Sermon Theme
When is it my Turn?
“When is it my turn?” – A question not expressed in exactly those words.
It was a sentiment that hung in the air whenever Harry heard someone had passed away before him
Over the past six years Harry himself had been at death’s door on a number of occasions
Yet, time and again he would recover and later he would hear that so and so had passed away.
Each time the news came of someone’s passing – “why was it that the Lord had not taken me?”
With Easter just past, we bathe in the afterglow of the victory of the RISEN Saviour
A victory that heralds our own resurrection:
“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.” (1 Corinthians 15:20–23, NIV84)
The question today is: “How important is that to us? What place does it have in our life?
Harry’s longing teaches us much about Resurrection hope and assurance.
- LOOKING FORWARD TO WHAT IS BETTER
- THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
- STRENGTH FOR TODAY AND BRIGHT HOPE FOR TOMORROW
Readings reproduced on this page:
The Holy Bible: New International Version. 1996, 1984. Grand Rapids: Zondervan
Sermon Outline
Readings
2 Corinthians 5:1–10 (NIV84)
1Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.
2Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling,
3because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked.
4For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.
5Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
6Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord.
7We live by faith, not by sight.
8We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
9So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.
10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
Text
Psalm 27 (NIV84)
Of David.
1The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?
2When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.
3Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.
4One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.
5For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
6Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the Lord.
7Hear my voice when I call, O Lord; be merciful to me and answer me.
8My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek.
9Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.
10Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.
11Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.
12Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.
13I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
14Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
