Sunday Morning Worship
December 11, 2011
Series: “Embrace CHRISTmas”
Today: “Embrace His Death and Resurrection”
Scripture: Luke 24:45-49 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things.
49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” 
Intro: The truth is, if it wasn’t for a death , we wouldn’t be celebrating Christmas.
* The most important part of the Gospel story is the death and resurrection of Jesus.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures 
I. DEATH THAT IS WORSE THAN DEATH .
A. The Bible clearly paints the picture of two kinds of death; one being worse than the other.
Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned—
Matthew 10:28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
B. Every one of us has a set appointment with death of our physical bodies ! 
II. DEATH THAT SAVES US FROM DEATH.
A. The Bible lets us know that the devil holds the power of death.
Hebrews 2:14-15 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death–that is, the devil–15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.
B. Embracing Jesus’ death brings us personal freedom from the fear of hell .
III. THE DEATH THAT NEEDS TO 
DIE IN US.
A. Look at three scriptures:
Romans 8:6-7 The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 7 the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.
Romans 8:13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live
Colossians 3:5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.
1 John 5:18 We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him.
B. To put to death that which belongs to the earthly nature doesn’t happen over night .
1 Corinthians 9:25-27 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Conclusion: Death is never a fun subject, but Jesus suffered and died for us. Is it unreasonable that we demand of ourselves a willingness to deny some cravings of the flesh for Him?