4 Reasons Why the Resurrection is the Most Powerful Message in the World - Tim Keller

And of course at the very end, Jesus And of course at the very end, Jesus says, "The Messiah will suffer and rise says, "The Messiah will suffer and rise says, "The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day. from the dead on the third day. from the dead on the third day. 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. You are nations beginning at Jerusalem. You are nations beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things." Of what? The witnesses of these things." Of what? The witnesses of these things." Of what? The resurrection. resurrection. resurrection. Knowing about the resurrection Knowing about the resurrection Knowing about the resurrection gives you a message to take out there to gives you a message to take out there to gives you a message to take out there to the world. the world. the world. Now, I'm not pressing this idea that the Now, I'm not pressing this idea that the Now, I'm not pressing this idea that the resurrection all by itself without resurrection all by itself without resurrection all by itself without anything else is the main message. No, anything else is the main message. No, anything else is the main message. No, the resurrection, as what I've been the resurrection, as what I've been the resurrection, as what I've been trying to say, paired with the cross trying to say, paired with the cross trying to say, paired with the cross is uh this powerful message. But when is uh this powerful message. But when is uh this powerful message. But when you read the rest of the book of Acts you read the rest of the book of Acts you read the rest of the book of Acts after If you just go into the book of after If you just go into the book of after If you just go into the book of Acts and at our church we're going Acts and at our church we're going Acts and at our church we're going through the book of Acts right now, through the book of Acts right now, through the book of Acts right now, it's astounding how it's astounding how it's astounding how the the resurrection dominates the the the resurrection dominates the the the resurrection dominates the preaching of Peter and Paul. preaching of Peter and Paul. preaching of Peter and Paul. Those early preachers just they Those early preachers just they Those early preachers just they they just couldn't stop talking about they just couldn't stop talking about they just couldn't stop talking about the resurrection. the resurrection. the resurrection. And one of the more interesting And one of the more interesting And one of the more interesting historical questions is how it was that historical questions is how it was that historical questions is how it was that Christianity within two or three Christianity within two or three Christianity within two or three centuries was able to completely centuries was able to completely centuries was able to completely supplant supplant supplant that incredible classical culture of the that incredible classical culture of the that incredible classical culture of the Greco-Roman world. I mean, the Greco-Roman world. I mean, the Greco-Roman world. I mean, the Greco-Roman classical culture was Greco-Roman classical culture was Greco-Roman classical culture was astounding. Why Why do we still study astounding. Why Why do we still study astounding. Why Why do we still study the Greek philosophers? It's because the Greek philosophers? It's because the Greek philosophers? It's because they're brilliant. They are bris- they're brilliant. They are bris- they're brilliant. They are bris- brilliant. Some people say, "All modern, brilliant. Some people say, "All modern, brilliant. Some people say, "All modern, you know, Western thought is just a you know, Western thought is just a you know, Western thought is just a series of footnotes on Plato." That's an series of footnotes on Plato." That's an series of footnotes on Plato." That's an exaggeration, but it shows you how exaggeration, but it shows you how exaggeration, but it shows you how brilliant they were. How is it possible brilliant they were. How is it possible brilliant they were. How is it possible that within two or three generations that within two or three generations that within two or three generations that the populace turned away from

that the populace turned away from that the populace turned away from paganism, turned away from classical uh paganism, turned away from classical uh paganism, turned away from classical uh uh uh uh culture and just and embraced culture and just and embraced culture and just and embraced Christianity? How did it happen? Christianity? How did it happen? Christianity? How did it happen? I'm always interested when I find a I'm always interested when I find a I'm always interested when I find a historian historian historian or uh uh somebody to try to give me an or uh uh somebody to try to give me an or uh uh somebody to try to give me an explanation for that who's not a explanation for that who's not a explanation for that who's not a Christian. I actually trust their Christian. I actually trust their Christian. I actually trust their objectivity a little bit more. objectivity a little bit more. objectivity a little bit more. And most of them that I have been And most of them that I have been And most of them that I have been reading lately say it's the reading lately say it's the reading lately say it's the resurrection. The resurrection was resurrection. The resurrection was resurrection. The resurrection was unique. The resurrection was something unique. The resurrection was something unique. The resurrection was something that nobody'd ever heard. It was a kind that nobody'd ever heard. It was a kind that nobody'd ever heard. It was a kind of message no one ever heard. of message no one ever heard. of message no one ever heard. It It When it it broke out there on the It It When it it broke out there on the It It When it it broke out there on the populace uh of the Greco-Roman world, it populace uh of the Greco-Roman world, it populace uh of the Greco-Roman world, it was uh it was like nothing that was uh it was like nothing that was uh it was like nothing that anybody'd ever known. anybody'd ever known. anybody'd ever known. And the reason was it gave us hope for And the reason was it gave us hope for And the reason was it gave us hope for the future. the future. the future. And it gave us this kind of hope. The And it gave us this kind of hope. The And it gave us this kind of hope. The resurrection gives you a hope for the resurrection gives you a hope for the resurrection gives you a hope for the future that the future is there, future that the future is there, future that the future is there, that it's personal, that it's personal, that it's personal, that it's certain, that it's certain, that it's certain, and that it's unimaginably wonderful. And by the way, it it can do that today. And by the way, it it can do that today. Here Here's what I mean by First of all, Here Here's what I mean by First of all, Here Here's what I mean by First of all, the future is there. Epicurus, one of the future is there. Epicurus, one of the future is there. Epicurus, one of the great the great the great Greek philosophers, believed that when Greek philosophers, believed that when Greek philosophers, believed that when you died, that was it.

