:25:26,000 –> 00:25:31,000 and the son of man is standing at the right hand of God. 474 00:25:33,219 –> 00:25:34,859 Now those of you who know your Bibles well 475 00:25:34,859 –> 00:25:38,859 know that after the ascension of our lord Jesus Christ 476 00:25:38,859 –> 00:25:42,579 he is most often spoken of in the Bible 477 00:25:42,579 –> 00:25:45,859 as sitting at the right hand of the father 478 00:25:45,859 –> 00:25:48,760 speaking of the completion of his work. 479 00:25:50,219 –> 00:25:52,739 And Stephen in the moment of his death says 480 00:25:52,739 –> 00:25:55,180 I saw heaven open and I saw that Jesus 481 00:25:55,180 –> 00:25:56,660 was right there standing. 482 00:25:56,660 –> 00:25:58,060 Why was he standing? 483 00:25:58,060 –> 00:25:58,959 You know why. 484 00:26:00,300 –> 00:26:02,219 He’s ready to welcome Stephen Hull. 485 00:26:04,180 –> 00:26:05,459 And that’s how it’s gonna be for you 486 00:26:05,459 –> 00:26:06,719 if you die in the lord. 487 00:26:08,339 –> 00:26:12,859 Release, carried, welcome. 488 00:26:15,900 –> 00:26:17,520 I want in the few minutes that remain 489 00:26:17,520 –> 00:26:21,780 just to make two kinds of applications. 490 00:26:21,780 –> 00:26:23,579 Very briefly and very simply. 491 00:26:23,579 –> 00:26:27,060 There are two ways in which this needs to be applied. 492 00:26:27,060 –> 00:26:29,739 The first is that there are obvious applications 493 00:26:29,739 –> 00:26:32,660 to those who are dying, that is, 494 00:26:32,660 –> 00:26:34,140 not most of us here right now. 495 00:26:34,140 –> 00:26:35,800 It will be all of us one day. 496 00:26:36,900 –> 00:26:40,599 And for all of us, it will be someone else that you know. 497 00:26:42,099 –> 00:26:44,900 We spoke last week about what you might say 498 00:26:44,900 –> 00:26:47,400 to help someone who is not a Christian, 499 00:26:48,319 –> 00:26:51,160 who comes to this moment of death. 500 00:26:54,500 –> 00:26:56,040 I’m asking the question today, 501 00:26:56,040 –> 00:26:58,140 what would you say to a loved one 502 00:26:59,119 –> 00:27:02,160 whose bedside you might be, who is a Christian? 503 00:27:03,280 –> 00:27:04,900 What sort of things would you say 504 00:27:04,900 –> 00:27:06,680 to help them, to encourage them? 505 00:27:07,959 –> 00:27:10,160 Let me just give you some notes or some headlines 506 00:27:10,160 –> 00:27:11,640 that might be useful to you 507 00:27:13,000 –> 00:27:14,640 in ministering to others. 508 00:27:15,119 –> 00:27:16,199 Here’s the first. 509 00:27:17,479 –> 00:27:20,900 Forget what you have done 510 00:27:20,900 –> 00:27:24,079 or failed to do for Jesus Christ. 511 00:27:26,000 –> 00:27:27,479 I’m thinking now about whenever 512 00:27:27,479 –> 00:27:29,319 that moment will come for me. 513 00:27:29,319 –> 00:27:30,719 This is what I need to do. 514 00:27:30,719 –> 00:27:33,540 I need to get my eyes off my ministry. 515 00:27:34,400 –> 00:27:36,640 I need to get my eyes off everything 516 00:27:36,640 –> 00:27:38,239 I’ve tried to do for Christ 517 00:27:38,239 –> 00:27:40,140 and everything that I’ve not done for Christ 518 00:27:40,140 –> 00:27:42,199 that I wish that I had done for Christ. 519 00:27:42,199 –> 00:27:43,479 When the moment of death comes 520 00:27:44,160 –> 00:27:46,579 I’ve got to get my eyes off that. 521 00:27:48,160 –> 00:27:49,439 Remember the good you have done 522 00:27:49,439 –> 00:27:50,280 should be behind you, 523 00:27:50,280 –> 00:27:51,319 not in front of you. 524 00:27:52,359 –> 00:27:53,400 Don’t look there. 525 00:27:54,579 –> 00:27:57,020 Don’t look at the life you have lived for Christ. 