1 00:00:00,000 –> 00:00:02,880 Please open your Bible at Luke and chapter 24 2 00:00:02,900 –> 00:00:07,880 We are continuing our one-year journey through the entire Bible and we come today 3 00:00:08,580 –> 00:00:14,860 To the great and the central event on which the entire Christian faith rests 4 00:00:15,920 –> 00:00:18,740 the resurrection of our Lord and Savior 5 00:00:19,420 –> 00:00:23,559 Jesus Christ, and I went very simply to attempt two things today 6 00:00:23,580 –> 00:00:29,219 the first is that we will see the evidence for the resurrection and the second is that we will see the 7 00:00:29,580 –> 00:00:34,340 Significance of the resurrection for each and every one of us today 8 00:00:35,099 –> 00:00:38,119 So let’s get straight to it first the evidence of the resurrection 9 00:00:38,340 –> 00:00:44,480 And I want you to notice first the empty tomb at the beginning of Luke and chapter 24 10 00:00:44,500 –> 00:00:46,500 We’re told that at early dawn 11 00:00:47,060 –> 00:00:49,340 they went to the tomb and 12 00:00:49,959 –> 00:00:54,980 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb and when they went in 13 00:00:55,500 –> 00:00:59,360 They did not find the body of the Lord Jesus 14 00:00:59,639 –> 00:01:05,919 Who are they? Well the answer is given to us in verse 10. It was Mary Magdalene and 15 00:01:06,639 –> 00:01:08,180 Joanna and 16 00:01:08,180 –> 00:01:14,620 Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to 17 00:01:14,879 –> 00:01:21,660 the Apostles so here were the women named for us who were the first to arrive at the 18 00:01:22,620 –> 00:01:26,959 Tomb and to discover that the stone was rolled away and that 19 00:01:27,180 –> 00:01:32,599 The tomb was empty Mary Magdalene must have had a remarkable story 20 00:01:33,260 –> 00:01:35,500 at one time her life had been 21 00:01:36,260 –> 00:01:40,680 dominated oppressed by dark powers that controlled her 22 00:01:41,220 –> 00:01:48,620 But Jesus had set her free and from that time onward she was a devoted follower of the Lord. Jesus Christ 23 00:01:49,580 –> 00:01:53,379 Then there was this woman, Joanna and earlier in the gospel 24 00:01:54,000 –> 00:01:59,279 Luke tells us this is chapter 8 in verse 3 that she was the wife of 25 00:01:59,760 –> 00:02:01,980 Choosa that is Herod’s 26 00:02:02,540 –> 00:02:08,119 Household manager this fascinating the manager of Herod’s household 27 00:02:09,179 –> 00:02:12,440 that’s a very distinguished position and 28 00:02:12,860 –> 00:02:13,979 And 29 00:02:13,979 –> 00:02:18,080 We know a little bit from the Gospels about what was going on in Herod’s household 30 00:02:19,039 –> 00:02:23,259 He was the one who had had an affair with his brother’s wife, and when John the Baptist 31 00:02:24,100 –> 00:02:27,880 Spoke the word of God directly to the king the king didn’t like it 32 00:02:28,619 –> 00:02:30,619 imprisoned John and in the end 33 00:02:30,940 –> 00:02:33,899 Demanded that he be beheaded and that happened 34 00:02:34,699 –> 00:02:36,839 after a party in 35 00:02:37,039 –> 00:02:40,339 Which a young girl had danced for King Herod 36 00:02:40,339 –> 00:02:46,899 Who do you think by the way would have been responsible for arrangements for a party in? 37 00:02:47,839 –> 00:02:52,600 the Palace of King Herod without any question the manager of 38 00:02:53,660 –> 00:02:55,679 Herod’s household and 39 00:02:55,679 –> 00:02:59,240 here we find to our astonishment that that man’s wife is 40 00:03:00,000 –> 00:03:06,039 A devoted follower of the Lord Jesus Christ the Lord Jesus Christ has his servants in some 41 00:03:06,559 –> 00:03:09,899 Surprising places now. Why do I start here? 42 00:03:11,080 –> 00:03:13,080 Why would Luke? 43 00:03:13,419 –> 00:03:15,419 give these names and 44 00:03:16,460 –> 00:03:18,460 Why do they matter? 45 00:03:19,339 –> 00:03:24,000 if you read an academic paper as many if you regularly do 46 00:03:24,440 –> 00:03:29,199 Whether it be in science or whether it be in technology or whether it be in the arts 47 00:03:29,479 –> 00:03:34,860 if you’re reading an academic paper, it will be peppered with footnotes and 48 00:03:35,600 –> 00:03:42,479 The footnotes are there to cite the original sources that you can go and check out for 49 00:03:43,000 –> 00:03:44,720 yourself and 50 00:03:44,720 –> 00:03:51,679 That is exactly what is happening here in the way that with meticulous detail Luke and the other gospel writers 51 00:03:52,339 –> 00:03:55,300 Record the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ 52 00:03:55,360 –> 00:03:57,500 They tell us that the tomb was empty and 53 00:03:58,160 –> 00:04:04,320 Those who were first to discover this were Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James 54 00:04:04,479 –> 00:04:09,020 These women would still have been living at the time that Luke was writing 55 00:04:09,020 –> 00:04:12,220 And so he’s saying in effect if you want to check this out, you can go and ask them for yourselves 56 00:04:14,600 –> 00:04:16,600 When the women arrived 57 00:04:17,420 –> 00:04:21,000 They found the stone rolled away verse 2 58 00:04:21,820 –> 00:04:23,820 the tomb was 59 00:04:24,600 –> 00:04:26,359 empty 60 00:04:26,359 –> 00:04:29,760 Now I want you to notice here that the women 61 00:04:30,619 –> 00:04:37,899 Did not know what to make of the empty tomb verse 4 tells us they were 62 00:04:38,519 –> 00:04:40,519 perplexed 63 00:04:41,119 –> 00:04:43,119 Lost for an explanation 