Looking Ahead to May 21, 2023 -- 7th Sunday of Easter

 As we conclude the season of Easter we also conclude our journey through 1 Corinthians 15 with verses 24-26 and 50-58.

The Sermon title is The Final Victory

Early Thoughts: Linnea Good has a song which begins with the words "I am no longer afraid of death" (it is from her album There Is a Time). In it she sings that this is because, as the end of the chorus states, "I know these caverns that lead to life".

Can we say that boldly in our faith lives? Or do we still fear death? [Whenever I ask that question I am reminded of the Woody Allen quote "I am not afraid of death; I just don't want to be there when it happens".] 

Those who have listened to me preach over the years will know that I profess a belief that, in the end, life always wins. If life has not yet appeared to win then we have not yet reached the end.

"Thine is the glory, risen conquering son. Endless is the victory thou o'er death hast won". "The strife is o'er, the battle done; the victory of life is won" "the last enemy to be destroyed is death" "Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" 

In song and Scripture we proclaim that in the resurrection of Christ death has been defeated. We know the pathway that leads to life. So why would we be afraid of death?

What would it look like if we lived as if life will always win? How might that change our attitudes and actions, our priorities and plans, our hopes and fears?
--Gord

PS> stay tuned for a Harry Potter reference or two this Sunday....