526 00:27:57,020 –> 00:27:59,239 Look at the life that Christ has lived for you. 527 00:27:59,239 –> 00:28:00,280 Forget your ministry, 528 00:28:00,280 –> 00:28:01,199 forget your triumphs, 529 00:28:01,199 –> 00:28:02,579 forget your failures. 530 00:28:04,160 –> 00:28:06,079 Look to Jesus and look to what 531 00:28:06,079 –> 00:28:08,579 He has accomplished on the Cross for you. 532 00:28:09,739 –> 00:28:10,839 You may be with someone who says, 533 00:28:10,859 –> 00:28:12,599 I wish I had lived a etter life. 534 00:28:13,939 –> 00:28:14,780 And if they’re a Christian, 535 00:28:14,780 –> 00:28:16,400 this is how you will minister to them. 536 00:28:17,660 –> 00:28:20,959 There is no basis of confidence whatsoever 537 00:28:20,959 –> 00:28:23,160 in what I have done for Jesus Christ, 538 00:28:23,160 –> 00:28:25,199 but every basis of confidence 539 00:28:25,199 –> 00:28:26,420 in the face of death, 540 00:28:26,420 –> 00:28:29,079 in what Jesus Christ has done for me. 541 00:28:29,079 –> 00:28:30,180 Think of it this way. 542 00:28:30,180 –> 00:28:33,400 Our work for Christ is like gold 543 00:28:33,400 –> 00:28:35,119 that is mixed with dross, 544 00:28:35,119 –> 00:28:37,939 and the New Testament says it needs to be refined. 545 00:28:38,939 –> 00:28:41,640 So you can’t ever count on this gold 546 00:28:41,640 –> 00:28:43,079 that’s mixed with dross. 547 00:28:43,079 –> 00:28:44,359 What you need to count on 548 00:28:44,359 –> 00:28:47,540 is the pure gold of what Jesus Christ, 549 00:28:47,540 –> 00:28:48,680 who Jesus Christ is 550 00:28:48,680 –> 00:28:50,180 and what he has accomplished 551 00:28:50,180 –> 00:28:53,140 for you and for me on the cross of Calvary. 552 00:28:53,140 –> 00:28:55,199 Calvary is pure gold. 553 00:28:56,959 –> 00:28:59,459 And the devil can have a field day, 554 00:28:59,459 –> 00:29:02,180 and often does with dying believers 555 00:29:02,180 –> 00:29:03,500 pointing out this weakness, 556 00:29:03,500 –> 00:29:04,339 and that weakness, 557 00:29:04,339 –> 00:29:05,160 and this failure, 558 00:29:05,160 –> 00:29:06,579 and that inadequacy. 559 00:29:06,660 –> 00:29:07,979 Don’t look at what you have done 560 00:29:07,979 –> 00:29:09,040 or what you have fail to do. 561 00:29:09,040 –> 00:29:11,180 Look at Christ. 562 00:29:11,180 –> 00:29:12,599 Your entrance into heaven 563 00:29:12,599 –> 00:29:14,839 does not rest on what you have done for him 564 00:29:14,839 –> 00:29:17,040 but on what he has done for you. 565 00:29:17,040 –> 00:29:18,839 That is the good news of the Gospel, 566 00:29:18,839 –> 00:29:20,119 and you need it in living, 567 00:29:20,119 –> 00:29:22,020 and you’re gonna need it in dying too. 568 00:29:23,479 –> 00:29:25,300 Therefore, flip side of that, 569 00:29:26,319 –> 00:29:31,319 fully embrace what God has done for you in Christ. 570 00:29:32,979 –> 00:29:35,119 It’s a good thing to have scripture 571 00:29:35,239 –> 00:29:37,660 and have lines that run in your mind 572 00:29:37,660 –> 00:29:39,020 that remind you of this. 573 00:29:40,579 –> 00:29:42,020 There’s a little poem that goes back 574 00:29:42,020 –> 00:29:43,359 to my Scottish heritage. 575 00:29:43,359 –> 00:29:44,859 Horatious Boner put it this way, 576 00:29:44,859 –> 00:29:47,619 I’ve never heard outside of Scripture 577 00:29:47,619 –> 00:29:50,180 the Gospel expressed more clearly than this. 578 00:29:51,319 –> 00:29:53,699 Upon a life I did not live. 579 00:29:55,060 –> 00:29:57,439 Upon a death I did not die. 580 00:29:58,780 –> 00:30:02,099 Another’s life, another’s death. 581 00:30:03,020 –> 00:30:05,920 I stake my whole eternity. 