64 00:04:43,899 –> 00:04:44,959 in 65 00:04:44,959 –> 00:04:45,700 Other words 66 00:04:45,700 –> 00:04:52,839 It was not that Joanna arrived at the tomb went inside saw that it was empty and then turned round to 67 00:04:53,320 –> 00:05:00,339 Mary and said you know what the tomb is empty I have a feeling that Jesus might just have risen from the dead 68 00:05:01,000 –> 00:05:05,959 It was not that Mary then said you know what I have that feeling too. Let’s go and tell the disciples 69 00:05:08,880 –> 00:05:13,100 The thought of Christ being risen did not even occur to them 70 00:05:14,019 –> 00:05:15,160 and 71 00:05:15,160 –> 00:05:20,880 Their response to seeing the empty tomb is summed up in this single word. They were perplexed 72 00:05:23,220 –> 00:05:30,399 Now how in the world then did they discover what actually happened and the answer to that question is very simple and very important 73 00:05:30,579 –> 00:05:32,579 God told them 74 00:05:32,959 –> 00:05:34,959 God called to angels 75 00:05:35,839 –> 00:05:37,839 in effect saying 76 00:05:38,200 –> 00:05:40,200 Go tell these women what I did 77 00:05:40,820 –> 00:05:42,799 They loved Jesus 78 00:05:42,799 –> 00:05:50,059 But they will never never never work out what I have done unless you go and tell them go tell them what 79 00:05:50,540 –> 00:05:57,260 Happened and suddenly the women find that they are not alone verse for two men stood by them in dazzling 80 00:05:57,799 –> 00:06:01,720 Apparel look tells us what they looked like they look like two men 81 00:06:02,140 –> 00:06:04,660 Matthew tells us who they were they actually were 82 00:06:04,880 –> 00:06:11,559 Angels sent from heaven that’s Matthew chapter 28 and verse 5, and it’s these angels in 83 00:06:12,079 –> 00:06:17,959 their dazzling brilliance who appeared to the women who are given the 84 00:06:18,739 –> 00:06:23,160 Privilege of announcing the greatest good news that this world has ever heard 85 00:06:23,179 –> 00:06:30,540 Why do you seek the living among the dead they say he is not here, but has 86 00:06:31,220 –> 00:06:33,220 risen 87 00:06:33,320 –> 00:06:39,519 my friends I want you to understand the significance of this you see Christian faith rests on 88 00:06:40,440 –> 00:06:42,440 believing God’s own 89 00:06:42,859 –> 00:06:44,859 Explanation of what he has done 90 00:06:45,459 –> 00:06:47,920 That’s where Christian faith is formed 91 00:06:47,959 –> 00:06:50,760 And that is where Christian faith is founded is 92 00:06:51,839 –> 00:06:53,839 resting on 93 00:06:54,179 –> 00:06:55,640 God’s 94 00:06:55,640 –> 00:06:57,279 explanation of 95 00:06:57,279 –> 00:06:59,339 What he himself has done 96 00:06:59,940 –> 00:07:00,940 and 97 00:07:00,940 –> 00:07:06,559 If you think about it that pattern runs all the way through the gospel story 98 00:07:07,940 –> 00:07:14,299 Think about Mary the mother of Jesus how could Mary the mother of our Lord have known? 99 00:07:15,100 –> 00:07:18,420 What was happening when she conceived 100 00:07:20,059 –> 00:07:24,019 The only way that she could ever have known is God told her 101 00:07:24,579 –> 00:07:28,619 So God sends the angel and says here’s what’s going to happen 102 00:07:28,619 –> 00:07:32,779 The Holy Spirit will come upon you the power of the Most High will overshadow you 103 00:07:32,880 –> 00:07:37,059 Therefore the child to be born will be called. Holy the Son of God 104 00:07:38,059 –> 00:07:39,500 and 105 00:07:39,500 –> 00:07:41,720 These shepherds are out in the fields 106 00:07:42,720 –> 00:07:45,040 How could they possibly have known 107 00:07:45,920 –> 00:07:49,320 That a baby who was born and was lying in a manger 108 00:07:49,540 –> 00:07:55,140 Was actually the Son of God the only way that they could ever have known it was that God told them 109 00:07:56,220 –> 00:07:58,220 Angels appear to them 110 00:07:58,640 –> 00:08:05,059 To you is born this day in the city of David a saviour and his name is Christ the Lord 111 00:08:05,959 –> 00:08:08,619 It’s the same when Jesus is crucified 112 00:08:08,619 –> 00:08:13,399 I mean many people saw him suffer in the agony as he’s nailed to the cross 113 00:08:13,420 –> 00:08:21,119 How in the world could we ever know the significance of this? What was accomplished in and through it? The answer is God tells us 114 00:08:22,100 –> 00:08:26,399 He tells us in the scripture. Here’s what was happening. Here’s what was accomplished 115 00:08:26,660 –> 00:08:30,760 He himself for our sins in his body on the tree 116 00:08:31,760 –> 00:08:38,479 Christ suffered once for sins the righteous for the unrighteous, and he did it in order to bring us to God 117 00:08:39,799 –> 00:08:43,200 So please understand this it is so important 118 00:08:44,840 –> 00:08:48,799 Christian faith doesn’t rest on feelings on 119 00:08:50,479 –> 00:08:53,840 Impulses or on personal insights 120 00:08:53,840 –> 00:08:59,400 See some folks never come to Christian faith and the reason is you say well some people have a 121 00:08:59,400 –> 00:09:02,159 predisposition to that kind of thing but not me 122 00:09:04,260 –> 00:09:07,679 Christian faith does not rest on feelings, on 123 00:09:08,479 –> 00:09:13,440 Impulses, or personal insights. What is it? It is believing God’s 124 00:09:14,320 –> 00:09:18,780 explanation of events has given to us in the scriptures and 125 00:09:20,320 –> 00:09:22,520 Faith will be formed as 126 00:09:23,840 –> 00:09:27,700 you look at the