The day everything changed

1 Corinthians 15:1 – 22

“The day everything changed”

 

The resurrection of Jesus is THE single most important event… ever.  The resurrection proved who Jesus is, it provided focus for the disciples’ preaching, it is the power of God to transform daily life.

 

 

I.          Why is the resurrection so influential?

 

            A.        The resurrection’s impact.

 

                        1.         PAST: as an historical event it shows us God did something great.

 

“And who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.” [Romans 1:4]

 

                        2.         PRESENT: the power is available for us today.

 

“I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.” [Philippians 3:10]

 

                        3.         FUTURE: God will do something greater in the future!

 

“So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable.” [1 Corinthians 15:42]

 

            B.        The resurrection’s importance.

 

                        1.         The resurrection is the foundational Christian belief.

 

                        2.         The resurrection is the ultimate source of hope.

 

3.         The resurrection is the guarantee for power in our current life and our future resurrection.

 

II.        Why is the resurrection so critical?

 

            A.        If no resurrection then faith is useless.

 

“And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” [v 14]

 

1.         The resurrection separates Christianity from every other religion.  You can go to their founders’ occupied graves.

 

2.         Christianity celebrates life, not death.

 

            B.        If no resurrection then we are false witnesses.

 

“More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead.” [v 15]

 

                        1.         The core of being a follower of Jesus is to continue the witness.

 

                        2.         The witness is of the living Jesus.

 

            C.        If no resurrection then there is no salvation.

 

“And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” [v 17]

 

1.         “Faith” as a general thing is pointless.  People can believe in anything but that does not make it real.

 

2.         “Faith” must be specific and life changing for it to have any effect.  Otherwise it is “futile.”

 

            D.        If no resurrection the “lost” is forever.

 

“Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost.” [v 18]

 

1.         “Lost” is a technical word that means separated from God, like a lost sheep.

 

2.         The state of being “lost” is permanent unless something more powerful than death intervenes… the resurrection!

 

            E.         If no resurrection then we are pitiful.

 

“If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.” [v 19]

 

                        1.         Without the reality of what is promised then everything is empty.

 

                        2.         So Christians would deserve contempt for holding to empty myths.

 

III.       How can we be so sure?

 

            A.        Scripture.  (Prophecy: Predicted before it happened.)

 

“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, [4] that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” [vv 3 – 4]

 

            B.        Eye witnesses. (Legal “proof”)

 

“… He appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. [6] After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. [7] Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.” [vv 5 – 7]

 

            C.        Paul. (Personal experience)

 

“And last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.” [v 8]

 

IV.       What should be our response?

 

            A.        Hope.  (NOT wishful thinking… confident expectation.)

 

“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. [21] For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.” [vv 20 – 21]

 

            B.        Celebrate life, both spiritual and eternal.

 

“For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” [v 22]

 

            C.        Be transformed.

 

For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. [10] But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them--yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” [vv 9 – 10]

 

1.         God took someone who was actively seeking to destroy Christianity and transformed him into an apostle!

 

2.         God can take you, from whatever place you find yourself and transform you.

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One Sermon

Acts 16:30

One time, one sermon.

Question: What would you say to a person if you knew you could only talk to them once about God?

 

1.         There is one true God.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” [Genesis 1:1]

 

            a.         God is God for all people at all times.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. . . . Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” [Psalm 19:1, 4]

 

            b.        God is commonly misunderstood and unknown. God (“God the Father”) is revealed through Jesus (“God the Son”) who created this world and who lived on earth to teach us about God’s (“God the Father”) grace and truth.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He (Jesus) was with God in the beginning. [3] Through him (Jesus) all things were made; without him (Jesus) nothing was made that has been made. [4] In him (Jesus) was life, and that life was the light of men. [5] The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. . . . [14] The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

 

2.         God knows all about you. You must face God in Judgment. (That’s truth.)

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” [Hebrews 4:13]

“So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.” [Romans 14:12]

 

            a.         God thinks differently than we do. We think we are good. God sees the truth.