582 00:30:05,920 –> 00:30:07,500 That’s the Christian’s position. 583 00:30:08,819 –> 00:30:10,760 I’m not staking anything on me. 584 00:30:11,979 –> 00:30:14,380 I’m staking everything on Christ 585 00:30:15,400 –> 00:30:18,420 as I die in the Lord. 586 00:30:18,420 –> 00:30:22,560 Third, when you come to that moment 587 00:30:22,560 –> 00:30:24,099 when you are helping a friend 588 00:30:24,099 –> 00:30:26,579 who is coming near to it, 589 00:30:26,579 –> 00:30:30,640 rest on the unshakeable promises of God. 590 00:30:32,780 –> 00:30:34,319 You’ve read The Pilgrim’s Progress. 591 00:30:34,319 –> 00:30:36,099 You may remember that when the Christian 592 00:30:36,099 –> 00:30:37,739 comes to the moment of death, 593 00:30:37,739 –> 00:30:40,000 Bunyan pictures it very powerfully 594 00:30:40,000 –> 00:30:42,400 as crossing a river. 595 00:30:42,400 –> 00:30:46,900 And Christian and Hopeful go into this river together 596 00:30:47,900 –> 00:30:50,420 and at one point Christian feels 597 00:30:50,420 –> 00:30:52,859 that he’s gonna be completely overwhelmed. 598 00:30:54,199 –> 00:30:57,099 And Hopeful says to him this marvelous line 599 00:30:57,099 –> 00:31:00,219 in The Pilgrim’s Progress. 600 00:31:00,300 –> 00:31:02,219 He says be of good cheer 601 00:31:02,219 –> 00:31:07,219 because I feel the bottom and it is good. 602 00:31:08,540 –> 00:31:11,819 And that solid foundation that you can walk through 603 00:31:11,819 –> 00:31:15,099 even in death so that this river will not overwhelm you 604 00:31:15,099 –> 00:31:16,819 which is the promise of Scripture. 605 00:31:17,880 –> 00:31:20,520 That foundation is the very promises of God 606 00:31:20,520 –> 00:31:22,500 in which you can rest. 607 00:31:23,380 –> 00:31:25,160 Christ knows His sheep 608 00:31:25,160 –> 00:31:28,900 and not one of them will perish. 609 00:31:29,719 –> 00:31:32,560 He has said whoever comes to Me, 610 00:31:32,560 –> 00:31:35,800 I will never, no not ever turn away. 611 00:31:35,800 –> 00:31:39,119 You can rest your life, you can rest your death, 612 00:31:39,119 –> 00:31:41,160 you can rest your eternity 613 00:31:41,160 –> 00:31:45,780 on the unbreakable promises of God in Jesus Christ. 614 00:31:47,040 –> 00:31:48,280 So that’s why it’s good to store 615 00:31:48,280 –> 00:31:51,180 some Scripture in your mind, the great promises, 616 00:31:51,180 –> 00:31:53,380 and to live in them so you can die with them. 617 00:31:54,819 –> 00:31:57,439 When you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 618 00:31:57,459 –> 00:31:59,140 Christ will be with you 619 00:31:59,140 –> 00:32:02,339 and his grace will be sufficient for you. 620 00:32:04,119 –> 00:32:05,800 And here’s the fourth, 621 00:32:05,800 –> 00:32:09,920 count on the grace and the presence of Jesus. 622 00:32:11,439 –> 00:32:13,119 You may find that you’re with someone 623 00:32:13,119 –> 00:32:16,319 who says become very fearful 624 00:32:16,319 –> 00:32:17,680 as they’re getting near to death 625 00:32:17,680 –> 00:32:19,880 and they wonder how am I going to do here, 626 00:32:20,920 –> 00:32:23,420 never been this way before. 627 00:32:23,420 –> 00:32:25,579 May have thought that sometimes yourself. 628 00:32:27,599 –> 00:32:29,939 There’s a wonderful story that Corrie ten Boom told 629 00:32:29,939 –> 00:32:32,260 when she was just a young child 630 00:32:32,260 –> 00:32:35,619 she had become very, very fearful about death 631 00:32:35,619 –> 00:32:37,699 and her father came into her bedroom one night 632 00:32:37,699 –> 00:32:39,199 and found that she was crying 633 00:32:39,199 –> 00:32:41,319 and she explained that this was why 634 00:32:41,319 –> 00:32:43,579 and her father very wisely said this to her. 635 00:32:44,520 –> 00:32:48,579 Corrie, when we go to Amsterdam on the train 636 00:32:49,800 –> 00:32:51,819 when do I give you the ticket? 