you died, that was it. you died, that was it. You were gone. And therefore, he said, You were gone. And therefore, he said, You were gone. And therefore, he said, "Don't be afraid of death cuz you're "Don't be afraid of death cuz you're "Don't be afraid of death cuz you're There's no sensation. There's nothing to There's no sensation. There's nothing to There's no sensation. There's nothing to be afraid of. You die, it's like you be afraid of. You die, it's like you be afraid of. You die, it's like you don't know anything, okay?" don't know anything, okay?" don't know anything, okay?" And of course most of the I guess common And of course most of the I guess common And of course most of the I guess common people believed in an afterlife, but it people believed in an afterlife, but it people believed in an afterlife, but it was a sort of a shadowy underworld and was a sort of a shadowy underworld and was a sort of a shadowy underworld and nobody was really sure it was all that nobody was really sure it was all that nobody was really sure it was all that great a place. great a place. great a place. Uh many of the Jews weren't sure about Uh many of the Jews weren't sure about Uh many of the Jews weren't sure about the afterlife, as you know, the the afterlife, as you know, the the afterlife, as you know, the Sadducees didn't really uh they Sadducees didn't really uh they Sadducees didn't really uh they certainly didn't believe in the certainly didn't believe in the certainly didn't believe in the resurrection and perhaps didn't believe resurrection and perhaps didn't believe resurrection and perhaps didn't believe in any afterlife at all. in any afterlife at all. in any afterlife at all. But if you talk to a witness to the But if you talk to a witness to the But if you talk to a witness to the resurrection, resurrection, resurrection, if you talk to one of these eyewitnesses if you talk to one of these eyewitnesses if you talk to one of these eyewitnesses and saw their changed life and believed and saw their changed life and believed and saw their changed life and believed the credibility of their account, finally you knew that you were not just finally you knew that you were not just dust in the wind. dust in the wind. dust in the wind. Finally you knew that you were not just Finally you knew that you were not just Finally you knew that you were not just a stone that was going to sink to the a stone that was going to sink to the a stone that was going to sink to the bottom. bottom. bottom. That there is a future. That there That there is a future. That there That there is a future. That there really is a future. really is a future. really is a future. You know, people here today are every You know, people here today are every You know, people here today are every bit as sure that there's no future. The bit as sure that there's no future. The bit as sure that there's no future. The resurrection says, "Yes, there is." It's resurrection says, "Yes, there is." It's resurrection says, "Yes, there is." It's certain. Number one. Number two, it's certain. Number one. Number two, it's certain. Number one. Number two, it's personal. See, the Stoics personal. See, the Stoics personal. See, the Stoics were like Eastern philosophers that were like Eastern philosophers that were like Eastern philosophers that said, "Oh, you When you die, you you said, "Oh, you When you die, you you said, "Oh, you When you die, you you continue to exist, but not as your continue to exist, but not as your continue to exist, but not as your personal self. You become part of the personal self. You become part of the personal self. You become part of the all soul. You become part of the all soul. You become part of the all soul. You become part of the substance of the world." That kind of substance of the world." That kind of substance of the world." That kind of thing. So, you go on. There's no reason thing. So, you go on. There's no reason thing. So, you go on. There's no reason to be afraid.