“He said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight.” [Luke 15:16]

 

            b.        Think about all the war, the crime, the hatred, the greed. Where does it come from? It’s who we are and what we do. That’s called “sin.”

“There is no one righteous, not even one; [11] there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. [12] All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one. [13] Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit. The poison of vipers is on their lips. [14] Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. [15] Their feet are swift to shed blood; [16] ruin and misery mark their ways, [17] and the way of peace they do not know. [18] There is no fear of God before their eyes. . . . [23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” [Romans 3:10 – 17, 23]

 

3.         This behavior earns painful eternal consequences.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” [Romans 6:23]

 

            a.         The result of sin and judgment against us is an eternal lake of fire:

“And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. [13] The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades (hell) gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. [14] Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. [15] If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” [Revelation 20:12 – 15]

 

            b.        Jesus described this place as “torment” and “agony in this fire” without pity.

“In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. [24] So he called to him, `Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.” [Luke 16:23 – 24]

 

            c.         Our effort does not come close to helping us.

“All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.” [Isaiah 64:6]

 

4.         God has another idea. It’s called “grace” which is doing something for us because God wants to not because we earn it or deserve it.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” [John 3:6]

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” [Luke 19:10]

 

            a.         Sin makes us powerless but God’s love is more powerful than our sin.

“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. [7] Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. [8] But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” [Romans 5:6 – 8]

 

            b.        God exchanged all our guilt and sin for Jesus’ righteousness.

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” [2 Corinthians 5:21]

 

            c.         Jesus is the only way to be saved from our current condition and our future judgment.

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” [Acts 4:12]

 

5.         What must you do?

 

            a.         Admit you are a sinner. This is called “repentance.”

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” [2 Peter 3:9]

“Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?” [Romans 2:4]

 

                        1.)       This means admitting your sin and your need. Jesus said:

“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” [Luke 5:32]

 

                        2.)       God forgives and cleans us when we admit our sin.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” [1 John 1:9]

 

            b.        Believe in who Jesus is and what Jesus did for you.

“All the prophets testify about him (Jesus) that everyone who believes in him (Jesus) receives forgiveness of sins through his (Jesus) name.” [Acts 10:43]

“They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household.” [Acts 16:31]

“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” [John 20:31]

 

            c.         Choose to follow Jesus.

“Yet to all who received him (Jesus), to those who believed in his name, he (Jesus) gave the right to become children of God.” [John 1:12]

                        1.)       This means an attitude change and causes us to live for the will of God.

“Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. [2] As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. [3] For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do--living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry.” [1 Peter 4:1]

 

                        2.)       We are healed from the damage and desire for sin and want to live for righteousness.

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.” [1 Peter 2:4]

 

6.         So, why am I doing this? Three reasons.

 

            a.         Jesus told those who choose to follow Him to talk about repentance and forgiveness of sins.

“Repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his (Jesus) name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. [48] You are witnesses of these things.” [Luke 24:47 – 48]

 

            b.        Because there is no other way.

“He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” [1 John 5:12]

 

            c.         To offer you eternal life or encourage you if you already have it.

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” [1 John 5:13]

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Spirituality #3: How do I meditate?

Psalm 1

Spirituality #3: How do I meditate?

When I say “meditate” what images does that bring to mind? The Bible says, “But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.” [Psalm 1:2]

There are two words in the Old Testament that are translated meditate. The one means to rehearse (suach), the other means to mutter (hagah). “May the words of my mouth and the meditation (hagig) of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” [Psalm 19:14]

You already know how to do this: Ever get a song stuck in your head? Ever get a mental picture you could not forget? Ever worry? Then you know how to meditate... you do it naturally.

So let’s take a Biblical look at what it means to meditate.

 

I.         Meditation is directed toward God.

 

            A.        We are often confused about “meditation.”

 

                        1.         Sometimes, meditation is considered to be simple relaxation technique.

 

                                    a.         There is great debate over the necessity, value, and validity over the technique needed to “relax.”

 

                                                1.)       There are postures and breathing techniques that are supposed to help people relax.

