The Life Of A Stiff

The Life ofA stiff

1 Cor 15:3-11

The Life of a Stiff

The Life of a Stiff

The owners of those bodies donated them to The owners of those bodies donated them to science.science.

The Life of a Stiff


In this morning’s text, we read of One who In this morning’s text, we read of One who donated his body.donated his body.

The Life of a Stiff


In this morning’s text, we read of One who In this morning’s text, we read of One who donated his body.donated his body.

As you go back & read the Gospels, it becomes As you go back & read the Gospels, it becomes clear that Jesus’ body was expected to rot.clear that Jesus’ body was expected to rot.

The Life of a Stiff

““When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Salome and Mary the mother of James and Salome brought spices, so that they might go and brought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And they were saying to one anoint him. And they were saying to one another, ‘Who will roll away the stone for us another, ‘Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” (Mk 16:1, 3, from the entrance of the tomb?” (Mk 16:1, 3, ESV).ESV).

The Life of a Stiff

These women fully expect to find Jesus’ body in These women fully expect to find Jesus’ body in a state of decomposition.a state of decomposition.

The Life of a Stiff


But, those expectations did not become reality.But, those expectations did not become reality.

The Life of a Stiff


But, those expectations did not become reality.But, those expectations did not become reality.The women go to the tomb without a bit of The women go to the tomb without a bit of

hope, but they find that hope was only hope, but they find that hope was only beginning!beginning!

The Life of a Stiff

Hope comes because Jesus donated his body.

The Life of a Stiff

JESUS’ BODY IS DEAD.JESUS’ BODY IS DEAD.JESUS’ BODY IS DISCERNABLE.JESUS’ BODY IS DISCERNABLE.JESUS’ BODY IS DIFFERING.JESUS’ BODY IS DIFFERING.

The Life of a Stiff

Jesus’ Body is DeadVv 3-4

The Life of a Stiff

““I delivered to you as of first importance what I I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried” (vv 3-4, ESV).buried” (vv 3-4, ESV).

The Life of a Stiff

The bodies behind UT’s Medical Center are The bodies behind UT’s Medical Center are DEAD.DEAD.

The Life of a Stiff

The bodies behind UT’s Medical Center are The bodies behind UT’s Medical Center are DEAD. The same thing happened to Jesus.DEAD. The same thing happened to Jesus.

The Life of a Stiff

The bodies behind UT’s Medical Center are The bodies behind UT’s Medical Center are DEAD. The same thing happened to Jesus.DEAD. The same thing happened to Jesus.

Paul delivered to the Corinthians as of first Paul delivered to the Corinthians as of first importance that Christ died.importance that Christ died.

The Life of a Stiff

SO WHAT?

The Life of a Stiff

How is the death of any man of primary How is the death of any man of primary importance?importance?

The Life of a Stiff

How is the death of any man of primary How is the death of any man of primary importance?importance?◦Unless Jesus comes again, we shall all die.Unless Jesus comes again, we shall all die.

The Life of a Stiff

How is the death of any man of primary How is the death of any man of primary importance?importance?◦Unless Jesus comes again, we shall all die; “It is Unless Jesus comes again, we shall all die; “It is

appointed for man to die once” (Heb 9:27, ESV).appointed for man to die once” (Heb 9:27, ESV).

The Life of a Stiff

How is the death of any man of primary How is the death of any man of primary importance?importance?◦Unless Jesus comes again, we shall all die; “It is Unless Jesus comes again, we shall all die; “It is

appointed for man to die once” (Heb 9:27, ESV).appointed for man to die once” (Heb 9:27, ESV).◦How many people died from that era that time has How many people died from that era that time has

completely completely forgotten?forgotten?

The Life of a Stiff

It’s NOT Important that Jesus died!

The Life of a Stiff

It’s NOT Important that Jesus died!The PURPOSE & PLAN of his death are important!

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The purpose: “Christ died for our sins.”The purpose: “Christ died for our sins.”

