Clothed with Power (Easter) – Timothy Keller [Sermon]

While they were still talking [music] While they were still talking [music] about this, Jesus himself stood among about this, Jesus himself stood among about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, them and said to them, them and said to them, "Peace be with you." "Peace be with you." "Peace be with you." They were startled and frightened, They were startled and frightened, They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. thinking they saw a ghost. thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, He said to them, He said to them, "Why are you troubled? And why do doubts "Why are you troubled? And why do doubts "Why are you troubled? And why do doubts rise in your minds? rise in your minds? rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I Look at my hands and my feet. It is I Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself. Touch me and see. A ghost does myself. Touch me and see. A ghost does myself. Touch me and see. A ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see I not have flesh and bones as you see I not have flesh and bones as you see I have." have." have." When he had said this, he showed them When he had said this, he showed them When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. his hands and feet. his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it And while they still did not believe it And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked because of joy and amazement, he asked because of joy and amazement, he asked them, "Do you have anything here to them, "Do you have anything here to them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" eat?" eat?" They gave him a piece of broiled fish, They gave him a piece of broiled fish, They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their and he took it and ate it in their and he took it and ate it in their presence. presence. presence. He said to them, He said to them, He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was "This is what I told you while I was "This is what I told you while I was still with you. Everything must be still with you. Everything must be still with you. Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in fulfilled that is written about me in fulfilled that is written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the the law of Moses, the prophets, and the the law of Moses, the prophets, and the Psalms." Psalms." Psalms." Then he opened their minds so they could Then he opened their minds so they could Then he opened their minds so they could understand the scriptures. understand the scriptures. understand the scriptures. He told them, "This is what is written: He told them, "This is what is written: He told them, "This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from The Messiah will suffer and rise from The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and the dead on the third day, and the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins repentance for the forgiveness of sins repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all will be preached in his name to all will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

nations, beginning at Jerusalem. nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am You are witnesses of these things. I am You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my father has going to send you what my father has going to send you what my father has promised, but stay in the city until you promised, but stay in the city until you promised, but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on have been clothed with power from on have been clothed with power from on high." This is the word of the Lord. high." This is the word of the Lord. high." This is the word of the Lord. >> Now, Luke chapter 24 is one of four >> Now, Luke chapter 24 is one of four >> Now, Luke chapter 24 is one of four um accounts um accounts um accounts in the Bible. Um the four Gospel in the Bible. Um the four Gospel in the Bible. Um the four Gospel accounts, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, accounts, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, accounts, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, each each each uh tell us about the uh resurrection of uh tell us about the uh resurrection of uh tell us about the uh resurrection of Jesus and the things that happened on Jesus and the things that happened on Jesus and the things that happened on that day. that day. that day. Uh Luke chapter 24 is a particularly Uh Luke chapter 24 is a particularly Uh Luke chapter 24 is a particularly full account of the day because the full account of the day because the full account of the day because the first few verses of Luke 24, which we first few verses of Luke 24, which we first few verses of Luke 24, which we didn't read here, talk about the didn't read here, talk about the didn't read here, talk about the morning. morning. morning. About the women finding the empty tomb. About the women finding the empty tomb. About the women finding the empty tomb. Uh the middle of the chapter talks about Uh the middle of the chapter talks about Uh the middle of the chapter talks about the middle of that first day when Jesus the middle of that first day when Jesus the middle of that first day when Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to appeared to two disciples on the road to appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Emmaus. Emmaus. Uh many of you know that story. Uh many of you know that story. Uh many of you know that story. But then this passage that was just read But then this passage that was just read But then this passage that was just read to you talks about the evening. It to you talks about the evening. It to you talks about the evening. It doesn't say evening, but uh the Gospel doesn't say evening, but uh the Gospel doesn't say evening, but uh the Gospel of John also talks about this incident of John also talks about this incident of John also talks about this incident when Jesus appears behind closed doors when Jesus appears behind closed doors when Jesus appears behind closed doors says peace be with you. John says this says peace be with you. John says this says peace be with you. John says this was a night and so this is the this is was a night and so this is the this is was a night and so this is the this is actually the 5:00 service on uh Easter actually the 5:00 service on uh Easter actually the 5:00 service on uh Easter the originally Easter day. It's the the originally Easter day. It's the the originally Easter day. It's the evening service. So uh uh um evening service. So uh uh um evening service. So uh uh um what do we learn from the what we just what do we learn from the what we just what do we learn from the what we just read about the resurrection of Jesus?

read about the resurrection of Jesus? read about the resurrection of Jesus? Let's draw out three things. First, Let's draw out three things. First, Let's draw out three things. First, we learn that the resurrection is a we learn that the resurrection is a we learn that the resurrection is a paradigm-shattering historical event. paradigm-shattering historical event. paradigm-shattering historical event. Paradigm-shattering historical event. Paradigm-shattering historical event. Paradigm-shattering historical event. Now, Now, Now, many people many people say, "Look, many people many people say, "Look, many people many people say, "Look, these are the these are the these are the you shouldn't read this as historic. You you shouldn't read this as historic. You you shouldn't read this as historic. You should read this as a as an allegory. should read this as a as an allegory. should read this as a as an allegory. You shouldn't take this literally. You shouldn't take this literally. You shouldn't take this literally. Uh rather the stories about Jesus being Uh rather the stories about Jesus being Uh rather the stories about Jesus being raised from the dead are uh are a raised from the dead are uh are a raised from the dead are uh are a symbolic way of talking about how we symbolic way of talking about how we symbolic way of talking about how we should live with hope. should live with hope. should live with hope. The uh the no matter how dark the night, The uh the no matter how dark the night, The uh the no matter how dark the night, there's always a dawn. No matter how bad there's always a dawn. No matter how bad there's always a dawn. No matter how bad things are, you should always live in things are, you should always live in things are, you should always live in hope." hope." hope." Uh there's one minister I know um who Uh there's one minister I know um who Uh there's one minister I know um who has has has uh uh uh done a a sermon or a a talk on Easter done a a sermon or a a talk on Easter done a a sermon or a a talk on Easter and it's titled "Emmaus never happened. and it's titled "Emmaus never happened. and it's titled "Emmaus never happened. Emmaus always happens." Emmaus always happens." Emmaus always happens." See the point? See the point? See the point? Emmaus means that's talking about Jesus Emmaus means that's talking about Jesus Emmaus means that's talking about Jesus appearing to the disciples on the road appearing to the disciples on the road appearing to the disciples on the road to Emmaus. It's in the little earlier in to Emmaus. It's in the little earlier in to Emmaus. It's in the little earlier in the chapter. We didn't read it. But what the chapter. We didn't read it. But what the chapter. We didn't read it. But what what minister is saying is it didn't what minister is saying is it didn't what minister is saying is it didn't really happen.

really happen. really happen. Uh Uh Uh it's a kind of an allegory. It it didn't it's a kind of an allegory. It it didn't it's a kind of an allegory. It it didn't it may have never really happened and it may have never really happened and it may have never really happened and yet living in hope always happens. You yet living in hope always happens. You yet living in hope always happens. You can do this. So So the idea is that can do this. So So the idea is that can do this. So So the idea is that these stories were not written to be these stories were not written to be these stories were not written to be taken literally. They are written to taken literally. They are written to taken literally. They are written to symbolize or represent the ways in which symbolize or represent the ways in which symbolize or represent the ways in which we should be living our lives. we should be living our lives. we should be living our lives. Now if that's true, why did Luke, Now if that's true, why did Luke, Now if that's true, why did Luke, for example, write this? for example, write this? for example, write this? Jesus said, "Do you have anything here Jesus said, "Do you have anything here Jesus said, "Do you have anything here to eat?" And they gave him a piece of broiled And they gave him a piece of broiled fish and he took it and he ate it in fish and he took it and he ate it in fish and he took it and he ate it in their presence. their presence. their presence. See a spirit does not have flesh and See a spirit does not have flesh and See a spirit does not have flesh and bones. Do you have anything to eat? Let bones. Do you have anything to eat? Let bones. Do you have anything to eat? Let me eat that fish and he ate it in their me eat that fish and he ate it in their me eat that fish and he ate it in their presence. So now, what is the uh what's presence. So now, what is the uh what's presence. So now, what is the uh what's the lesson there about how we should the lesson there about how we should the lesson there about how we should live? live? live? What what one possible lesson is Luke What what one possible lesson is Luke What what one possible lesson is Luke wrote it to make sure that when you get wrote it to make sure that when you get wrote it to make sure that when you get hungry you should avoid fatty foods, I hungry you should avoid fatty foods, I hungry you should avoid fatty foods, I suppose as a possible a possibility. In other words, what does that In other words, what does that symbolize? What what kind of life lesson symbolize? What what kind of life lesson symbolize? What what kind of life lesson does that represent? And the answer is does that represent? And the answer is does that represent? And the answer is it doesn't. It couldn't.

