Bible Study - Pressure Points - The Pressure of Trials - James 1:1-4 - September 1, 2013

Bible Study – Pressure Points – The Pressure of Trials – September 1, 2013

This is lesson one in our series entitled “Pressure Points.”

Our scripture is James 1:1-4.

For the next six weeks we will be studying the Book of James.

Just because you are a Christian it does not mean you are free of stress, temptation, trials, sin, tragedy and all the problems of being a human. If a Christian does drugs he or she will get hooked and will suffer the consequences and the list goes on. Satan is ready to ensnare any person who steps into his trap but he especially delights in ensnaring a Christian.  Satan’s goal is to defeat and destroy every human. GOD gives us guidelines designed to keep us out of trouble but life has many pressures. Being a Christian in relationship with GOD through CHRIST can give you the strength to get through the tough times encountered in life. Being a Christian does not exempt you from the pressures, trials and temptations of life.

The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:26:

28 We know that all things work together (j) for the good (k) of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. (l)

GOD is in all things in the lives of Christians or those who will become Christians to bring about the best that can come from situations they get into. If they break the law of man or the law of GOD, they will have to suffer the consequence. Yet, GOD is at work in their lives to bring about the best that can be brought about under the circumstances.

Tough times can be the result of the choices we make or situations over which we have no control. As we get closer to the return of JESUS, the Bible reveals that we will see an increase in false teachers, preachers and leaders who will give a perverted, yet close to the truth witness, of salvation and living the Christian life. The deception will be so slick that even the elect, those who know the truth, will come close to being deceived.

JESUS spoke of this as recorded in Matthew 24:24:

 24 False messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. 

I recall teaching the Book of James many years ago and prayed, “LORD, I want to be a mature Christian.” Well, I thought that GOD would sprinkle me with Holy Dust and wham-o –jam-o; I would instantly be made Spiritually mature. Well, I can tell you, it does not happen like that or at least HE did not do it that way in my life. GOD cleaned my clock, so-to-speak. HE cleared the spiritual table of my life because I had many false notions that needed to be cleaned out of my life. I had false notions about CHRIST, Who HE was and what HE was all about in life and in the lives of Christians. I thought CHRIST was much like Santa Claus and Christians should experience Heaven upon earth – no more tragedy, no more sickness, no more sorrow, everything just hums along and whatever “I” asked in the name of JESUS would happen. I know that JESUS told Christians to ask in HIS name but the question is “Are we in an intimate relationship with HIM and walking according to the leadership of the Holy Spirit?” Later in my Spiritual journey, the LORD revealed that my desire to be a mature Christian was for the power of GOD to be manifested in my life. I wanted to be the Spiritual powerhouse for the wrong reasons. It was not for the Glorification of JESUS or GOD but to glorify me.

The true Christian life does hum along but not according to our plans but as the Holy Spirit desires and leads us. Where HE leads may not be that pretty. The major battle field is self. Who leads us and whose desires do we want to fulfill, the flesh or the Holy Spirit? It is easy to think that the desires of the flesh are the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Christians need discernment but do not get discouraged because GOD will lead HIS children to see truth and that is a vital part of maturing as a Christian.

I am stubborn and it took me a long time to work through it. The study “Experiencing God” written by Dr. Henry Blackaby and Claude King, published by LifeWay, Nashville, TN helped me to look earnestly and honestly at my relationship with GOD. I began the study by telling GOD that I had some problems with HIM that we needed to resolve. I am sure HE was shaking in HIS boots. Instead, HE brought much to my mind that needed attention. We resolved the issues I had at that time and I saw GOD in a new light. GOD’S desire is for HIS children and others to be honest with HIM. HE already knows, so why try to keep anything from HIM?

Growing and maturing Spiritually is a long journey or at least it has been for me. The beauty of our relationship is that HE is still working on me and always will be until we meet face to face! HE is still building on the foundation of CHRIST laid in my life many years ago. I believe HE will not complete HIS work in Christians until they see CHRIST. Let’s explore.

First, who was James? I believe, he was the brother of CHRIST. We know that the James who wrote the Book of James was the leader of the Christian church in Jerusalem and was martyred around 66 A.D. The Book of James was written between 48 and 52 A.D.