 

                                                2.)       Old fashioned hard physical labor will also help a person’s muscles and mind to relax.

 

                                    b.         The real danger is when other religions make in-roads by selling themselves as something they are not.

 

                                                1.)       One false religion attempted to remake itself by giving modern America specific relaxation techniques. It claimed to be a non-religious/trans-religious technique.

 

                                                2.)       Many Christians buy into some forms of yoga (meaning “union”) which is Hindu and cannot be made Christian.

It has been tired... it is called “syncretism.” The idea is to mingle or borrow concepts of other faiths. Sometimes this is deliberate, sometimes it comes from unconscious cultural pollution. For instance, early Christians picked up Greek philosophy. The veneration/worship of Mary... Even the “church growth movement” has distinct non-Christian roots.

 

                        2.         The discussion about meditation is colored by a lot of false religious concepts and frightens us. How do we make the distinction?

 

                                    a.         Question #1 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism: What is the chief end of [every person]? Answer: “[The] chief end is to glorify God, (a) and to enjoy [H]im for ever. (b)”

(a). Ps. 86:9; Isa. 60:21; Rom. 11:36; I Cor. 6:20; 10:31; Rev. 4:11 (b). Ps. 16:5-11; 144:15; Isa. 12:2; Luke 2:10; Phil. 4:4; Rev. 21:3-4

 

                                    b.         The reality is a relationship with God. Not a specific technique.

 

                                    c.         Jesus Christ is in the believer.

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” [Galatians 2:20]

“To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” [Colossians 1:27]

 

                                    d.         The believer is in Jesus Christ.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” [2 Corinthians 5:17]

 

            B.        Sometimes this discussion exposes serious spiritual problems.

 

                        1.         Relationship with God requires a certain level of purity (holiness).

 

                                    a.         Divided hearts and dirty lives find it difficult to be in the presence of the living God (whom we do not control).

“Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false.” [Psalm 24:3 – 4]

 

                                    b.         Even “holy” people find the presence of God uncomfortable. (Which raises an interesting red flag on feel-good worship.)

“Woe to me! I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty.” [Isaiah’s reaction to seeing God, found in Isaiah 6:5]

“When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead.” [The Apostle John’s reaction to seeing Jesus, as recorded in Revelation 1:17]

 

                        2.         Relationship with God requires us to not be self-centered.

 

                                    a.         We are required to seek God.

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” [Hebrews 11:6]

“God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us.” [Acts 17:27]

 

                                    b.         We are required to depend on God’s grace. (Grace does not exclude effort, it excludes earning...)

“When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.” [Acts 13:43]

 

II.       What can we meditate on?

 

            A.        We can meditate on the characteristics of God.

 

                        1.         “Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love.” [Psalm 48:9]

 

                        2.         “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.” [Psalm 136:1] (His love endures forever occurs 26 times in Psalm 136)

 

            B.        We can meditate on the Bible.

 

                        1.         I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.” [Psalm 119:15]

 

                        2.         “I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees.” [Psalm 119:48]

 

            C.        We can meditate on God’s promises and actions

 

                        1.         “My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.” [Psalm 119:148]

 

                        2.         “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. [12] I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.” [Psalm 77:11 – 12]

 

III.      Are there any other ideas on how to meditate?

 

            A.        We must “wait” on God.

 

                        1.         “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.” [Psalm 37:7]

 

                                    a.         The idea of being “still” runs contrary to our “need” to be busy. Maybe we are busy because we are running from God.

 

                                    b.         Mental and emotional chaos hinders us from being in God’s presence. It’s a form of idolatry, because its more important than God.

 

                        2.         “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” [Psalm 46:10]

 

                                    a.         As we direct our minds and emotions towards God there is a trust that settles into our souls.

 

                                    b.         There is also a joy that matches the realization of knowing God.

 

            B.        We must “hope” in God.

 

                        1.         “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. [30] Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; [31] but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” [Isaiah 40:29 – 31]

 

                                    a.         As we wait (KJV) and hope on the Lord, our strength is renewed.

