Welcome to the Kerwin Baptist Church broadcast today. Our desire is for the Word of God to be spread throughout the world so that all may know Christ. Join us now for a portion of one of our services here at Kerwin Baptist Church, located in Kernersville, North Carolina. Chapter 24 in your Bible. The Bible says, Now upon the first day of the week, Very early in the morning they came unto the sepulcher.
Bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulcher. And they entered in and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, Behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. And as they were afraid and bowed down their faces, To the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?
He is not here, but is risen. Remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, saying, The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words and returned from the sepulcher and told all these things. Unto the eleven and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene and Joanna.
And Mary, the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. Our final verse is verse 11, but notice how this verse is stated. The Bible says, and their words seemed to them As idle tales. And they believe them not. I want to read that again.
Boy, isn't that amazing. And their words seemed to them As idle tales. And they believe them not. Let us pray. Father, we thank you this morning for letting us be in the house of the Lord.
We've enjoyed great choir singing and great specials and congregation music. Lord, just a happy spirit here today at Kirwan among the people of God. And we thank you for all those that braved the weather and came on out. And I pray you'd bless each and every one in a special way.
Now, Lord, as we've opened this text, I pray here for a little bit. You'll pull our attention in, Lord, to where you want it to be. And Lord, all that's accomplished, we'll thank you. And praise you for it. In Jesus Christ's name, I pray.
Amen and amen. There's nothing more exciting in the Bible than to read about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. You don't have to do that, you know, just once a year around Easter time. But thank God for the Christian. We celebrate the resurrection every time we come to church on the Lord's Day.
Not once a year, but every week we celebrate the fact that He got up from the grave. Do you know our entire Christian faith hinges in the fact that He got up? Had He not risen from the dead, we'd be no more than Buddhist, no more than Islamic. Aren't you glad that our Savior is alive and He's alive and well? But I love this story in Luke chapter 24 as Mary.
Mary Magdalene led a band of women to the tomb that morning. Of course, they didn't know how they were going to get the stone rolled away, being they were just little women trying to get to the tomb. But when they got there, they found that the stone was already rolled away.
Now, don't get excited about the wrong thing. The stone was not rolled away to let Jesus out. He was already out. But the stone was rolled away to let us in.
So we could see the place where the Lord lay.
Someone might ask: how could Jesus come through a sealed tomb?
Well, 33 years before that, He came through a sealed virgin's womb. That was no problem. Can someone say amen? And then post-resurrection on a Sunday night, he came through a sealed room.
So having Jesus sealed up is not a problem. Thank God he can break the seal. But in this text, these women have come to the tomb bringing spices. And of course, we need to remember that they don't fully understand the resurrection yet.
So when they came in that tomb and they're staring at those empty grave clothes, according to verse 4, they were perplexed.
Now we would have rejoiced because we got that message clear, but they didn't have it clear yet. They got nervous, they got perplexed. They're staring at empty grave clothes, but their nervousness and perplexity changed into Fear because then they looked up, and there stands two angels.
Now, you and I would have been afraid too if we were standing in a tomb, and all of a sudden, there's two angels.
Well, the angels dispelled their fear and said, Hey, girls, why seek ye the living among the dead? He's not here, for he's risen, as the Bible said. And I like this in verse number seven. They reminded these women how that he told them that it was going to happen this way. And in verse number eight, the Bible says, and they remembered his words.
You know, sometimes as humans, we've got to be reminded of things.
Well, these women already knew this truth, but it got away from them. But the angels reminded them of this truth. And then they remembered the words of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Well, now they're excited.
Now they're rejoicing because they know his body has not been stolen away. But thank God he's risen and thank God he's alive.
Well, they take off going to the apostles. And according to verse number 10 and verse number 11, When they got there and told the apostles, now let's remember who they're talking to: the hand-picked men of Christ. the men that have walked with Jesus on this earth for over three years. But when these women told the apostles about what they had heard and what they had saw, the Bible says in verse 11, this is amazing. And their words seemed to them as idle tales and they believed them not.
the hand-picked apostles of Christ. At this point, Did not believe in the resurrection.
