First Baptist Church Early Morning Communion Service 2006 Dillon, Montana
Title: Before He Arose – He Died! – Why? Text: I Corinthians 15:3
Introduction: This last fall I started conducting a survey in the Dillon area where I asked the question, “according to your understanding of the Christian faith what was the purpose of the death of Jesus Christ on the cross?” 77% responded that it had something to do with sin and/or forgiveness, 11% said, Christ died to give us everlasting life, and 11% said that they had no idea why Christ died on the cross. How would you respond to such a question? “For what purpose did Christ die on the cross? The Bible tells us very plainly in several places exactly why Christ died on the Cross. The following three verses are some of the clearest:
- I Corinthians 15:3 ” For I [Paul] delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;”
- Romans 5:6 “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.”
- I Peter 2: 24 “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree . . .”
Proposition: Christ died for our sins!
I. Why was He willing to die for your sin?
A. Because God the Father loved you: John 3:16
Romans 5:8 “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
B. Because Jesus Christ desired to do the will of God the Father
John 4:34; 5:30; 6:38; 6:51
Luke 22:42 “Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”
C. Because Jesus Christ was willing to humble himself: Philippians 2:6-11
D. Because Jesus Christ was willing to endure the cross: Hebrews 12:1-3
II. What does His Death personally mean to you?
Eternal life if you believe – John 3:16
- Romans 3:23 – All have sinned
- Romans 6:23 – All have sin’s consequence – death
- Romans 5:8 – All can have hope in Christ
- Romans 10:9-13 - All can call on Christ and be saved
- Romans 1:16 – All can not be ashamed of Christ
III. What does His Resurrection personally mean to you ?
I Corinthians 15:51-57
- Your resurrection if you are in the grave at Christ’s return
- Your rapture at the Lord’s return
