BECAUSE HE LIVES!
John 14:19
Introduction:
“I daresay there is not a Southern Gospel Music fan on the face of the earth who has not heard at least one song written by Bill and Gloria Gaither. Millions of Americans and people of other countries are coming to love Southern Gospel, and most of them can name more than one Gaither song.
Bill and Gloria wrote their first song together some forty years ago. Their songs, almost without exception, started with an idea. Usually, Bill would write a musical piece with an idea in mind, and then Gloria, using the same idea, would write the words. On some occasions, Gloria revealed in her book Fully Alive the whole lyric would come to her, and then Bill would write the music, either alone or with a cowriter. They have now written some six hundred songs and produced sixty recordings and several musicals. And both have authored or coauthored several books.
The Gaithers’ lives have not always been smooth sailing, however. During the late 1960s, while expecting their third child, they went through a rather traumatic time. While Bill was recovering from a bout with mononucleosis, he and Gloria and other members in their church family were the objects of false accusations and belittlement. It was a special time of fear and torment for Gloria. With all the craziness surrounding her family, the thought of bringing another child into the world was taking its toll on her.
She remembers sitting in their living room in agony and fear on New Year’s Eve. Across the nation, the educational system was being infiltrated with the “God is dead” idea, while drug abuse and racial tension were increasing. Then, suddenly and quite unexpectedly, she was filled with a sweet, calming peace. Like an attentive mother bending over her baby, it was as if her heavenly Father saw His Gloria and came to her rescue. Her panic gave way to calmness and an assurance that only the Lord can give. She was assured that the future would be just fine, left in God’s hands.
Both Bill and Gloria remembered that the power of the blessed Holy Spirit seemed to come to their aid. The power of Christ’s resurrection was reaffirmed in their lives and in their thoughts. To Gloria, it was “life conquering death” as joy once again permeated the fearful circumstances of their lives.
All of this gave rise to one of the most famous Southern Gospel songs of our time, “Because He Lives.” The first verse is a presentation of the gospel of Christ, reminding us of His death, burial, and resurrection. In the second verse we see the life of a new baby and sense the assurance that Christ alone can give. The little one can have a victorious life because Christ lives.
As we realize that God holds the future and makes life worth living for all who trust in Him, we can face tomorrow with all the uncertainty it brings.” –Lindsey Terry
Christianity is the only religion that is founded by a leader that has overcome death. And, because He lives:
1. I Can Flee from Temptation:
Ron Dentinger once said in his older age “Lately it seems like I don’t have to worry about avoiding temptation. At my age temptation is avoiding me.” While that is funny and it is true that temptations can change with age, it is not true that temptations go away when the grey hair comes.
But, when temptation does come we can face that temptation with:
• Declaration: (Power).
A store owner noticed a little boy staring down a big lollie pop on a display rack. The boy kept looking around, sticking out his hand as if to steal it and then put his hand back in his pocket and continue to stare at the candy. Finally, after about 15 minutes, the store owner approached the boy and asked “Son, are you trying to steal that lollie pop?” to which the boy replied “No sir, I am trying not to!”
It has been said that temptation plus opportunity equals trouble. We may have a temptation but if we are not afforded the opportunity, we are OK. On the other hand, we may have opportunity but no temptation, again we are OK. However, when temptation and opportunity come together, we ALWAYS have trouble! Yet, through the power of the resurrection, we have the ability to resist temptation and are “dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord…For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” –Rom. 6:11-14
I hear folks all the time say, after having a bad week, “The devil has been on my back all week!” Well, take the power of the resurrection and kick him off and make him walk himself! All BECAUSE HE LIVES!
• Determination: (Assurance)
While He has given us the power to put feet to our faith to escape temptation; He will always make a way out, a way of escape. Our Father is not a “mean bully with a magnifying glass on humanities anthill” as some have insisted; He is a very loving Father who cares deeply for His children. He will never set us up for failure; He will never allow a temptation to enter our lives, box us in and enjoy the show. In fact, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” –I Cor. 10:13 God ALWAYS provides a way of escape for us when temptation comes.
Ask Joseph who was tempted sexually with Potifar’s wife when she made an advance on him. What was Joseph’s reaction? When Potiphar’s wife grabbed his garment and demanded he sleep with her, he “left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.” –Gen. 39:12 Notice that while God provided a door for Joseph to go through, it was Joseph that had to “get himself out” of that mess…I can hear him as he runs out of that house, “feet don’t fail me now!” Friend God will always make a way out, and provide us the power to flee, however, WE MUST APPLY THE POWER. This is all possible, all BECAUSE HE LIVES!
I Can Flee from Temptation
2. I Can Fete Tribulation: (Celebrate)
• Knowing there is a Design:
For “we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” –Rom. 8:28.
Just ask Joseph who was thrown into a pit and sold into slavery by his brothers. Accused of raping the wife of Potiphar and thrown into jail, who later became the right hand man to the king of the world.
Just ask the three Hebrew children who were thrown into the smoldering hot furnace whose testimony after they walked out ushered in a revival to the nation.
Just ask Jonah who was thrown into the ocean and spent three days, three smelly days I might add, and experienced death in the belly of a whale. It was that same man that became the tool in the hand of God used to bring the entire wicked city of Nineveh into the grips of grace.
We might be “Thrown in” but for the believer we can trust the bigger picture and believe what we get out of being thrown in always equates to victory! We have not been thrown in for failure but thrown in to win! For the child of God nothing will come into your life that hasn’t been first filtered through the loving will of God for your life. All BECAUSE HE LIVES!