The Life of a Stiff

The purpose: “Christ died for our sins.”The purpose: “Christ died for our sins.”◦Jesus died so that we can be forgiven.Jesus died so that we can be forgiven.

The Life of a Stiff

The purpose: “Christ died for our sins.”The purpose: “Christ died for our sins.”◦Jesus died so that we can be forgiven.Jesus died so that we can be forgiven.◦NO OTHERNO OTHER death could do that!!! death could do that!!!

The Life of a Stiff

The purpose: “Christ died for our sins.”The purpose: “Christ died for our sins.”◦Jesus died so that we can be forgiven.Jesus died so that we can be forgiven.◦NO OTHERNO OTHER death could do that!!! death could do that!!!◦““In him we have redemption through his blood, In him we have redemption through his blood,

the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace” (Eph 1:7, ESV).riches of his grace” (Eph 1:7, ESV).

The Life of a Stiff

The purpose: “Christ died for our sins.”The purpose: “Christ died for our sins.”◦Jesus died so that we can be forgiven.Jesus died so that we can be forgiven.◦NO OTHERNO OTHER death could do that!!! death could do that!!!◦““In him we have redemption through his blood, In him we have redemption through his blood,

the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace” (Eph 1:7, ESV).riches of his grace” (Eph 1:7, ESV).

◦Praise God that Jesus died for our sins!Praise God that Jesus died for our sins!

The Life of a Stiff

The plan: “Christ died for our sins in The plan: “Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures.”accordance with the Scriptures.”

The Life of a Stiff

The Life of a Stiff

Brother Turner’s death was Brother Turner’s death was unexpectedunexpected & & unplannedunplanned..

The Life of a Stiff

Brother Turner’s death was Brother Turner’s death was unexpectedunexpected & & unplannedunplanned. NOT SO THE DEATH OF JESUS!. NOT SO THE DEATH OF JESUS!

The Life of a Stiff

Brother Turner’s death was Brother Turner’s death was unexpectedunexpected & & unplannedunplanned. NOT SO THE DEATH OF JESUS!. NOT SO THE DEATH OF JESUS!

““Dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers Dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet—I can count all my bones—they stare and feet—I can count all my bones—they stare and gloat over me; they divide my garments among gloat over me; they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots” (Ps them, and for my clothing they cast lots” (Ps 22:16-18, ESV).22:16-18, ESV).

The Life of a Stiff

Jesus’ death was NO accident!

The Life of a Stiff

Christ was also buried.Christ was also buried.

The Life of a Stiff

Christ was also buried.Christ was also buried.His burial stands as evidence that he really His burial stands as evidence that he really

died.died.

The Life of a Stiff

Jesus as a stiff was DEAD!

The Life of a Stiff

HIS BODY IS DISCERNABLEVv 4b-7

The Life of a Stiff

““He was raised on the third day in accordance with He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles” (vv he appeared to James, then to all the apostles” (vv 4b-7, ESV).4b-7, ESV).

The Life of a Stiff

The bodies behind UT’s Medical Center are The bodies behind UT’s Medical Center are discernable—they are visible.discernable—they are visible.

The Life of a Stiff


We find that Jesus’ body was visible after his We find that Jesus’ body was visible after his death, but in a death, but in a DIFFERENTDIFFERENT manner. manner.

The Life of a Stiff


We find that Jesus’ body was visible after his We find that Jesus’ body was visible after his death, but in a death, but in a DIFFERENTDIFFERENT manner. manner.

Christ “was raised on the third day in Christ “was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” (v 4, ESV).accordance with the Scriptures” (v 4, ESV).

The Life of a Stiff

There is the great truth of Christianity!There is the great truth of Christianity!

The Life of a Stiff

There is the great truth of Christianity!There is the great truth of Christianity!◦David: “Brothers, I may say to you with confidence David: “Brothers, I may say to you with confidence

about the patriarch David that he both died and about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day” was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day” (Acts 2:29, ESV).(Acts 2:29, ESV).

