Sermon for December 2, 2012 - Life After Death

Matthew 6:9-13 - After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

This sermon is dedicated to the most Beautiful Woman and Friend I have ever known – My Late Wife, Susan Jennifer Jones

PART 1 - Where Do The Spirits Of Believers Go After Death?

INTRODUCTION

1. Having determined from the Scriptures that man possesses a soul or spirit which continues after death, the question now before us is this: "Where do the spirits of believers go after death?"

2. In this lesson, I will be examining two different views:

a. One that I will call the "traditional" view, which is held by many Christians

b. Another that I will propose as the "scriptural" view, which I believe is more in harmony with what is revealed in the New Testament

I. THE "TRADITIONAL" VIEW EXPLAINED

A. STATED BRIEFLY, THIS VIEW TEACHES THE FOLLOWING...

1. When we die...

a. Our body return to the dust

b. Our spirits go to Hades, the realm of the "unseen"

2. This realm of departed spirits (i.e., Hades) is divided into three parts...

a. Paradise, the place of rest for the righteous

b. Tartarus, the place of torment for the wicked

c. And a Gulf, separating the two

3. During this interim period between death and the resurrection, the righteous...

a. Are separated from God and Christ

b. For God and Christ are "in heaven", and Paradise is in Hades, not heaven

4. Such is the state of the "disembodied spirits" until the Resurrection

a. At which time the spirits of both the wicked and the righteous will be united with their resurrected bodies

b. At this time will occur the Judgment, after which...

1) The righteous will spend eternity with God

2) The wicked will spend eternity in Hell (Grk., gehenna)

B. THE SCRIPTURAL JUSTIFICATION FOR THIS VIEW...

1. Is based heavily upon what we read in - Luke 16:16-31 - The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it. And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail. Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery. There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

a. I.e., the story of the rich man and Lazarus

b. Notice especially verses - Luke 16:22-26 - And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

2. Also offered as support is - Luke 23:43 - And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

a. Where we read of the account of Jesus and the thief on the cross

b. Both of whom would be in Paradise that very day following their deaths

3. That Paradise was not in Heaven where God dwells is based on Jesus' words in John 20:17 - Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

a. Words spoken three days after promising the thief they would both be in Paradise

b. Yet Jesus had not yet ascended to the Father!

c. Suggesting, therefore, that Paradise was not Heaven (or in Heaven)!

4. As further evidence that Paradise is not in Heaven, appeal is made to Acts 2:29-35 - Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Until I make thy foes thy footstool.

a. Concerning Christ...

1) His soul was not to be left in Hades (the realm of the dead, which included Paradise)

2) But after His resurrection Jesus ascended to the right hand of God (i.e., Heaven)

b. Concerning David...

1) Surely he went to Paradise (in Hades) when he died, as did Abraham, Lazarus, and the thief on the cross

2) But note that Peter said "David did not ascend into the heavens" (Acts 2:34 - For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,)

a) Suggesting the one could die, be in Hades (Paradise), and yet not be in

Heaven with the Father

b) Just as Christ implied to Mary in John 20:17 - Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

[Such is the "traditional" view as I understand it. Now let's take a closer look...]

II. THE "TRADITIONAL" VIEW EXAMINED

A. THE EVIDENCE FOR THIS VIEW IS CONVINCING, TO A POINT...

1. This explanation for what happens after death appears consistent with the information we have prior to the ascension of Christ!

2. But in light of what is revealed in the Scriptures after Jesus' ascension into heaven...

a. This "traditional" view may need some revision

b. But only concerning "the intermediate state" of the righteous

B. REASONS TO SUGGEST A REVISION OF THE "TRADITIONAL" VIEW...

1. After Jesus ascended to heaven...

a. Paradise (the resting place of the righteous) is now spoken of as being in heaven!

