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Note: there are major echo and audio problems with this recording. We apologize with the inconvencience.

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Two Deaths

Yesterday, two people died. One was 86 and one was 17.

I got a call in the morning about brother Joe Smartt, who lived across the street. In March of last year we got a call that Joe wanted to be baptized. He was homebound and feeble. It was a joyous occasion, made all the more so by his daughter Cindy joining him in baptism. Yesterday, Joe passed away peacefully in his home, with his daughter by his side, as she had been the last couple of years.

Not long after I got home from their house, Grant came in the door. I thought maybe he was on lunch break, but he said that Tate has passed away in a car accident. From what I have heard, he was driving behind a truck hauling round bails of hay, when one of the bails fell off and hit his car. Sarah heard that his parents were following behind him and saw it happen.

There are things that I don’t understand. Most of them related to “why”? Why does one person live to be 86, and one 17? Why does a freak accident happen to one family and not another? Why not me? Why do some people experience more tragedies and loss than others?

What can you say to the friends and family that will help?

I know what to say to Joe’s family, but it doesn’t take away the sorrow and pain.

Today, instead of a usual sermon, I just want to make a few points about some things we know for sure.

A.  Death comes to all

Eccl. 9:11-12  Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all. 12 For man does not know his time. Like fish that are taken in an evil net, and like birds that are caught in a snare, so the children of man are snared at an evil time, when it suddenly falls upon them.

Time and chance. We look for meaning, for explanation. But often, we are left with only “time and chance.”

What does time and chance have in store for you? For me? We do not know.

B.  The Lord knows and understands

I can somewhat understand what the Joe’s family is experiencing, although everyone’s experience and relationships are unique. But I was at my grandfather’s side, at almost the same age as Joe, in a hospital bed in his living room, just like Joe, when he passed away.

But I know that losing a grandfather is not the same as losing a father, and I haven’t lost either of my parents, so I cannot really say that I have been where Cindy is.

But the loss of a child. Whatever hell on earth Tate’s parents are going through? I’ve never known it. And selfishly I confess I hope I never do.

Some of you do.

I don’t know what it’s like to lose a spouse. Some of you do.

Or a brother or sister.

I can’t sympathize fully. But you know who can?

Heb. 4:14-16  Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

And do you know who has experienced the loss of an only Child? Our Father in Heaven.

C.  Judgment is coming

Heb. 9:27  And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,

It would be nice to believe that everyone, regardless of how they spend their time here, meets up in Heaven on the other side. But the Bible is very clear that a judgment day is coming. Jesus taught this.

After the judgment, according to the Bible, there will be a second death for many. Because of sin, people will be cut off from God for good.

D.  In Christ, we have hope

But Jesus died so we don’t have to experience the second death.

Heb. 9:28  so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

Think about this. God sent his Son to die, and yet we all still face physical death. Jesus didn’t suffer all that to save us from sickness, cancer, car wrecks, heart attacks, or old age. He died to save us from something much worse.

We can’t avoid our earthly death, but we can avoid the second death, thanks to Jesus’ sacrifice.

On the occasion of a funeral, the death of his good friend, at which Jesus wept, he said to Lazarus’s grieving sister:

John 11:25-26  Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

Through Jesus, we can overcome death. In Him, death is a doorway. I heard a title of an old sermon on death called, “The Bright Side of a Dark Door.” From our side, the door of death is dark. But from Heaven’s side, it is bright.

Rev. 21:3-4  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

E.  Life is short

We don’t know how long our lives will be. The heartbreaking thing about Tate’s death is that he seemed to have most of his life still ahead of him. He didn’t know that his life would only be 17 years long.

Jam. 4:13-14  Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— 14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.

But even if you live to 107, it’s still just a vapor. Like the flower of the field that is here today and gone tomorrow. What’s important is what comes next.

Service: Sun PM

Type: Sermon

Speaker: Eric Reynolds

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Type: Sermon

Speaker: Eric Reynolds

Service: Sun PM

Type: Sermon

Speaker: Eric Reynolds

Fasting

I.  Introduction

Tonight I want us to study fasting together. It’s a subject that doesn’t get discussed that often, and yet it is a very Biblical topic, both in the Old Testament and in the New. What is fasting? Why did people in the Bible do it? Should we fast today? These are some things I hope to cover tonight.

There are actually a ton of scriptures that refer to fasting—too many to include all of them in this lesson. But what I hope to do is use quite a few examples from the Old Testament to give us an accurate sense of when and why people fasted. Then we’ll look at what Jesus says about it. Finally, we’ll consider a couple of examples from Christians in Acts.

Let me first share with you the overall understanding I have arrived at from studying this, and then we’ll look at several examples so you can see what I mean.