Before the crucifixion of JESUS, neither James nor his other brothers believed that JESUS was the promised Messiah. But don’t stop here because there is the rest of the story. Let’s read what the Apostle John recorded in John7:1-6:

1 After this, Jesus traveled in Galilee, since He did not want to travel in Judea because the • Jews were trying to kill Him. 2 The Jewish Festival of Tabernacles was near, 3 so His brothers said to Him, “Leave here and go to Judea so Your disciples can see Your works that You are doing. 4 For no one does anything in secret while he’s seeking public recognition. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.” 5 (For not even His brothers believed in Him.) 6 Jesus told them, “My time has not yet arrived, but your time is always at hand.

But after the crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection and ascension of his brother, JESUS, into heaven, James, as well as HIS other brothers, were in the upper room waiting for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:14:

14 All these were continually united in prayer, along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers. These were not HIS disciples. HIS brothers became believers after the resurrection.

Now, not all Christian organizations believe that these were JESUS’ half-brothers. Some say they were HIS cousins, some say they were the children of Joseph from a previous marriage and had no biological relationship with JESUS.

I believe James was the biological half-brother of JESUS, the Virgin Mary being the mother of JESUS, who was her first born, and all of JESUS’ siblings. Mary birthed HIS brothers and HIS sisters after she birthed JESUS.

We read in 1 Corinthians 15:7:

3 For I passed on to you (e) as most important what I also received:

that Christ died (f) for our sins according to the Scriptures, (g)

4 that He was buried, (h) that He was raised on the third day (i) according to the Scriptures, (j)

5 and that He appeared to • Cephas (Peter), (k) then to the Twelve. (l)

6 Then He appeared to over 500 brothers at one time; (m) most of them are still alive, but some have fallen • asleep.

7 Then He appeared to James, (n) then to all the apostles. (o)

The Apostle Paul made it a point to reveal that JESUS appeared to James. Paul had a special personal calling from JESUS and my thoughts are that Paul included James as having a special personal calling for ministry, as well.

Notice in Galatians 1:19 that Paul confirms that he met with James, the Lord’s brother after his conversion experience on the road to Damascus:

18 Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to get to know • Cephas (Peter), and I stayed with him 15 days. 19 But I didn’t see any of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.

So I am convinced the James was the brother of JESUS.

Let’s read James 1:1-4:

1 James, a • slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ: To the 12 tribes in the Dispersion. Greetings. Trials and Maturity 2 Consider it a great joy, my • brothers, whenever you experience various trials,

James, the brother of JESUS, considered himself to be a slave of GOD and the LORD JESUS CHRIST. Something spectacular took place in the heart of James after the resurrection of CHRIST. It was salvation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. He saw JESUS as the true promised Messiah, Who was and is the only Son of GOD.

After the Day of Pentecost, where 5,000 people became Christians and were filled with and indwelled by the promised Holy Spirit, these new Christians met together to learn more about CHRIST from HIS disciples and HIS brothers. They lived in a type of commune and shared food and other necessities with each other. After a period of time, the local Jews began to refuse to give work to the Christians, especially these Jewish Christians. They threatened them and took them to court. As a result, Christians began to disperse to other areas outside Jerusalem. This period is referred to as the Diasporas. It was a troubling time for Christians but GOD used it to spread the Gospel to the surrounding countries. James wrote that Christians should consider various trials as opportunities and look at them with joy. Why? It reveals the Spiritual maturity of the Christians encountering the trial. I know years ago, I heard Dr. Peter Lord speak at a Campus Crusade for Christ training session. He told about his church on Florida having a “Count it all Joy Party” when something happened to their church members. If a member lost his/her job, it was party time or many other trails could trigger a party. Christians responding in such a manner sends a powerful message to fellow Christians and the community. I personally have never thrown such a party but I have considered it but never felt led by the Holy Spirit to do so.  

When Christians seek help from GOD during trials, although it is a very difficult time, it is a time of Spiritual growth and maturing. It is not pleasant but it will be Spiritually rewarding in the long run. In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, the Bible gives us the reason why Christians go through such times:

3 Praise (h) the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies (i) and the God of all comfort. (j)

4 He comforts us in all our affliction, (k) so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 

Let’s read James 1:3

3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

Industry tests various materials to make certain they meet the specifications for quality. In many cases, the lives of many people depend upon the quality of materials. GOD is no different. HE allows things to come into our lives to test our faith and reveal flaws that need attention. When HE calls, HE wants Christians to be obedient and perform as HE directs and reveals.

