21/4/2015 sermon

TOPIC; POWER OF RESURRECTION

Memory verse; matt 25:46.

Aim:

According to the history of early church as enshrined in acts 23. When the centurion brought apostle paul to defend himself before the council. Present among the councils are 2 kinds of people. Those who believe there is resurrection. And those that believe there is no resurrection.

My studies have also shown that among the various religions groups and religious sects all over the world. There are those who believe when a person dies. The same person shall come back again a different  person. Others say the person will join the spirit of their ancestors. And some say, the person shall go an rest at alter of God, some say they shall go and rest in a place called purgatory.

I don’t know which school of taught is right or wrong. But one thing is certain and common from these various school of taught.

Though the body actually dies, the ashes go back to ashes and the sand to sand. The soul of the person continues to live.

In fact I want to believe the difference between the history of the creation of the world in Genesis chapter 1 and Genesis chapter 2 is. The Genesis chapter account relays to us, the creation of the soul. While Genesis chapter 2 relates to us the creation of the body.

And according to that Genesis chapter 1. God made soul to be immortal like Him and the spirit beings. However in His infinite wisdom. He also created a place to reward the spirits and soul that obey His word. And another place to punish the souls and spirit that disobey His word.

This places are what we commonly refer to as Hell fire and heaven.

And this is not just the consolation of every obedient soul. But the hope of all Christians. In fact according to 1 Corinthians 15 vs. 11-19. Without this hope, Christianity is a complete vanity and double misery.

In our new  testament reading today 1 Corinthians 15 vs. 1-11. Our father and our God decide to communicate to us the process flow. He have put in place for the actualization of this His ultimate purpose.( Rewarding the obedient souls and punishing the errant souls).

According to the text, he actually resurrected Christ Jesus our master. As a way to demonstrate to us that resurrection is real. And he leave us a countless witnesses to verify, this truth.

Further more. In our old testament reading 2 kings 17:21-24. We see our father and our God also demonstrating resurrection power to us. By the hand of His man, prophet Elijah.

Time and space will not permit me. To recount to us the account of the resurrection of Lazarus, the dried bones  among others.

But the question I will like you to answer by your self is. If body which is created a mortal thing. Can come back to live again. Can He who made it possible. Also make soul, which is created immortal come back to live.

Another issue that need a personal decision. Is, after resurrection, where will one find him or her self. In heaven a place of eternal rest with Christ or hell fire a place of eternal destruction.

The choice is yours, but if I will advice. Choose eternal rest with Christ by obeying Him, the word of GOD.

I pray the power of Christ, with the name of Jesus Christ to put our name in the book of life today in Jesus Christ our master mighty name. Amen.

Composed from the sermon of Rev. Ahubelem and believers voice of Rev Akindeinde. Both of our saviors Anglican church Unilag estate, Magodo