The Life of a Stiff

The Life of a Stiff

There is the great truth of Christianity!There is the great truth of Christianity!◦David.David.◦Muhammad.Muhammad.◦Buddha died after eating some pork.Buddha died after eating some pork.

The Life of a Stiff


They’ve all been dead so long that they’ve They’ve all been dead so long that they’ve rotted to nothing.rotted to nothing.

The Life of a Stiff


They’ve all been dead so long that they’ve They’ve all been dead so long that they’ve rotted to nothing.rotted to nothing.

Jesus had no time to turn to dust!Jesus had no time to turn to dust!

The Life of a Stiff

Just as his burial was proof of his death, so his Just as his burial was proof of his death, so his post-Resurrection appearances are proof of his post-Resurrection appearances are proof of his Resurrection.Resurrection.

The Life of a Stiff

Just as his burial was proof of his death, so his Just as his burial was proof of his death, so his post-Resurrection appearances are proof of his post-Resurrection appearances are proof of his Resurrection.Resurrection.

Paul lists the people to whom the Lord Paul lists the people to whom the Lord appeared after his Resurrection.appeared after his Resurrection.

The Life of a Stiff

Jesus appeared to Peter & then to the rest of Jesus appeared to Peter & then to the rest of the apostles.the apostles.

The Life of a Stiff

Jesus appeared to Peter & then to the rest of Jesus appeared to Peter & then to the rest of the apostles.the apostles.◦““The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to

Simon!” (Lk 24:34, ESV).Simon!” (Lk 24:34, ESV).

The Life of a Stiff

Jesus appeared to Peter & then to the rest of Jesus appeared to Peter & then to the rest of the apostles.the apostles.◦““The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to

Simon!” (Lk 24:34, ESV).Simon!” (Lk 24:34, ESV).◦Peter would be the first witness both to Jew & Peter would be the first witness both to Jew &

Gentile.Gentile.

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Jesus appeared to more than 500 brethren at Jesus appeared to more than 500 brethren at one time.one time.

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Paul seems to be telling the doubting to go & Paul seems to be telling the doubting to go & ask these 500.ask these 500.

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Many believe Paul is providing a well-known list Many believe Paul is providing a well-known list of post-Resurrection occurrences.of post-Resurrection occurrences.

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Many believe Paul is providing a well-known list Many believe Paul is providing a well-known list of post-Resurrection occurrences.of post-Resurrection occurrences.

The Corinthians would have had no trouble The Corinthians would have had no trouble getting in contact with these brethren.getting in contact with these brethren.

The Life of a Stiff

The Lord then appeared to James & to all the The Lord then appeared to James & to all the apostles.apostles.

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The Lord then appeared to James & to all the The Lord then appeared to James & to all the apostles.apostles.◦This must be the brother of Jesus.This must be the brother of Jesus.

The Life of a Stiff

The Lord then appeared to James & to all the The Lord then appeared to James & to all the apostles.apostles.◦This must be the brother of Jesus.This must be the brother of Jesus.◦““Not even his brothers believed in him” (Jn 7:5, Not even his brothers believed in him” (Jn 7:5,

ESV).ESV).

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ESV).ESV).◦But, James became a pillar in the church (Gal 2:9).But, James became a pillar in the church (Gal 2:9).

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Apostle must refer to others than the Twelve.Apostle must refer to others than the Twelve.◦Term “apostle” simply means “one sent.”Term “apostle” simply means “one sent.”

The Life of a Stiff



Apostle must refer to others than the Twelve.Apostle must refer to others than the Twelve.◦Term “apostle” simply means “one sent.”Term “apostle” simply means “one sent.”◦““I saw none of the other apostles except James the I saw none of the other apostles except James the

Lord’s brother” (Gal 1:19, ESV).Lord’s brother” (Gal 1:19, ESV).