Now we know they believed later, but they didn't believe here. And the way it's written really gets my attention. Because as they were listening, to these women tail about what they heard and saw. The Bible said their words seemed to them as idle tales. like words with no profit.
Words with no purpose. Words with no benefit.
Now these apostles have just heard something. They've heard the greatest story ever told. But these apostles look at it as no value and no purpose. And no benefit. But we, as God's children, this morning, I'm glad to us, it's not idle tales.
Thank God to us, the story of Jesus, it's the greatest story that's ever been told. For a little bit this morning, I want to take you on a familiar journey through the life of Christ. And I want to talk to you not about idle tales, stories with no purpose, but I want to talk to you about the greatest story that's ever been told, that's ever fallen upon human ears.
Well, you know we got a good ways to go, but I'll move quickly. Number one, it's a story about a birth. Let us not forget his birth. I know the agnostics and the infidels, although they believe in a person named Jesus historically, they do not believe in the virgin birth. But ladies and gentlemen, the virgin birth is true.
And thank God we as his children cling tight to the great truth of the fact that he is the virgin-born Savior. Isaiah 7:14, 700 years before he was ever born, the Bible says, Therefore, the Lord Himself shall give you a sign. Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Emmanuel.
Well, ladies and gentlemen, that was prophesied, and that's exactly what happened, and it came to pass just as the prophet said.
Now, we know there's eight billion of us. Mm-hmm. On this planet right now. And it's estimated there's been a hundred billion of us that have lived since the creation. But do you know there's only been one birth like this?
There's never been but one virgin birth. Isn't this starting out to be a great story? Because it's a story about a birth. And then when you think about the birth of Christ, Here's something we often omit, and we just came through the Christmas season. We often omit, it's not only the story of a birth.
But did you know it's a story? of a battle. You know, Revelation 12 is the only place this is recorded. Read it when you get home. The night that Jesus was born, it was not a silent night, I promise you that.
Because when Jesus was born, according to Revelation chapter number 12, above that manger scene, hovering in the atmosphere, there was a great red dragon. It was Satan himself. You say, what was he doing there? He was waiting. for this child to be born.
to devour him. As soon as he was born, imagine that simple scene and Satan himself above it. But before Satan could do anything, here comes the Calvary. Here comes Michael and his archangels. And the Bible said there was war in heaven.
Don't sound very silent, does it? There was a war in heaven.
Now, for you Star Wars fans, I'm sorry, but you're a little bit late. The original Star Wars was the night that Jesus was born. The angels of right, Battling the angels of darkness, and guess who won that battle? Satan was cast down, and thank God Jesus was born safely. It's a wonderful story, a story about a battle.
Moving on, it's a story. about a boy. Do you ever think about Jesus being a boy? The first time you see Jesus after his birth, He was eight days old. And Mary and Joseph had brought him to the temple.
for the circumcision to fulfill The law of Moses.
Well, there was an old priest there. His name was Simeon. And Simeon had gotten real old. I'm sure the congregation was whispering, reckon when he's gonna retire.
Well, he's done got real old. And Simeon would hear him whispering, I'm sure, and say, I'm not gonna retire. Because God has revealed to me that I'm not going to die. Until I see the Lord's Christ.
Well, one day he was in the temple doing his duties, and I can see the double doors open at the temple house. Here comes a man and a woman and a little eight-day-old baby. God whispers in Simeon's ear and said, Hey, Simeon. That's him. That's who you've been waiting for.
That's who you've been living for.
Well, Simeon went, tuck up that baby in his arms.
Now, he's real old. I'm thinking, don't drop that baby, Simeon. Say amen. He's taking up that baby in his arms and he began to rejoice and he began to praise God. You know what he said?
He said, now. Lettest thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the hope. Of my people Israel. The only time in the Bible Gentile is mentioned before Jew is with Simeon rejoicing over the birth of Jesus Christ. What a story.
My, it's a story about a boy.
Well, the next time you see the boy Jesus, he's about two years old. Y'all with me now? Don't get offended about what I'm fixing to say. But the wise men did not get there until two years later. That kind of messes up your nativity.
Don't be mad at me. I'm just telling you what the Bible said. They started following a star. And these wise, wealthy men Are going across desert sands. following a star for two years.
