Sermon Tone Analysis
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Ever since the beginning, humanity has been fascinated by the afterlife.
Does it really exist?
If it does, what is it like?
Are there different levels?
Is there really a heaven or a hell?
Job even asked a similar question in Job 14:14.
His conclusion was that there really was.
He believed that a person would indeed be renewed.
In other words, all humanity would live again.
There are many who totally reject the idea of our living after we die.
They suggest that we are only here on earth for a short period and then we’re worm food or ashes.
Their conclusion is that since this is the case, then we out to live it up with no boundaries or concerns.
There are a good number of people who have a quite unique twist to their understanding of the afterlife.
Their theory is that of a belief in reincarnation.
This provides a multitude of opportunities to improve themselves.
It’s almost like getting a mulligan in golf.
If things don’t go right the first time, it doesn’t really count against you.
Their philosophy seems to have unlimited “redos.”
Yet , the author of Hebrews strongly disproves that.
Jesus Christ Himself stated that we will have an afterlife.
The reason is because of Who He is.
Jesus speaks of this truth in John 14:19.
It really doesn’t matter what any one person thinks; the fact of the matter is that we are responsible for our lives here on earth.
We will live after we die.
Some will live eternally in judgment and condemnation and punishment.
Others will live eternally in the presence of Jesus Christ in fullness of joy.
What we know from the Bible and multiple first person witnesses is that Jesus is alive now.
He is the resurrection and the life.
Because Jesus is the resurrection and the life, everyone is required to give a response to this.
Today, we’ll be briefly looking into Acts 17:32-34, as we look at three different attitudes toward the resurrection.
Some Mocked at the News of the Resurrection.
- 17:32a
Even though there were multiple, astounding, undeniable proofs of Christ’s resurrection, quite a few people refused to believe.
In fact, they not only mocked the news of His resurrection, they actually rejected it.
They were not at all open to consideration of basic facts, much less to taking a faith leap.
We recall quite vividly the fact that while Jesus was alive and ministering, He was mocked quite frequently by many people.
This, in spite of all that He did with signs and wonders and miracles.
He had healed the sick; cleansed lepers, gave hearing to the deaf, provided sight for the blind, enabled the mute to speak.
He even raised people to life.
Nobody else could do these things; only God could do this.
Yet, He was rejected and mocked by many.
Is it any different today?
Not at all.
People still mock Him and all those who follow after Jesus.
Those who think that their intelligence is so great refuse to believe that He will return.
They would suggest that such thoughts are beyond a normal reasonable approach to life.
However, if one chooses to deny the resurrection of Jesus Christ, that certainly cannot prevent His return.
Listen to what Peter writes in 2 Peter 3:3-4.
Though many mock at the news of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Bible gives a warning about that attitude.
God cannot be mocked.
A man reaps what he sows.
When a person mocks the good news that Jesus is alive; when they mock the resurrection, they are left only with the option of an eternal destiny in hell.
Would that people should realize this before it is too late.
Another attitude which can yield the same results is found in the last half of verse 32.
Some Delayed at the News of the Resurrection.
- 17:32b
Delay in many situations can mean the difference between life and death.
Getting to shelter from a tornado, stomping on the brakes to avoid an accident, ducking as a rock goes hurtling towards you—these and many other situations are earthly examples of what can happen if you delay proper action.
It is the same, but with an even greater impact with relation to this wonderful good news.
Again, this good news is that Jesus is alive and lives forever more.
Choosing to believe or not believe this truism can mean the difference between life and death.
So why would anyone dare to delay making a decision for Jesus Christ?
There are three reasons which I want to share, though there might be more.
First is the concern that many seem to have with the things of this world.
This attitude can be seen way back in Genesis 19:16, when Lot hesitated to leave the horrible, sinful city in which he had settled.
He was enjoying his worldly living too much, it seems.
Yet, because of God being merciful to him, he was led to escape.
For many today, the things of this world can cause them to delay.
They feel as though they will miss out or have to sacrifice it all.
They don’t understand the riches in Christ, nor do they understand the spiritual poverty that is theirs and will be for eternity.
Personal convenience is a very self-centered cause of delay.
We are reminded about this in Acts 24:25.
You see, if a person isn’t comfortable with a situation, the tendency is to avoid it, hoping it becomes more comfortable.
Sadly, if this is the case, a person will never believe because they are waiting until it is acceptable to them.
Finally, we find that unbelief is another cause for delay.
Sadly, people have a tendency to not accept anything unless it can be logically and scientifically proven.
Interestingly, even when that is done, the rules change for this type of person.
A person can choose to hold out and continue to wait for just the right proof to convince them, then they will most likely demand another proof.
But then, it may be too late.
My friends, to delay is dangerous and most likely detrimental.
Look at the question the writer of Hebrews asks and try to answer it: Hebrews 2:3
A person can choose to ignore the good news that Jesus is alive, but they shall not escape the face by delaying.
However, there is a good example of a proper attitude in this passage.
This attitude is one which I trust most of you have experienced.
Some Believed at the News of the Resurrection.
- 17:34
What does it mean to believe?
If you want to hear the Gospel message in a nutshell, let me share with you 1 Corinthians 15:3-4.
In other words, if you truly believe that Jesus died for your sins, that in fact He was buried and that He is alive today and forevermore, then you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.
It has to be more than head knowledge though.
It must be a personal application to your own life.
We have to ask for forgiveness and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
Because of believing in Jesus Christ, we have eternal life.
Look at John 3:16-18
Summary
Peter shared in a dramatic manner what the resurrection means.
Look carefully at Acts 2:22b-39.
All who are listening, whether in this auditorium or online; what is your attitude?
Do you find yourself mocking?
Are you dragging your feet in delay?
Know this—either of these attitudes will leave you with hell as your eternal destiny.
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