Fasting is to refrain from eating. In some cases it meant to completely refrain from any food or drink, but often it seems to have referred mainly to food.

Fasting goes hand in hand with prayer. In fact, it seems the primary purpose of fasting is to have a fervent request heard by God.

Fasting is almost always associated with being in grief or distress. It accompanies a plea for mercy, help, rescue, or forgiveness. Many times the fasting person is also wearing sackcloth, a sign of mourning.

So these are some things to look for in these examples. Let’s consider some.

II.  Old Testament Examples

A. Fasting and mourning. 2 Sam. 1:12 
B. Fasting for healing.  2 Sam. 12:16, 2 Sam. 12:21-23 
C. Prayer for protection. Ezra 8:21-23 
D. Remorse of the sins of the people. Ezra 9:2-5 
E. Fear / distress. Esther 3:13, Esther 4:3 
F. Prayer for important mission. Esther 4:16 

As you can see, fasting normally accompanied a very serious and fervent prayer.

Knowing what we do about human tendencies, it shouldn’t be surprising that fasting turned into an empty ritual. At which point, of course, it becomes meaningless. Isa. 58:3-9 

What God has always cared most about is true repentance from the heart. Any form of worship or reverence without this is not accepted.

But it is clear that fasting, when joined with a sincere heart in prayer, is seen by God. Joel 2:12-15

Hopefully we’re getting a good sense of when people fasted and the fact that fasting was effective in communicating with God, but we may still be wondering: why? How does not eating have anything to do with prayer?

I found a helpful statement by David that sheds light on this.

Psa. 35:11-14  Malicious witnesses rise up; they ask me of things that I do not know. 12 They repay me evil for good; my soul is bereft. 13 But I, when they were sick— I wore sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting; I prayed with head bowed on my chest. 14 I went about as though I grieved for my friend or my brother; as one who laments his mother, I bowed down in mourning.

David is saying his enemies were hateful toward him, but he was kind toward them, even praying for them when they were sick. But notice how he prayed. Three things are mentioned: clothing, fasting, posture.

Think of how each of these affects our mood. Do you feel different in your favorite pair of jeans compared to your work clothes? Or you church clothes compared to something you lie around the house in? Do you feel different when you get dressed up? To a certain extent, clothing has an effect on our mood.

Sackcloth is like burlap, a very rough, uncomfortable fabric. It would be the opposite of your lounging-around clothes, something to actually make you uncomfortable.

Posture: When someone stands and stretches you feel better. Body language tells a lot about what someone is feeling. And if we want to get into a humble frame of mind, we can bow or kneel or even prostrate ourselves.

Now think of how fasting fits with this. Think of how eating your favorite food lifts your mood. On the other hand, being hungry is an uncomfortable feeling. Like wearing sackcloth.

So fasting is a way of putting oneself in the right frame of mind to be serious and fervent in prayer.

Think of this another way. What does it say about Joseph’s brothers that right after they threw him in a pit, they sat down to eat? Or imagine this, you sit the family down to deliver some terrible news. And when you’re finished, one of the kids says, “what’s for supper?” Or you find out your child has done something really bad, and you confront them about it. He or she says, “I’m really sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.” Then the next thing you know, they’re in the kitchen looking for a snack. What would you conclude?

On the other hand, how often have you realized that someone was bothered about something because they didn’t feel like eating, or barely touched their food?

The point is, there is a connection between being deeply troubled by something and eating. By fasting, not only are we showing that we are concerned or remorseful or grieving, it might also help us get into the right frame of mind.

III.  Jesus’ teaching

Now let’s move to the New Testament to see what we can learn from Jesus about fasting.

A. Jesus fasted. Matt. 4:2 
B. Jesus’ instructions on fasting. Matt. 6:16-18 

Fasting cannot be a show.
Notice Jesus says “when you fast…”

C. Fasting is associated with mourning. Matt. 9:14-15 

“then they will fast.” Fasting is not commanded anywhere that I can find in the NT, but it seems to have been expected.

IV.  Church examples

There are three examples of the early Christians fasting in Acts:

A. After realizing he was persecuting the Lord. Acts 9:8-9 
B. Early church fasting, important decision, commission. Acts 13:2-3 
C. Facing danger. Acts 14:19-23 

V.  Conclusion

Fasting itself is not commanded, but it was obviously a very common practice among people throughout the Bible, including Jesus and the early church.

Which should probably make us think: should I be fasting more?

Or maybe to put it another way, what benefit are we missing out on by not fasting?

Could our prayer lives be stronger?

As a recap, here are some situations when fasting would be appropriate:

• When you are mourning
• When someone, friend or enemy, is sick
• When you are repenting
• When you are facing danger or troubling times
• When making a very important decision

Basically any time that you are especially mindful of the need for God’s help, comfort, forgiveness, guidance, etc. Fasting will show that you take it seriously, and it will help you be earnest in prayer.                      