Finally, that star came. and stood not over the barn, not over the barn, but over the house. Where the young child was. And when they got to that house, I see one of them knocking at the door. If Mary had a peephole, I see her looking through the people.
Her whole front yard is full of camels and wise men. They look like princes and kings. They're bearing gold and frankincense and myrrh. I see her look down at two-year-old Jesus and say, Hey, Jesus, you're not going to believe what's in our front yard.
Well, anyhow, they all came in. You know the story. They brought to him gold. They brought to him frankincense. And they brought to him myrrh.
Folks, is this not a great story? It's the greatest story that's ever been told.
Well, we don't see him as a boy anymore for about 10 more years. Then he's 12 years old. You know the story. Mary and Joseph went for the feast of the Passover in Jerusalem, and they carried the boy Jesus with them.
Well, as they're doing what they do, Jesus got. Tied up with the doctors and lawyers and the higher esculon of society at that gathering. And they began to ask him questions, and he began to answer their questions. He began to ask them questions, and they were amazed at the great knowledge of this 12-year-old boy.
Well, you know the story: Mary and Joseph left, and they forgot. That they left Jesus behind. They went all the way home and realized they didn't have the boy Jesus with them.
Well, the Bible says they started looking for him, they looked for him among their kinsfolk. How many of you know, in a lot of cases, you're not going to find Jesus among your kinfolk? Say amen. And then, you know, they look for him among their acquaintances, their friends. And a lot of times, you're not going to find him there.
But guess where they found him? They found him right where they left him. And ladies and gentlemen, that's a simple truth. But if you've walked away from the Lord, guess where he'll be? He'll be right where you left him.
And aren't you glad you can come back to the Lord like Mary and Joseph did?
Well, they came to that temple. There he was, confounding the educators of his time with his answers and with his. Questions and Mary's kind of riled up and she said, Jesus, don't you realize that me and Joseph, we've been looking for you sorrowing? And he looked at her in respect and he said, Wish ye not that I must be about my father's business. He let everybody be reminded that Joseph was not his father, but his father was in heaven.
Isn't this a great story?
Well, moving on in time, he's about 30 years old. It's a story about a baptism. It was in Jordan's River that John the Baptist was having a baptizing. John 1:29, the next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him and saith, Behold, the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world. John was baptizing.
Often wonder what happened to that convert he had put underwater when he saw Jesus coming. Poor fella, I hope he brought him back up. Say amen. But I'm telling you, Jesus got his attention. Can you imagine what a scene it was as Jesus Christ.
begin to wade out. into the muddy water. Of the Jordan River. He walked right up to John and said, John, Baptize me. And I agree with John here.
John said, oh, no, Lord. I have need. to be baptized of thee. And comest thou to me? Jesus said, John, suffer it to be so now.
For thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. And John baptized him. My, what a baptism it was. It was the only baptism in all history. where the person who was baptized Had never been a sinner.
Had never been a sinner. When you and I got baptized, it was showing the world that we died to sin and resurrected into new life. But aren't you glad with Jesus, there was no sin? And then there's never been a baptism like this either, because as soon as he came out of the water, The Spirit of God descended on him like a dove and lit upon him. And then a voice from heaven which said, This is.
My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Kerwin bad this church, can you imagine how many thousands of baptisms this church has had since way back in the days of Dr. Joe Myers?
Well, I'm here to tell you, friends, you've had thousands of baptisms, but you've never had one like this. Thank God for the baptism of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Well, it's a story about behavior. You know, when Jesus stood before Pilate, Pilate examined him top to bottom, head to toe. And you know what he said? He said, I find no fault in him. Aren't you glad, ladies and gentlemen, that our Savior is spotless?
Our Savior is impeccable. There was no sin found in Jesus Christ. My, what behavior. Paul said it this way in Hebrews 4:14. Seeing then that we Have a great high priest which is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God.
Let us hold fast our profession, for we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted, like as we are. Get this now, yet without sin. Jesus was tempted just like we're tempted. We failed. We succumbed to the temptation.
Somebody say amen. But aren't you glad that Jesus never did? My what behavior of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Well, I love this story. What about you? It's a story of benevolence. I was reading this morning Acts chapter 10 and verse 28. You know what it says about Jesus there?