evidence God has given and the 127 00:09:28,559 –> 00:09:34,280 Explanation he has made of what it is that he has done. That’s how these women came to believe 128 00:09:35,400 –> 00:09:40,979 They saw the evidence and God gave them the explanation 129 00:09:42,539 –> 00:09:49,460 So here’s the first very compelling line of evidence the empty tomb, the second of course is the resurrection 130 00:09:50,219 –> 00:09:51,440 appearances 131 00:09:51,460 –> 00:09:57,799 Now the Gospels record and they are here in Luke chapter 24 as well as in each of the Gospels 132 00:09:59,020 –> 00:10:01,020 multiple occasions on which 133 00:10:01,760 –> 00:10:03,840 Jesus appeared 134 00:10:03,840 –> 00:10:06,840 over a period of 40 days and 135 00:10:08,299 –> 00:10:09,960 these 136 00:10:09,960 –> 00:10:13,900 Appearances do not follow any particular pattern 137 00:10:15,539 –> 00:10:17,539 Jesus appears to one person 138 00:10:18,820 –> 00:10:20,700 Mary Magdalene 139 00:10:20,700 –> 00:10:26,840 then in this chapter Luke 24 he appears to two disciples who are walking on a road to Emmaus 140 00:10:27,960 –> 00:10:29,440 then 141 00:10:29,440 –> 00:10:35,840 He appears to ten disciples when Thomas is not present then a week later. He appears to eleven 142 00:10:37,440 –> 00:10:44,500 Then some time later he appears up in Galilee to seven disciples he appears in a garden he appears on a road 143 00:10:44,500 –> 00:10:46,500 He appears by a lake 144 00:10:47,940 –> 00:10:48,780 And 145 00:10:49,140 –> 00:10:53,880 Paul records an occasion when Jesus appeared to no less than 146 00:10:54,659 –> 00:10:56,500 500 people at 147 00:10:56,500 –> 00:10:58,500 the same time 148 00:10:59,280 –> 00:11:06,159 Now it is often argued and you will be well aware of this that after the death of Jesus 149 00:11:07,700 –> 00:11:12,239 People who loved him simply longed to think that he might 150 00:11:13,419 –> 00:11:15,419 still be alive and 151 00:11:16,340 –> 00:11:22,099 that they then had spiritual experiences in which they felt that he really was alive and 152 00:11:23,099 –> 00:11:28,940 that therefore these stories these resurrection stories that are in the Gospels were kind of written up to 153 00:11:29,500 –> 00:11:34,900 Reflect or express the experience that those who wished he was alive actually had 154 00:11:37,179 –> 00:11:41,000 But when you read the Gospels it is so clear 155 00:11:41,840 –> 00:11:43,840 That we are 156 00:11:44,239 –> 00:11:47,700 nowhere near the world of wish fulfillment 157 00:11:47,979 –> 00:11:55,679 Nowhere near at all look at this in Luke in chapter 24 the women come and they tell these things verse 11 to the Apostles 158 00:11:56,000 –> 00:12:01,320 but their words, that’s the women’s word seemed to them the Apostles like and 159 00:12:02,000 –> 00:12:04,000 idle tale and 160 00:12:04,520 –> 00:12:06,919 they did not believe them 161 00:12:08,919 –> 00:12:10,919 In other words 162 00:12:11,080 –> 00:12:12,859 if you are a 163 00:12:12,859 –> 00:12:19,179 Skeptic here today. You should understand that these disciples were just like you 164 00:12:19,840 –> 00:12:24,419 It’s very important for you to take in if you are a skeptic 165 00:12:25,080 –> 00:12:28,299 These men were just like you 166 00:12:31,299 –> 00:12:38,119 Yet they became so convinced of what they once liked you did not believe 167 00:12:38,820 –> 00:12:44,320 That they give their lives to proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus Christ 168 00:12:46,760 –> 00:12:50,299 Leon Morris a very fine scholar says it like this 169 00:12:51,599 –> 00:12:53,460 the Apostles 170 00:12:53,460 –> 00:12:55,460 Were not men poised 171 00:12:55,760 –> 00:13:04,059 On the brink of belief and needing only the shadow of an excuse before launching forth into proclaiming the resurrection 172 00:13:04,919 –> 00:13:07,119 It wasn’t like that. They’re not on the brink of belief 173 00:13:08,119 –> 00:13:13,960 Needing only the slightest excuse to go forth and tell the world that Jesus is written. That’s not how it was 174 00:13:13,960 –> 00:13:17,059 They were utterly skeptical Leon Morris says 175 00:13:18,119 –> 00:13:22,919 Even when women they knew well told them their experiences they refused to believe 176 00:13:24,760 –> 00:13:30,119 Clearly irrefutable evidence was needed to convince these 177 00:13:31,039 –> 00:13:32,760 skeptics and 178 00:13:32,760 –> 00:13:38,599 it’s not just here in look in chapter 24 in verse 11 that we find that it runs all the way through the 179 00:13:39,179 –> 00:13:41,179 resurrection account the idea 180 00:13:42,179 –> 00:13:45,559 The Jesus only appeared to believers is 181 00:13:46,239 –> 00:13:48,260 completely false I 182 00:13:48,260 –> 00:13:51,059 mean think about the account James the 183 00:13:51,520 –> 00:13:57,159 Brother of our Lord was a sceptic at best and Jesus appeared to him 184 00:13:58,559 –> 00:14:00,859 Thomas was defiant in 185 00:14:00,900 –> 00:14:02,900 in his unbelief 186 00:14:04,140 –> 00:14:11,700 Unless I could take my finger and put it in the nail prints of his hand, I will never believe that’s defiant 187 00:14:13,400 –> 00:14:18,539 And Jesus appeared and said well go ahead put your finger here in this mark and put your hand in my sight 188 00:14:18,900 –> 00:14:20,900 Stop doubting and believe 189 00:14:22,820 –> 00:14:26,039 Perhaps the most striking example of all of course is 190 00:14:26,760 –> 00:14:31,520 The appearance of the risen