it doesn't. It couldn't. it doesn't. It couldn't. Luke gave it to us as evidence. Luke gave it to us as evidence. Luke gave it to us as evidence. It's not symbolizing anything. It's not symbolizing anything. It's not symbolizing anything. It's evidence. See, Jesus is not It's evidence. See, Jesus is not It's evidence. See, Jesus is not responding to hunger here. Look what responding to hunger here. Look what responding to hunger here. Look what he's doing. Verse 41, it says he appears he's doing. Verse 41, it says he appears he's doing. Verse 41, it says he appears to them and and in verse 41 says they to them and and in verse 41 says they to them and and in verse 41 says they did not believe. did not believe. did not believe. They couldn't believe their eyes. Well, They couldn't believe their eyes. Well, They couldn't believe their eyes. Well, of course not. They couldn't believe of course not. They couldn't believe of course not. They couldn't believe their eyes. So he says, "All right, uh their eyes. So he says, "All right, uh their eyes. So he says, "All right, uh ju- just to prove that I'm not a symbol ju- just to prove that I'm not a symbol ju- just to prove that I'm not a symbol or to prove that I'm not a hallucination or to prove that I'm not a hallucination or to prove that I'm not a hallucination or a phantom or something, give me a or a phantom or something, give me a or a phantom or something, give me a piece of fish." piece of fish." piece of fish." And uh now I don't have time, though I'm going to I don't have time, though I'm going to take a second here. I don't have time to take a second here. I don't have time to take a second here. I don't have time to show you all the reasons why you cannot show you all the reasons why you cannot show you all the reasons why you cannot read these passages as symbolic. read these passages as symbolic. read these passages as symbolic. You have to take them for what they You have to take them for what they You have to take them for what they claim to be, for what they're claim to be, for what they're claim to be, for what they're they are historic accounts claiming in they are historic accounts claiming in they are historic accounts claiming in full cry that Jesus Christ was raised full cry that Jesus Christ was raised full cry that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead in time, space, and from the dead in time, space, and from the dead in time, space, and history. history. history. Uh Uh Uh many, many uh literary scholars point many, many uh literary scholars point many, many uh literary scholars point out that that the uh these accounts have out that that the uh these accounts have out that that the uh these accounts have all the marks of oral history, all the marks of oral history, all the marks of oral history, eyewitness. I won't go through them. I eyewitness. I won't go through them. I eyewitness. I won't go through them. I mean, one I like to bring out, and I'll mean, one I like to bring out, and I'll mean, one I like to bring out, and I'll just bring out now, is as uh as you just bring out now, is as uh as you just bring out now, is as uh as you know, every single one of the know, every single one of the know, every single one of the resurrection accounts says that women resurrection accounts says that women resurrection accounts says that women were the first eyewitnesses to the were the first eyewitnesses to the were the first eyewitnesses to the resurrection. They were the first ones resurrection. They were the first ones resurrection. They were the first ones on the scene. They were the first ones on the scene. They were the first ones on the scene. They were the first ones to see the empty tomb. Now, you we know, to see the empty tomb. Now, you we know, to see the empty tomb. Now, you we know, of course, that in those days, women's of course, that in those days, women's of course, that in those days, women's status was very low, that they could not status was very low, that they could not status was very low, that they could not testify in court. If you were making up testify in court. If you were making up testify in court. If you were making up a story about the resurrection, you a story about the resurrection, you a story about the resurrection, you would never have women as the first would never have women as the first would never have women as the first eyewitnesses because ancient readers

eyewitnesses because ancient readers eyewitnesses because ancient readers would have been immediately prejudiced would have been immediately prejudiced would have been immediately prejudiced against that. And therefore, there is no against that. And therefore, there is no against that. And therefore, there is no plausible reason why you'd put women in plausible reason why you'd put women in plausible reason why you'd put women in the story if you're making it up. The the story if you're making it up. The the story if you're making it up. The only possible explanation for them being only possible explanation for them being only possible explanation for them being in the story is if they were actually in the story is if they were actually in the story is if they were actually there. there. there. And there are many, many, many reasons And there are many, many, many reasons And there are many, many, many reasons why you cannot take these things as why you cannot take these things as why you cannot take these things as legends. These are historic accounts legends. These are historic accounts legends. These are historic accounts claiming that Jesus Christ was raised claiming that Jesus Christ was raised claiming that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead. What does that mean? from the dead. What does that mean? from the dead. What does that mean? Here's what it means. If Jesus Christ was actually raised from If Jesus Christ was actually raised from the dead, the dead, the dead, that that that shatters paradigms that that that shatters paradigms that that that shatters paradigms because it's a historic fact. It's a because it's a historic fact. It's a because it's a historic fact. It's a terribly terribly terribly irritating, irritating, irritating, uh extraordinarily inconvenient, but uh extraordinarily inconvenient, but uh extraordinarily inconvenient, but difficult to dismiss fact. Any fact difficult to dismiss fact. Any fact difficult to dismiss fact. Any fact hurts your paradigms. I mean, you have a hurts your paradigms. I mean, you have a hurts your paradigms. I mean, you have a paradigm, meaning this is how I think paradigm, meaning this is how I think paradigm, meaning this is how I think about life, and then a fact comes in about life, and then a fact comes in about life, and then a fact comes in that contradicts the paradigm, and now that contradicts the paradigm, and now that contradicts the paradigm, and now what do I do? So, what do we mean by what do I do? So, what do we mean by what do I do? So, what do we mean by paradigms? Well, uh what if your paradigm is this life is uh what if your paradigm is this life is all there is? And when you die, that's all there is? And when you die, that's all there is? And when you die, that's it. It's gone. You're gone. That's it. it. It's gone. You're gone. That's it. it. It's gone. You're gone. That's it. There's nothing beyond this the grave.

There's nothing beyond this the grave. There's nothing beyond this the grave. Well, this shatters that paradigm. It Well, this shatters that paradigm. It Well, this shatters that paradigm. It says, "No, you're wrong." Uh-oh. says, "No, you're wrong." Uh-oh. says, "No, you're wrong." Uh-oh. Uh or what if your paradigm is, "Well, Uh or what if your paradigm is, "Well, Uh or what if your paradigm is, "Well, if there is a god, he's sort of remote, if there is a god, he's sort of remote, if there is a god, he's sort of remote, and I really don't have to, you know, and I really don't have to, you know, and I really don't have to, you know, he's out there. he's out there. he's out there. Maybe it's he, maybe it's it, maybe she. Maybe it's he, maybe it's it, maybe she. Maybe it's he, maybe it's it, maybe she. I don't know. The point is that I don't I don't know. The point is that I don't I don't know. The point is that I don't really have to deal with God. No, if if really have to deal with God. No, if if really have to deal with God. No, if if Jesus was risen from the dead, Jesus was risen from the dead, Jesus was risen from the dead, he's coming to you. he's coming to you. he's coming to you. You do have to deal with him. It You do have to deal with him. It You do have to deal with him. It shatters that paradigm. shatters that paradigm. shatters that paradigm. Or the paradigm that every religion's Or the paradigm that every religion's Or the paradigm that every religion's basically the same. basically the same. basically the same. That's a very reigning paradigm. It's That's a very reigning paradigm. It's That's a very reigning paradigm. It's all basically same and every religion is all basically same and every religion is all basically same and every religion is trying to get you to live better life. trying to get you to live better life. trying to get you to live better life. But if Jesus Christ is the son of God But if Jesus Christ is the son of God But if Jesus Christ is the son of God risen from the dead, no, then he's the risen from the dead, no, then he's the risen from the dead, no, then he's the way salvation comes. See, way salvation comes. See, way salvation comes. See, what's so inconvenient about this is what's so inconvenient about this is what's so inconvenient about this is people often talk to me about how they people often talk to me about how they people often talk to me about how they don't like this or that part of the don't like this or that part of the don't like this or that part of the Bible. Well, I don't like this part of Bible. Well, I don't like this part of Bible. Well, I don't like this part of the Bible or that part of the Bible's the Bible or that part of the Bible's the Bible or that part of the Bible's regressive, but you see, regressive, but you see, regressive, but you see, if this is just a symbol, if it's not a if this is just a symbol, if it's not a if this is just a symbol, if it's not a symbol, symbol, symbol, but he actually was raised from the but he actually was raised from the but he actually was raised from the dead, then your feelings about the Bible dead, then your feelings about the Bible dead, then your feelings about the Bible are irrelevant.

