He Forgave Me? (Theif on the Cross)

March 25, 2007

Opening Text: John 14:1-6

He Forgave Me?

Luke 23:39-43

Proposition: The reality of the DBR is that we are forgiven despite of what we have done.

Opening Text

Extreme Makeover

Billionare opens mansions to homeless

Dorie-Ann Kahale and her five daughters moved from a homeless shelter to a mansion Thursday, courtesy of a Japanese real estate mogul who is handing over eight of his multimillion-dollar homes to low-income Native Hawaiian families.

House is valued at $5 million dollars.  He handed them 10 $100 bills to help move in.  He is opening 8 of his 22 homes up.  There is a list of 3000 in need.  Rent free for 10 years, but must pay utilities.

I.  This thief on the cross is wondering I am one who gets a home?

It’s right there in that promise - Paradise

- Interesting in the Greek Old Testament it is referred to as the gated of portion of wealthy property owners, especially kings.  It is also used to describe Eden.  The New Testament it takes on much more meaning.  It is the idea of Paradise Restored.  That place where God will dwell with his people for eternity.

II.  He also gets to live

The death of the cross

- There are a few survivors

- But not in this case - The shattered legs will ensure his suffocation

SIN - Romans 3:23, 6:23, Genesis 5 - refrain of he died.

I don’t think I’m going to hell.  Jeffrey Dahlmer, Manson, Hitler, and O.J. are going to be in hell.  I don’t think I’ll end up with those guys.  It’s not like in prison, where guys who cheat on taxes end up in the same cell with murderers.  - Chris Rock, Rock This, p.196.

III.  He forgave me

We know the thief  is guilty on the three accounts.  First, the Romans found him guilty of breaking their laws, hence the public execution.  Second, he confessed his own guilt (v.41).  Finally, Matthew and Mark record that both criminals were casting insults at Jesus.

But the purpose of Christ coming was the gift of eternal life.  Ephesians 2:8-10.  Grace operates despite what we have done.  It is given not earned. Dahmer was one of those who through Bible Study and chaplaincy work this message.

"I'm not going to retire with a $1000."  These were the words of Amanda Newkirk.  A pregnant, teenage waitress in Roanoke Virginia, while be grateful that the tip came on a $26.35 bill, was also realitstic that it would not set her on a life of easy street.  The woman who gave the tip was quoted as saying leaving the tip changed her life.  (Time 3/27/06)

What do you remember about Christmas or Channukah? The new bike? The Barbie doll you always wanted? No, you remember that special moment when your brother was unwrapping that precious blue Frisbee that you got him, that you bought for him. The excitement of giving, how joyful it makes us, how happy, how warm inside. That's wealth.

Kelly Grant (played by Ed Harris) in The Prime Gig 35:35-36:15

Lucado

Francis Mauriao said, "A man who believes himself a sinner, who feels himself sinful, is already at the gates of the Kingdom of heaven."