 

                                    b.         Sometimes we get drained. The only thing that will revive us is to reconnect to God.

 

                        2.         “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” [Psalm 42:11]

 

                                    a.         Ever get “down” or “disturbed”? When we are self-centered, we do not have much to encourage us or energize us.

 

                                    b.         As we hope in God... we praise Him. We get over ourselves.

 

IV.      What you do with the Bible points toward your eternal destiny.

 

            A.        Lessons from Psalm 1:

 

                        1.         “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.” [1 Corinthians 15:33] “A person is known by the company they keep.” [American proverb from Aesop’s fables]

 

                                    a.         The godly are NOT guided by ungodly counsel (advice, planning, ruling, principles).

 

                                    b.         The godly are NOT on the same moral path that influences behavior as the ungodly.

 

                                    c.         The godly are NOT in close chosen company with those who mock or scorn God, the Bible, Jesus, salvation, etc...

The godly do NOT “keep in step” with wicked/ungodly. “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” [Galatians 5:25]

 

                        2.         The godly are unmistakably marked by an irresistible attraction to God’s Word (the Bible).

 

                                    a.         If sin is distinguished by self-will/rule then godliness are focused on a right relationship with God and making God’s will their will.

 

                                    b.         This is done by prayerfully reading and absorbing as much of God’s Word as possible.

“Acts fix habits, habits settle character, and character determines destiny.” [Unknown]

 

            B.        It’s a choice.

 

                        1.         What environment do you want to be in?

 

                                    a.         Influenced by those who do not know God. (Result: “They are like chaff that the wind blows away.” [see Psalm 1:4])

 

                                    b.         Influenced by God. (Result: “He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” [Psalm 1:3]

 

                        2.         What eternal harvest do you want?

(Reference to “God” is no a generic “god” but God Almighty, Creator of the Universe... Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.)

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"Words for Living" part 5 (published January 9, 2008 in "The Coummunity Voice.")

Many thanks go to the Community Voice and thoughtful readers who have given me the chance to express a few “Words for Living.”

The story is told of a newspaper editor who painted a truthful picture of a wedding. He described the bride as ugly beyond reason. The groom was depicted as a good-for-nothing that belonged in jail. The reason for this brutal commentary was the editor wanted to tell the truth, once before he left town the next day. Unfortunately, telling the truth once is about all anyone can get away with... maybe. At least listen once.

There is only one way to be “saved,” “go to heaven,” or whatever you want to call it. Paul put it this way, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” [Romans 6:23] Read that verse again. What do you see?

Notice the word “wage” is plural. In other words, “death” (spiritual not just physical) results in eternal separation from God. The old fashion word is “hell.” It is the ultimate and final payout. Fact is, before you get there, you go through pain and misery. They are a severe mercy, intended to get your attention and turn you around.

Another thing that you should see when you read Romans 6:23, is that “sin” is singular. How many guys have looked at a woman and thought “thoughts?” How many ladies have told or listened to a juicy story about someone? Anyone ever tweak the truth ? Remember its one sin not many sins that earns us our payment.

God does something that is unfair. Rather than punishing us, God offers a gift. This is not a “good-God bad-God” act. This is God taking the hit for us. This is God knowing that we cannot earn or deserve “eternal life” (salvation). He offers it to us as a gift through the unfair suffering and sacrifice of Jesus. Jesus did not do anything wrong. It is our sin that Jesus paid for on the cross. That’s what we celebrate on Easter.

After a morning of hunting in northern Minnesota, I made it back to the lodge for lunch. The police were organizing a search for an experienced hunter that had not returned the night before. He was one of my friends and I didn’t even realize he was lost. After lunch I trudge back out to help save him. Just before sundown he walked past me. He was so confused it took him awhile to recognize a friend. He insisted, like any sensible man, he was not lost. I walked with him, letting him lead, until after dark. At this point, he turned and asked, “Got anything to eat?” I suggested we head for the lodge, he agreed. They packed him in an ambulance when we got back. He was dehydrated, frost bitten but safe.

At some point, my friend had to recognize his need and accept help. How about you?

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