Lord Jesus Christ to Saul of Tarsus 191 00:14:32,400 –> 00:14:34,700 who hated Christians and 192 00:14:36,080 –> 00:14:38,580 Was hell-bent on destroying the church 193 00:14:41,280 –> 00:14:46,320 But when the Risen Christ appeared to him on the road to Damascus his 194 00:14:46,599 –> 00:14:50,960 Prejudice just had to give way to the reality with which he was confronted 195 00:14:51,219 –> 00:14:53,219 So 196 00:14:53,700 –> 00:14:58,059 Here are compelling lines of evidence the empty tomb and 197 00:14:58,719 –> 00:15:00,460 the resurrection 198 00:15:00,460 –> 00:15:02,460 appearances skeptics 199 00:15:02,900 –> 00:15:04,739 Doubters 200 00:15:04,739 –> 00:15:06,059 unbelievers 201 00:15:06,059 –> 00:15:08,200 were compelled to believe 202 00:15:09,140 –> 00:15:12,320 because Jesus Christ appeared to them and then their 203 00:15:12,859 –> 00:15:18,940 Testimony their named testimony is recorded and given for us and that’s why at the end of his gospel 204 00:15:19,400 –> 00:15:22,020 John says now, these are written 205 00:15:23,140 –> 00:15:25,280 so that you may believe that 206 00:15:26,260 –> 00:15:30,320 Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that by believing 207 00:15:31,140 –> 00:15:34,780 you may have life in his 208 00:15:35,219 –> 00:15:37,219 name 209 00:15:38,020 –> 00:15:40,739 Jesus Christ risen from the dead our 210 00:15:41,559 –> 00:15:43,320 glorious message of 211 00:15:43,320 –> 00:15:46,719 Good news. Amen. Amen. Now, here’s the second thing 212 00:15:47,599 –> 00:15:52,159 We’ve looked at some evidence for the resurrection. I want us to see the 213 00:15:52,820 –> 00:15:57,659 Significance of the resurrection. So Jesus rose from the dead. What does that mean for you and 214 00:15:58,500 –> 00:16:00,580 For me three things first 215 00:16:01,739 –> 00:16:03,739 Risen means 216 00:16:03,760 –> 00:16:11,859 That death is defeated and here I simply want to meditate on the meaning of 217 00:16:12,140 –> 00:16:17,960 The central word in this whole chapter, and indeed in the whole scripture risen 218 00:16:18,400 –> 00:16:20,400 What does that mean? 219 00:16:20,840 –> 00:16:22,840 He is risen 220 00:16:22,840 –> 00:16:24,840 He is risen 221 00:16:25,520 –> 00:16:33,020 Now death of course is like a tyrant exercising a reign of terror over the entire human race who can escape it 222 00:16:34,880 –> 00:16:38,539 Abraham Isaac Jacob, Moses David 223 00:16:38,539 –> 00:16:44,200 they all believed in God’s promise. Death got every one of them 224 00:16:45,659 –> 00:16:49,559 Sooner or later. It sucks all of us in 225 00:16:50,780 –> 00:16:55,099 And the question since we know for sure that we all go in is how do we get out? 226 00:16:56,520 –> 00:16:58,520 That’s the question 227 00:17:00,140 –> 00:17:07,260 When I was in grade school in Edinburgh Scotland our class had a pet mouse 228 00:17:07,280 –> 00:17:09,000 and 229 00:17:09,000 –> 00:17:10,939 on weekends 230 00:17:10,939 –> 00:17:18,479 one of the pupils in the class got to take the mouse home and one weekend when the mouse was home with us I 231 00:17:18,839 –> 00:17:21,680 Was really enjoying playing with this mouse 232 00:17:21,680 –> 00:17:25,400 I mean, what’s fun? Is it to have the mouse at home if you can’t get it out the cage and 233 00:17:26,239 –> 00:17:32,000 See what it can get up to and so it was out and I’m playing with this mouse and it became rather 234 00:17:32,680 –> 00:17:34,000 fascinated 235 00:17:34,000 –> 00:17:36,000 with a red 236 00:17:36,579 –> 00:17:37,800 plastic 237 00:17:37,800 –> 00:17:38,859 double-decker 238 00:17:38,859 –> 00:17:42,699 London bus that was one of my toys at the time 239 00:17:42,699 –> 00:17:45,319 it began sniffing it around this thing and then 240 00:17:45,640 –> 00:17:49,640 found its way in the entrance at the back and up the stairs and 241 00:17:49,939 –> 00:17:55,479 The plastic bus just had spaces for the windows and so as it went along the top deck 242 00:17:55,479 –> 00:18:00,699 It was putting its nose out either side until it got to the very front at the top and then there was a problem 243 00:18:01,839 –> 00:18:03,839 It couldn’t move forward 244 00:18:04,439 –> 00:18:09,839 And because this thing was so tight. It couldn’t get itself turned round to move back 245 00:18:10,739 –> 00:18:15,900 And I remember the complete sense of panic that I had 246 00:18:15,920 –> 00:18:20,660 I mean, how was I going to go back to school on Monday with a mouse still in this bus 247 00:18:21,680 –> 00:18:29,459 unable to turn itself around and I will never forget my father coming in in a heroic way and saying 248 00:18:30,739 –> 00:18:32,739 There’s only one thing for it son 249 00:18:33,959 –> 00:18:35,959 We’ll have to destroy the bus 250 00:18:36,520 –> 00:18:37,859 and 251 00:18:37,859 –> 00:18:40,380 he got a knife and he cut a 252 00:18:40,900 –> 00:18:45,739 hole in the roof of the bus and the mouse was 253 00:18:46,180 –> 00:18:52,300 Was free, I cannot tell you what a relief this was but my bus was never the same 254 00:18:53,339 –> 00:18:54,260 Actually, by the way 255 00:18:54,260 –> 00:18:59,180 The mouse really loved it now because now it could go in the back and then at the top and then it had the most 256 00:18:59,180 –> 00:19:01,939 Marvelous time I think it was its best weekend out at school 257 00:19:02,920 –> 00:19:04,920 ever 258 00:19:05,400 –> 00:19:10,859 Here’s what Jesus Christ has done for us. He’s cut a hole in