Service: Sun AM

Type: Sermon

Speaker: Eric Reynolds

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Speaker: Eric Reynolds

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Speaker: Eric Reynolds

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Speaker: Eric Reynolds

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Type: Sermon

Speaker: Eric Reynolds

Sweet Sleep

I.  Introduction

The benefits of wisdom are many, including a better night’s rest, as we will see in a moment.

Join me again in Proverbs 3.

Prov. 3:13-18  Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,
and the one who gets understanding,
14 for the gain from her is better than gain from silver
and her profit better than gold.
15 She is more precious than jewels,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her;
those who hold her fast are called blessed.

Why do you suppose there is so much emphasis on the value of wisdom? Maybe because people often fail to see it? Do we see the way of wisdom as difficult, boring, restrictive, out of touch?

The devil is an expert in false advertising. He makes the way of folly look so enticing, and it seems like his message is much more prevalent.

A key part of wisdom is learning to see things for what they really are. And the way of wisdom is the true path to joy and peace. And peaceful rest.

Prov. 3:21-24  My son, do not lose sight of these—
keep sound wisdom and discretion,
22 and they will be life for your soul
and adornment for your neck,
23 Then you will walk on your way securely,
and your foot will not stumble.
24 If you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

It’s this last verse that I want to dwell on for our lesson today.

II.  Troubled sleep

A benefit of wisdom is a better night’s rest. Why do you suppose that is?

First, let’s think about some things that might trouble one’s sleep.

A.  Leaving God out

When we try to do things without God.

Psa. 127:1-2  Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. 2 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.

Those who trust in themselves feel like it’s all up to them.

Matt. 6:25-33  “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28 And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29 yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

When we know God has it under control, we can rest easy. The Creator has things under control. Sometimes we forget this. Like Martha.

Luke 10:38-42  Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

Only one thing is necessary. If we seek God first, we don’t have to be worried and anxious about our daily needs.

B.  Fear of unknown

Another thing that keeps people up at night is the fear of the unknown. Maybe something bad will happen.

Jesus says:

Matt. 6:34  Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

God is on the job.

Psa. 121:1-4  I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? 2 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. 4 Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

God will be up all night. So you don’t have to be.

The next two verses in Proverbs 3:

Prov. 3:25-26  Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, 26 for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.

C.  Troubled conscience

Matt. 27:17-19  So when they had gathered, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that it was out of envy that they had delivered him up. 19 Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.”

She knew that what was happening was not right.

When we choose the way of sin, we are rejecting not only wisdom but God, the giver of wisdom. As Christians, when we choose the way of sin, we are rejecting the Son of God who died for us. Somewhere down deep, we know we are not on the right path. Sin brings regrets and dread.

Heb. 10:26-27  For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.

When we walk in wisdom, we can rest knowing we are at peace with God.

Prov. 3:21-24  My son, do not lose sight of these—
keep sound wisdom and discretion,
22 and they will be life for your soul
and adornment for your neck.
23 Then you will walk on your way securely,
and your foot will not stumble.
24 If you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

III.  Peter’s example

For our final point, let’s consider an example from the life of Peter.

Acts 12:1-11
But back up to verses 6-7. Peter was sound asleep.

That’s the picture of a man who had faith in the Lord.

IV.  Conclusion

If we put our faith in God and walk in his way, we can rest easy. And even if this life is full of sorrows and troubles, health problems and heart aches, we can look forward to resting in Him.

Rev. 14:13  And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!”

Sometimes people joking say, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” And often, when someone has died, people will say “rest in peace.” But the only way to look forward to peaceful rest in the Lord is to walk in his way now.

INVITATION

Service: Sun AM

Type: Sermon

Speaker: Eric Reynolds

Honor the Lord with Your Wealth

I.  Introduction

Let’s recall some fundamental premises:

Prov. 1:7  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Prov. 2:4-5  if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, 5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

Prov. 3:5-8  Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.

Do we believe that?

If we do, then we’re ready for the next verse:

Prov. 3:9-10  Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.

Are we still open to the Lord’s wisdom when it hits our wallet?

Today, I’d like us to think through how we can honor the Lord with our wealth.

II.  Honoring God

How do we honor God in general?

A.  Seek to please him in everything

Rom. 14:6  The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God.

When we do what we do with God in mind, in an effort to please him, we honor him.

B.  Give thanks

Following Jesus’ example:

John 6:11  Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted.

When we are thankful, we are remembering where our blessings, our lunch for example, comes from.

C.  Obey

John 15:8-10  By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.

When we act with the Lord in mind, with thankfulness, and in accordance with his will, then we honor God.