637 00:32:53,280 –> 00:32:54,900 And Corrie ten boom said to her father, 638 00:32:54,900 –> 00:32:55,859 well you give me the ticket 639 00:32:55,859 –> 00:32:57,439 just before we get on the train. 640 00:32:59,520 –> 00:33:01,079 And her dad said well, 641 00:33:02,000 –> 00:33:04,660 our wise Heavenly Father knows just what 642 00:33:04,660 –> 00:33:07,500 we need at exactly the time that we need it 643 00:33:08,479 –> 00:33:12,020 and when the time comes where some of us have to die 644 00:33:12,020 –> 00:33:13,719 you will look into your heart 645 00:33:13,719 –> 00:33:15,660 and you will find that He gives to you 646 00:33:15,660 –> 00:33:16,880 the strength you need 647 00:33:18,160 –> 00:33:19,119 just in time. 648 00:33:20,479 –> 00:33:22,520 When I walk through the valley 649 00:33:22,540 –> 00:33:23,939 of the shadow of death 650 00:33:25,040 –> 00:33:26,099 you are with me. 651 00:33:27,099 –> 00:33:28,040 You are with me 652 00:33:29,500 –> 00:33:31,640 and your grace will be sufficient 653 00:33:32,680 –> 00:33:33,500 for me. 654 00:33:34,880 –> 00:33:36,680 Well now, you may well have opportunities 655 00:33:36,680 –> 00:33:38,880 to apply these things and to be useful 656 00:33:38,880 –> 00:33:41,099 to someone you really love 657 00:33:41,099 –> 00:33:43,439 either soon or at some time 658 00:33:43,439 –> 00:33:44,839 in the foreseeable future. 659 00:33:46,239 –> 00:33:48,000 But let me make a second application now 660 00:33:48,000 –> 00:33:49,800 just before we close. 661 00:33:49,800 –> 00:33:51,260 There’s an application for the dying. 662 00:33:51,260 –> 00:33:54,300 There’s obviously an application for the living 663 00:33:54,300 –> 00:33:55,900 because the key to dying well 664 00:33:55,900 –> 00:33:58,920 is obviously to live well the whole of our life. 665 00:33:58,920 –> 00:34:01,579 The whole of your life is really a preparation for dying. 666 00:34:01,579 –> 00:34:03,880 The way to die in the Lord 667 00:34:03,880 –> 00:34:05,079 is to live in the Lord. 668 00:34:06,140 –> 00:34:08,219 So let me give these very brief applications 669 00:34:08,219 –> 00:34:09,379 and then we’re through. 670 00:34:10,219 –> 00:34:11,040 Number one, 671 00:34:12,739 –> 00:34:16,719 live then with a clear conscience. 672 00:34:18,780 –> 00:34:20,379 Ask yourself, honestly, 673 00:34:20,379 –> 00:34:22,060 ask yourself right now. 674 00:34:22,060 –> 00:34:25,060 Is there anything in my life now 675 00:34:25,060 –> 00:34:26,840 that I would be ashamed of 676 00:34:26,840 –> 00:34:27,979 if I were to die 677 00:34:27,979 –> 00:34:31,260 and stand in the presence of Jesus Christ tonight? 678 00:34:31,260 –> 00:34:33,020 Ask yourself that question. 679 00:34:33,020 –> 00:34:33,939 Ask it often. 680 00:34:35,320 –> 00:34:37,860 Seek to live with a clear conscience. 681 00:34:39,399 –> 00:34:40,360 And if there is something 682 00:34:40,360 –> 00:34:41,540 that would make you ashamed 683 00:34:41,540 –> 00:34:43,820 in the presence of Jesus Christ right now, 684 00:34:43,820 –> 00:34:44,820 be done with it. 685 00:34:44,820 –> 00:34:47,280 Don’t hold on to anything today 686 00:34:47,280 –> 00:34:48,620 that you would let go of 687 00:34:48,860 –> 00:34:50,139 if you knew that you were to go 688 00:34:50,139 –> 00:34:51,840 into the presence of Jesus today. 