to be afraid. to be afraid. It You know, it's interesting. It You know, it's interesting. It You know, it's interesting. I continually hear people today that say I continually hear people today that say I continually hear people today that say to me, "Either when you die, to me, "Either when you die, to me, "Either when you die, that's it. There's no reason to be that's it. There's no reason to be that's it. There's no reason to be afraid of death, afraid of death, afraid of death, okay? okay? okay? Or they say, "I believe when you die, Or they say, "I believe when you die, Or they say, "I believe when you die, you become part of the universe." You you become part of the universe." You you become part of the universe." You know, or even like Circle of Life. know, or even like Circle of Life. know, or even like Circle of Life. Uh you know, Lion King. You become part Uh you know, Lion King. You become part Uh you know, Lion King. You become part of the fertilizer and out of that come of the fertilizer and out of that come of the fertilizer and out of that come plants that other living things plants that other living things plants that other living things uh eat. And so you're all You become uh eat. And so you're all You become uh eat. And so you're all You become part of the world. There's no reason to part of the world. There's no reason to part of the world. There's no reason to be afraid of death. be afraid of death. be afraid of death. Be honest. Be honest. Be honest. Without the Holy Spirit, Without the Holy Spirit, Without the Holy Spirit, the deepest desire of the human heart the deepest desire of the human heart the deepest desire of the human heart that we can see that we can see that we can see is we want to be loved. is we want to be loved. is we want to be loved. And we want to be loved. We want to be And we want to be loved. We want to be And we want to be loved. We want to be with our loved ones. with our loved ones. with our loved ones. And the one thing we do not want is to And the one thing we do not want is to And the one thing we do not want is to lose our loved ones. The one thing we do lose our loved ones. The one thing we do lose our loved ones. The one thing we do not want is love that we lose. I mean, not want is love that we lose. I mean, not want is love that we lose. I mean, the main thing that gives us meaning in the main thing that gives us meaning in the main thing that gives us meaning in life life life is apart from the Holy Spirit, what most is apart from the Holy Spirit, what most is apart from the Holy Spirit, what most people know, the thing that gives me people know, the thing that gives me people know, the thing that gives me meaning in life is love. And you're meaning in life is love. And you're meaning in life is love. And you're going to tell me that when you die, going to tell me that when you die, going to tell me that when you die, everything that matters to you is being everything that matters to you is being everything that matters to you is being stripped away from you. Death takes away stripped away from you. Death takes away stripped away from you. Death takes away your loved ones and eventually takes you your loved ones and eventually takes you your loved ones and eventually takes you away from your loved ones. And you're away from your loved ones. And you're away from your loved ones. And you're saying that's nothing to be afraid of?

saying that's nothing to be afraid of? saying that's nothing to be afraid of? Oh, no, when I die, I don't know Oh, no, when I die, I don't know Oh, no, when I die, I don't know anything. Or when I die, I become part anything. Or when I die, I become part anything. Or when I die, I become part of the universe. I don't have my of the universe. I don't have my of the universe. I don't have my personality. But Jesus Christ shows up personality. But Jesus Christ shows up personality. But Jesus Christ shows up in the resurrected form and says, "It is in the resurrected form and says, "It is in the resurrected form and says, "It is me. me. me. It is I myself. It is I myself. It is I myself. Look at me. Look at me. Look at me. There's still the wounds. It's me. Your There's still the wounds. It's me. Your There's still the wounds. It's me. Your future is personal. future is personal. future is personal. That is the only thing that's going to That is the only thing that's going to That is the only thing that's going to satisfy the human heart. satisfy the human heart. satisfy the human heart. Don't tell me that you're not afraid of Don't tell me that you're not afraid of Don't tell me that you're not afraid of death if you don't believe in the death if you don't believe in the death if you don't believe in the resurrection or afterlife some way in resurrection or afterlife some way in resurrection or afterlife some way in which you're uh which you're uh which you're uh you know, personal. When I When I talk you know, personal. When I When I talk you know, personal. When I When I talk to secular people say, "I'm not afraid to secular people say, "I'm not afraid to secular people say, "I'm not afraid of death." I say, "You liar." Smile on my face. Remember what Don Smile on my face. Remember what Don says, "I can get away with that." You says, "I can get away with that." You says, "I can get away with that." You know, rumpled Midwestern professor. But I said, "That's just not true. I said, "That's just not true. That's too brutal to be honest." That's too brutal to be honest." That's too brutal to be honest." The resurrection tells you the future is The resurrection tells you the future is The resurrection tells you the future is there. Secondly, that it's personal. there. Secondly, that it's personal. there. Secondly, that it's personal. Thirdly, that it's certain. Now, here's Thirdly, that it's certain. Now, here's Thirdly, that it's certain. Now, here's what I mean by certain. what I mean by certain. what I mean by certain. What good is it to be told that there's What good is it to be told that there's What good is it to be told that there's a personal future a personal future a personal future where love without parting, surrounded where love without parting, surrounded where love without parting, surrounded by love, you're a person, they're by love, you're a person, they're by love, you're a person, they're people, they're persons. In other words, people, they're persons. In other words, people, they're persons. In other words, what if I were to say, "The future is what if I were to say, "The future is what if I were to say, "The future is available through Jesus Christ that you available through Jesus Christ that you available through Jesus Christ that you can know that you will never be parted can know that you will never be parted can know that you will never be parted from love, love of the Father, love of from love, love of the Father, love of from love, love of the Father, love of Jesus Christ, love of others?"