III.  Honor God with Money

So let’s consider some ways that we do this with our money.

A.  Give him the firstfruits

Prov. 3:9  Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce

From the beginning, God has been honored by firstfruits.

Gen. 4:3-4  In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4 and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering

Firstfruits means we consider God first.

Matt. 6:31-33  Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

But how do we offer something to God? Where do we mail the check?

B.  Support your family

1 Tim. 5:3-4  Honor widows who are truly widows. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.

C.  Help those in need

Acts 10:1-4  At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, 2 a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God. 3 About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God come in and say to him, “Cornelius.” 4 And he stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God.

Matt. 25:37-40  Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

D.  Support those who teach

Gal. 6:6  Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.

These are some ways that we can honor God with our wealth and firstfruits.

IV.  You will be blessed

Did you notice the blessing that was promised?

Prov. 3:9-10  Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.

How does that work? I’m not sure. It’s on God’s end. There’s a similar statement in Malachi. In his day, the people had not been honoring God with their wealth:

Mal. 1:6  “A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? …

One of the ways they failed to honor him was in their tithes:

Mal. 3:8-9  Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. 9 You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you.

Now notice the challenge God gives them:

Mal. 3:10  Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.

If you will put God first, he will take care of you. Just like Jesus said. But it takes faith to do that.

Some have pitched this as a way to get wealthy. But surely we are not to follow God out of greed for earthly things. Instead, I think the point is, when you stop trying to hoard and accumulate things for yourself, but rather start honoring God, you will be blessed.

Notice how this works:

2 Cor. 9:6-11  The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9 As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” 10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.

V.  Conclusion

Ultimately, we trust that if we honor God with our wealth now, we are laying up treasures in heaven, where we will be blessed beyond belief.

1 Tim. 6:17-19  As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

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The mic wasnt turned on so the recording only contains half the sermon.

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A Centurion’s Confession 

I.  Introduction 

Listen to the voices at the cross in Mark’s account of the crucifixion. Besides Jesus himself, there is one word of faith spoken. 

[Read Mark 15] 

Isn’t it fascinating who the one statement of faith in this whole chapter comes from? A centurion, a Gentile, and one of the people directly involved in the crucifixion of Jesus.  

Just let that set in.  

Today I want to think about this Centurions’ confession of faith.  

II.  Independent Thinker 

First, notice how this Centurion thinks for himself. That is the primary lesson I hope to emphasize today. This trait is probably related to how he became a Centurion in the first place.  

Centurions had a great deal of authority in the Roman empire. They were like federal officers, scattered around the empire to keep the peace and impose Roman rule. They pop up in quite a few stories in the NT, and they are almost always presented to us as fair and impartial.  

And think about it. If you’re going to put someone in command of a hundred or so soldiers and send him out to keep things under control in some faraway province, you’d want someone with a good head on his shoulders.  

Sometimes, it seems clear that the centurions were able to evaluate the evidence and arrive at an independent conclusion quicker than others around them. 

For example: 

Luke 7:1-10  After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. 2 Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. 3 When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, 5 for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” 6 And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. 7 Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. 8 For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 9 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” 10 And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well. 

We are only told that the centurion “heard about Jesus.” But based on what he heard, he came to a very reasonable conclusion: Jesus has authority over diseases. That seems rather obvious, and yet Jesus says “not even in Israel have I found such faith.”  

Sadly, the Jews, who should have been first to believe in Jesus, often wavered, not being fully convinced. No matter how many miracles he did, they wanted to see more signs. And even then, they couldn't decide what to think about him. 

John 11:45-47  Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, 46 but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. 

The centurion in Luke 7 didn’t struggle with what to do. He believed in Jesus and sent to him for help. That showed faith.  

III.  He believed in spite of… 

Back to our centurion. As we have seen, he had a mind of his own. He came to the conclusion that Jesus was the Son of God. And this in spite of: 

A.  The authorities 

The local Roman governor, Pilate, had delivered Jesus to be crucified. It’s worth noting that Pilate himself also could see through the fake charges against Jesus: 

Mark 15:8-10  And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them. 9 And he answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 10 For he perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered him up. 

And also: 

Mark 15:14  And Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has he done?” But they shouted all the more, “Crucify him.” 

Pilate did not find Jesus guilty of any of the charges against him. But he didn’t have the courage to stand up for what he knew was right. And also, he didn’t allow himself to come to the belief that the centurion expressed.  

John 18:33-38  So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” 35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” 37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” 

Pilate did not have the courage of the centurion to think for himself and come to the obvious conclusion about Jesus. But the centurion didn’t let Pilate’s weakness prevent him from making up his own mind. 