are irrelevant. are irrelevant. What it What it means, of course, is What it What it means, of course, is What it What it means, of course, is that because he was he really was raised that because he was he really was raised that because he was he really was raised from the dead, then you're going to have from the dead, then you're going to have from the dead, then you're going to have to deal with the Bible. So, the first thing we learn here is So, the first thing we learn here is that the resurrection is a that the resurrection is a that the resurrection is a paradigm-shattering historical event. paradigm-shattering historical event. paradigm-shattering historical event. Point one. Point one. Point one. That's what we get in the first part. That's what we get in the first part. That's what we get in the first part. That's why he's saying, "Hey, it's That's why he's saying, "Hey, it's That's why he's saying, "Hey, it's really me. I'm really here. This is really me. I'm really here. This is really me. I'm really here. This is happening, people. I am not a symbol. happening, people. I am not a symbol. happening, people. I am not a symbol. I'm not a hallucination. Give me a piece I'm not a hallucination. Give me a piece I'm not a hallucination. Give me a piece of fish. Here I am. Touch me. Feel me. of fish. Here I am. Touch me. Feel me. of fish. Here I am. Touch me. Feel me. It's me." It's me." It's me." The middle part, though, tells us The middle part, though, tells us The middle part, though, tells us something else about the resurrection, something else about the resurrection, something else about the resurrection, which is extraordinarily important which is extraordinarily important which is extraordinarily important because just as a historical fact, because just as a historical fact, because just as a historical fact, that's not going to help you. that's not going to help you. that's not going to help you. Just to say, "Okay, he rose from the Just to say, "Okay, he rose from the Just to say, "Okay, he rose from the dead. A guy got up out of the grave." dead. A guy got up out of the grave." dead. A guy got up out of the grave." Wow, never happened before and ever Wow, never happened before and ever Wow, never happened before and ever since, but what's that mean to me? since, but what's that mean to me? since, but what's that mean to me? Point point two. This is why sermons Point point two. This is why sermons Point point two. This is why sermons have point two. Okay? have point two. Okay? have point two. Okay? In the middle of the passage, we're told In the middle of the passage, we're told In the middle of the passage, we're told he suddenly starts teaching them the he suddenly starts teaching them the he suddenly starts teaching them the Bible. Bible. Bible. I mean, really, he he was with them for I mean, really, he he was with them for I mean, really, he he was with them for 3 years. Why didn't he teach them the 3 years. Why didn't he teach them the 3 years. Why didn't he teach them the Bible before?

Bible before? Bible before? It says, "This is what I told you when I It says, "This is what I told you when I It says, "This is what I told you when I was still with you. Everything must be was still with you. Everything must be was still with you. Everything must be fulfilled as written about me in the law fulfilled as written about me in the law fulfilled as written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the Psalms." of Moses, the prophets, and the Psalms." of Moses, the prophets, and the Psalms." Now, Now, Now, that is a survey. That's a way of that is a survey. That's a way of that is a survey. That's a way of talking about the entirety of the Hebrew talking about the entirety of the Hebrew talking about the entirety of the Hebrew scriptures. scriptures. scriptures. All of what uh we Christians call the All of what uh we Christians call the All of what uh we Christians call the Old Testament, the Hebrew scriptures. Old Testament, the Hebrew scriptures. Old Testament, the Hebrew scriptures. The law of Moses, the prophets, and the The law of Moses, the prophets, and the The law of Moses, the prophets, and the Psalms. He says, Psalms. He says, Psalms. He says, "It's all about me." And then it says "It's all about me." And then it says "It's all about me." And then it says verse 45, "Then he opened their minds so verse 45, "Then he opened their minds so verse 45, "Then he opened their minds so they could understand the scripture." they could understand the scripture." they could understand the scripture." Now, what's interesting about this is Now, what's interesting about this is Now, what's interesting about this is he'd been with them for 3 years and he'd been with them for 3 years and he'd been with them for 3 years and surely he was teaching them a lot, but surely he was teaching them a lot, but surely he was teaching them a lot, but why in the world was it now that he why in the world was it now that he why in the world was it now that he decided, "Now I'm going to tell you what decided, "Now I'm going to tell you what decided, "Now I'm going to tell you what the Bible's all about." the Bible's all about." the Bible's all about." "I can now show you the message of the "I can now show you the message of the "I can now show you the message of the Bible. Bible. Bible. Now that I'm raised from the dead, now Now that I'm raised from the dead, now Now that I'm raised from the dead, now you can understand why." you can understand why." you can understand why." Why is it that the scripture Why is it Why is it that the scripture Why is it Why is it that the scripture Why is it the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the key to understanding the message of the key to understanding the message of the key to understanding the message of the entire Bible? And by the way, here we're entire Bible? And by the way, here we're entire Bible? And by the way, here we're talking about the Old Testament, right? talking about the Old Testament, right? talking about the Old Testament, right? Why is the resurrection of Jesus the key Why is the resurrection of Jesus the key Why is the resurrection of Jesus the key to understanding the whole Bible? Why to understanding the whole Bible? Why to understanding the whole Bible? Why now is it that he's able to do it?

now is it that he's able to do it? now is it that he's able to do it? Well, here's my Here's a way to Well, here's my Here's a way to Well, here's my Here's a way to understand this. Let's use St. Paul as a understand this. Let's use St. Paul as a understand this. Let's use St. Paul as a case study. case study. case study. St. Paul St. Paul St. Paul was originally named Saul, and Saul was was originally named Saul, and Saul was was originally named Saul, and Saul was a Jewish religious leader and he was a a Jewish religious leader and he was a a Jewish religious leader and he was a theologian. He knew the the scripture theologian. He knew the the scripture theologian. He knew the the scripture inside out. inside out. inside out. And like most uh Jewish leaders, And like most uh Jewish leaders, And like most uh Jewish leaders, uh he knew the he knew the uh the uh he knew the he knew the uh the uh he knew the he knew the uh the scriptures inside out and the idea that scriptures inside out and the idea that scriptures inside out and the idea that Jesus Christ was the Messiah he found Jesus Christ was the Messiah he found Jesus Christ was the Messiah he found outrageous. outrageous. outrageous. He thought it was crazy. He thought it was crazy. He thought it was crazy. Now, why? Now, why? Now, why? Actually, it's quite understandable. Actually, it's quite understandable. Actually, it's quite understandable. Totally understandable. Why? Totally understandable. Why? Totally understandable. Why? Well, think of the word Messiah. Well, think of the word Messiah. Well, think of the word Messiah. Uh Uh Uh there's many things about the Messiah in there's many things about the Messiah in there's many things about the Messiah in the Old Testament, many things about the the Old Testament, many things about the the Old Testament, many things about the Messiah, but the word Messiah means Messiah, but the word Messiah means Messiah, but the word Messiah means Messiah means the anointed prince, the Messiah means the anointed prince, the Messiah means the anointed prince, the anointed one. anointed one. anointed one. And to be anointed means you're chosen, And to be anointed means you're chosen, And to be anointed means you're chosen, you're loved. God chooses you and loves you're loved. God chooses you and loves you're loved. God chooses you and loves you and blesses you. So, the Messiah is you and blesses you. So, the Messiah is you and blesses you. So, the Messiah is loved by God loved by God loved by God and pleases God and um God is present and pleases God and um God is present and pleases God and um God is present with him, right? Okay. And now here's with him, right? Okay. And now here's with him, right? Okay. And now here's Jesus Jesus Jesus on the cross. Jesus Christ dies saying, on the cross. Jesus Christ dies saying, on the cross. Jesus Christ dies saying, "My God, my God, why has thou forsaken "My God, my God, why has thou forsaken "My God, my God, why has thou forsaken me?"