death. We all go in 259 00:19:11,500 –> 00:19:13,739 the question is how are we going to get out and 260 00:19:14,599 –> 00:19:18,339 Jesus Christ has cut a hole in death 261 00:19:19,319 –> 00:19:23,439 So that death for his people is not a prison 262 00:19:24,300 –> 00:19:26,300 It is a passage 263 00:19:26,619 –> 00:19:33,140 That leads right into the presence of almighty God and there is all the difference in the world. Amen 264 00:19:34,520 –> 00:19:41,219 Risen means that death is defeated second. Here’s what it means for us who believe in the Lord. Jesus Christ risen means 265 00:19:42,020 –> 00:19:43,900 that the whole 266 00:19:43,900 –> 00:19:45,500 person will be 267 00:19:45,500 –> 00:19:48,060 Redeemed he’s not here he is 268 00:19:48,979 –> 00:19:54,280 Risen and just continuing to ponder the meaning of this marvelous word. He’s risen 269 00:19:55,079 –> 00:20:00,619 See all religions have some idea of survival after death 270 00:20:01,000 –> 00:20:03,520 in the Titanic film 271 00:20:04,660 –> 00:20:07,000 the ship goes down and 272 00:20:08,099 –> 00:20:12,540 Celine Dion sings for us my heart will go on 273 00:20:13,319 –> 00:20:17,060 now you see there’s some idea of the heart going on of the 274 00:20:17,619 –> 00:20:22,640 Eternal Survivor of the soul that is is common in one way or another 275 00:20:23,599 –> 00:20:25,599 Widely to humanity 276 00:20:25,800 –> 00:20:33,020 But the Resurrection is unique to Christianity only Christians have a risen Savior 277 00:20:34,339 –> 00:20:39,079 And at the heart of our faith is this great truth that the tomb was empty 278 00:20:39,839 –> 00:20:43,540 that the corpse of Jesus was raised to life and 279 00:20:44,260 –> 00:20:49,380 That all who belong to him will thereby share in his 280 00:20:50,219 –> 00:20:51,199 resurrection 281 00:20:51,239 –> 00:20:57,339 And the resurrection is really the crown jewel of the Christian faith 282 00:20:57,439 –> 00:21:00,400 It is a truth to be treasured 283 00:21:00,520 –> 00:21:06,640 it is a truth to be put on display for all the world to see and 284 00:21:07,219 –> 00:21:11,439 For that reason it strikes me as a very great tragedy that some 285 00:21:11,839 –> 00:21:17,859 Christians have only a very very big notion of this most wonderful and 286 00:21:18,699 –> 00:21:21,640 Fundamental truth in fact some Christians seem to live with the idea 287 00:21:22,420 –> 00:21:27,780 That God is merely offering to us beyond this world some kind of a half-life 288 00:21:28,459 –> 00:21:30,300 That is a compensation 289 00:21:30,300 –> 00:21:37,339 for those who sadly didn’t have the strength to be able to continue here and now but friends the 290 00:21:37,819 –> 00:21:44,979 Resurrection Resurrection life is the purpose for which God made you and the purpose for which Christ has redeemed you 291 00:21:45,000 –> 00:21:47,000 The 292 00:21:47,119 –> 00:21:51,160 Good news is not simply that Jesus is alive 293 00:21:54,020 –> 00:22:00,979 The good news is that Jesus is risen, and it’s worth thinking about the difference 294 00:22:02,780 –> 00:22:05,780 See the son of God was alive in 295 00:22:06,920 –> 00:22:08,420 Heaven 296 00:22:08,420 –> 00:22:12,900 Before he ever came into the world and took human flesh. He was with God. He was God 297 00:22:12,939 –> 00:22:15,680 He was at the right hand of the father. He’s always been alive 298 00:22:17,979 –> 00:22:24,400 So why did the son of God then not simply leave the crucified body in the tube and 299 00:22:24,660 –> 00:22:26,800 Return to the father where he was before 300 00:22:27,979 –> 00:22:30,420 After all it was only flesh and bone 301 00:22:31,760 –> 00:22:33,660 Why bother with it and 302 00:22:34,160 –> 00:22:36,160 and 303 00:22:36,260 –> 00:22:38,439 Angels could still have appeared on 304 00:22:39,119 –> 00:22:41,119 Easter morning and 305 00:22:41,119 –> 00:22:46,160 They could have said to the women look his body is still here 306 00:22:46,880 –> 00:22:48,719 But don’t worry 307 00:22:48,719 –> 00:22:50,920 Because his spirit is alive 308 00:22:50,920 –> 00:22:57,339 And it is well with the Father in heaven after all isn’t that exactly what we say when a Christian dies 309 00:22:58,119 –> 00:23:00,119 We lay the body to rest 310 00:23:00,459 –> 00:23:06,500 And we say no I do not fear because his spirit is alive and as well and it is in the presence of the Lord Jesus 311 00:23:09,079 –> 00:23:14,699 So you see what we’re learning here is very important the resurrection tells us that the body matters 312 00:23:15,459 –> 00:23:17,699 It’s not right to say. It’s just flesh and bone 313 00:23:19,119 –> 00:23:21,160 You are a marvelous 314 00:23:21,540 –> 00:23:24,560 unity of body and of soul and 315 00:23:24,979 –> 00:23:30,680 And Jesus came into the world not simply to save a part of you, but to redeem the whole of you 316 00:23:31,859 –> 00:23:37,819 He came to bring you soul and body into the joy of his new creation 317 00:23:39,780 –> 00:23:41,839 Death of course is the great enemy 318 00:23:43,619 –> 00:23:45,339 Because it 319 00:23:45,339 –> 00:23:47,000 Separates what God has put together 320 00:23:47,000 –> 00:23:52,000 It separates the soul from the body, that is why it is such a terrible enemy 321 00:23:52,000 –> 00:23:55,359 It separates what God has joined together, body and soul 322 00:23:56,599 –> 00:24:00,560 It is the undoing of our very nature 323 00:24:01,599 –> 00:24:03,800 That’s why it’s so horrific