Which Thief are You?

WHICH THIEF ARE YOU?

Easter Saturday & Sunday Services
Luke 23:33-42

April 20-21, 2019
Dr. Mark S. Hartman, Lead Pastor

INTRODUCTION

Luke 23:33-35, 39-42  When they came to a place called Golgotha, The Skull, they nailed Jesus to the cross.  And the thieves were also crucified—one on His right and one on His left.  ³⁴ Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”  And the soldiers gambled for His clothes by throwing dice.  ³⁵ The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. “He saved others,” they said, “let Him save Himself if He is really God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.”…  ³⁹ One of the thieves hanging beside Him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are You? Prove it by saving Yourself—and us, too, while You’re at it!”  ⁴⁰ But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die?   ⁴¹ We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.”  ⁴² Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom.”  (NLT)

1. WHICH THIEF ARE YOU?

A. The first thief wanted Jesus, but only on his own terms.

Romans 6:23  The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.   

B. There was a second thief who just wanted Jesus for Who Jesus is. 

1. The second thief admitted he was guilty.

a. Romans 3:10-12   As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous— not even one. ¹¹  No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. ¹²  All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.” (NLT)

b. Romans 3:23   All have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God, (NKJV)

c. Romans 6:23  The wages of sin is death… (NLT)

d. God compares us to the Holiness of a perfect Jesus and in that comparison, we really don’t stand a chance.

2. The second thief trusted Jesus with no strings attached.

Luke 23:43  I tell you the truth, today you will be with Me in paradise.  (NIV)

2. THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST CHANGES EVERYTHING. 

A. 2 Corinthians 5:21  God made Jesus who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.  (NIV)

B. Luke 23:42-43  Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”  And Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.” (NIV) 

C. Because of the resurrection, we have hope for tomorrow.

Action Steps I will take this week…

• After this service I will go to the Next Step Center and speak to a minister about receiving Jesus as my Savior.
• If you would like to schedule an appointment to speak with a pastor about receiving Jesus as Savior, please provide your CELL # on today’s Communication Card or call our offices M-F, 9a-4p, 281-242-2858.
• I recommit my life to Jesus Christ today.