Why would HE do that? HE already knows the outcome of the test in our lives but the important matter is that we do not know. But we need to see how we measure up according to GOD’S design requirements for us to grow and mature Spiritually in order to obediently serve HIM. When Christians know that they have passed the test, it gives them confidence and assurance. GOD may raise the bar in order for us to go to the next level of obedient service.

This brings to mind, when I took flying lessons many years ago. I had accumulated a number of hours flying as a student. My instructor and I went up to get another hour of flying time logged. I made 2 of the worst landings I had made since I began learning to fly. My instructor, asked me to pull the plane over to the side and he got out of the plane. Well, I thought I had frightened the man such that he had to get out and calm down. To my surprise, he said okay take off. He told me to watch for a commercial flight that was schedule in the next 15 minutes.

WOW!! I was scared but turned the plane to the take off position and gave the engine full throttle and off I went, all alone. The plane rose quickly because it was lighter without the instructor. WOW, it was thrilling to be in command, until the thought crossed my mind that I had to land the plane and I had made two awful landings. I remember getting into the landing pattern and lining up with the runway with my heart in my throat. The thought ran through my mind that the only way down was for me to land the plane or else. I remember my heart ponding and as the runway got closer and closer and the wheels touching the ground. When those wheels touched the runway, all fear left and I knew I could do it again. The instructor motioned for me to take it around again. I pushed the throttle forward to full throttle and went around and landed.

I pulled over to the instructor and he got into the plane for me to take him back to the hanger. He turned to me and said, “I guess, you wondered why I told you to solo after you made those 2 bad landings?” I said, “Yes, I did.” He said, “Yes, you did make 2 bad landings but you recovered and protected the plane and both of us. When a student can protect the plane and his passengers he is ready to solo.”

GOD, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, is the instructor of every Christian who is willing to yield his/her life to HIM. Then there comes the moment when HE allows us to solo and fly on the wings of faith. It can be scary but HE knows what HE is doing after all HE made us and has been intimately involved in our lives since the instant we were conceived.

Obedient service and maintaining our faith during times of tests and trails produces endurance. Keeping the faith during these times brings about Spiritual maturity. It does not mean we have arrived but we are in the process of being made more Spiritually mature.

Let’s read James 1:4:

4 But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.

When GOD’S training program has been completed, the results are mature Christians ready for whatever the world brings their way. I think that will not happen until we behold JESUS face to face, when we exit our earth suits. When we do, we will be like HIM instantly.

I have found that GOD does not take us over, under or around certain circumstances in our lives but HE takes us through the middle. When we come out on the other end, we may, so-to-speak, be battered, bloody and bruised but fully confident in our relationship with GOD through CHRIST. GOD’S desire is for HIS children to choose to obediently serve HIM.

Revelation 3:15-22:

15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit (p) you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, ‘I’m rich; I have become wealthy and need nothing,’ and you don’t know that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked, 18 I advise you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire so that you may be rich, white clothes so that you may be dressed and your shameful nakedness not be exposed, and ointment to spread on your eyes so that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be committed (q) and repent. 20 Listen! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and have dinner with him, and he with Me. 21The victor: I will give him the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I also won the victory and sat down with My Father on His throne.

22 “Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Trials are the refiner’s fire.

A person was watching a goldsmith refine gold. The goldsmith would turn up the fire and dross (impurities) would float to the top and he would skim the dross off. He would turn up the fire to make it hotter and skim off the dross. The person observed him doing this for a number of times when he asked the goldsmith, “When do you know when the gold is ready?” He said, “When the flame is as hot as it can get and I can lean over and look into the pot and see my reflection.” That is exactly what GOD’S desire is for us. HE wants to see us reflect CHRIST to others. We may have to go through a refining process. Our salvation is secure. This is the process of sanctification.

This may sound unsettling to some but keep in mind that the Holy Spirit indwells you and GOD will never forsake you or leave you. HE will not subject you to more than you can endure. We who can give good gifts to our children, how much more can HE do for HIS children. GOD loves you and has wonderful plans for you to obediently serve HIM. But it is your choice. As stated in 1 Corinthians 3:10-15:

10 According to God’s grace that was given to me, I have laid a foundation as a skilled master builder, and another builds on it. But each one must be careful how he builds on it.