me?" me?" Uh, Jesus is is crucified. He Both the Uh, Jesus is is crucified. He Both the Uh, Jesus is is crucified. He Both the Romans and the Jews believe that anyone Romans and the Jews believe that anyone Romans and the Jews believe that anyone who is crucified must have been the who is crucified must have been the who is crucified must have been the lowest of the low. It was It was the lowest of the low. It was It was the lowest of the low. It was It was the most ignominious of deaths. most ignominious of deaths. most ignominious of deaths. Uh, there is a place in Deuteronomy Uh, there is a place in Deuteronomy Uh, there is a place in Deuteronomy where it says, "Cursed is he who is hung where it says, "Cursed is he who is hung where it says, "Cursed is he who is hung on a tree." on a tree." on a tree." And so Paul, I think Saul was really And so Paul, I think Saul was really And so Paul, I think Saul was really saying, "Wait a minute. The Messiah is saying, "Wait a minute. The Messiah is saying, "Wait a minute. The Messiah is someone who God is with and who God someone who God is with and who God someone who God is with and who God loves and who God is pleased with and it loves and who God is pleased with and it loves and who God is pleased with and it was clear that this Jesus was abandoned was clear that this Jesus was abandoned was clear that this Jesus was abandoned by God. He was cursed." by God. He was cursed." by God. He was cursed." He died on a tree and he even says, "Why He died on a tree and he even says, "Why He died on a tree and he even says, "Why have you forsaken me?" have you forsaken me?" have you forsaken me?" Now, what fo- What kind of fools do you Now, what fo- What kind of fools do you Now, what fo- What kind of fools do you take us for? I think Saul and his take us for? I think Saul and his take us for? I think Saul and his friends said to the Christians. friends said to the Christians. friends said to the Christians. They said, "What kind of Messiah is They said, "What kind of Messiah is They said, "What kind of Messiah is that? that? that? God would be with the Messiah. God would God would be with the Messiah. God would God would be with the Messiah. God would be pleased with the Messiah. Why in the be pleased with the Messiah. Why in the be pleased with the Messiah. Why in the world was he abandoned? Why was he world was he abandoned? Why was he world was he abandoned? Why was he cursed? What kind of salvation could a cursed? What kind of salvation could a cursed? What kind of salvation could a Messiah like that bring? Forget it." Messiah like that bring? Forget it." Messiah like that bring? Forget it." And then, Acts chapter 9 says And then, Acts chapter 9 says And then, Acts chapter 9 says that Saul met the risen Christ on the that Saul met the risen Christ on the that Saul met the risen Christ on the road to Damascus.

road to Damascus. road to Damascus. He saw the divine glory. He saw the divine glory. He saw the divine glory. He heard the voice. He heard the voice. He heard the voice. He said, "Who are you, Lord?" He said, "Who are you, Lord?" He said, "Who are you, Lord?" And to his everlasting astonishment, he And to his everlasting astonishment, he And to his everlasting astonishment, he heard the words, heard the words, heard the words, "I'm Jesus." "I'm Jesus." "I'm Jesus." Now, you If you know the story, he was Now, you If you know the story, he was Now, you If you know the story, he was struck blind and he spent some days in struck blind and he spent some days in struck blind and he spent some days in Damascus thinking. Damascus thinking. Damascus thinking. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> Thinking. >> Thinking. >> Thinking. And then we know when when he he was And then we know when when he he was And then we know when when he he was healed of his blindness, he became a healed of his blindness, he became a healed of his blindness, he became a Christian preacher and he began to Christian preacher and he began to Christian preacher and he began to preach preach preach exactly like it is indicated here. He exactly like it is indicated here. He exactly like it is indicated here. He began to preach the law of Moses and the began to preach the law of Moses and the began to preach the law of Moses and the Psalms and the prophets as saying that Psalms and the prophets as saying that Psalms and the prophets as saying that Jesus Christ Jesus was the Christ, the Jesus Christ Jesus was the Christ, the Jesus Christ Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah. Messiah. Messiah. Now, what happened Now, what happened Now, what happened when he was when he was when he was in the darkness? What was he thinking in the darkness? What was he thinking in the darkness? What was he thinking about? And in my This is a bit about? And in my This is a bit about? And in my This is a bit speculative, but not too speculative speculative, but not too speculative speculative, but not too speculative because we do have the rest of the New because we do have the rest of the New because we do have the rest of the New Testament written by so much of it Testament written by so much of it Testament written by so much of it written by Paul Saul, written by Paul Saul, written by Paul Saul, Saul who became Paul. And here's what I Saul who became Paul. And here's what I Saul who became Paul. And here's what I think he must have been thinking. think he must have been thinking. think he must have been thinking. He's saying, "Now, wait a minute. He's saying, "Now, wait a minute. He's saying, "Now, wait a minute. Jesus was raised from the dead. I saw Jesus was raised from the dead. I saw Jesus was raised from the dead. I saw him. So, God was pleased with him.

him. So, God was pleased with him. him. So, God was pleased with him. God vindicated him. God vindicated him. God vindicated him. God did bless him. He was pleased with God did bless him. He was pleased with God did bless him. He was pleased with him. him. him. All right. But then when he was dying on All right. But then when he was dying on All right. But then when he was dying on the cross and saying, 'God, my why has the cross and saying, 'God, my why has the cross and saying, 'God, my why has thou forsaken me?' He couldn't have been thou forsaken me?' He couldn't have been thou forsaken me?' He couldn't have been being punished for his sins. He couldn't being punished for his sins. He couldn't being punished for his sins. He couldn't have been abandoned and cursed for his have been abandoned and cursed for his have been abandoned and cursed for his sins. He must have been abandoned and sins. He must have been abandoned and sins. He must have been abandoned and cursed for somebody else's sin. And cursed for somebody else's sin. And cursed for somebody else's sin. And suddenly with that, he turns and he suddenly with that, he turns and he suddenly with that, he turns and he starts looking through the whole starts looking through the whole starts looking through the whole of the entirety of the Hebrew of the entirety of the Hebrew of the entirety of the Hebrew scriptures. And he goes to the book of scriptures. And he goes to the book of scriptures. And he goes to the book of Isaiah. Isaiah. Isaiah. And Isaiah's about the Messiah, but the And Isaiah's about the Messiah, but the And Isaiah's about the Messiah, but the first half of Isaiah is all about the first half of Isaiah is all about the first half of Isaiah is all about the Messiah who's a strong king, but the Messiah who's a strong king, but the Messiah who's a strong king, but the last half of Isaiah is about a suffering last half of Isaiah is about a suffering last half of Isaiah is about a suffering servant servant servant who comes in weakness and who dies for who comes in weakness and who dies for who comes in weakness and who dies for the sins of the people. Well, now, how the sins of the people. Well, now, how the sins of the people. Well, now, how in the world could those two figures be in the world could those two figures be in the world could those two figures be one? one? one? Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. And then he thinks about the entire And then he thinks about the entire And then he thinks about the entire sacrificial system. He thinks about the sacrificial system. He thinks about the sacrificial system. He thinks about the tabernacle and the temple. And all the tabernacle and the temple. And all the tabernacle and the temple. And all the the the sacrifices, the blood of bulls the the sacrifices, the blood of bulls the the sacrifices, the blood of bulls and goats. Does it make sense that the and goats. Does it make sense that the and goats. Does it make sense that the blood of bulls and goats and animals and blood of bulls and goats and animals and blood of bulls and goats and animals and lambs, little lambies, lambs, little lambies, lambs, little lambies, slaughtering them, that that could slaughtering them, that that could slaughtering them, that that could possibly atone for sin? How could that possibly atone for sin? How could that possibly atone for sin? How could that atone for sin? It would make more sense atone for sin? It would make more sense atone for sin? It would make more sense if they actually pointed to something if they actually pointed to something if they actually pointed to something else. Oh. Wait a minute.