689 00:34:51,840 –> 00:34:53,060 That’s how to live well 690 00:34:53,060 –> 00:34:54,600 in order that you may die well. 691 00:34:56,340 –> 00:35:01,179 Second, forgive people who have hurt you. 692 00:35:03,379 –> 00:35:05,399 I say this because it is a wonderful thing 693 00:35:05,399 –> 00:35:06,820 that we can do while we’re living 694 00:35:06,820 –> 00:35:09,320 and it is precisely what the Lord Jesus did. 695 00:35:09,320 –> 00:35:11,399 Do you remember Father forgive them? 696 00:35:12,459 –> 00:35:14,560 They do not know what they are doing. 697 00:35:14,560 –> 00:35:17,540 You say you’ve no idea how much I’ve been hurt. 698 00:35:18,439 –> 00:35:20,080 Well, how much idea do you have 699 00:35:20,080 –> 00:35:22,100 of how much that cross hurt him. 700 00:35:23,439 –> 00:35:24,639 Father, forgive her. 701 00:35:26,159 –> 00:35:27,739 And what’s so very significant 702 00:35:27,739 –> 00:35:29,139 as you read through the New Testament 703 00:35:29,139 –> 00:35:31,899 is that Stephen the first Christian Martyr 704 00:35:31,899 –> 00:35:34,879 took the cue from Jesus as it were 705 00:35:34,879 –> 00:35:37,320 and did exactly the same thing. 706 00:35:38,239 –> 00:35:41,000 He said, Lord, as they were throwing stones at him 707 00:35:42,399 –> 00:35:45,199 he said, Lord do not let this sin be held against them. 708 00:35:46,139 –> 00:35:49,239 The Bible says as far as it is possible, 709 00:35:49,239 –> 00:35:50,820 as far as it depends on you, 710 00:35:52,239 –> 00:35:53,919 seek to live in peace with all men. 711 00:35:53,919 –> 00:35:55,439 Let go of bitterness. 712 00:35:56,439 –> 00:35:58,540 There’s none of it where you’re going. 713 00:35:59,780 –> 00:36:02,959 So seek to be free from it as far as you possibly can now 714 00:36:04,340 –> 00:36:05,939 and set your mind on the things 715 00:36:05,939 –> 00:36:07,840 that are above, where Christ is seated. 716 00:36:09,739 –> 00:36:14,739 Third, practice dying every day. 717 00:36:15,919 –> 00:36:18,379 You say, what in the world do you mean by that? 718 00:36:18,379 –> 00:36:20,360 Well I mean exactly what Jesus meant. 719 00:36:20,360 –> 00:36:23,459 Remember what he said, Luke Chapter 9 and verse 23? 720 00:36:23,459 –> 00:36:28,179 If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself 721 00:36:28,179 –> 00:36:33,060 and take up his cross daily and follow me. 722 00:36:34,020 –> 00:36:36,100 In other words, Jesus is making it very clear 723 00:36:36,100 –> 00:36:38,659 that the Christian life involves 724 00:36:38,659 –> 00:36:41,419 a kind of dying every day. 725 00:36:42,760 –> 00:36:44,560 Now every day there are thoughts 726 00:36:44,560 –> 00:36:46,520 that will come into my mind about me 727 00:36:46,520 –> 00:36:47,540 and how I want my life to be 728 00:36:47,540 –> 00:36:49,639 and that has to be this and that has to be that. 729 00:36:49,639 –> 00:36:52,620 I have to die to myself in order to live for Christ. 730 00:36:53,719 –> 00:36:56,399 I have to say no to myself and no to the flesh 731 00:36:56,399 –> 00:36:59,300 in order to live for the glory of God. 732 00:37:00,520 –> 00:37:02,439 Every day you are dying to yourself, 733 00:37:02,439 –> 00:37:04,280 if you are a Christian, this is what it’s like 734 00:37:04,280 –> 00:37:05,560 in order to live for Christ. 735 00:37:05,560 –> 00:37:08,199 And let me give you just this one more quote from Spurgeon. 