11 For no one can lay any other foundation (l) than what has been laid down. That foundation is Jesus Christ.

12 If anyone builds on that foundation with gold, silver, (m) costly stones, (n) wood, hay, or straw,

13 each one’s work will become obvious, for the day (o) will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; (p) the fire will test the quality of each one’s work. (q)

14 If anyone’s work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward.

15 If anyone’s work is burned up, it will be lost, but he will be saved; (r) yet it will be like an escape through fire. (s) (t)

All Christians are building with some combination of wood, hay, straw or gold, silver and precious stones. GOD will test these building materials with fire. Christians will not lose their salvation if all of their building materials are burned up but they will lose their reward. Yes, they will be in heaven for eternity. I think Christians will be surprised when they start picking through the ashes because the gold, silver and precious stones will survive the fire. GOD’S desire is for Christians to yield their wills to HIM and obediently serve HIM. When Christians do, they earn rewards but they will never know it. It will be a surprise when their works are tested by fire.  

Blessings!!!

 

Bible Study - God's Story - GOD Completes the Story - John 14 and Revelation 21 and 22 - August 25, 2013 -

Bible Study – God’s Story – GOD Completes the Story – August 25, 2013

This is lesson thirteen and the final lesson in our series entitled “GOD’S Story.”

Our scripture is John 14:1-3; Revelation 21:1-4; 22:1-5, 12-14

We have come to our final lesson in our series “GOD’S Story” and what a story it is. We have covered thousands of years of Biblical history. I like to think of this study as looking over GOD’S shoulder and watching HIM work to bring all people to HIM, through faith. It is the revelation of GOD on an ever ascending scale culminating in CHRIST. It reveals GOD’S mercy and grace to restore all who will place their faith in CHRIST to their rightful place to a new Garden of Eden, which will be free from sin.  

We began with GOD creating the world, the universe and everything in them, including human beings. We saw the creation and the fall of mankind. We saw the love of GOD toward mankind in providing them a plan for redemption.

We saw HIS redemptive plan to redeem mankind from sin and its consequence of eternal death. If there had been any other way, HE would not have sent HIS Only Son to live as a human and die to pay, in full, the debt for sin. From the beginning of sin, GOD required the shedding of blood to pay the debt for sin (HE made clothes out of skins for Adam and Eve). GOD required that the acceptable sacrifice had to be free of any blemish. CHRIST was the only sinless and perfect sacrifice to pay, in full, the price for sin to redeem all who would place their faith in HIM.

JESUS, voluntarily and of HIS freewill, came to earth to be born as a human, be tempted, live a sinless life and give HIS life by shedding HIS blood. This to me reveals the extent of GOD’S love for mankind. HE made mankind to have freewill to choose. HIS plan for redemption offers mankind the opportunity to be restored to HIS original intent for mankind. HE intended for mankind to enjoy eternal life and fellowship with HIM in the Garden of Eden. However, sin ushered in eternal death, broke fellowship and separated GOD and mankind. During HIS earthly ministry, CHRIST revealed GOD and HIS love for mankind. Those who place their faith in JESUS will receive eternal life, the miracle of rebirth, Son-ship, Daughter-ship, Citizenship in Heaven and will not be judged. Eternal life is received the instant a person receives CHRIST as his/her Savior.

Let’s read John 14:1-3:

1 “Your heart must not be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come back and receive you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also. 4 You know the way to where I am going.”

The setting for this scripture was the celebration of the Passover and the institution of the Lord’s Supper. JESUS knew that HIS time had come and HE would be leaving them. He knew that HIS disciples looked upon HIM as a political Messiah Who had special power that GOD gave to HIM. They knew HE was the promised Messiah Who would deliver them from Roman rule. They believed that HE would restore Israel to its former power and glory as the powerful United Kingdom which King David had ruled. JESUS knew that they would not fully comprehend HIS purpose to establish an invisible kingdom until after HIS crucifixion, death, burial, resurrection, walk upon earth for 40 days, HIS ascension into Heaven and the Father sent the Holy Spirit back to indwell every born-again Christian.