else. Oh. Wait a minute. else. Oh. Wait a minute. The sacrifice of Jesus. And then he The sacrifice of Jesus. And then he The sacrifice of Jesus. And then he thinks of Jeremiah and Ezekiel. He goes thinks of Jeremiah and Ezekiel. He goes thinks of Jeremiah and Ezekiel. He goes to those places in the prophets where to those places in the prophets where to those places in the prophets where they talk about God setting up a new they talk about God setting up a new they talk about God setting up a new covenant. A new covenant in which he covenant. A new covenant in which he covenant. A new covenant in which he sends his spirit right into our lives sends his spirit right into our lives sends his spirit right into our lives and he knows us personally and there and he knows us personally and there and he knows us personally and there doesn't seem to be any need for high doesn't seem to be any need for high doesn't seem to be any need for high priests and sacrifices and temples and priests and sacrifices and temples and priests and sacrifices and temples and tabernacles. How could that be? Oh. tabernacles. How could that be? Oh. tabernacles. How could that be? Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh, Jesus. And then even the promise to Abraham And then even the promise to Abraham where God says to Abraham, "I'm not just where God says to Abraham, "I'm not just where God says to Abraham, "I'm not just going to give you a wonderful going to give you a wonderful going to give you a wonderful people. I'm not just going to make your people. I'm not just going to make your people. I'm not just going to make your descendants great, but I'm going to descendants great, but I'm going to descendants great, but I'm going to through your descendants bless through your descendants bless through your descendants bless all the nations of the earth." How would all the nations of the earth." How would all the nations of the earth." How would that happen? Jesus. that happen? Jesus. that happen? Jesus. And suddenly, here's what here's what And suddenly, here's what here's what And suddenly, here's what here's what Paul saw. Paul saw. Paul saw. Paul had expected a strong Messiah for a Paul had expected a strong Messiah for a Paul had expected a strong Messiah for a strong people. He expected that if the Messiah came, He expected that if the Messiah came, he'd be a person of strength and he he'd be a person of strength and he he'd be a person of strength and he would rally the people and he would would rally the people and he would would rally the people and he would bring together an army and then the the bring together an army and then the the bring together an army and then the the strong people who would follow him and strong people who would follow him and strong people who would follow him and would be virtuous and and faithful, they would be virtuous and and faithful, they would be virtuous and and faithful, they would be rewarded with salvation. A would be rewarded with salvation. A would be rewarded with salvation. A strong strong strong Messiah for strong people. He'd save the Messiah for strong people. He'd save the Messiah for strong people. He'd save the strong people.

strong people. strong people. But what the Bible's really talking But what the Bible's really talking But what the Bible's really talking about and the only thing that makes about and the only thing that makes about and the only thing that makes sense of every part of it, sense of every part of it, sense of every part of it, the only thing that brings it all the only thing that brings it all the only thing that brings it all together, together, together, is the Messiah was a weak Messiah. is the Messiah was a weak Messiah. is the Messiah was a weak Messiah. Who came in weakness and went to the Who came in weakness and went to the Who came in weakness and went to the cross cross cross and took the punishment our sins deserve and took the punishment our sins deserve and took the punishment our sins deserve and atone for sin so that God could come and atone for sin so that God could come and atone for sin so that God could come right into our lives. right into our lives. right into our lives. And so that's a weak Messiah for those And so that's a weak Messiah for those And so that's a weak Messiah for those who admit they're weak, those who admit who admit they're weak, those who admit who admit they're weak, those who admit they're sinners, those who admit they're they're sinners, those who admit they're they're sinners, those who admit they're not strong, they're not virtuous, they not strong, they're not virtuous, they not strong, they're not virtuous, they can't be. can't be. can't be. That they're broken and they're moral That they're broken and they're moral That they're broken and they're moral failures and they need salvation by failures and they need salvation by failures and they need salvation by sheer grace. sheer grace. sheer grace. And Paul could not see it and you and I And Paul could not see it and you and I And Paul could not see it and you and I cannot see it and Jesus knew we could cannot see it and Jesus knew we could cannot see it and Jesus knew we could not understand the entirety of the Bible not understand the entirety of the Bible not understand the entirety of the Bible until he was risen from the dead. until he was risen from the dead. until he was risen from the dead. And from that vantage point, everything And from that vantage point, everything And from that vantage point, everything makes sense. That's the message of the makes sense. That's the message of the makes sense. That's the message of the Bible. Bible. Bible. The gospel, the central message of the The gospel, the central message of the The gospel, the central message of the Bible. Jesus says, "Now you can see it. Bible. Jesus says, "Now you can see it. Bible. Jesus says, "Now you can see it. Do you see it?" Do you see it?" Do you see it?" Hm? Hm? Hm? Do you see it? Now, the last part of the passage tells Now, the last part of the passage tells us one more thing. us one more thing. us one more thing. Not just that the resurrection is a Not just that the resurrection is a Not just that the resurrection is a paradigm-shattering historical event, paradigm-shattering historical event, paradigm-shattering historical event, not just the resurrection is the key to not just the resurrection is the key to not just the resurrection is the key to you you you all of the scripture all of the scripture all of the scripture but lastly the resurrection is the but lastly the resurrection is the but lastly the resurrection is the strongest message of hope strongest message of hope strongest message of hope for the world possible.

for the world possible. for the world possible. It's the strongest message of hope for It's the strongest message of hope for It's the strongest message of hope for the world possible. That is an the world possible. That is an the world possible. That is an that's a pretty amazing claim. I'm that's a pretty amazing claim. I'm that's a pretty amazing claim. I'm sorry, but I'm going to make it and I'm sorry, but I'm going to make it and I'm sorry, but I'm going to make it and I'm going to try to back it up. going to try to back it up. going to try to back it up. You see it here in the beginning in the You see it here in the beginning in the You see it here in the beginning in the end when he says this is this is the end when he says this is this is the end when he says this is this is the message the Messiah will suffer and rise message the Messiah will suffer and rise message the Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead from the dead from the dead and repentance for forgiveness of sins and repentance for forgiveness of sins and repentance for forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name and you are will be preached in his name and you are will be preached in his name and you are witnesses and I'm sending you forth. So witnesses and I'm sending you forth. So witnesses and I'm sending you forth. So this is the message he sends the this is the message he sends the this is the message he sends the disciples out into the world with. This disciples out into the world with. This disciples out into the world with. This is the greatest message of hope is the greatest message of hope is the greatest message of hope possible. Now why do I say that? Well, possible. Now why do I say that? Well, possible. Now why do I say that? Well, hope hope hope has to do with the future. has to do with the future. has to do with the future. I call it a message of hope because I I call it a message of hope because I I call it a message of hope because I have to do with the future and what is have to do with the future and what is have to do with the future and what is Jesus Christ telling us about the Jesus Christ telling us about the Jesus Christ telling us about the future? If he is risen from the dead, future? If he is risen from the dead, future? If he is risen from the dead, here's what we can know about the here's what we can know about the here's what we can know about the future. Number one, future. Number one, future. Number one, that there is a future. that there is a future. that there is a future. That the future is there. That the future is there. That the future is there. See in Jesus day Epicurus one of the See in Jesus day Epicurus one of the See in Jesus day Epicurus one of the major Greek philosophers and today major Greek philosophers and today major Greek philosophers and today many people say that when you die that's many people say that when you die that's many people say that when you die that's it. it. it. It's over. It's like you know Steve Jobs It's over. It's like you know Steve Jobs It's over. It's like you know Steve Jobs just before he died said I hope just before he died said I hope just before he died said I hope something survives but it's more likely something survives but it's more likely something survives but it's more likely Did you read this? Steve Jobs said it's Did you read this? Steve Jobs said it's Did you read this? Steve Jobs said it's more likely that life is like an off-on more likely that life is like an off-on more likely that life is like an off-on switch and when you die you just click switch and when you die you just click switch and when you die you just click off and that's it. There's no more you.

off and that's it. There's no more you. off and that's it. There's no more you. You're just not there. Then he laughed You're just not there. Then he laughed You're just not there. Then he laughed and he said to the interviewer it's kind and he said to the interviewer it's kind and he said to the interviewer it's kind of why I never put on off switches on of why I never put on off switches on of why I never put on off switches on Apples and Macs the thing. Uh Apples and Macs the thing. Uh Apples and Macs the thing. Uh But he says I think that's probably what But he says I think that's probably what But he says I think that's probably what it is. It just means that when you die it is. It just means that when you die it is. It just means that when you die that's it. In other words, what most that's it. In other words, what most that's it. In other words, what most people will say today is there is no people will say today is there is no people will say today is there is no future outside of the darkness and the future outside of the darkness and the future outside of the darkness and the fragility and the difficulty and the fragility and the difficulty and the fragility and the difficulty and the misery of this life. This life is nasty, misery of this life. This life is nasty, misery of this life. This life is nasty, brutish, and short and then it's it. brutish, and short and then it's it. brutish, and short and then it's it. So there is no future beyond this life. So there is no future beyond this life. So there is no future beyond this life. But, if Jesus Christ has raised in the But, if Jesus Christ has raised in the But, if Jesus Christ has raised in the dead, there is a future. You are not just dust in the wind. You You are not just dust in the wind. You are not just are not just are not just a stone that's fallen to the bottom to a stone that's fallen to the bottom to a stone that's fallen to the bottom to be lost forever. be lost forever. be lost forever. You You You If you believe they See, back then, If you believe they See, back then, If you believe they See, back then, people believed the eyewitnesses to the people believed the eyewitnesses to the people believed the eyewitnesses to the resurrection, and they knew there was a resurrection, and they knew there was a resurrection, and they knew there was a future. And you can also believe the future. And you can also believe the future. And you can also believe the eyewitnesses to the resurrection. And eyewitnesses to the resurrection. And eyewitnesses to the resurrection. And you can also know there's a future. So, you can also know there's a future. So, you can also know there's a future. So, first of all, the message of the first of all, the message of the first of all, the message of the resurrection is that there is a future, resurrection is that there is a future, resurrection is that there is a future, but that's not all. It's not just that but that's not all. It's not just that but that's not all. It's not just that the future is there.

