DEATH Produces GLORY

First, for the believer in Christ, dying means

• Hating our lives in this world – willing to give up everything

for His sake (John 12:25)

If we hate our lives we will save it. Death Produces Life

Secondly, for the believer in Christ, dying means

• Following Him – It means to cleave to Christ steadfastly

and conforming to His example in living and dying. (John 12:26)

If we follow Him, God the Father will honor us. Death Produces Blessings

Thirdly, for the believer in Christ, dying means

• Enduring our cross no matter how painful (John 12:27-28)

If we endure our cross, God will glorify us. Death Produces Glory

Today’s Focus: DEATH Produces GLORY

• Glory is the true nature of something. To Glorify means to reveal the true nature or attributes of that thing.

• God saved us so that we would bring Him glory. Meaning we would reflect true nature that is His character and characteristics.

• Glorification then is when the believer in Christ conforms to the image of Christ - Romans 8:28-30

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."  Rom 8:28

"For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren."  Rom 8:29

"Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified."  Rom 8:30

Predestined – God chooses us based on His foreknowledge

Called – The Spirit of God works on bringing us faith in Christ

Justified – When we receive salvation and enter into a relationship with God

Glorification – We will be free from the presence of sin and be conformed to the image of Christ

Sanctification – Is a lifelong progressive growth of a Christian by obeying God through the power of the Holy Spirit. Freeing us from the power of sin in our everyday lives

• The path to glorification is through death - John 12:23-24

• The path to glorification is a painful one – John 12:27

Letting go of anything we want to embrace what God wants is not easy

What Happens When We Endure Our Cross?

• The glory of a character that reflects His perfectly – 1 John 3:2

• The glory of a heavenly home literally – John 14:3; Revelation 21:1-2; 2 Peter 3:13

• The glory of His commendation personally – Matthew 25:31, 34

• The glory of reigning with Him eternally – Revelation 21:3-5

For a free audio copy of this message see the audio team after worship service or go to www.covenantfamilychapel.org or listen on  WFMD 930AM (Sundays @ 9:30 am in Frederick, MD), WWNL 1080 AM (Friday's @ 3 pm in PA, WV, Youngstown, OH), WWNL 103.9 FM (Friday's @ 3 pm in Pittsburg, PA) Radio stations.