The Holy Spirit enlightens, reveals, teaches, empowers, strengthens and assures every Christian. Romans 8:16-17:

16 The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children, 17 and if children, also heirs —heirs of God and coheirs with Christ—seeing that we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

JESUS had just told HIS disciples that one of them would betray HIM. HE told Peter that he would deny HIM three times before the cock would crow. This must have boggled Peter’s mind because he had just told JESUS that he would lay down his life for HIM.

JESUS told HIS disciples that HE would leave them but they should not be worried because they believed in GOD, they must also believe in HIM. HE immediately equated Himself with GOD and connected that statement by referring to GOD as HIS Father. HE revealed that He had personal knowledge of heaven when HE made the statement, “in MY Father’s house are many dwelling places; if not, I would have told you.” He gave them the reason why He was going to leave them. He was going to prepare a place for them and there was plenty of room.

HE assured them that if HE was preparing a place for them, HE would return to them and so they were assured that where HE was they would be with HIM. This statement gives us a clue that HE would one day return to gather HIS own. When JESUS ascended into Heaven, the angels made a similar statement in Acts 1:6-11:

6 So when they had come together, they asked Him, “Lord, are You restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?”

7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by His own authority. (g)

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends (h) of the earth.” (i)

The Ascension

9 After He had said this, He was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud took Him out of their sight.

10 While He was going, they were gazing into heaven, and suddenly two men in white clothes stood by them. (j)

11 They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen Him going into heaven.” (k)

Later, HE told them that they knew the way to where HE was going. In John 14:5-6, we read:

5 “Lord,” Thomas (j) said, “we don’t know where You’re going. How can we know the way?”

6 Jesus told him, “I am (k) the way, (l) the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

This applies to all who place their faith in HIM. Where He is, Christians will be there with HIM.

The Apostle Paul wrote about this in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18:

13 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, concerning those who are • asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. 14 Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep through Jesus. 15 For we say this to you by a revelation from the Lord: We who are still alive at the Lord’s coming will certainly have no advantage over those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Paul speaks of the dead sleeping. When a Christian dies, he/she does not sleep; instead his or her born-again Spirit goes directly to heaven to be with GOD. God provides them a Spiritual body which HE has fashioned for each Christian. This is not their Glorified bodies. When they exit their earth suits, it will be seamless, like slipping from our earth suit into our Spiritual suit. Then when CHRIST returns, Christians will receive their Glorified bodies.

Notice 14, CHRIST will bring with HIM the Christians who have died.

Before we go to our next scripture, I must make a statement that a former pastor made before we began our study of Revelation. It is Revelation and not Revelations. But I believe all of you knew that.

Let’s read Revelation 21:1-4 and 22:1-5: (This is after the final judgment and Satan, death and Hades have been cast into the lake of fire. GOD’S chosen will get to see and live in their final dwelling place in all its Glory in the very presence of GOD and CHRIST. Nothing will ever separate them from GOD or CHRIST. There are not words suitable to express this moment. We can only imagine the splendor and majesty.)

Let’s read Revelation 21:1-4:

1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea no longer existed. 2 I also saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband. 3 Then I heard a loud voice from the throne: Look! God’s dwelling is with humanity, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will no longer exist; grief, crying, and pain will exist no longer, because the previous things have passed away.

The Apostle John was exiled to the Isle of Patmos and during that time the LORD revealed these events to him. Some Bible scholars believe that John wrote in code and others believe GOD was revealing future events revealed to him by an angel and GOD. I believe that GOD was revealing these future events to encourage Christians to remain strong and focused during times of turmoil, trouble and when false prophets will try to cast doubt on Christianity. False prophets will increase during the last days before the end.

The earth and heaven, as we know them, will be replaced. They will not be renovated but made into a completely new heaven and earth. The Apostle Peter revealed that heaven and earth will be consumed by fire. Fire is a sign of cleansing.

2 Peter 3:10-13:

10 But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief; on that day the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will burn and be dissolved, and the earth and the works on it will be disclosed. 11 Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, it is clear what sort of people you should be in holy conduct and godliness 12 as you wait for and earnestly desire the coming of the day of God. The heavens will be on fire and be dissolved because of it, and the elements will melt with the heat. 13 But based on His promise, we wait for the new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness will dwell.