B.  The crowd 

Pilate was mainly influenced to give into the pressure from the crowd. That’s what many people do. They may have their own thoughts, but when the crowd goes a different way, they do, too. Psychologists have studied this (link). In one study, on a series of tests, 37/50 test subjects chose an obviously wrong answer at least once to conform with others. 

For the centurion that day, watching over Jesus, the voices in the crowd were united. His own men, the soldiers, were making fun of Jesus, as did those passing by: 

Mark 15:29  And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “Aha! You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 30 save yourself, and come down from the cross!” 

C.  The religious experts 

And not just the crowd, the religious leaders and experts: 

Mark 15:31-32  So also the chief priests with the scribes mocked him to one another, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. 32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the cross that we may see and believe.” Those who were crucified with him also reviled him. 

Some put a lot of stock in what the religious authorities think. 

John 7:45-49  The officers then came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why did you not bring him?” 46 The officers answered, “No one ever spoke like this man!” 47 The Pharisees answered them, “Have you also been deceived? 48 Have any of the authorities or the Pharisees believed in him? 49 But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.” 

The centurion didn't let the unbelief of the religious authorities keep him from confessing the truth. 

D.  His own actions 

Finally, consider this: for the centurion to confess that Jesus was the Son of God, what would that mean about him? He had just participated in killing the Son of God. For many people, that conclusion would be unthinkable. 

Some are unwilling to face the truth if it brings uncomfortable consequences. “If that were true, then what about ….?” All the sermons I’ve preached differently? My family who believes differently? How this will make me look? The guilt I will feel?  

So some just bury their head in the sand of willful ignorance rather than face a painful truth.  

Not this centurion. 

IV.  The basis of his belief 

So, what brought him to this confession of faith? What was his conviction based on? 

Three things are mentioned. 

Mark 15:39  And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” 

A.  He stood facing Jesus 

First, he had been watching Jesus. Paying attention to him. Some people are unwilling to even consider the evidence. Or they are too busy focusing on other things to lift up their head and take note.  

Think of what all he would have seen that day as Jesus hung there. The way he spoke to those around him, even the thief on the cross. We aren’t told what the centurion thought about these things, but I can’t help but think he would have taken note of them. 

B.  The way Jesus died 

There was something specific about the way Jesus “breathed his last.” I’m not sure what it was. But it pushed him toward the inescapable conclusion: This was the Son of God! 

C.  Eternal evidence 

Finally, Matthew mentions in his account that the centurion also took note of some of the supernatural events that accompanied Jesus’ death. 

Matt. 27:54  When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!” 

So to summarize, he looked at Jesus, he saw how Jesus died, and he saw the external, miraculous evidence, and his mind was made up.  

V.  Conclusion 

What about for you and me? Must we not also think for ourselves? Examine the evidence and come to our own conclusion. 

“What will you do with Jesus? The question comes to you, and you must give an answer.”  

Don’t be swayed by what the authorities say. Or the crowds. Or the religious experts. And don’t let the consequences shade your view of the truth. 

Look to Jesus. Listen to him. Examine his life and death for yourself. Consider the evidence surrounding him. The miraculous things like his resurrection from the dead.  

If you examine these things with open eyes and an open heart, I believe you will come to the same conclusion as the centurion. “Truly this was the Son of God!” 

INVITATION 

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The Church Building

I.  Introduction

A very unusual sermon today. Maybe the least-Biblical topic I’ve ever preached on.

But it’s a very timely topic, as we are currently doing some work on our building. And it’s also a subject that many people have questions about. And, with good reason. It’s also a potentially controversial subject. So let’s open our Bibles and see what we can find out about church buildings.

II.  Authority for a building?

Turn with me to:

All the verses about building a building:

All the examples of church buildings:

All the passages about how the church should pay for a building:

All the details about classrooms, bathrooms, water fountains, parking lots etc.:

All the instructions about how nice it should be:

All the scriptures about how a building should be maintained:

Why, then, do we have a building? Let’s go through the reasoning.

We know we are supposed to come together.

Heb. 10:24-25  And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth gives us some insights.

1 Cor. 11:17-22  But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse. 18 For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part, 19 for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized. 20 When you come together, it is not the Lord's supper that you eat. 21 For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk. 22 What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not.

Ok, so we have to sort through some things here. Clearly the church in Corinth was off track in several ways. But setting that aside, what were they expected to do?

Come together. Partake the Lord’s Supper. In the following verses he reminds them of the true purpose of the supper, then says:

1 Cor. 11:33-34  So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another— 34 if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home—so that when you come together it will not be for judgment. About the other things I will give directions when I come.

Clearly, the idea is that the members would come together “as a church” (vs. 18) in some place as a church and share in this memorial. Chapter 14 shows us that they also shared together in worship.

Where did they meet? We don’t know.

Some met in houses.