It says he went about doing good. He was anointed with the Holy Ghost. And he went about doing good. You know something I've always found. He's done me good.
He's never done me wrong. As a little old boy, I remember. kneeling in the sawdust on a Friday night. Under an old gospel tent. And you know, I cried out to the Lord that night.
And guess what? He did me good. He forgave me of all my sin.
Now friend, ever since then, I've found that he's always had my best interest at heart. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Aren't you glad he's a God of benevolence? He's always doing good. How many of you can testify?
He's always done me good. Thank God for the goodness of the Lord.
Now, these first six steps I've made in this journey of Christ, it's all been something to rejoice about. But the tone is fixing to turn. It's not only a story of benevolence. But ladies and gentlemen, it's a story. of betrayal.
You all know what Judas Iscariot did. He sold our Lord Jesus Christ out for 30 pieces of silver. My, what a sad story that was. He led a mob of soldiers to come to the Garden of Gethsemane to arrest him that night. I believe in that army there were their elite.
Just like our Navy SEALs and our Rangers and Marines and Green Beret and Delta Force. That's the kind of people they sent to come get Jesus. And when they got to that garden of Gethsemane, there's Peter, there's James, there's John, there's Jesus, all four of them. And to be honest, they're all Jews, and I'm sure they all resemble. And Judas told them, I'll identify him by a kiss.
You'll know it's him. When I put a kiss on him, well, Judas kissed the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus kissed the door of heaven. Jesus been sweating blood. Jesus was kissed by Judas.
Judas kissed the blood. And when he kissed Jesus, that didn't catch him off guard. He said, Friend, Betrayest thou? The Son of God with a kiss. And ladies and gentlemen, that was a massive betrayal.
Something old Judas would to God he had never done.
Well, when they said we're looking for Jesus, he looked at that crowd and said, I am he. And they all fell backwards to the ground. You say, Why did he do that? Is he a bully? Oh no, he's not a bully.
But the reason he did that was to let them know, let us here and the whole world know. If I go with these men anywhere tonight, it's by my own choice. They're not making me do anything. Aren't you glad Jesus did everything he did by his own choice? By his own volition.
It's a story of betrayal. They led him. to Pilate's Hall. The biblical word is praetorium. It's at Praetorium.
that it's a story that turns into a beating. There they stripped him totally naked. When they had a notable prisoner they wanted to make a real example of, they would not tie him over a barrel. but they would tie their hands together high upon a post. Where they had to stand on their tiptoes.
As his back, his buttocks, the back of his legs, is facing the observers, then come out Roman soldiers. They're called lictors. Again, when they're making a real public example of someone, they not only tied them to a post, But they brought out two to whip him, not just one. One was right-handed, and the other was left-handed. And these men had short whips.
called flagellum, similar to the cat of nine tails, but these were very short.
So these men, these lictors, had to get very close to the victim to inflict their punishment.
Well, the right-handed man comes down. You can almost hear the wet, flat sound as that whip digs into his flesh. He comes back with blood, flesh, and fluid flying through the air as the left-handed man comes down. This goes on and on. They say historically speaking, it was almost like the beating of a drum.
These men were skilled in torture. They were torture experts, and they beat our Savior. And they beat our Savior. And oh, what a sad picture that is. And friend, the next time you and I get to feeling sorry for ourselves and get to wanting to have a pity party and think nobody really cares about Us, we need to remember that beating he took at Praetorium, and as the old song once said, he could have called 10,000 angels, but no, he went all the way for you, and he went all the way for me.
When they got done beating him and they were totally exhausted, now they're themselves covered in his blood, the bloodier, the better. They walk away as Jesus is untied from his hands. They bring out This red robe, a scarlet robe, and they Thank you for listening today. We hope you received a blessing from our broadcast. The Kerwin Baptist Church is located at 4520 Old Hollow Road in Kernersville, North Carolina.
You may also contact us by phone at 336-993-5192. or via the web. At Kerwin Baptist Church.com. Enjoy our services live and all our media on our website and church app. Thank you for listening to the Kerwin Broadcast today.
God bless you. Yeah.
