"Life After Death" Series

U.S. Army Chaplain (MAJ) Ken Harris

Fort Stewart, Georgia

BIG IDEA: UPON DEATH, CHRISTIANS IMMEDIATELY STEP OUT OF TIME INTO ETERNITY …

REFERENCES: 1 Cor. 15:52-54; 2 Cor. 5:1-10; John 11:25-26 (I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live…).; Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 (Everything has its time: To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven; A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted); Job 14:1 (Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble); Job 2:9 (Mrs. Job’s dealing with the loss of 7 boys and 3 girls; and what looked like the imminent death HER HUSBAND – JOB); James 2:19 (But, the devil also believed, and tremble; … and remain devils); Luke 16:19-31 (This parable of the Rich Man (Dives) and Lazarus (God helps) is not “theology” but it’s a clear story that gives us some insight into “life after death”). It tells us that our behaviors on earth is readdress in heaven.

I. ANNOUNCE THE PERICOPE: 2 Corinthians 5:1-10

II. READ THE PERICOPE: 2 Corinthians 5:1-10

III. READ THE TEXT: 2 Corinthians 5:1 (For we know that, if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens).

IV. PURPOSE: To motivate the hearers to affirm to others that upon death, believers Step-out of Time immediately into eternity.

V. SERMONIC THEME: “Life After Death”

INTRODUCTION: (LET US TALK ABOUT LIFE AFTER DEATH. Surely there is not a person here who has not at some time thought about what happens to him when he dies. You cannot live very long without at least having some thoughts and questions about it. WE CANNOT ESCAPE IT, FOR IT CONFRONTS US ON EVERY SIDE. It is imperative, therefore, to examine a subject like this from time to time; even though some folk try to ignore “all together” the whole subject of death.

(Parallel) Victory Chapel has great deacon ministries. Many of you know that I had to go TDY this past week to South Carolina, and Dedra went along with me. While we were there, I received a call from Deacon Carter informing me of Deacon Gregg’s hospitalization, room, and phone number.

Afterwards, I called Deacon Gregg. Dedra and I talked with him; and we informed him that we would stop in Savannah the following day on our way back from South Carolina. Upon our arrival, we saw Deaconess Smith, Sister Thomas, and Reverend Hines (a long time friend of Deacon and Sister Gregg). .. after a while, they left. We were left along with Deacon Gregg … and as expected we talked about many things … one of which … was DEATH.

He didn’t chide away from the subject … Instead, he plausibly stared at me for a moment. Then he said … I’m not sure if it’s correct of not … and I’m not even sure of what all happens … but, I believe BECAUSE I’M ABOUT GOD’S BUSINESS – WHEN I DIE - I’m going to be WITH THE LORD.

* My conversation with Deacon Gregg reminded me that in the Theological Community … Theologians have said for years: “If a man chooses a CHEAP HEAVEN (here on earth), he can hardly expect to have a REAL HEAVENLY LIFE, after death ….”)

So … what is a Cheap Heaven On Earth? In my opinion, a cheap heaven “on earth” is chasing women – or being chased by men if you’re a woman. As a man, it means living everyday to see what HOTTIE (married or single) you can get into bed next. Or (if you’re a woman) what handsome STUD (married or single) can you can lure into your perfume sheets?

Cheap Heaven On Earth … is living ONLY to say, THANK GOD IT’S FRIDAY … I’m going to party all weekend. Drink … Eat … Smoke … and be happy. Get up Sunday – wash the car, watch the game, and get ready for WORK on Monday.

Cheap Heaven On Earth … is doing whatever feels right and FEELS good … It’s caring only about yourself, your money and your time.

In contrast … Being about God’s Business … spells dedication to your wife (if you’re a man); and to your husband (if you’re a woman); and to your God (if you’re single).

Being about God’s business … means becoming a living sacrifice for Jesus for Lord to use “In The Grand Picture of Life” … however, and whenever he chooses.

When we are about God’s business … Sometimes GOD chooses to use our life through our economic status/rank … and sometimes He chooses to use our life through our unfortunate circumstances (like the death of love ones and significant others) ; while there are still other times … God chooses to use our life through our illnesses, and hospitalizations.