Jesus Christ, love of others?" Jesus Christ, love of others?" It doesn't console you if you're not It doesn't console you if you're not It doesn't console you if you're not sure sure sure that it's for you. Martin Luther was that it's for you. Martin Luther was that it's for you. Martin Luther was really good at this. He says, "Suffering really good at this. He says, "Suffering really good at this. He says, "Suffering is intolerable if you're not sure of is intolerable if you're not sure of is intolerable if you're not sure of your salvation. your salvation. your salvation. Unless you are sure that in spite of all Unless you are sure that in spite of all Unless you are sure that in spite of all of your flaws, that God is not giving up of your flaws, that God is not giving up of your flaws, that God is not giving up on you and he's with you. on you and he's with you. on you and he's with you. Suffering is intolerable if you're not Suffering is intolerable if you're not Suffering is intolerable if you're not sure of that future. sure of that future. sure of that future. But you can be certain. Why? Because of But you can be certain. Why? Because of But you can be certain. Why? Because of the resurrection. the resurrection. the resurrection. If someone goes into jail If someone goes into jail If someone goes into jail and the because the crime says and the because the crime says and the because the crime says "10 years in jail is the punishment for "10 years in jail is the punishment for "10 years in jail is the punishment for the crime." the crime." the crime." The day that man comes out of jail, The day that man comes out of jail, The day that man comes out of jail, that means it's paid. that means it's paid. that means it's paid. That law has no more claim on Jesus on That law has no more claim on Jesus on That law has no more claim on Jesus on you at all, right? You've been in jail you at all, right? You've been in jail you at all, right? You've been in jail for 10 years and now you The day you for 10 years and now you The day you for 10 years and now you The day you walk out, it's paid. It's gone. It's walk out, it's paid. It's gone. It's walk out, it's paid. It's gone. It's Jesus Christ went into death. The wages Jesus Christ went into death. The wages Jesus Christ went into death. The wages of sin is death. And when he came up out of sin is death. And when he came up out of sin is death. And when he came up out of the grave, that meant it was paid. of the grave, that meant it was paid. of the grave, that meant it was paid. That's how you know it was paid. That's how you know it was paid. That's how you know it was paid. Or you can think of the of the Or you can think of the of the Or you can think of the of the resurrection as a receipt.

resurrection as a receipt. resurrection as a receipt. You know, if you're a You know, if you're a You know, if you're a if you're in a department store and you if you're in a department store and you if you're in a department store and you buy an object, you always ask for the buy an object, you always ask for the buy an object, you always ask for the receipt because you're still walking receipt because you're still walking receipt because you're still walking around the store. And what if somebody around the store. And what if somebody around the store. And what if somebody clo- you know, stops you? What if a clo- you know, stops you? What if a clo- you know, stops you? What if a plainclothes security person stops you plainclothes security person stops you plainclothes security person stops you and says, "Excuse me, can I look in your and says, "Excuse me, can I look in your and says, "Excuse me, can I look in your bag?" You don't have a a receipt. See, bag?" You don't have a a receipt. See, bag?" You don't have a a receipt. See, what you really want to be able to do is what you really want to be able to do is what you really want to be able to do is you want If somebody stops you, you pull you want If somebody stops you, you pull you want If somebody stops you, you pull up your receipt and you say, "Oh, up your receipt and you say, "Oh, up your receipt and you say, "Oh, plainclothes security person, trouble me plainclothes security person, trouble me plainclothes security person, trouble me not because this not because this not because this This proves that this has been paid for This proves that this has been paid for This proves that this has been paid for and I do not have to pay it again." and I do not have to pay it again." and I do not have to pay it again." The resurrection is a giant receipt The resurrection is a giant receipt The resurrection is a giant receipt stamped across history stamped across history stamped across history for all people to see. for all people to see. for all people to see. That you can know That you can know That you can know that your future is certain if you that your future is certain if you that your future is certain if you believe in Jesus Christ. believe in Jesus Christ. believe in Jesus Christ. But not only that. Yeah, yeah. But not only that. Yeah, yeah. But not only that. Yeah, yeah. The resurrection does not just tell you The resurrection does not just tell you The resurrection does not just tell you that the future is there, that it's that the future is there, that it's that the future is there, that it's personal, that it's certain, but also personal, that it's certain, but also personal, that it's certain, but also that it's unimaginably wonderful. And that it's unimaginably wonderful. And that it's unimaginably wonderful. And here's the reason why. here's the reason why. here's the reason why. Edgar Allan Poe, Edgar Allan Poe, Edgar Allan Poe, most famous probably most famous uh most famous probably most famous uh most famous probably most famous uh literary production is The Raven, that literary production is The Raven, that literary production is The Raven, that poem. It's a very strange poem. It's a poem. It's a very strange poem. It's a poem. It's a very strange poem. It's a very dark poem, you know, Edgar Allan very dark poem, you know, Edgar Allan very dark poem, you know, Edgar Allan Poe. Uh but it's about a man who is Poe. Uh but it's about a man who is Poe. Uh but it's about a man who is is bereaved in a way because he's he's is bereaved in a way because he's he's is bereaved in a way because he's he's broken up with a girl, a woman named broken up with a girl, a woman named broken up with a girl, a woman named Lenore, I think her name is.

