The journey of a soul on earth!--> Being born, growing up, going away!
Chinese philosophy--> being born, growing old, getting sick, facing death!
A. Jesus’ 33 years on earth as an example!
1. Being born. Luke 2:8-12
a. There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 2:8
b. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they
were terrified. 2:9
c. But the angel said to them:
Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 2:10
d. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 2:11
e. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. 2:12
2. Growing up. Luke 2:52 Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.
3. Going away in a horrible way! Died on a cross!
a. Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit."
When he had said this, he gave up his soul. Luke 23:46
b. When a man died, his body returns to dust, his spirit return to God who gave it.
His soul continue to live in paradise or in Hades. Luke 16:22-23
4. This was what happened in Jesus’ case!
a. He was resurrected on the third day! Luke 4:1-5
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared
and went to the tomb. 24:1
b. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body
of the Lord Jesus. 14:2-3
c. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes
that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. Luke 24:4
d. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them:
Why do you look for the living among the dead? Luke 24:5
e. He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 24:6
f. `The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day
be raised again.'" Luke 24:7
5. Jesus return to heaven with an forever living body! Acts 1:9
After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
6. Jesus will return the second time! Acts 1:10-11
They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood
beside them. "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who
has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."
7. Jesus’ 2nd coming is in the air on clouds--> For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud
command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord
in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 1 Thes.4:16-17
B. The world beware!
1. Jesus came the first time as Savior for all people. 1 Tim.2:4
2. Second coming will be as a judge of the dead and the living.
Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time,
not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. Heb.9:28
3. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as
judge of the living and the dead. Acts 10:42
4. Jesus will judge all people according to what they had done! Rev.20:12
5. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Rev.14:13
6. The only way to die in the Lord is to die as a member of the church of Christ!
Church of Christ is the body of Christ! Col.1:18, Eph.1:22-23
Conclusion: Please be reminded:
1. The Lord put the saved in the church of Christ. Acts 2:47.
2. Jesus make it clear: Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands
firm to the end will be saved. Matt.24:12-13
3. If you are not a member of the church of Christ, stay in the body, don’t leave until you become one!