the future is there. the future is there. Secondly, that the future is personal. Personal. Personal. See, there's many people that would say, See, there's many people that would say, See, there's many people that would say, "Oh, no, when you die, you continue." "Oh, no, when you die, you continue." "Oh, no, when you die, you continue." Oh, you continue after you die. Sure, Oh, you continue after you die. Sure, Oh, you continue after you die. Sure, you do. you do. you do. But, you continue as part of the world, But, you continue as part of the world, But, you continue as part of the world, or as part of nature, or as part of the or as part of nature, or as part of the or as part of nature, or as part of the universe. So, you're part of, you know, universe. So, you're part of, you know, universe. So, you're part of, you know, Now, one of the most lyrical, and Now, one of the most lyrical, and Now, one of the most lyrical, and slightly comical, but one of the most slightly comical, but one of the most slightly comical, but one of the most lyrical and popular versions of this lyrical and popular versions of this lyrical and popular versions of this idea that when you die, you're still idea that when you die, you're still idea that when you die, you're still part of life, and you're still part of part of life, and you're still part of part of life, and you're still part of the world, you just you continue, is The the world, you just you continue, is The the world, you just you continue, is The Lion King, right? Lion King, right? Lion King, right? The uh when you die, you become part of The uh when you die, you become part of The uh when you die, you become part of the circle of life. What's the circle of the circle of life. What's the circle of the circle of life. What's the circle of life? Well, you die, and and you become life? Well, you die, and and you become life? Well, you die, and and you become part of the ground, and you fertilize part of the ground, and you fertilize part of the ground, and you fertilize the ground, and up come the ground, and up come the ground, and up come from from the fertilized ground uh from from the fertilized ground uh from from the fertilized ground uh uh plants, and they're eaten by animals, uh plants, and they're eaten by animals, uh plants, and they're eaten by animals, and the animals are eaten by us, and and the animals are eaten by us, and and the animals are eaten by us, and then we die, and we become part of the then we die, and we become part of the then we die, and we become part of the circle of life. circle of life. circle of life. And so, it's You continue, you're part And so, it's You continue, you're part And so, it's You continue, you're part of the circle of life. of the circle of life. of the circle of life. Now, Eastern religions say it a little Now, Eastern religions say it a little Now, Eastern religions say it a little differently. They would say, "Well, um differently. They would say, "Well, um differently. They would say, "Well, um you know, the material world is a an you know, the material world is a an you know, the material world is a an illusion, and your personal identity's illusion, and your personal identity's illusion, and your personal identity's an illusion, and you just become part of an illusion, and you just become part of an illusion, and you just become part of the great all soul when you die. So, you the great all soul when you die. So, you the great all soul when you die. So, you continue."

continue." continue." The The ancient Greek Stoic philosophers The The ancient Greek Stoic philosophers The The ancient Greek Stoic philosophers said the same thing. "Oh, you continue, said the same thing. "Oh, you continue, said the same thing. "Oh, you continue, but of course, you're part of the circle but of course, you're part of the circle but of course, you're part of the circle of life," or something like that. Now, of life," or something like that. Now, of life," or something like that. Now, let's be honest. let's be honest. let's be honest. Please. The deepest desire of your heart is not The deepest desire of your heart is not just to continue. just to continue. just to continue. The deepest desire of your heart The deepest desire of your heart The deepest desire of your heart is for love. is for love. is for love. You want to love and you want to be You want to love and you want to be You want to love and you want to be loved. That's what you want. And you loved. That's what you want. And you loved. That's what you want. And you can't do that unless you exist can't do that unless you exist can't do that unless you exist personally. personally. personally. You can't love and be loved as part of You can't love and be loved as part of You can't love and be loved as part of the circle of life. the circle of life. the circle of life. You can't love and be loved if you You can't love and be loved if you You can't love and be loved if you unless you're personal. unless you're personal. unless you're personal. And so one of the things that I And so one of the things that I And so one of the things that I with all due respect is disingenuous with all due respect is disingenuous with all due respect is disingenuous about saying, "Hey, about saying, "Hey, about saying, "Hey, there's nothing to be afraid of. When there's nothing to be afraid of. When there's nothing to be afraid of. When you die, either there's nothing, that's you die, either there's nothing, that's you die, either there's nothing, that's it. You're not around. Uh there's no it. You're not around. Uh there's no it. You're not around. Uh there's no pain, of course, so there's nothing to pain, of course, so there's nothing to pain, of course, so there's nothing to be afraid of. Or you become part of the be afraid of. Or you become part of the be afraid of. Or you become part of the circle of life, you become part of circle of life, you become part of circle of life, you become part of nature, you become part of the universe nature, you become part of the universe nature, you become part of the universe in some other way. There's nothing to be in some other way. There's nothing to be in some other way. There's nothing to be afraid of. Don't say that."

afraid of. Don't say that." afraid of. Don't say that." If the main thing in our lives that we If the main thing in our lives that we If the main thing in our lives that we most want is love and to be loved, don't most want is love and to be loved, don't most want is love and to be loved, don't say there's nothing to be afraid of that say there's nothing to be afraid of that say there's nothing to be afraid of that that that's it. that that's it. that that's it. It means that as you if you live long It means that as you if you live long It means that as you if you live long enough, enough, enough, death will be taking every single one of death will be taking every single one of death will be taking every single one of your loved ones away. And then finally, your loved ones away. And then finally, your loved ones away. And then finally, when you die, it will strip you of the when you die, it will strip you of the when you die, it will strip you of the ability to love or the ability to be ability to love or the ability to be ability to love or the ability to be loved. loved. loved. It'll strip you of everything that It'll strip you of everything that It'll strip you of everything that matters to you. And you're telling me, matters to you. And you're telling me, matters to you. And you're telling me, "Don't be afraid." "Don't be afraid." "Don't be afraid." There's no solace in the idea that you There's no solace in the idea that you There's no solace in the idea that you continue somehow. There's no solace continue somehow. There's no solace continue somehow. There's no solace there. there. there. But if Jesus But if Jesus But if Jesus was raised from the dead, then the deepest desire of your heart then the deepest desire of your heart will be fulfilled. Why? Cuz what does he will be fulfilled. Why? Cuz what does he will be fulfilled. Why? Cuz what does he say? You see what he says. It is I say? You see what he says. It is I say? You see what he says. It is I myself. Do you see this? myself. Do you see this? myself. Do you see this? "Why are you troubled? Why do doubts "Why are you troubled? Why do doubts "Why are you troubled? Why do doubts arise in your mind? Look at my hands and arise in your mind? Look at my hands and arise in your mind? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself. It's still me. my feet. It is I myself. It's still me. my feet. It is I myself. It's still me. I'm not part of some kind of force. I'm not part of some kind of force. I'm not part of some kind of force. It's still the me that you knew before It's still the me that you knew before It's still the me that you knew before with a new body. That is what your heart needs. That is That is what your heart needs. That is what your heart wants.

what your heart wants. what your heart wants. Don't try to console it Don't try to console it Don't try to console it with anything else because it will not with anything else because it will not with anything else because it will not be consoled. be consoled. be consoled. You see, if the resurrection of Jesus You see, if the resurrection of Jesus You see, if the resurrection of Jesus Christ is real, if it happened, if it's Christ is real, if it happened, if it's Christ is real, if it happened, if it's a historical event, and it did, a historical event, and it did, a historical event, and it did, then the future is there, the future is then the future is there, the future is then the future is there, the future is personal. Thirdly, the future is personal. Thirdly, the future is personal. Thirdly, the future is certain. Uh now, here's what I mean by certain. Uh now, here's what I mean by certain. Uh now, here's what I mean by that. that. that. Um there are religions, of course, that Um there are religions, of course, that Um there are religions, of course, that say, "Well, yes, we believe that when say, "Well, yes, we believe that when say, "Well, yes, we believe that when you die, you go to paradise, and you you die, you go to paradise, and you you die, you go to paradise, and you keep your personality, and you love, and keep your personality, and you love, and keep your personality, and you love, and you're loved, but you got to be a good you're loved, but you got to be a good you're loved, but you got to be a good person. You better live a good life. You person. You better live a good life. You person. You better live a good life. You better obey all the rules, or you may better obey all the rules, or you may better obey all the rules, or you may not go to heaven." not go to heaven." not go to heaven." And so, we're down here on my world, no, And so, we're down here on my world, no, And so, we're down here on my world, no, we're kind of nervous, you know, scared, we're kind of nervous, you know, scared, we're kind of nervous, you know, scared, isn't that right? isn't that right? isn't that right? But see, you're But see, you're But see, you're the resurrection. the resurrection. the resurrection. The resurrection The resurrection The resurrection means that when Jesus Christ died on the means that when Jesus Christ died on the means that when Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay for our sins, when he was cross to pay for our sins, when he was cross to pay for our sins, when he was resurrected, that means he paid it. resurrected, that means he paid it. resurrected, that means he paid it. It means it was paid in full. It means it was paid in full. It means it was paid in full. You know, if some if if the if the uh You know, if some if if the if the uh You know, if some if if the if the uh the penalty for breaking a law is 5 the penalty for breaking a law is 5 the penalty for breaking a law is 5 years in jail, years in jail, years in jail, then when you go into jail for 5 years, then when you go into jail for 5 years, then when you go into jail for 5 years, when the 5 years are up, you've paid.