Lenore, I think her name is. Lenore, I think her name is. And uh he's trying to figure out, "Can I And uh he's trying to figure out, "Can I And uh he's trying to figure out, "Can I get her back? get her back? get her back? Uh you know, do I have to move on? You Uh you know, do I have to move on? You Uh you know, do I have to move on? You know, will everything be happy again?" know, will everything be happy again?" know, will everything be happy again?" And this raven comes in and sits sits on And this raven comes in and sits sits on And this raven comes in and sits sits on the bust of Pallas, I think, and just the bust of Pallas, I think, and just the bust of Pallas, I think, and just keeps saying one word over and over keeps saying one word over and over keeps saying one word over and over again. Do you remember what the word is? again. Do you remember what the word is? again. Do you remember what the word is? Nevermore. Nevermore. Nevermore. And what You know what that is? That is And what You know what that is? That is And what You know what that is? That is getting across with frightening getting across with frightening getting across with frightening pithiness pithiness pithiness what life is about, what life is about, what life is about, at least what it seems to be about, and at least what it seems to be about, and at least what it seems to be about, and that is the irreversibility of life. that is the irreversibility of life. that is the irreversibility of life. When things are gone, they're gone. When things are gone, they're gone. When things are gone, they're gone. And it's seemingly irretrievable. And it's seemingly irretrievable. And it's seemingly irretrievable. When you're young and then you get old, When you're young and then you get old, When you're young and then you get old, your youth seemingly is gone forever. your youth seemingly is gone forever. your youth seemingly is gone forever. When people die, irretrievable. When people die, irretrievable. When people die, irretrievable. Uh Kathy, Uh Kathy, Uh Kathy, my wife, just had the most wonderful my wife, just had the most wonderful my wife, just had the most wonderful years of her life. I've every summer for years of her life. I've every summer for years of her life. I've every summer for 2 weeks I had a at a little compound of 2 weeks I had a at a little compound of 2 weeks I had a at a little compound of cottages on the shores of Lake Erie. Uh cottages on the shores of Lake Erie. Uh cottages on the shores of Lake Erie. Uh the cottages are gone. In fact, that the cottages are gone. In fact, that the cottages are gone. In fact, that part of the beach is gone. It's all part of the beach is gone. It's all part of the beach is gone. It's all gone. And whenever she goes back there, gone. And whenever she goes back there, gone. And whenever she goes back there, she just weeps. It's like gone. It's she just weeps. It's like gone. It's she just weeps. It's like gone. It's irretrievable. I'll never have that irretrievable. I'll never have that irretrievable. I'll never have that back. Never get it back.

back. Never get it back. back. Never get it back. And in some ways, the irretrievability And in some ways, the irretrievability And in some ways, the irretrievability the seeming irretrievability is sort of the seeming irretrievability is sort of the seeming irretrievability is sort of like a death in the midst of life. And like a death in the midst of life. And like a death in the midst of life. And the older you get, the more it can just the older you get, the more it can just the older you get, the more it can just suck the life out of your life. The more suck the life out of your life. The more suck the life out of your life. The more it can suck all the joy out of your it can suck all the joy out of your it can suck all the joy out of your life. It's like when I lose something, life. It's like when I lose something, life. It's like when I lose something, it's gone. It's just gone. But do you realize what the resurrection But do you realize what the resurrection is? is? is? Even religions that promise you a kind Even religions that promise you a kind Even religions that promise you a kind of spiritual future, of spiritual future, of spiritual future, spiritual bliss, that's only consolation spiritual bliss, that's only consolation spiritual bliss, that's only consolation for what you've lost. for what you've lost. for what you've lost. But the resurrection is the restoration But the resurrection is the restoration But the resurrection is the restoration of what you've lost. of what you've lost. of what you've lost. You get your You don't just get your You get your You don't just get your You get your You don't just get your body back. You get the body you always body back. You get the body you always body back. You get the body you always wanted that you never had. wanted that you never had. wanted that you never had. You don't just get your life back. You You don't just get your life back. You You don't just get your life back. You get the life that You get the life that get the life that You get the life that get the life that You get the life that you always wanted that you never had. you always wanted that you never had. you always wanted that you never had. I know there's people in my church I know there's people in my church I know there's people in my church because they have been faithful, because because they have been faithful, because because they have been faithful, because they have said I'm not going to marry they have said I'm not going to marry they have said I'm not going to marry somebody unless that person can be a somebody unless that person can be a somebody unless that person can be a spiritual partner to me. spiritual partner to me. spiritual partner to me. There's people who, because they're There's people who, because they're There's people who, because they're being faithful in that way, are probably being faithful in that way, are probably being faithful in that way, are probably never going to get married. never going to get married. never going to get married. So, what should they say?