1) We saw earlier that when Jesus spoke to Mary He had not yet ascended to the

Father (i.e., heaven), though He had been in "Paradise" prior to His resurrection

2) Note carefully that "Paradise" is used synonymously with the "third heaven" (i.e., God's dwelling place) by Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:2 - I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. ; 2 Corinthians 12:4 - How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

3) Whereas Paradise was once distinct from heaven, now it is not!

b. The expectation of the righteous is to be with Christ upon death - Philippians 1:23 - For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: ; 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 - Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. ; 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 - For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

c. The book of Revelation speaks of the righteous dead being in heaven while much is still going on here on earth - Revelation 6:9-11 - And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. ; Revelation 7:9-17 - After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

d. The Scriptures speak of Jesus bringing the righteous with Him at His Final Coming - 1 Thessalonians 3:13 - To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. ; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 - But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

1) I understand this to refer to the "spirits" of those who were righteous, and who are coming to be united with their resurrected bodies - cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 - For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

2) Of course, I suppose Jesus could "pick up" these saints in Hades on His way, but in view of other passages I believe they are already with Him

2. I have a hard time reconciling...

a. Such passages as these found after Christ's ascension into heaven

b. With those made before Christ's ascension

-- Unless something has changed

[Therefore, as an alternative to the "traditional" view, I propose a more "scriptural" view...]

III. THE "SCRIPTURAL" VIEW EXPLAINED

A. FIRST, EVERYTHING ABOUT THE "TRADITIONAL" VIEW REMAINS THE SAME FOR THE PERIOD "PRIOR" TO JESUS' ASCENSION...

1. All who died went to Hades

a. The wicked went to torment, awaiting judgment

b. The righteous went to Paradise to await the Judgment

2. Even Jesus, with the thief on the cross, went to Paradise, which was in Hades

B. BUT NOW, AFTER JESUS' ASCENSION, THE "INTERMEDIATE STATE" OF THE RIGHTEOUS IS DIFFERENT...

1. Paradise is now in Heaven, not Hades

2. The hope of the righteous is to spend the "intermediate state" in the presence of the Lord, awaiting the resurrection and the Judgment

C. IF THE "INTERMEDIATE STATE" OF THE RIGHTEOUS CHANGED, WHY?

1. That the change did occur appears to be clear

2. The "why" may be speculation on my part, but here is one suggestion...

a. God is holy, and sin cannot be tolerated in His presence

1) The righteous who died before the cross, were forgiven in view of Christ's death

2) But prior to the death of Christ, the true price for sin had not been paid

3) So until their spirits were actually "redeemed from sin by the blood of Christ", they were not permitted in God's presence, and Paradise remained in Hades

b. After the cross, and when He ascended, Jesus offered His blood as the "eternal redemption price" to God to appease for sin - cf. Hebrews 9:11-15 - But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. ; Hebrews 9:23-26 - It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

1) With such an offering, the spirits of just men were now "made perfect" (Hebrews 12:23 - To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,), and now in a position to be with God and Christ in heaven, awaiting the resurrection and Day of Judgment - cf. Revelation 6:9-11 - And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

2) Thus Paradise (the intermediate place for the righteous) can now be in heaven!

c. And therefore the Christian, whose spirit is also made perfect by the blood of Christ, can have the hope to be with Christ and God in heaven, during the "intermediate state" prior to the bodily resurrection at the Last Day!

CONCLUSION

Again, the why may be purely speculation, but I do believe there is sufficient evidence to reexamine

a view many have traditionally held...

a. A view that was true prior to the ascension of Christ

b. But one that now fails to adequately explain many statements made after Christ's ascension

PART 2 - Are The Souls Of The Redeemed Conscious?

INTRODUCTION

1. In the previous study, I suggested that the spirits of believers go to be with the Lord during the "intermediate state" between death and the resurrection

a. Implied was the idea that the souls of the redeemed are conscious during this interim

b. But are they?

2. In this lesson, we shall consider the doctrine of "soul-sleeping", and make some observations concerning it

I. THE DOCTRINE OF "SOUL SLEEPING"

A. THE THEORY...

1. The souls of the departed continue to exist, but are in an unconscious state until the resurrection

2. This is not to be confused with the doctrine held by JW's, who believe there is no consciousness until the resurrection because until then there is no existence at all

B. THE ARGUMENTS...

1. The Scriptures often represent death as a "sleep or slept"

a. Matthew 27:52 - And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,

b. John 11:11-14 - These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.

c. Acts 7:60 - And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

d. 1 Corinthians 15:6 - After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. ; 1 Corinthians 15:18 - Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.

e. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-15 - But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

2. Other passages come very near to saying that the dead have no consciousness

a. The psalmist asks - Psalms 30:9 - What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?

b. The psalmist declares - Psalms 115:17 - The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence.

c. Solomon - Ecclesiastes 9:5 - For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. ; Ecclesiastes 9:10 - Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

1) "...the dead know nothing..."