1 Cor. 16:19  The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord.

This was perhaps the most common arrangement.

Other examples of churches meeting in houses: Prisca and Aquila (Rom. 16:3-5), Nympha (Col. 4:15), and Philemon (Philemon 1:1-2).

But it’s easy to see a problem with this. What if the church was large?

In Jerusalem, in the early days, they met in the temple (Acts 2:46).

In Ephesus, it seems they assembled in a place called the Hall of Tyrannus, a lecture hall:

Acts 19:8-9  And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. 9 But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus. 10 This continued for two years, so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.

In the next chapter, the disciples assembled in an upper room on the 3^rd floor:

Acts 20:7-9  On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he prolonged his speech until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered. 9 And a young man named Eutychus, sitting at the window, sank into a deep sleep as Paul talked still longer. And being overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead.

Who owned this upper room? Was it part of a home? On top of a shop? The text doesn’t say. It was simply a place where they could assemble. It reminds me of when Jesus’ disciples were looking for a place to partake of the Passover.

Luke 22:7-13  When came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it.” 9 They said to him, “Where will you have us prepare it?” 10 He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters 11 and tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 12 And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there.” 13 And they went and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.

It seems to me that this is the basic question. Where should we meet? It would be interesting to hear from you all the different places you’ve assembled for worship.

Home, outdoor pavilion, armory, school, rented storefront space, community center, and of course, a building built for this purpose.

We assume that since the Lord did not give us specific instructions on where to meet, that it is up to us to determine what works best, which may vary from one group to another. And may change as that group grows or shrinks in number.

Or to put it another way: we have a command to assemble, which gives us the authority to find a place to assemble.

III.  Dangers of a building

Church buildings do come with several dangers that we need to be on guard against.

A.  Confuse the building with the church.

Our language has shifted to the point that “church” practically means “church building.” It’s hard to avoid this usage.

We can’t let our shifting language cause us to lose sight of the fact that WE are the church.

1 Pet. 2:5  you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

B.  Confine Christianity to the building.

By thinking of this place as the church, it’s easy to slip into a mindset that confines Christianity to what goes on here. Do we confine worship to within these walls? Can we not sing, pray, read, etc. anywhere we are?

Or what if we think about using our talents? Do we think of things like, “well, I could lead singing, I could teach, I could mow the church lawn, etc.”? As if serving the Lord begins when we pull in the parking lot, and ends when we leave? Surely the main part of our walk with the Lord is what happens when we leave. That’s where we let our light shine, show love, serve, and share the gospel with others. This is where we worship, remember, and encourage one another to love and good works.

C.  Get too attached to it. 

Mark 13:1-2  And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” 2 And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”

And that was the temple of God! Our own buildings are of no importance by comparison. And yet we have a tendency to be distracted by and attached to what we can see and touch, the physical structure. 

D.  Spend too much on it.

It’s easy to see how a building could go from being a practical solution to a money pit. There’s no end to what we could spend on a building. Just like your own home, it would be easy to get into a situation where you are “house poor,” spending so much on your home that you can’t afford to do anything else.

Also, would it be possible to get too caught up in beautifying the building? Or too focused on comfort? Think of the new theaters with reclining seats. How long till someone introduces them in church buildings?

This structure is not what matters. It’s a place for us to assemble, and that’s all.

I think we all agree that if you are going to have a building, it’s only right to take care of it. We wouldn't be good stewards if we let it crumble and fall apart. For example, we will soon be replacing the windows in the old part of the building. The reason is that the wood around them has rotted away. If you don’t fix that, it will lead to bigger problems. Same thing with the bricks. Earthly things require maintenance and upkeep. And we also want to make it attractive and comfortable, but obviously it would be easy to go overboard in that regard. It boils down to judgment and opinion.

E.  Argue and bicker over it.

Which brings me to the last point. Any time you have judgments and opinions, you’ve got the potential for tension, arguments, and conflict.

How many arguments and disputes have begun over buildings? Something that is completely optional and not even mentioned in the Bible? Yet that doesn’t stop us from having very strong feelings about it.

I recently posted on Facebook that I was working on a sermon on church buildings, but within a couple of hours I deleted the post because people—Christians!—were bickering in the comments.

How sad would it be to let something as inconsequential as this building cause strife in our spiritual family?

We can avoid unnecessary conflict by keeping some things in mind:

1. The building is an expedient, a facility. It is temporary and optional.

2. Focus on the true work of the church: sharing together in worship, edification, benevolence, evangelism.

3. Understand that elders and deacons and others involved are making the best judgments they can with regard to the building and property. Differences of opinion are inevitable, but need not cause conflict.

IV.  Conclusion

Jesus said he has gone to prepare a place for his disciples. Any building we have in this life, whether it be our home, our church building, or even our bodies, are temporary shelters along the way.