So, what should they say? So, what should they say? I'll never have that joy. I'll never have that joy. I'll never have that joy. I'll never have that. I'm too old now. I'll never have that. I'm too old now. I'll never have that. I'm too old now. Nobody's going to marry me now. Nobody's going to marry me now. Nobody's going to marry me now. I've lost that, I've lost that, I've lost that, you know? you know? you know? It's gone. It's gone. It's gone. You know what the resurrection is? The You know what the resurrection is? The You know what the resurrection is? The Jesus Christ is walking proof that you Jesus Christ is walking proof that you Jesus Christ is walking proof that you will miss nothing. will miss nothing. will miss nothing. There's going to be a wedding feast. There's going to be a wedding feast. There's going to be a wedding feast. Real wine. Real arms. Real wine. Real arms. Real wine. Real arms. It'll be your wedding feast. And the It'll be your wedding feast. And the It'll be your wedding feast. And the Even What about those of you who've been Even What about those of you who've been Even What about those of you who've been sort of locked in bad marriages? sort of locked in bad marriages? sort of locked in bad marriages? And you're trying to keep it together, And you're trying to keep it together, And you're trying to keep it together, and you're probably never going to have and you're probably never going to have and you're probably never going to have the great experience you see other the great experience you see other the great experience you see other people walking around with great people walking around with great people walking around with great marriages. You say, "Oh, I I I I I I I marriages. You say, "Oh, I I I I I I I marriages. You say, "Oh, I I I I I I I I guess I'm just never going to have I guess I'm just never going to have I guess I'm just never going to have that. You know, it's irretrievable. But that. You know, it's irretrievable. But that. You know, it's irretrievable. But my opportunity is irretrievably gone." my opportunity is irretrievably gone." my opportunity is irretrievably gone." No, the resurrection means you're going No, the resurrection means you're going No, the resurrection means you're going to miss nothing. to miss nothing. to miss nothing. Nothing. It's all coming It's all coming in the future. in the future. in the future. It's going to be unimaginably wonderful. There is no There is no religion. There is no faith. There is no religion. There is no faith. There is no religion. There is no faith. There is no philosophy. No one has ever offered the philosophy. No one has ever offered the philosophy. No one has ever offered the world this kind of future.

world this kind of future. world this kind of future. A future that is there. It's personal. A future that is there. It's personal. A future that is there. It's personal. It's certain. And it's unimaginably It's certain. And it's unimaginably It's certain. And it's unimaginably wonderful. What? There's no more wonderful. What? There's no more wonderful. What? There's no more powerful message possible. powerful message possible. powerful message possible. And it's based on the historical fact of And it's based on the historical fact of And it's based on the historical fact of the resurrection. If you don't like this the resurrection. If you don't like this the resurrection. If you don't like this or that of the ethical teaching of the or that of the ethical teaching of the or that of the ethical teaching of the Bible, look at that. Bible, look at that. Bible, look at that. Don't you want that? You have to say Don't you want that? You have to say Don't you want that? You have to say this to your non-Christian friends. Why this to your non-Christian friends. Why this to your non-Christian friends. Why wouldn't you want that? wouldn't you want that? wouldn't you want that? Even if you don't like this or that, why Even if you don't like this or that, why Even if you don't like this or that, why wouldn't you want that? You have to want wouldn't you want that? You have to want wouldn't you want that? You have to want that. You're not being honest with that. You're not being honest with that. You're not being honest with yourself if you don't want that. yourself if you don't want that. yourself if you don't want that. Here's the last thing to say. Here's the last thing to say. Here's the last thing to say. Jesus Christ twice calls himself the Jesus Christ twice calls himself the Jesus Christ twice calls himself the king. He doesn't even refer to himself. king. He doesn't even refer to himself. king. He doesn't even refer to himself. You know, once You know, once You know, once he says, "How foolish you are and how he says, "How foolish you are and how he says, "How foolish you are and how how slow to believe all that the how slow to believe all that the how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken. Did not the prophets have spoken. Did not the prophets have spoken. Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and Messiah have to suffer these things and Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" then enter his glory?" then enter his glory?" Twice he calls himself the Messiah. This Twice he calls himself the Messiah. This Twice he calls himself the Messiah. This is what is written. The Messiah will is what is written. The Messiah will is what is written. The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the suffer and rise from the dead on the suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the third day, and repentance for the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in forgiveness of sins will be preached in forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all the nations. Isn't it his name to all the nations. Isn't it his name to all the nations. Isn't it interesting that at the very end, Jesus interesting that at the very end, Jesus interesting that at the very end, Jesus refers to himself not using the word I, refers to himself not using the word I, refers to himself not using the word I, but refers to himself as the Messiah, but refers to himself as the Messiah, but refers to himself as the Messiah, which is of course the king.