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Apostle must refer to others than the Twelve.Apostle must refer to others than the Twelve.◦Term “apostle” simply means “one sent.”Term “apostle” simply means “one sent.”◦““I saw none of the other apostles except James the I saw none of the other apostles except James the

Lord’s brother” (Gal 1:19, ESV).Lord’s brother” (Gal 1:19, ESV).◦Apostle here likely refers to a missionary.Apostle here likely refers to a missionary.

The Life of a Stiff

Jesus Christ is NOT in his tomb!

The Life of a Stiff

Jesus’ Body is DifferingVv 8-11

The Life of a Stiff

““Last of all, as to one untimely born, he Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we preached Whether then it was I or they, so we preached and so you believed” (vv 8-11, ESV).and so you believed” (vv 8-11, ESV).

The Life of a Stiff

The bodies behind UT’s Medical Center are The bodies behind UT’s Medical Center are differing bodies.differing bodies.

The Life of a Stiff

The bodies behind UT’s Medical Center are The bodies behind UT’s Medical Center are differing bodies.differing bodies.◦They don’t look the same when the researchers They don’t look the same when the researchers

are done with them!are done with them!

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are done with them!are done with them!◦They are also drastically changing forensic They are also drastically changing forensic

science.science.

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are done with them!are done with them!◦They are also drastically changing forensic They are also drastically changing forensic

science.science.Paul here tells how the body of Jesus changed Paul here tells how the body of Jesus changed

him!him!

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Paul refers to himself as “one untimely born.”Paul refers to himself as “one untimely born.”

The Life of a Stiff

Paul refers to himself as “one untimely born.”Paul refers to himself as “one untimely born.”◦Gr refers to an aborted or stillborn baby.Gr refers to an aborted or stillborn baby.

The Life of a Stiff

Paul refers to himself as “one untimely born.”Paul refers to himself as “one untimely born.”◦Gr refers to an aborted or stillborn baby.Gr refers to an aborted or stillborn baby.◦KJV: “Last of all he was seen of me also, as of one KJV: “Last of all he was seen of me also, as of one

born out of due time.”born out of due time.”

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born out of due time.”born out of due time.”Paul was born before his mother’s due date.Paul was born before his mother’s due date.

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born out of due time.”born out of due time.”Paul was born before his mother’s due date. He Paul was born before his mother’s due date. He

doesn’t fit as an apostle.doesn’t fit as an apostle.

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born out of due time.”born out of due time.”Paul was born before his mother’s due date. He Paul was born before his mother’s due date. He

doesn’t fit as an apostle.doesn’t fit as an apostle.Why?Why?

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Because he persecuted the church of God.Because he persecuted the church of God.

The Life of a Stiff

Because he persecuted the church of God.Because he persecuted the church of God.◦““Saul was ravaging the church, and entering Saul was ravaging the church, and entering

house after house, he dragged off men and women house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison” (Acts 8:3, ESV).and committed them to prison” (Acts 8:3, ESV).

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◦““Formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and Formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent” (1 Tm 1:13, ESV).insolent opponent” (1 Tm 1:13, ESV).

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◦““Formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and Formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent” (1 Tm 1:13, ESV).insolent opponent” (1 Tm 1:13, ESV).

◦Paul was a horrible, horrible man!Paul was a horrible, horrible man!

The Life of a Stiff

““By the grace of God I am what I am, and his By the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain” (v 10, ESV).grace toward me was not in vain” (v 10, ESV).

The Life of a Stiff

““By the grace of God I am what I am, and his By the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain” (v 10, ESV).grace toward me was not in vain” (v 10, ESV).◦Paul had been a persecutor, but by the grace of Paul had been a persecutor, but by the grace of

God he became an apostle.God he became an apostle.

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God he became an apostle.God he became an apostle.◦God’s grace refers to the Lord’s kindness & God’s grace refers to the Lord’s kindness &

goodness.goodness.

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goodness.goodness. Gr terms simply means “kindness.”Gr terms simply means “kindness.”