2 Cor. 5:1 For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

INVITATION

Service: Sun AM

Type: Sermon

Speaker: Eric Reynolds

The Thief on the Cross

I.  Introduction

As we all know, Jesus was crucified between two thieves.

Matt. 27:38  Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left.

The image of the three crosses on Calvary gives us plenty to ponder.

Here is the Son of God, being executed like a criminal. Crucifixion was the worst form of capital punishment in the Roman empire. Except in extreme cases, it was not used for Roman citizens, but instead for slaves or captured peoples. It was extremely shameful. Here is Jesus crucified between two robbers.

Also, it’s interesting to consider that in this picture, we have Jesus in the center, the sacrificial Lamb of God, dying for the sins of the world, past and future. On either side of him are sinful men. One of these men will be saved by Jesus while they are hanging there. The other will die in his sins.

The cross of Jesus divides the world into two groups: those who will be saved by him, and those who will perish. Those who go into eternal life and those who go into eternal punishment. Those who go into paradise and those who go into torment.

Finally, it is fascinating to consider how the one thief on the cross came to be saved. He was nailed to the cross a condemned man, being put to death for his crimes, and facing certain judgment from God as well. But within hours he was a saved man who would join Jesus in paradise that very day. What happened? How did this amazing change take place. We’ll look at that in a few moments.

But the other reason why this conversion often comes up is in discussions about the role of baptism in salvation. If someone says we must be baptized to be saved, often the thief on the cross is submitted as evidence of someone who was saved without being baptized.

In fact, Billy Graham himself makes this point in explaining baptism. From his website, in answer to the question, “Is baptism necessary for salvation?”:

“You may know that we urge immediate and extensive Bible study for each convert. As the Scripture is reviewed, the place of baptism will surely be discovered. If baptism were a requirement for salvation, we would certainly say that. But you couldn’t support that knowing, for example, that the thief on the cross had no opportunity for baptism or church membership. Yet on his confession, paradise was secured. Jesus said to him, ‘Today shalt thou be with me in paradise’ (Luke 23:43).”

So he argues that baptism can’t be required for salvation because the thief on the cross was saved without it. Is that a fair point? We’ll look at that argument a little later.

• First we’ll briefly review how the thief was saved.
• Then we’ll see how this relates to us today

II.  Saved on a cross

We don’t know much at all about the thief who was saved. We don’t know his name, nationality, or age. But we do know he was a lost soul as he was hung on a cross.

First of all, he was being executed for being a criminal:

Matt. 27:38  Then two robbers were crucified with him, one on the right and one on the left.

And even worse than the fact that he was about to die for his crimes, he was also about to die an unbeliever. We see that as Matthew lists those who were speaking against Jesus:

Matt. 27:39-44  And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads 40 and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” 41 So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, 42 “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way.

You had the passers-by, the chief priests, and if that wasn’t enough, even the other two men who were also being crucified spoke against him. From Jesus’ point of view, I don’t guess it could get any lower than this. The priests who were should have been falling at his feet to worship him were standing at his feet and insulting him. And even these condemned criminals were reviling him. Usually you hear the expression “there is honor among thieves” but even being crucified with Jesus didn’t cause these guys to show him any kindness.

That tells you how dark their hearts were as well. But sometime during the course of those tortuous hours, something began to change, in one of them at least.

Luke 23:32  Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him.

Luke also mentions the insults hurled by the onlookers:

Luke 23:35-37  And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine 37 and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!”

But when it comes to the criminals, only one was insulting him:

Luke 23:39  One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!”

What happened to the other? In Matthews account, both robbers were insulting Jesus, but in Luke’s it’s only one. The only thing that makes sense is that something had changed in this man’s heart. He had started out ridiculing Jesus along with everyone else, but sometime as they hung there, he began to see things more clearly:

Luke 23:40-43  But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.”

How did he know that? Perhaps he had heard about Jesus, or maybe even had listened to him teach before. But there’s no indication of that in the text. Instead, it seems that everyone around Jesus that day could tell there was something different about him. From Pilate to the soldiers crucifying him, they could tell he was innocent. Notice a few verses later:

Luke 23:47  Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent!”

There must have been something in Jesus’ demeanor that really stood out to these people. Hardened soldiers and one hardened criminal. But at least they didn’t have hard hearts like the chief priests. They were able to see in a matter of hours that Jesus was an innocent man.