for us to contemplate 324 00:24:06,359 –> 00:24:12,839 And death therefore can only be defeated and conquered when body and soul are brought together 325 00:24:12,839 –> 00:24:14,839 Never to be separated again 326 00:24:15,239 –> 00:24:17,160 but rather to enjoy an 327 00:24:17,160 –> 00:24:19,160 unending life 328 00:24:20,160 –> 00:24:25,780 Suppose you had planned on a vacation the vacation of a lifetime in Hawaii 329 00:24:27,599 –> 00:24:30,599 But just before your due to take the trip 330 00:24:31,540 –> 00:24:36,040 well, that’s what you do you trip and you fall down the stairs and 331 00:24:36,359 –> 00:24:42,839 You break just about every bone in your body, and you end up in the hospital in true cartoon style 332 00:24:43,079 –> 00:24:48,520 You know bandage from head to foot with that thermometer sticking out of your mouth 333 00:24:49,180 –> 00:24:50,479 and 334 00:24:50,479 –> 00:24:53,619 A friend who is a computer geek? 335 00:24:54,400 –> 00:24:56,040 comes to visit you 336 00:24:56,040 –> 00:25:01,479 And he’s very sympathetic that you’re obviously not going to get to take this trip of a lifetime to Hawaii 337 00:25:01,479 –> 00:25:08,479 But he’s brought his laptop computer and he’s going to take you on a virtual tour instead. He sets it all up and 338 00:25:10,219 –> 00:25:15,359 There before you you’ve got not only the sights of Honolulu 339 00:25:16,359 –> 00:25:22,760 You have the sound he’s even got a smell pad there so that you can savor the whole experience 340 00:25:23,859 –> 00:25:28,500 And you say whisper layer. It’s so beautiful. I just wish I’d been able to go 341 00:25:29,680 –> 00:25:35,939 And he’s a computer geek so he said no no you have gone. Yeah, you’re really. This is a real. This is a virtual tour of 342 00:25:36,760 –> 00:25:40,880 The Hawaii and you humour him because he’s your friend 343 00:25:40,880 –> 00:25:42,880 But 344 00:25:43,280 –> 00:25:46,880 Whatever he says from his world of technology 345 00:25:47,359 –> 00:25:50,359 You know that as long as your body is 346 00:25:51,439 –> 00:25:53,439 stuck in the hospital 347 00:25:53,819 –> 00:25:55,819 You’re not in Hawaii 348 00:25:58,000 –> 00:26:00,000 Going there in your mind 349 00:26:01,819 –> 00:26:07,099 Going there on a virtual tour and the internet just is not the same thing 350 00:26:07,099 –> 00:26:09,099 Now 351 00:26:09,359 –> 00:26:16,680 The life that God promises to us the resurrection life in Jesus Christ is not like a virtual tour 352 00:26:17,760 –> 00:26:22,040 It’s not a spiritual experience or a mind game 353 00:26:23,479 –> 00:26:29,000 God sent his Son into the world to redeem you body and soul and to 354 00:26:29,500 –> 00:26:32,880 Bring you into all of the joys of his new creation 355 00:26:33,540 –> 00:26:36,979 The good news is that Jesus Christ is risen and 356 00:26:37,920 –> 00:26:41,939 Resurrection life is the glorious future that lies ahead 357 00:26:42,660 –> 00:26:44,420 for all 358 00:26:44,420 –> 00:26:45,900 believers 359 00:26:45,900 –> 00:26:48,859 Now Francis is a very very important truth 360 00:26:48,859 –> 00:26:55,339 And it’s actually got profound impact in terms of how we live our lives today your body matters 361 00:26:56,239 –> 00:26:57,619 and 362 00:26:57,619 –> 00:27:02,859 that’s a message that needs to be stressed in our culture today it would be very 363 00:27:02,900 –> 00:27:04,640 very easy 364 00:27:04,640 –> 00:27:11,920 For a person in our culture to say well, yes, of course the soul belongs to God, but the body that’s yours to play with 365 00:27:12,880 –> 00:27:14,880 That’s yours to express yourself 366 00:27:15,920 –> 00:27:17,699 that’s 367 00:27:17,699 –> 00:27:19,699 just yours and 368 00:27:20,780 –> 00:27:25,760 it’s gonna die anyway, and and so do with it as you please and 369 00:27:26,640 –> 00:27:33,359 And if you have understood what the New Testament says about the body and its future 370 00:27:34,699 –> 00:27:37,180 You will see things in an entirely different light 371 00:27:38,920 –> 00:27:46,260 1st Corinthians chapter 6 and verse 19. Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit? 372 00:27:49,140 –> 00:27:54,739 You are not your own you were bought with a price therefore glorify God with your body 373 00:27:56,160 –> 00:27:58,160 so 374 00:27:59,219 –> 00:28:06,619 Paul says in 2nd Corinthians chapter 7 in verse 1 since we have these promises the great promises of 375 00:28:07,439 –> 00:28:09,500 Resurrection life beloved 376 00:28:09,500 –> 00:28:14,599 Let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit 377 00:28:15,439 –> 00:28:20,939 Bringing holiness to completion in the fear of the Lord notice since we have these promises 378 00:28:22,260 –> 00:28:24,339 He doesn’t say since we have these rules 379 00:28:24,680 –> 00:28:26,500 the 380 00:28:26,500 –> 00:28:28,500 argument is this 381 00:28:29,040 –> 00:28:31,500 Your body has a glorious future 382 00:28:33,939 –> 00:28:38,979 Therefore regard it as a gift of God to you 383 00:28:40,060 –> 00:28:42,060 Do not abuse it 384 00:28:42,459 –> 00:28:45,500 Do not utilize it as a servant of sin 385 00:28:46,660 –> 00:28:48,660 use your eyes and 386 00:28:49,099 –> 00:28:51,099 your ears and 387 00:28:51,099 –> 00:28:56,939 Your hands and your feet and your tongue in a way that honors the Lord 388 00:28:57,180 –> 00:28:59,180 Jesus Christ I 389 00:29:00,300 –> 00:29:07,359 Appeal to you Paul says in Romans and chapter 12 by the mercy of