when the 5 years are up, you've paid. when the 5 years are up, you've paid. You're free. There's no more claims, and You're free. There's no more claims, and You're free. There's no more claims, and you're sprung. You get out. you're sprung. You get out. you're sprung. You get out. And when Jesus Christ went to the cross, And when Jesus Christ went to the cross, And when Jesus Christ went to the cross, and he was forsaken, he took everything and he was forsaken, he took everything and he was forsaken, he took everything that we deserve that we deserve that we deserve for our sins. When he was raised, that for our sins. When he was raised, that for our sins. When he was raised, that means he paid it. There's nothing more means he paid it. There's nothing more means he paid it. There's nothing more to be paid. to be paid. to be paid. Now, do you know what that means? Now, do you know what that means? Now, do you know what that means? Certainty. Look, Kathy and I love, my Certainty. Look, Kathy and I love, my Certainty. Look, Kathy and I love, my wife and I is one of our favorite wife and I is one of our favorite wife and I is one of our favorite stores. It's in Queens. It's stores. It's in Queens. It's stores. It's in Queens. It's it's on the East River. It's called it's on the East River. It's called it's on the East River. It's called Costco. Costco. Costco. It's a what urban Costco is an amazing It's a what urban Costco is an amazing It's a what urban Costco is an amazing experience. Have you ever been to an experience. Have you ever been to an experience. Have you ever been to an urban Costco? It's an astounding urban Costco? It's an astounding urban Costco? It's an astounding experience. Like the it's it's experience. Like the it's it's experience. Like the it's it's globalization. It's like every globalization. It's like every globalization. It's like every nationality. It's interesting to watch nationality. It's interesting to watch nationality. It's interesting to watch family dynamics, family dynamics, family dynamics, you know, in on from five different you know, in on from five different you know, in on from five different continents. This Costco is on the East continents. This Costco is on the East continents. This Costco is on the East River. It's right where Astoria and Long River. It's right where Astoria and Long River. It's right where Astoria and Long Island City come together. I'm not Island City come together. I'm not Island City come together. I'm not really sure if it's Astoria or Long really sure if it's Astoria or Long really sure if it's Astoria or Long Island City, but we go there relatively Island City, but we go there relatively Island City, but we go there relatively often. And often. And often. And when you're going to the door with your when you're going to the door with your when you're going to the door with your merchandise, merchandise, merchandise, there is these big burly there is these big burly there is these big burly staff who block your way.

staff who block your way. staff who block your way. And then you have to get out your And then you have to get out your And then you have to get out your receipt. receipt. receipt. And they say, "Let me see that." And And they say, "Let me see that." And And they say, "Let me see that." And then they go down, "All right, you can then they go down, "All right, you can then they go down, "All right, you can get out." Now, it's usually get out." Now, it's usually get out." Now, it's usually that's exaggerated. It's more cordial that's exaggerated. It's more cordial that's exaggerated. It's more cordial than that, actually. than that, actually. than that, actually. But you know the point, don't you know But you know the point, don't you know But you know the point, don't you know the point? the point? the point? The receipt means you owe nothing more. The receipt means you owe nothing more. The receipt means you owe nothing more. You're free to go. You're free to go. You're free to go. And you know what the resurrection is? And you know what the resurrection is? And you know what the resurrection is? It's a giant receipt It's a giant receipt It's a giant receipt stamped across history stamped across history stamped across history that says, "Those who believe in Jesus that says, "Those who believe in Jesus that says, "Those who believe in Jesus Christ, it's paid in full." Christ, it's paid in full." Christ, it's paid in full." You don't have to worry. You don't have You don't have to worry. You don't have You don't have to worry. You don't have to wonder. to wonder. to wonder. Your future is not just there. It's not Your future is not just there. It's not Your future is not just there. It's not just personal. It's certain. just personal. It's certain. just personal. It's certain. But lastly, and this is the last, But lastly, and this is the last, But lastly, and this is the last, it's unimaginably wonderful, too. it's unimaginably wonderful, too. it's unimaginably wonderful, too. Other religions do promise Other religions do promise Other religions do promise a personal future in paradise. No other a personal future in paradise. No other a personal future in paradise. No other religion promises resurrection. religion promises resurrection. religion promises resurrection. There's no other religion that actually There's no other religion that actually There's no other religion that actually promises that. That you believe in Jesus promises that. That you believe in Jesus promises that. That you believe in Jesus Christ, you don't simply live forever in Christ, you don't simply live forever in Christ, you don't simply live forever in some kind of spiritual netherworld. You some kind of spiritual netherworld. You some kind of spiritual netherworld. You get a new body, see?

get a new body, see? get a new body, see? A body. He gets a body. A body. He gets a body. A body. He gets a body. He says, "It's me, flesh and bones." He says, "It's me, flesh and bones." He says, "It's me, flesh and bones." And of course, it's a new body. And of course, it's a new body. And of course, it's a new body. Now, here Now, here Now, here the reason I say this the reason I say this the reason I say this is because is because is because I you know, Edgar Allan Poe wrote a I you know, Edgar Allan Poe wrote a I you know, Edgar Allan Poe wrote a great poem called The Raven. great poem called The Raven. great poem called The Raven. And it's very dark. It's Edgar Allan And it's very dark. It's Edgar Allan And it's very dark. It's Edgar Allan Edgar Allan Poe. Edgar Allan Poe. Edgar Allan Poe. Uh but the raven just keeps saying one Uh but the raven just keeps saying one Uh but the raven just keeps saying one thing over and over again, "Nevermore." thing over and over again, "Nevermore." thing over and over again, "Nevermore." "Nevermore." "Nevermore." "Nevermore." "Nevermore." Cuz he wrote this, by the "Nevermore." Cuz he wrote this, by the "Nevermore." Cuz he wrote this, by the way, after he broke up with a woman and way, after he broke up with a woman and way, after he broke up with a woman and uh uh uh most uh most uh most uh most most scholars say that it's a most most scholars say that it's a most most scholars say that it's a brilliant poem that really talks about brilliant poem that really talks about brilliant poem that really talks about this. That's human life. this. That's human life. this. That's human life. In an In the essence, and you In an In the essence, and you In an In the essence, and you If you're young, it's difficult to see, If you're young, it's difficult to see, If you're young, it's difficult to see, but as you get older, it just starts to but as you get older, it just starts to but as you get older, it just starts to crush you. crush you. crush you. There's an [clears throat] There's an There's an [clears throat] There's an There's an [clears throat] There's an irretrievability about life. irretrievability about life. irretrievability about life. Things Things Things You miss an opportunity, You miss an opportunity, You miss an opportunity, never more. never more. never more. You'll never get that opportunity again.