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goodness.goodness. Gr terms simply means “kindness.”Gr terms simply means “kindness.” ““We urged Titus that as he had started, so he should We urged Titus that as he had started, so he should

complete among you this act of grace” (1 Cor 8:6, complete among you this act of grace” (1 Cor 8:6, ESV).ESV).

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God is so gracious toward us.God is so gracious toward us.

The Life of a Stiff

God is so gracious toward us.God is so gracious toward us.““In him we have redemption through his blood, In him we have redemption through his blood,

the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace” (Eph 1:7, ESV).the riches of his grace” (Eph 1:7, ESV).

The Life of a Stiff

God demonstrated grace to Paul by changing God demonstrated grace to Paul by changing who Paul was.who Paul was.

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Because Jesus conquered death, he can conquer Because Jesus conquered death, he can conquer our dead works.our dead works.

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Because Jesus conquered death, he can conquer Because Jesus conquered death, he can conquer our dead works.our dead works.◦““We were buried therefore with him by baptism We were buried therefore with him by baptism

into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in might walk in newness of lifenewness of life” (Rm 6:4, ESV).” (Rm 6:4, ESV).

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Because Jesus conquered death, he can conquer Because Jesus conquered death, he can conquer our dead works.our dead works.◦Rm 6:4.Rm 6:4.◦We are “to put on the new self, created after the We are “to put on the new self, created after the

likeness of God in true righteousness and likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph 4:24, ESV).holiness” (Eph 4:24, ESV).

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Jesus Christ has the power to change lives!!!

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Everyday lives are changed by the grace of God.Everyday lives are changed by the grace of God.

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Everyday lives are changed by the grace of God.Everyday lives are changed by the grace of God.◦Peter.Peter.

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Everyday lives are changed by the grace of God.Everyday lives are changed by the grace of God.◦Peter.Peter.◦John.John.

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HOWHOW does the Resurrected Christ change does the Resurrected Christ change lives?lives?

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HOWHOW does the Resurrected Christ change does the Resurrected Christ change lives? In several ways!lives? In several ways!

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The word of grace can change us.The word of grace can change us.

The Life of a Stiff

The word of grace can change us.The word of grace can change us.◦““The grace of God has appeared, bringing The grace of God has appeared, bringing

salvation for all people, training us to renounce salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age” (Tit 2:11-12, ESV).age” (Tit 2:11-12, ESV).

The Life of a Stiff

The word of grace can change us.The word of grace can change us.◦““The grace of God has appeared, bringing The grace of God has appeared, bringing

salvation for all people, training us to renounce salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age” (Tit 2:11-12, ESV).age” (Tit 2:11-12, ESV).

◦Through the Word, God’s grace teaches us.Through the Word, God’s grace teaches us.

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God changes us as we spend time with him.God changes us as we spend time with him.

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God changes us as we spend time with him.God changes us as we spend time with him.◦““The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”

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God changes us as we spend time with him.God changes us as we spend time with him.◦““The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”◦““Be imitators of God, as beloved children” (Eph Be imitators of God, as beloved children” (Eph

5:1, ESV).5:1, ESV).

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God changes us as we spend time with his God changes us as we spend time with his people.people.

The Life of a Stiff

God changes us as we spend time with his God changes us as we spend time with his people.people.◦““Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you

the word of God. Consider the outcome of their the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith” (Heb 13:7, way of life, and imitate their faith” (Heb 13:7, ESV).ESV).

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God changes us as we spend time with his God changes us as we spend time with his people.people.◦““Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you

the word of God. Consider the outcome of their the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith” (Heb 13:7, way of life, and imitate their faith” (Heb 13:7, ESV).ESV).

◦You become like those with whom you associate.You become like those with whom you associate.

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God changes us, BUT we have to allow him!

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Doctors can heal us ONLY if we allow them.

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The body of the Resurrected Christ changed Paul drastically.

The Life of a Stiff

The body of the Resurrected Christ changed Paul drastically.Has his body changed YOU?

The Life Of A Stiff

Spiritual

Transcript of The Life Of A Stiff