God present your bodies as 390 00:29:08,040 –> 00:29:12,819 Living sacrifices because this is what spiritual worship actually looks like that’s what he’s saying 391 00:29:14,339 –> 00:29:17,819 So here is the significance of the resurrection it goes everywhere 392 00:29:18,819 –> 00:29:23,099 First it gives us this wonderful news that death is defeated 393 00:29:23,099 –> 00:29:26,199 We’re going to go in but the good news is we’re also going to come out 394 00:29:26,199 –> 00:29:28,780 We’re going to pass right through into the presence of the Lord 395 00:29:30,380 –> 00:29:32,339 And more than that 396 00:29:32,339 –> 00:29:34,339 the resurrection means 397 00:29:34,939 –> 00:29:41,000 that we are promised by the Lord Jesus Christ not merely a spiritual survival after death but a 398 00:29:41,219 –> 00:29:45,859 Resurrection body a life in a new creation a new heaven and a new Earth 399 00:29:47,819 –> 00:29:53,439 Then here’s the last thing just briefly risen means that we will all be changed he has 400 00:29:54,540 –> 00:30:00,819 Risen and when Christ rose from the dead his body was adapted 401 00:30:01,900 –> 00:30:03,359 transformed 402 00:30:03,359 –> 00:30:07,800 Changed in such a way that it was suited for 403 00:30:08,760 –> 00:30:13,119 eternity, and that is what Christians look forward to 404 00:30:14,000 –> 00:30:19,699 The greatest delights of body and soul in this life are only a small 405 00:30:21,520 –> 00:30:23,199 Indication off 406 00:30:23,199 –> 00:30:25,199 anticipation of hint off 407 00:30:25,760 –> 00:30:29,459 What God has yet in store for us? 408 00:30:30,339 –> 00:30:32,339 who loved him 409 00:30:32,479 –> 00:30:34,959 You say what will the resurrection body be like? 410 00:30:36,680 –> 00:30:39,380 Paul uses four words to describe it in 411 00:30:39,660 –> 00:30:43,900 In 1st Corinthians and chapter 15. He says first, it’ll be imperishable 412 00:30:44,920 –> 00:30:46,920 What is soan is perishable? 413 00:30:48,040 –> 00:30:50,040 What is raised? 414 00:30:51,699 –> 00:30:53,699 Imperishable 415 00:30:53,959 –> 00:30:56,060 Lazarus was raised from the dead 416 00:30:57,660 –> 00:31:01,839 But he came out of the tomb exactly as he’d come into it 417 00:31:02,979 –> 00:31:05,459 continued aging from the point where he left off 418 00:31:05,500 –> 00:31:06,420 and 419 00:31:06,420 –> 00:31:11,719 Don’t you feel sorry for the poor fellow at some point? He had to go through the whole miserable business of dying all over again 420 00:31:13,680 –> 00:31:17,800 But you see Jesus rose in the power of an endless life 421 00:31:17,800 –> 00:31:23,500 That’s Hebrews in chapter 7 in verse 16 and your resurrection body will be like his 422 00:31:23,500 –> 00:31:26,739 that is it will be a body that will never die and 423 00:31:27,979 –> 00:31:30,660 your resurrection body will never age and 424 00:31:31,459 –> 00:31:33,459 it will never be sick and 425 00:31:34,300 –> 00:31:36,300 It will never decline 426 00:31:37,500 –> 00:31:43,599 It’ll be imperishable then Paul says it’ll be glorious. It’s sown in dishonor it is raised in glory 427 00:31:44,959 –> 00:31:51,380 When Peter and James and John went up the mountain with Jesus and he was transfigured they caught a glimpse of 428 00:31:51,939 –> 00:31:59,660 Jesus future glory the glory that was veiled while he was here in this world during the days and years of his 429 00:31:59,979 –> 00:32:01,979 incarnation there was a brightness 430 00:32:02,500 –> 00:32:04,640 there was a radiance a 431 00:32:05,900 –> 00:32:10,719 purity that just streamed out of him and 432 00:32:12,540 –> 00:32:14,619 There will be a brightness a 433 00:32:15,540 –> 00:32:17,219 radiance a 434 00:32:17,219 –> 00:32:19,339 glory about you as 435 00:32:20,020 –> 00:32:24,640 You reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ in his nearer presence 436 00:32:25,640 –> 00:32:28,699 Then Paul says that it will be a 437 00:32:29,319 –> 00:32:33,979 Powerful body it is sown in weakness, but it will be raised in 438 00:32:34,540 –> 00:32:38,520 Power you will have think about this you will have more energy 439 00:32:39,439 –> 00:32:41,439 And amen for that 440 00:32:41,479 –> 00:32:43,339 more stamina 441 00:32:43,339 –> 00:32:45,339 better coordination 442 00:32:46,260 –> 00:32:51,239 Greater capacity in your resurrection body than you have ever had in your life in this world 443 00:32:51,239 –> 00:32:53,219 the 444 00:32:53,219 –> 00:32:56,540 Blind will see the deaf will hear the lame will walk 445 00:32:58,219 –> 00:33:04,400 You think of every physical challenge that limits life for so many people every 446 00:33:04,540 –> 00:33:10,800 challenge that you know in your life and then others who you love and grieve for no in their lives and 447 00:33:12,140 –> 00:33:14,660 Weakness will be a thing of the past 448 00:33:15,560 –> 00:33:20,439 there will be strength and it will be for all eternity and 449 00:33:20,520 –> 00:33:22,520 you 450 00:33:22,680 –> 00:33:24,680 Will be Godly I 451 00:33:24,959 –> 00:33:32,060 use that words to express what Paul says when he says it is so not a natural body and it is raised a 452 00:33:32,400 –> 00:33:36,900 Spiritual body what? What does the apostle Paul mean by a spiritual body? 453 00:33:36,900 –> 00:33:44,699 He means simply this a body that is fully responsive to the Holy Spirit. Does that sound like good news to you? Oh 454 00:33:45,339 –> 00:33:46,500 Oh 455 00:33:46,500 –> 00:33:50,000 