From Death unto Life

Hurricane Katrina killed 1,390 directly and 1,833 with the aftermath. close to 341 people drowned in LA.

This leaves the question. When news was reported as to the severity of the storm, why did people stay?

Some stayed because they had no place to go, some stayed because their jobs demanded it, and some stayed because they had no transportation. However, many stayed because they refused to accept the severity of the moment.

Mr Fort said, I can't speak for others who did not evacuate for hurricane Katrina but, for me, I have lived in the deep south all of my life and Hurricanes are a way of life in the deep south. I packed up my then wife and children and sent them to stay in Memphis at the house of my best friend. I chose to stay in the crosshairs of the storm because that is what I have done for every other hurricane which hit my community or came close. I don't believe that anyone, including myself, who chose to ride out the storm could have anticipated the widespread devastation which was caused by Katrina's high winds and extensive flooding.

Likewise, many will play with religion, church, and being good. However, they will not turn away from sin and to Christ simply because they are convinced that everything is okay.

1 Peter 4:1–6 NKJV

Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

I. Death must occur

2000 years ago a religious sect demanded the death of Jesus. Not because He had harmed anyone, but rather because He offered life. Yet, to those who were so consumed with religious confidence could not bare the idea of dying to self.

A.Dead to Sin

v.1

Romans 6:1–2 NKJV

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?

Adrian Rogers told the story of a man who desired to have a fur coat so he went bear hunting. He found a bear and was about to shoot when the bear said, “Hold on a minute and lets talk about this.” So the man and the bear began to have a discussion. The bear aid, let me get this strait you want a fur coat and I want a meal. Maybe we can work something out. So in the end the bear got a meal and the man got the fur coat.

You cannot compromise with the devil. We must deny ourselves, and die to our selfish ways, that we might have life in Christ.

B. Dead to Self

v.2

Luke 9:23 NKJV

Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.

C. Dead to Social Pressure

v.3-4

II. Life in Christ

Philippians 1:21 NKJV

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Romans 12:1–2 NKJV

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

A. When we are in Him

v.1

That is we must have the same mind as Christ.

Galatians 2:20 NKJV

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

B. When we do the will of the Father

v.2

C. When we yield to the Spirit.

v.6

Philippians 4:7 NKJV

and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.