But there’s more going on in the thief’s heart. His newfound faith in Jesus went beyond believing in his innocence:

Luke 23:42  And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

This is remarkable. The sign hanging over Jesus’ head said:

Luke 23:38  There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”

But it must have looked like a cruel joke. What kind of king was this? His own people crying out for his execution. A poor man, basically homeless. This only followers were a group of women and John. And on top of that, he’s mere hours away from being dead. Yet the thief says:

Luke 23:42  And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

That shows a tremendous amount of faith. He believed in Jesus, the innocent man. But he also believed in Jesus the king. Furthermore, he believed that Jesus would yet come into his kingdom. Amazing. It would seem Jesus’ own followers did not have this same confidence at this point. I’m not sure how the thief came to this conclusion. It would seem it was from simply the hours of hanging there on a cross beside Jesus, no doubt watching him and listening to him.

Jesus acknowledges the man’s faith with a wonderful promise:

Luke 23:43  And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

Today. Isn’t that awesome? Whatever that man had done, however big of a mess he had made of his life, complete failure as it had become, he was now only hours away from being in Paradise with Jesus. And why? Because he had faith.

What a blessing to be able to share in that same hope. That when the day comes that we are nearing our final hours, we can know that we are going to be with the Lord.

So how do we have that assurance? Do we look to the thief as an example of how we should be saved today? Well, yes and no. Let’s explore that.

III.  Saved like the thief

In many ways, we are just like the thief on the cross. Guilty and condemned. Maybe not in man’s court, but in God’s. Anyone who has sinned stands guilty before God and is basically living out their life on death row, waiting for the sentence to be carried out.

Also, like the thief on the cross, we are totally helpless to save ourselves. What could he do? He called out to Jesus in faith. We must do the same.

So far, we can say we must be saved just like the thief. But what about baptism? He was saved without being baptized, so does that mean it is not required?

Some things to observe:

A.  When he was saved

He was saved by Jesus before Jesus died. Jesus lived and died under the law of Moses. He had begun teaching the good news of the kingdom during his earthly ministry, but he also commanded others to keep the law of Moses. The new covenant took effect after Jesus died. The author of Hebrews is clear about this:
 

Heb. 9:15-17  Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. 16 For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established. 17 For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive.

As Jesus hung on the cross, he had not yet given the instructions in the great commission:

Matt. 28:18-20  And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

From that point on, the disciples would do just what he said. When Peter was asked, “what shall we do?” He said:
 

Acts 2:38  And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

But the thief on the cross was before that. So how was he saved? Jesus had the power on earth to forgive sins.

Matt. 9:2  And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.”

That’s not the kind of healing they had in mind, but it’s far more valuable than being able to walk. The scribes took offense:

Matt. 9:3-6  And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” 4 But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? 6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.”

Jesus had the authority to go up to anyone and say, “your sins are forgiven.” I believe that’s exactly what he did with the thief on the cross. He forgave his sins, and assured him he would be in paradise.

But Jesus isn’t here now to say to you, “your sins are forgiven” or “today you will be with me in paradise.” So what are we supposed to do?

Respond in faith, just like those people did.

Mark 16:15-16  And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

Those are the instructions we live under.

IV.  Crucified with Christ

Now here’s the neat thing about baptism. In a way, we are saved exactly like the thief on the cross. Not that he was baptized, but that we, too, must be crucified with Christ.

Paul says:

Gal. 2:20  I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

This wasn’t just something for Paul. We all must do the same.

Gal. 5:24  And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

How can we be crucified with Christ?

Rom. 6:3-7  Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin.

When we decide to follow Jesus, we crucify our old man. We put him to death. Bury him in baptism, and raise to walk in a new life. So in that sense, we are crucified together with Christ like the thief on the cross.

And that doesn’t mean we’ve saved ourselves, any more than the thief saved himself. We’ve just responded in faith, faith in God’s power, not our own.

Col. 2:11-12  In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.

Baptism isn’t putting faith in our own works. It is putting faith in the powerful working of God. We are trusting him that he will save us, just like the thief on the cross.

V.  Conclusion

Hopefully you can see that we do have a lot in common with the thief on the cross. In his condition, attached to a cross, the only thing he could do was ask Jesus to remember him. And Jesus saved him because of his faith. We must also come to him in faith. His instructions for us are clearly given in his word. We can have the same hope of joining him when our lives are over.

INVITATION

Service: Sun PM

Type: Sermon

Speaker: Eric Reynolds

Service: Sun AM

Type: Sermon

Speaker: Eric Reynolds

Service: Sun AM

Type: Sermon

Speaker: Eric Reynolds

Service: Sun PM

Type: Sermon

Speaker: Eric Reynolds

Service: Sun AM

Type: Sermon

Speaker: Eric Reynolds

Service: Sun AM

Type: Sermon

Speaker: Eric Reynolds

Service: Sun PM

Type: Sermon

Speaker: Eric Reynolds

Service: Sun AM

Type: Sermon

Speaker: Eric Reynolds