which is of course the king. which is of course the king. That's how he goes out. I'm the king. That's how he goes out. I'm the king. That's how he goes out. I'm the king. I'm the true king. I'm the true king. I'm the true king. John Guest, a British Episcopal minister John Guest, a British Episcopal minister John Guest, a British Episcopal minister here for many years, first moved, I here for many years, first moved, I here for many years, first moved, I think, to this country from Britain back think, to this country from Britain back think, to this country from Britain back in the early 1970s. I think he was at a in the early 1970s. I think he was at a in the early 1970s. I think he was at a Revolutionary War museum of some sort. I Revolutionary War museum of some sort. I Revolutionary War museum of some sort. I think it was in Philadelphia, where he think it was in Philadelphia, where he think it was in Philadelphia, where he was looking at Revolutionary War was looking at Revolutionary War was looking at Revolutionary War memorabilia. Uh you know, uh memorabilia. Uh you know, uh memorabilia. Uh you know, uh uh various sorts of memorabilia. But one uh various sorts of memorabilia. But one uh various sorts of memorabilia. But one of the things he noticed was a big sign of the things he noticed was a big sign of the things he noticed was a big sign that had been put up on some tavern in that had been put up on some tavern in that had been put up on some tavern in Philadelphia during the Revolution. It Philadelphia during the Revolution. It Philadelphia during the Revolution. It was big words, and here's what it said. was big words, and here's what it said. was big words, and here's what it said. "We serve no sovereign here." "We serve no sovereign here." "We serve no sovereign here." And he realized he was in a new country. And he realized he was in a new country. And he realized he was in a new country. Because, you know, even Australians and Because, you know, even Australians and Because, you know, even Australians and Canadians and and and Europeans Canadians and and and Europeans Canadians and and and Europeans have some positive memory of bowing the have some positive memory of bowing the have some positive memory of bowing the knee. knee. knee. Asians come from another place. They Asians come from another place. They Asians come from another place. They They see the benefits, and I think the They see the benefits, and I think the They see the benefits, and I think the the uh the uh the uh uh and also the appropriateness of uh and also the appropriateness of uh and also the appropriateness of respecting authority. But we Americans respecting authority. But we Americans respecting authority. But we Americans and and it's our sensibility that's and and it's our sensibility that's and and it's our sensibility that's spreading throughout the world. Huh? spreading throughout the world. Huh? spreading throughout the world. Huh? Great. Great. Great. We serve no sovereign here.

We serve no sovereign here. We serve no sovereign here. We serve no sovereign here. We don't bow We serve no sovereign here. We don't bow We serve no sovereign here. We don't bow the knee to anybody. I am an individual, the knee to anybody. I am an individual, the knee to anybody. I am an individual, and I decide what is right or wrong for and I decide what is right or wrong for and I decide what is right or wrong for me. me. me. Uh Uh Uh C. S. Lewis wrote a little article some C. S. Lewis wrote a little article some C. S. Lewis wrote a little article some years ago called Equality. And he says, years ago called Equality. And he says, years ago called Equality. And he says, "I am absolutely in in favor of "I am absolutely in in favor of "I am absolutely in in favor of democracy. Absolutely, because we're all democracy. Absolutely, because we're all democracy. Absolutely, because we're all sinners." sinners." sinners." He says, "W- Because we're all sinners, He says, "W- Because we're all sinners, He says, "W- Because we're all sinners, we need checks and balances." But he we need checks and balances." But he we need checks and balances." But he says, says, says, "Democracy is medicine. It's not food." "Democracy is medicine. It's not food." "Democracy is medicine. It's not food." It's medicine for what ails us, but it's It's medicine for what ails us, but it's It's medicine for what ails us, but it's not food. He says, "Ultimate reality not food. He says, "Ultimate reality not food. He says, "Ultimate reality is not democracy, because you were made is not democracy, because you were made is not democracy, because you were made to be ruled. And if you don't acknowledge Jesus as And if you don't acknowledge Jesus as king, king, king, you will serve somebody. you will serve somebody. you will serve somebody. You will You will bow the knee to You will You will bow the knee to You will You will bow the knee to somebody. You won't admit that's what somebody. You won't admit that's what somebody. You won't admit that's what you're doing. But I think it's there you're doing. But I think it's there you're doing. But I think it's there where Lewis says, where Lewis says, where Lewis says, "Human nature will be served. "Human nature will be served. "Human nature will be served. If it doesn't get food, it'll gobble If it doesn't get food, it'll gobble If it doesn't get food, it'll gobble poison. poison. poison. You need a king. You need a king. You need a king. You will serve somebody.