736 00:37:08,199 –> 00:37:09,840 I think it’s marvelous, he says, 737 00:37:09,840 –> 00:37:13,040 “‘No man would find it difficult to die 738 00:37:13,040 –> 00:37:15,280 “‘who had died every day. 739 00:37:16,159 –> 00:37:18,959 “‘He would have practiced it so often 740 00:37:18,959 –> 00:37:21,959 “‘that he would only have to die but once more. 741 00:37:21,959 –> 00:37:23,260 “‘It would be rather,’ he says, 742 00:37:23,260 –> 00:37:27,239 “‘like a singer who has gone through the rehearsals 743 00:37:27,239 –> 00:37:31,040 “‘and has but to put forth the notes just once 744 00:37:31,040 –> 00:37:33,300 “‘and then to have it done.’” 745 00:37:34,979 –> 00:37:38,379 I mean, your heart from the things of this world. 746 00:37:38,560 –> 00:37:41,659 Live in the Lord, die in the Lord, 747 00:37:41,659 –> 00:37:43,639 and here’s the very last thing. 748 00:37:43,639 –> 00:37:45,899 Anticipate your future home. 749 00:37:49,320 –> 00:37:53,320 Set your minds on things above, Paul says to Christians 750 00:37:53,320 –> 00:37:55,739 where Christ is seated. 751 00:37:55,739 –> 00:37:58,179 Place your treasure there. 752 00:37:58,179 –> 00:38:00,020 Place your heart there. 753 00:38:03,360 –> 00:38:08,120 When our family moved here from Britain 15 years ago, 754 00:38:08,239 –> 00:38:11,600 my boys just 10 and eight years old, 755 00:38:11,600 –> 00:38:15,780 we committed to buying a home that my wife had never seen. 756 00:38:18,040 –> 00:38:19,520 How many guys have done this? 757 00:38:19,520 –> 00:38:22,139 It’s a high-risk strategy. 758 00:38:22,139 –> 00:38:24,879 But I had come across on a visit, on my own, 759 00:38:24,879 –> 00:38:27,219 just a few months before the family was due to come, 760 00:38:27,219 –> 00:38:29,040 and we had found this house, took photographs. 761 00:38:29,040 –> 00:38:32,100 It just seemed like the most marvelous place. 762 00:38:32,100 –> 00:38:34,000 And I said to Karen, well, here’s the choice we’ve got. 763 00:38:34,000 –> 00:38:36,479 You know, if you feel good about committing to this, 764 00:38:36,540 –> 00:38:38,820 we can do it now, and if not, 765 00:38:38,820 –> 00:38:40,520 then we can get some temporary housing, 766 00:38:40,520 –> 00:38:42,179 and then we can look for something together, 767 00:38:42,179 –> 00:38:44,020 and it’ll be a kind of two-stage move. 768 00:38:44,020 –> 00:38:46,340 She said, go for it, go for it. 769 00:38:48,040 –> 00:38:50,840 And so when we arrived, 770 00:38:51,719 –> 00:38:55,879 she had her mind full of pictures, 771 00:38:55,879 –> 00:38:58,340 little videos, that she had seen 772 00:38:58,340 –> 00:39:00,300 of this house where she had never been. 773 00:39:01,419 –> 00:39:02,260 And you know what? 774 00:39:02,260 –> 00:39:03,179 When we walked in she said, 775 00:39:03,179 –> 00:39:05,280 I can feel that I know this place already. 776 00:39:06,919 –> 00:39:08,040 Immediately at home. 777 00:39:10,120 –> 00:39:12,760 She said, that’s how it’s gonna be for you 778 00:39:12,760 –> 00:39:14,919 when you enter into the presence of Jesus 779 00:39:14,919 –> 00:39:19,919 if you set your mind and your heart on things above. 780 00:39:23,040 –> 00:39:24,439 Is that how you’re living? 781 00:39:25,979 –> 00:39:27,560 Or is it all about this world? 782 00:39:29,739 –> 00:39:32,239 The way to die in the Lord is to live in the Lord. 783 00:39:33,639 –> 00:39:35,959 Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord 784 00:39:36,020 –> 00:39:39,500 from now on, blessed indeed says the Holy Spirit, 785 00:39:41,399 –> 00:39:43,379 that they may rest from their labors 786 00:39:45,159 –> 00:39:48,760 and that their deeds may follow them. 787 00:39:48,760 –> 00:39:52,239 Father, may every person within the sound of this message, 788 00:39:52,239 –> 00:39:55,959 through faith in Jesus Christ, live in the Lord 789 00:39:55,959 –> 00:40:00,439 and die in the Lord, for Christ’s sake, amen