Fully responsive to the Holy Spirit. What a marvelous thought 456 00:33:50,520 –> 00:33:54,680 Never again to say the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak 457 00:33:55,319 –> 00:34:00,199 No, no, not. The flesh is weak in the resurrection body your resurrected 458 00:34:00,619 –> 00:34:05,359 Body will be as eager to do the will of God as your own redeemed spirit will be 459 00:34:07,420 –> 00:34:12,800 Here’s what you have to look forward to in the new heaven and the new earth a 460 00:34:13,719 –> 00:34:20,239 Body that is adapted for eternity life forever never decline glorious 461 00:34:20,840 –> 00:34:24,379 powerful and fully responsive to the Holy Spirit 462 00:34:25,260 –> 00:34:28,520 so that at last you will be completely at peace and 463 00:34:28,840 –> 0034:33,260 War within the body and the soul will be a distant memory of the past 464 00:34:34,399 –> 00:34:38,800 And you will rejoice with unspeakable joy forevermore 465 00:34:38,860 –> 00:34:40,179 You 466 00:34:40,179 –> 00:34:44,620 Know this gift of the resurrection body is so wonderful 467 00:34:45,639 –> 00:34:49,159 That God holds it in reserve until the day 468 00:34:49,780 –> 00:34:52,939 when he will gather all of his children together 469 00:34:55,219 –> 00:34:58,520 On Christmas Eve when I was a child 470 00:35:00,239 –> 00:35:02,500 Stockings were always hung up 471 00:35:03,239 –> 00:35:05,820 beside the fire in our living room 472 00:35:06,360 –> 00:35:10,239 And then the routine in our family was that on Christmas morning 473 00:35:10,239 –> 00:35:14,139 We were all desperate to get into the living room and to see what had arrived 474 00:35:14,699 –> 00:35:16,040 overnight 475 00:35:16,040 –> 00:35:18,040 But this was the rule 476 00:35:18,239 –> 00:35:23,899 no, one was allowed into the living room until everyone was standing together at the door and 477 00:35:25,439 –> 00:35:29,239 When everyone was ready we all went in together 478 00:35:31,899 –> 00:35:35,459 Christian loved ones who have died our with Jesus 479 00:35:35,979 –> 00:35:37,979 And they consciously 480 00:35:38,500 –> 00:35:40,500 enjoy his presence 481 00:35:41,340 –> 00:35:46,820 That for them is better by far than anything they could ever know here 482 00:35:47,040 –> 00:35:49,239 But God has kept in reserve 483 00:35:50,060 –> 00:35:54,300 this great gift for them and for us and 484 00:35:54,699 –> 00:36:01,300 He’s keeping it for the day when the whole family will receive it together 485 00:36:01,820 –> 00:36:09,979 When Christ returns the souls of our loved ones who died in Christ will be with him 486 00:36:10,760 –> 00:36:12,760 they will come with him and 487 00:36:13,459 –> 00:36:17,219 then he will clothe their souls with 488 00:36:18,300 –> 00:36:20,300 resurrection bodies adapted for 489 00:36:21,020 –> 00:36:23,120 everlasting life and at that same time we 490 00:36:23,699 –> 00:36:26,939 Believers who are still living at the time of Christ’s coming 491 00:36:27,419 –> 00:36:31,919 Will be caught up together with them to meets the Lord in the air 492 00:36:31,919 –> 00:36:36,020 And so the Apostle says we will always be with the Lord 493 00:36:36,060 –> 00:36:40,959 we will experience the transformation of our bodies at the same time as 494 00:36:41,760 –> 00:36:42,860 they 495 00:36:42,860 –> 00:36:44,860 receive the gift of 496 00:36:45,219 –> 00:36:47,219 resurrection bodies to 497 00:36:47,580 –> 00:36:51,040 it will be given to the whole family together and 498 00:36:52,320 –> 00:36:54,780 All of our faces will light up with joy 499 00:36:55,500 –> 00:36:57,500 With joy 500 00:36:57,699 –> 00:37:01,979 When we see what the Redeemer has prepared for us 501 00:37:03,820 –> 00:37:06,020 Because he lives I 502 00:37:07,219 –> 00:37:09,219 Can face tomorrow? 503 00:37:09,580 –> 00:37:11,080 Amen 504 00:37:11,080 –> 00:37:13,080 Because he lives 505 00:37:13,620 –> 00:37:21,639 all fear is gone why because I know that he holds the future and 506 00:37:21,860 –> 00:37:26,219 And life is worth the living just because 507 00:37:27,520 –> 00:37:30,139 He lives, let’s pray together. Shall we 508 00:37:32,179 –> 00:37:37,540 Father help us to take in the glorious hope that is ours 509 00:37:39,159 –> 00:37:44,280 Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord 510 00:37:46,479 –> 00:37:51,300 Thank you that our faith does not rest on cunningly devised fables 511 00:37:52,540 –> 00:37:58,000 Thank you for the sure and certain hope that is ours 512 00:37:59,219 –> 00:38:01,219 through the resurrection of 513 00:38:01,560 –> 00:38:03,560 Jesus Christ our Lord 514 00:38:04,879 –> 00:38:08,139 Now Lord help us to pursue holiness of 515 00:38:08,879 –> 00:38:10,879 body and of soul 516 00:38:10,979 –> 00:38:16,000 in the light of the great future that you are preparing for both and 517 00:38:16,399 –> 00:38:18,399 And 518 00:38:18,780 –> 00:38:21,020 Grandfather that we may live with hope 519 00:38:22,540 –> 00:38:25,239 with anticipation and with joy 520 00:38:27,399 –> 00:38:29,760 Even in the hardest of circumstances 521 00:38:32,159 –> 00:38:34,760 Because in Christ and by your grace 522 00:38:36,320 –> 00:38:41,100 The greatest joys we have ever known in this life are only a small anticipation 523 00:38:43,239 –> 00:38:45,239 Of what is yet to be 524 00:38:46,080 –> 00:38:50,360 Hear our prayers and receive our thanks in Jesus name and all God’s people said 525 00:38:51,000 –> 00:38:53,000 Amen