You'll never get that opportunity again. You'll never get that opportunity again. You You lose your youth, it's never You You lose your youth, it's never You You lose your youth, it's never coming back. You lose this, it's never coming back. You lose this, it's never coming back. You lose this, it's never coming back. You lose coming back. You lose coming back. You lose Things go and they never come back. Things go and they never come back. Things go and they never come back. There's an irretrievability, There's an irretrievability, There's an irretrievability, and it's kind of a death in the midst of and it's kind of a death in the midst of and it's kind of a death in the midst of life. life. life. But as life goes on, things just get But as life goes on, things just get But as life goes on, things just get away from you, and you feel like they're away from you, and you feel like they're away from you, and you feel like they're never coming back. It's gone. never coming back. It's gone. never coming back. It's gone. Uh Uh Uh my wife, uh Cathy, growing up every 2 my wife, uh Cathy, growing up every 2 my wife, uh Cathy, growing up every 2 year every two 2 weeks of every summer, year every two 2 weeks of every summer, year every two 2 weeks of every summer, her family went They lived in her family went They lived in her family went They lived in Pittsburgh, and they they went to the Pittsburgh, and they they went to the Pittsburgh, and they they went to the shores of Lake Erie and stayed in a shores of Lake Erie and stayed in a shores of Lake Erie and stayed in a little cottage there. little cottage there. little cottage there. Uh Uh Uh they did that for 44 straight years. they did that for 44 straight years. they did that for 44 straight years. Cathy remembers it as the happiest days Cathy remembers it as the happiest days Cathy remembers it as the happiest days of her life, especially as a child and of her life, especially as a child and of her life, especially as a child and as a an adolescent. as a an adolescent. as a an adolescent. And not a whole long time ago, we were And not a whole long time ago, we were And not a whole long time ago, we were able to go by there again and drive by. able to go by there again and drive by. able to go by there again and drive by. Not only are the cottages gone, but that Not only are the cottages gone, but that Not only are the cottages gone, but that part of the beach is gone. part of the beach is gone. part of the beach is gone. And that sense of irretrievable loss is And that sense of irretrievable loss is And that sense of irretrievable loss is there. But listen, resurrection means there. But listen, resurrection means there. But listen, resurrection means this. this. this. We're not just talking about a a We're not just talking about a a We're not just talking about a a spiritual paradise.

spiritual paradise. spiritual paradise. The salvation Jesus promises is not just The salvation Jesus promises is not just The salvation Jesus promises is not just consolation for what you've lost. It's consolation for what you've lost. It's consolation for what you've lost. It's the restoration the restoration the restoration of what you've lost. And more than that, of what you've lost. And more than that, of what you've lost. And more than that, you don't just get your old body back. you don't just get your old body back. you don't just get your old body back. You get the body you never had. You get You get the body you never had. You get You get the body you never had. You get the body you always wanted. You get the the body you always wanted. You get the the body you always wanted. You get the life you always wanted. There is no life you always wanted. There is no life you always wanted. There is no irretrievability anymore. Look, there's irretrievability anymore. Look, there's irretrievability anymore. Look, there's Some of you are saying, for example, I Some of you are saying, for example, I Some of you are saying, for example, I know Some of you say, "I always wanted know Some of you say, "I always wanted know Some of you say, "I always wanted to be married. to be married. to be married. Looks like I'm not ever going to be Looks like I'm not ever going to be Looks like I'm not ever going to be married." married." married." It's gone. It's gone. It's gone. I'll never I'll never know that. I'll I'll never I'll never know that. I'll I'll never I'll never know that. I'll never know I see other people who had never know I see other people who had never know I see other people who had marital bliss, I'll never know that. marital bliss, I'll never know that. marital bliss, I'll never know that. It's gone. It's irretrievably gone. If It's gone. It's irretrievably gone. If It's gone. It's irretrievably gone. If the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the resurrection of Jesus Christ is true, you will miss out on nothing. true, you will miss out on nothing. true, you will miss out on nothing. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing. Because the future is a material future, Because the future is a material future, Because the future is a material future, a new heavens and new earth. a new heavens and new earth. a new heavens and new earth. The restoration, not only the The restoration, not only the The restoration, not only the restoration of the life we had, but but restoration of the life we had, but but restoration of the life we had, but but the the the but the life we always wanted that we but the life we always wanted that we but the life we always wanted that we never had, it's all You won't miss out never had, it's all You won't miss out never had, it's all You won't miss out on anything.

on anything. on anything. The future is there. The future is there. The future is there. The future is personal. The future is personal. The future is personal. The future is certain, and the future is The future is certain, and the future is The future is certain, and the future is unimaginably wonderful if Jesus is unimaginably wonderful if Jesus is unimaginably wonderful if Jesus is raised from the dead. raised from the dead. raised from the dead. You believe in him. You believe in him. You believe in him. Then you can sing, Then you can sing, Then you can sing, "Jesus lives, and so shall I. "Jesus lives, and so shall I. "Jesus lives, and so shall I. Death, thy sting Death, thy sting Death, thy sting We're not going to sing it again, more's We're not going to sing it again, more's We're not going to sing it again, more's the pity, but here it is. the pity, but here it is. the pity, but here it is. Hey, Hey, Hey, listen. Listen with your heart. "Jesus listen. Listen with your heart. "Jesus listen. Listen with your heart. "Jesus lives, and so shall I. Death, thy sting lives, and so shall I. Death, thy sting lives, and so shall I. Death, thy sting is gone forever. is gone forever. is gone forever. He who deigned for me to die lives the He who deigned for me to die lives the He who deigned for me to die lives the bands of death to sever. Ever lives." bands of death to sever. Ever lives." bands of death to sever. Ever lives." Right? Right? Right? "He who deigned for me to die lives the "He who deigned for me to die lives the "He who deigned for me to die lives the bands of death to sever. Jesus lives, bands of death to sever. Jesus lives, bands of death to sever. Jesus lives, and death is now and death is now and death is now but my entrance into glory. Courage, but my entrance into glory. Courage, but my entrance into glory. Courage, then." then." then." See? See? See? "Courage, then, my soul, for thou hath a "Courage, then, my soul, for thou hath a "Courage, then, my soul, for thou hath a crown of life before thee. crown of life before thee. crown of life before thee. He shall raise me from the dust. Jesus He shall raise me from the dust. Jesus He shall raise me from the dust. Jesus is my hope and trust. is my hope and trust. is my hope and trust. He alone my joy, my prize. Jesus lives, He alone my joy, my prize. Jesus lives, He alone my joy, my prize. Jesus lives, and so shall I. Jesus lives, and so shall I. Jesus lives, and so shall I. Jesus lives, and so shall I." Let's pray.

and so shall I." Let's pray. and so shall I." Let's pray. Our Father, we thank you Our Father, we thank you Our Father, we thank you for uh for uh for uh the joy of the day, and we thank you the joy of the day, and we thank you the joy of the day, and we thank you most of all for the actual hope of the most of all for the actual hope of the most of all for the actual hope of the resurrection, and we pray that we would resurrection, and we pray that we would resurrection, and we pray that we would bask in that hope today. We would soak bask in that hope today. We would soak bask in that hope today. We would soak in it, that it would uh in it, that it would uh in it, that it would uh We pray that the hope of the We pray that the hope of the We pray that the hope of the resurrection, in a sense, would stain us resurrection, in a sense, would stain us resurrection, in a sense, would stain us permanently permanently permanently with its beauty, with its beauty, with its beauty, with its power, with its power, with its power, with its joy, with its joy, with its joy, so that we can handle anything in this so that we can handle anything in this so that we can handle anything in this life. life. life. And we could face losses knowing there And we could face losses knowing there And we could face losses knowing there is no such thing as an irretrievable is no such thing as an irretrievable is no such thing as an irretrievable loss. loss. loss. We thank you, Father, for all this We thank you, Father, for all this We thank you, Father, for all this because it comes to us through Jesus. because it comes to us through Jesus. because it comes to us through Jesus. It's in his name that we pray. It's in his name that we pray. It's in his name that we pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. Thank you for listening today. Thank you for listening today. Thank you for listening today. Gospel in Life's ministry is supported Gospel in Life's ministry is supported Gospel in Life's ministry is supported by generous partners all over the world. by generous partners all over the world. by generous partners all over the world. Your gifts allow us to share the gospel Your gifts allow us to share the gospel Your gifts allow us to share the gospel message with millions of people through message with millions of people through message with millions of people through our podcast, radio, and other channels our podcast, radio, and other channels our podcast, radio, and other channels including here on YouTube. We're seeing including here on YouTube. We're seeing including here on YouTube. We're seeing God change lives through the increase in God change lives through the increase in God change lives through the increase in reach of this ministry. So, thank you reach of this ministry. So, thank you reach of this ministry. So, thank you for your part in it. If you'd like to for your part in it. If you'd like to for your part in it. If you'd like to make a gift today, go to make a gift today, go to make a gift today, go to gospellife.com/youtube and we'll send you one of my books as and we'll send you one of my books as thanks for your gift. Thank you again thanks for your gift. Thank you again thanks for your gift. Thank you again for your generous support because the for your generous support because the for your generous support because the gospel really does change everything.