You will serve somebody. You will serve somebody. This is your king. This is your king. This is your king. Obey him. Obey him. Obey him. That is to say, treat him as a king. That is to say, treat him as a king. That is to say, treat him as a king. Do whatever he says, whether you like it Do whatever he says, whether you like it Do whatever he says, whether you like it or not. Trust him. or not. Trust him. or not. Trust him. Treat him as a king. Treat him as a king. Treat him as a king. Accept what he sends into your life, Accept what he sends into your life, Accept what he sends into your life, whether you understand it or not. Rely whether you understand it or not. Rely whether you understand it or not. Rely on him. on him. on him. Don't say, "Well, I believe in Jesus." Don't say, "Well, I believe in Jesus." Don't say, "Well, I believe in Jesus." But you really are getting all of your But you really are getting all of your But you really are getting all of your self-worth out of your career. Then your self-worth out of your career. Then your self-worth out of your career. Then your career is king. Make Jesus your king. career is king. Make Jesus your king. career is king. Make Jesus your king. And expect great things from him. And expect great things from him. And expect great things from him. Thou art coming in prayer. In prayer, Thou art coming in prayer. In prayer, Thou art coming in prayer. In prayer, expect Treat him like a king in prayer. expect Treat him like a king in prayer. expect Treat him like a king in prayer. You know how to do that? John Newton You know how to do that? John Newton You know how to do that? John Newton says, says, says, "Thou art coming to a king. Large "Thou art coming to a king. Large "Thou art coming to a king. Large petitions with thee bring. petitions with thee bring. petitions with thee bring. For his grace and power are such, For his grace and power are such, For his grace and power are such, none can ever ask too much." none can ever ask too much." none can ever ask too much." He's the king. He's the king. He's the king. Let us pray. Let us pray. Let us pray. Our Father, we ask Our Father, we ask Our Father, we ask that you would help us to take this that you would help us to take this that you would help us to take this message of the resurrection to the message of the resurrection to the message of the resurrection to the world, world, world, that you would help us to always preach that you would help us to always preach that you would help us to always preach Christ when we preach, because the Christ when we preach, because the Christ when we preach, because the resurrection has shown us the key, the resurrection has shown us the key, the resurrection has shown us the key, the meaning to the scriptures.

meaning to the scriptures. meaning to the scriptures. We pray that the resurrection would We pray that the resurrection would We pray that the resurrection would remind us that the truth is the truth, remind us that the truth is the truth, remind us that the truth is the truth, whether we like it or not. whether we like it or not. whether we like it or not. But most of all, help us to remember But most of all, help us to remember But most of all, help us to remember that the resurrection shows us that that the resurrection shows us that that the resurrection shows us that Jesus is the king that our hearts have Jesus is the king that our hearts have Jesus is the king that our hearts have longed for. Oh Lord, there's a memory longed for. Oh Lord, there's a memory longed for. Oh Lord, there's a memory trace in us, trace in us, trace in us, in all human beings, in all human beings, in all human beings, of the true king, of the true king, of the true king, whose wisdom and justice and compassion and compassion and power was like the sun shining and power was like the sun shining and power was like the sun shining in its full strength. in its full strength. in its full strength. And we know down deep And we know down deep And we know down deep that we were meant to swim in the glory that we were meant to swim in the glory that we were meant to swim in the glory of that royal face. of that royal face. of that royal face. And that that's the place where we will And that that's the place where we will And that that's the place where we will blossom and grow. That's the place we blossom and grow. That's the place we blossom and grow. That's the place we will flourish and be all that we should will flourish and be all that we should will flourish and be all that we should be. be. be. Lord, help us to take the the the gospel Lord, help us to take the the the gospel Lord, help us to take the the the gospel of the resurrected king, Jesus Christ, of the resurrected king, Jesus Christ, of the resurrected king, Jesus Christ, to the world, and lift it up in such a to the world, and lift it up in such a to the world, and lift it up in such a way that people are drawn to it, way that people are drawn to it, way that people are drawn to it, because we because we because we are living representatives of that are living representatives of that are living representatives of that resurrected life ourselves.

resurrected life ourselves. resurrected life ourselves. Do all this because it would glorify Do all this because it would glorify Do all this because it would glorify you. you. you. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.