Some Bible scholars think that it will be a total transformation. They compare it to our salvation experience, when we experience our new birth in CHRIST. The transition is seamless and so quick it is not perceived. Time as we know it will cease to exist. GOD made time to give mankind the opportunity for redemption.

Bottom line, we have to wait and see. While we are alive upon earth and wait, we must place our trust in GOD and CHRIST. The most important matter is for every person to know he/she is secure in CHRIST. There will always be unanswered questions regarding how the end will come. It is important for Christians to consider the pan-theory, that is, it will all pan-out in the end. GOD is sovereign and in control. That has been the message in our study for the past 3 months.

In the new heaven and earth there will no longer be a sea to separate heaven, where GOD dwells, and earth, where humans dwell, because sin will no longer separate Christians from GOD and CHRIST. Christians will be in their new Glorified bodies, which will be like CHRIST’S Glorified body.

John saw the New Jerusalem descending from heaven. It was a magnificent, spectacular city. John compared its beauty to that of a bride walking down the aisle to be joined with her future husband.   

John heard a loud excited voice, stating that GOD will dwell with HIS chosen. It comes across to me like “Finally!!! Let’s celebrate!!! It is all over and WE can live together without any barrier or hindrance. All are in unity and harmony with each other.”

GOD’S heart breaks for all who reject HIS Only Son. Judgment has been made and the time for people to accept CHRIST has passed. HE has done all HE could to urge them to accept CHRIST as their Savior. Some have and others have not. HE knows all who rejected HIM were given the opportunity.

We must keep in mind that GOD loves every human who has lived or will ever live upon the earth and longs for them to accept CHRIST as

their Savior. There will be those who will say, “Well, if HE loves us so much, why is there so much tragedy, disease and sorrow?” We are living in a sinful world. This is not heaven. This is every person’s opportunity to regain what was lost due to sin. Earth is in decay.

In the new earth and heaven, there will be no decay and our relationship with GOD and CHRIST will be personal and interactive. Those in heaven have made the choice for eternal life with GOD through CHRIST. There will be no Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. There will only be the Tree of Life, which Christians have chosen, which is CHRIST. CHRIST is the key to the New Jerusalem and Christians use HIS credentials to enter it freely because their robes have been washed in the blood of the Lamb.

The people of earth before this event had tears, death, disease, sorrow, tragedy and all the things brought about by sin. In the new heaven and new earth, GOD has taken care of all these infirmities because the penalty for sin has been paid in full. In essence, the Garden of Eden has been restored. There will be no more decay, no more disease, no more tears, death will no longer exist, no grief, no crying, no pain because former things have passed away. That is heaven and all Christians will be active and walking on the streets made of pure gold, worshipping GOD and CHRIST as never before, united and in complete harmony. This leads us to our next scripture.

Let’s read Revelation 22:1-5:

1 Then he showed me the river of living water, sparkling like crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the broad street of the city. The tree of life was on both sides of the river, bearing 12 kinds of fruit, producing its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree are for healing the nations, 3 and there will no longer be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city and His • slaves will serve Him. 4 They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. 5 Night will no longer exist, and people will not need lamplight or sunlight, because the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign forever and ever.

The “he” in verse 1 refers to the angel mentioned in revelation 21:9. Also, notice that that verse 1, states “the throne of God and of the Lamb.” It reveals the unity of GOD and CHRIST. They are not on different thrones but on the same throne. Some people who have not accepted CHRIST but believe in GOD may say, “But I worshipped YOU.” JESUS defines GOD. GOD will say, CHRIST and I are ONE and the way to ME is only through MY Only SON, JESUS. I made this clear in the scriptures and through many who spoke to you but you rejected the message of salvation through CHRIST. GOD says what HE means and means what HE says. Look at the studies in the Old Testament. GOD is the GOD of love but also the GOD of wrath.

What about all who worshipped GOD before CHRIST? They will be there with all Christians, because their faith in the day they would be fully redeemed arrived when CHRIST gave HIS life to pay, in full, the penalty for sin. I think that the river of living water flowing down the middle of the street depicts this coming together of those before CHRIST and after CHRIST. It reveals unity that GOD and CHRIST bring together. I am not saying that those who place their faith in GOD after the crucifixion and resurrection will be there because the way to GOD after the passion of CHRIST is only through CHRIST.