2) "there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going."

d. King Hezekiah - Isaiah 38:18-19 - For the grave cannot praise thee, death can not celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth. The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth.

[Such is the theory and the arguments presented by those who believe in "soul sleeping." At face value, the doctrine appears very convincing. But let's take a closer look at it...]

II. EXAMINING THE DOCTRINE OF "SOUL SLEEPING"

A. ARGUMENT #1: DEATH IS CALLED "SLEEP"...

1. Nowhere do the Scriptures say that the soul of the departed one fell asleep

a. It was the person who "fell asleep"

b. Thus it can have reference to the body, not the soul

2. The term "sleep" can be a figurative reference, and a very appropriate one:

a. For sleep implies rest...

1) When one sleeps literally, there is rest from one's labor

2) So it is that the dead also "rest from their labors", cf. Revelation 14:13 - And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

b. For sleep implies a ceasing of participation...

1) In literal sleep, one ceases in the activities pertaining to the sphere in which one has been busy during the hours of wakefulness

2) So it is with the dead, they are no longer active in the world which they left

c. For sleep is generally a prelude to an awakening...

1) In literal sleep, it is followed by an "awakening"

2) So it is with death:

a) Though the souls may be conscious during the intermediate state...

b) ...at the resurrection there will be the "awakening" of the glorified and transformed bodies in which to house our souls

3. Perhaps it can also be said that the term "sleep" became a euphemism for death because of the sleep-like appearance of the body

B. ARGUMENT #2: PASSAGES WHICH SUGGEST THE DEAD HAVE NO CONSCIOUSNESS AFTER DEATH...

1. Notice first that these passages are in the Old Testament, when revelation of God's truth was not yet complete

a. The passages in Psalms and Isaiah are the expressions of faith and understanding by those who knowledge of God's revelation was incomplete

b. I.e., their concept of "life after death" was not as complete and developed as that found in the New Testament

c. We should be cautious, therefore, against developing a doctrine of life after death which does not take into account what is ultimately revealed when revelation is complete

2. In some cases, the statements are made solely from an earthly perspective

a. This is especially true in Ecclesiastes

b. Where the theme is "Life Under The Sun"

c. When one looks at things purely from an earthly perspective...

1) It does not appear the dead know anything

2) It does not appear the dead praise God

d. Ecclesiastes 9:10 - Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. - Thus, is saying nothing more than that when we die, we are no longer conscious of things in this life

C. FINALLY, THE DOCTRINE OF "SOUL SLEEPING" IS OUT OF HARMONY WITH PASSAGES THAT CLEARLY TEACH CONSCIOUSNESS OF SOULS AFTER DEATH...

1. Luke 16:22-26 - And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. - Abraham, the rich man, and Lazarus

a. Some believe that this is only a "parable"

b. Highly unlikely in my opinion, but even if so, parables used "true to life" experiences as a basis for comparison, not science fiction or fantasy!

2. Luke 23:43 - And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

3. Revelation 6:9-11 - And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

4. Revelation 7:9-17 - After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

5. Revelation 20:4-6 - And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

CONCLUSION

1. In view of such passages...

a. Describing the condition of souls during the "intermediate" state

b. Where they are very much awake, praising and serving God, reigning with Christ

-- The doctrine of "soul sleeping" does not hold up

2. We can best harmonize the Scriptures if we view the term sleep in reference to death as only a figure of speech...

a. Naturally drawn from how the body appears at death

b. Pertaining to our relationship to this earthly realm

1) We are at rest from labors in this life

2) We are not aware of what goes on in this life

3) But one day, there will be an "awakening" (the resurrection), in which we will be rejoined with those who are still in this life (of course, they too will be changed)

Matthew 28:19-20 - Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Prayer: Lord I truly thank You for giving me the opportunity to present these words to my brethrens. I pray that You will give them Your eternal blessings and accept them into Your heart - this I pray in the name of Thy Son, Jesus, the Messiah, Your only begotten son which Ye sent to save mankind from themselves. Ephesians 6:23-24 - Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

This sermon is in the Public Domain - Free for all to use with the only requirement: That it never be used for profit.