Message delivered on November 11th, 2003

Text: Luke 23: 44-46

Introduction.

Let's start by highlighting the verb WANT. It's basic.
Why? Everything passes through our wants.
Studies shows that: "Today you are the result of all the reading that you have done and the companionship you kept for the past 5 years."
If ( it's a condition) you observed, learned and wanted to make changes, that is great. You changed and will change even more.
Illustration: A college of the pastor for 15 years attended seminars. Until his wife said: No more, you don't practice anything.
Observe the difference between information and knowledge.
Information: You know of. It is superficial
Knowledge: You assimilate and that provokes changes in you.
How do you want to end? Luke 23:46 - The death of Jesus.
On the day of Jesus' death, at least three other men also died.

1.	Matthew 27:5 - Judas hung himself. The first death.

Begun well... Ended badly.
In Luke 6 the 12 are chosen.
Had an important position in the group.
Was with Jesus until the last moment. Matthew 26:25
Other biblical examples: OT: Samson. In the beginning: Judges 13:7 At the end: Judges 16:21 NT: Demas. II Timothy 4:10. In the beginning help Paul.

2.	Luke 23:39 - The bad (?) Thief. The second death.

Began and ended badly.
Two other examples: Pilate : Matthew 27:24. Had the opportunity to accept. Young: Matthew 19:16-21. An opportunity lost.

3.	Luke 23:40-43 - The good (?) thief. The third death.

Began badly and ended well.
It's the same way with all of us.
Example: Paul: Acts 8:1 Acts 9:1-2. Begun badly. Acts 22:4 and II Timothy 4:6-8 Ended very well.

4.	Luke 23:46 - Jesus. The fourth death on that day.

Began well and ended well.
John 4:31-34 - "my food and to do my father's wishes. John 14:28 - "going to the father."
Jesus knew where he came from. Knew his mission. Knew where he was going. That is the secret of living.
John 17:4 - "work is consummate"
Example: Joshua: Exodus 33:11 "stayed in the tent" Joshua 24:15 "serving the Lord"

1.	Triumphant beginning is not a sign of triumphant end. Example: Judas. Why do we have so many former believers amongst us? Let's pray the prayer of Psalm 116:8 My 3 major necessities.

1.	Save my soul from death.

2.	My eyes from tears.

3.	My feet from the fall.

2.	A life has greater chances for going right when lived in simplicity. Example: Jesus Illustration: Jeremiah 45. "Don't seek for yourself..." Power makes people blind. Material blessings has become a disgrace for thousands of believers. .IP 6 How do you want to end? 4 possibilities:

1.	Begin well and end badly. Judas.

2.	Begin badly and end badly. Thief in the cross.

3.	Begin badly and end well. Thief in the cross.

4.	Begin well and end well. Jesus.