• Knowing it will Dissolve:
David was a man who understood tribulation and it was he that said “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” –Psalm 23
It has been said that we are always in one of three phases of tribulation: We are about to enter, are currently in, or just coming out. One of the wonderful truths in this scripture is the age old truth that whatever struggle you are enduring you can say with the millions that have gone on before “this too shall pass”. When Jesus Christ rose again, he defeated death, the grave, sin and has given you the assurance that no matter how severe the trials become, you will, through Christ, arrive at the other side: happy, healed, healthy and home! And, it won’t be much longer, James tells us that our lives are transient and brief, considered only a “vapour, that appreareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” –James 4:14
Look at Phyllis Sledd who spent many weeks struggling for life against the doctors prognosis and through her family telling her goodbye at her bedside in the ICU. Who now is an active children’s ministry leader in AWANA, making a tremendous difference in the lives of the next generation!
Look at Charlie McCormick who the world would not be surprised if he were diagnosed with depression, in bed, on medication, yet sits here today, worshipping his Lord with a spring in his step, a smile on his face and joy in his heart! These and many others are here today that will testify that there is always an ending for tribulation! All BECAUSE HE LIVES!
I Can Flee from Temptation
I Can Fete Tribulation
3. I Can Face Tomorrow:
• Dauntless:
We get so happy when the sun is shining and sad when it’s raining. We are on cloud nine when we have extra money in the bank, our jobs are secure, homes are nice, cars are running and we are in good enough health to enjoy it all. But the moment we receive a paper thin envelope from the bank, our car has to go to the shop, layoffs occur at work and the doctor wants to go over some recent tests, we get discouraged and depressed and defeat marks our lives. But, we say, “this too shall pass” for I know that through the power of the resurrection I will have power over death and will cross over that river Jordan! Oh if we would just realize today that the power of the resurrection is not just power over death but power to live! I John 4:4 says, when speaking of the things of the world, even scarier things than houses, cars and jobs, but demonic powers and evil spirits, that we have already overcome them “because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” –I John 4:4b
God has sent His Holy Spirit to indwell you and empower you to have victory over death and victory in life!
And this power is not just available to the likes of Moses as he did things like part a sea and provide a way of escape for his people when things got bad or David when everyone else was hiding from a giant knocked him down with one shot or Gideon who went against an army with just 300 crying the sword of the Lord and of Gideon or Elijah who when faced with what seemed to be the entire world turning to false religion purged the land of idolatry and brought supernatural fire down from heaven.
Christian hear me today, this power is not just found in the Old Testament heroes, although as they served God, His powerful hand was upon them! Not just found in the New Testament disciples, although the closer to Christ they got the more power they were exposed to! Not just power to the “Super Christians”, although there have been a few folks through the church age that have been submitted to our Lord to find a power not of this world. Not just power to create, although what a power He exhibited when with just a gesture of a finger He brought it all into existence! But a power that is available and afforded to every child of God…TO YOU!
A power that overcomes us in death and a power that overwhelms us in life! All BECAUSE HE LIVES! Unafraid of Disease, Doom and even DEATH!
I once read of a lady that was standing on the deck of a ship during a terrible storm. The Captain sent a deckhand to usher her into the safety of the ship. The deckhand said “Ma’am you must get inside or you will be swept overboard” to which she replied “I have a daughter in New York and one in heaven and it does not matter to me which one I see next” This was the same attitude held by the Apostle Paul when he proclaimed “I am in a straight betwixt two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better, nevertheless to remain here is more needful for you.” –Phil. 1:23
We can all claim this attitude and approach to life and death. Why? All BECAUSE HE LIVES!
With Delight:
As I preached last year, it may be Friday, but Sunday is coming! There is coming a day that I will “cross the river; I’ll fight life’s final war with pain; And then as death gives way to victory, I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He lives.” For those that are experiencing times of trial. For those like Carol Gibson that has spent the past few weeks in terrible physical pain. For those like Adrian Cronk missing a wife of 65 years and experiencing emotional pain. For those like Carole Johnson having lost her job and experiencing financial pain. YOU CAN FACE TOMROROW WITH DELIGHT. Knowing that through the resurrection, Jesus Christ has defeated sin, the grave and even death. We do not near to fear what tomorrow holds for we know who holds our tomorrow. Did you hear me? Jesus Christ even defeated DEATH!
Winston Churchill had planned his funeral. He included many of the great hymns of the church and used the eloquent Anglican liturgy. At his direction, a bugler, positioned high in the dome of Saint Paul’s, intoned, after the benediction, the sound of “Taps,” the universal signal that says the day is over. But then came a dramatic turn: as Churchill instructed, after “Taps” was finished, another bugler, placed on the other side of the great dome, played the notes of “Reveille” –“It’s time to get up!” That was Churchill’s testimony that at the end of history, the last note will not be “Taps”; it will be “Reveille.” The worst things are never the last things.
[The entire sermon I have a full size coffin on the stage, standing head to toe. Every time I talk of the power of the resurrection and mention death I point to the casket and open the door to state He has defeated even death. Then to close this sermon and transition to the invitation, I open the door of the coffin and step in, explaining that we will all die, yet even in death we have nothing to fear. I then close the door and walk out the back “sneak door” and walk around to the congregation explaining that now that Christ defeated death the grave is simply door that ushers us into an eternity with Him!
Prayer/Invitation/Baptism