John saw the river of “living water” flowing from the throne of GOD and of the Lamb. Living water refers to the Holy Spirit and its source is from GOD and CHRIST. The Holy Spirit flows from GOD and CHRIST because CHRIST shed HIS blood to pay in full the penalty for sin. HIS shed blood also purifies the human body of those who place their faith in HIM. Notice 2 Corinthians 5:21:

21 He (GOD) made the One (JESUS) who did not know sin (n) to be sin (o) for us, (p) so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

At the instant persons accept CHRIST as their Savior, they are made righteous before GOD and Spiritually conceived to be GOD’S Sons or Daughters through the miracle of rebirth.

The river of living water flowed down the middle of the street, with the tree of life available to those on both sides of the street. Bible scholars have various thoughts about this. I think it is a comparison of the fruit of the Tree of Life providing eternal life and Spiritual healing versus the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, which produced sin and eternal death.

I think, it refers back to the message of JESUS as recorded in John 15:1-8: The Vine and the Branches (CHRIST is the only source of this living water, which is vital.)

1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vineyard keeper. 2 Every branch in Me that does not produce fruit He removes, and He prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit. 3 You are already • clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in Me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in Me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me. 6 If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you want and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be My disciples.

Verse 12 reveals that the Tree of Life has an ample supply of eternal life giving fruit for all who choose to partake of it.

In that verse, it states “the leaves are for the healing of the nations.”

Since there is no need for healing in heaven, I think it refers to the fact that salvation is available to all people regardless of their ethnicity, nationality, creed, gender or color. Salvation results in the gift of eternal life. When people accept CHRIST by faith, they are no longer under the curse of sin and eternal death.

Some may say, “Well, there are people in remote parts of the world, so how will they know about CHRIST?” We must keep in mind that GOD’S part is to reveal and give every person the opportunity to accept or reject CHRIST as his/her Savior. Yes, HE calls Christians to go into all the world and present the gospel of CHRIST. But HE works in the most secret place of every person to give him/her a choice.

Yes, the Bible is clear that some will say to the LORD, “Why, we did so many good works in Your name, so You have to let us into heaven.” The LORD will say to them, depart from ME because I never knew you. I believe these people know in the eyes of their hearts their true relationship with GOD and they are hoping GOD will grade on the curve. CHRIST in you makes you a Christian and not what works you do!!!

Verse 3b was troubling to me at first. The statement “HIS slaves will serve HIM” caused me to pause and ponder. I did not like the idea of slaves in heaven. So, I share what the LORD revealed and you can draw your own conclusion.

To serve is the highest honor a Christian can have. JESUS put it best in Luke 22:25-27:

25 But He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles dominate them, and those who have authority over them are called ‘Benefactors.’ 26 But it must not be like that among you. On the contrary, whoever is greatest among you must become like the youngest, and whoever leads, like the one serving. 27 For who is greater, the one at the table or the one serving? Isn’t it the one at the table? But I am among you as the One who serves.

Those who serve GOD will see HIS face. Moses wanted to see the face of GOD but GOD only allowed him to see HIS back. To serve means to worship. HIS name will be written on their foreheads. Those who serve HIM will be identified like the 144,000 in Revelation 14:1:

1 Then I looked, and there on Mount• Zion stood the Lamb, and with Him were 144,000 who had His name and His Father’s name written on their foreheads. (a)

Some Bible scholars say it was for identification. Others say it was to show that these servants had been made into the image of CHRIST.

GOD’S holiness provides eternal light, which will illuminate all of heaven.

Let’s read Revelation22:12-14:

12 “Look! I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me to repay each person according to what he has done. 13 I am the • Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. 14 “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates.

It has been over 2,000 years and JESUS has not returned to earth to rapture the Christians. So why did HE say, “Look! I am coming quickly?” I think HE wanted all Christians to stay focused upon HIM during the times of turmoil, trouble and times of uncertainty, as stated earlier in our study. The point being, whether or not HE returns quickly to take all Christians out of earth, humans die every second of every day. Every human is but one heartbeat away from eternity. So the likelihood is greater that Christians or any person will die and go into eternity before CHRIST returns to rapture HIS chosen. So be ready at any moment.

When HE returns to rapture the true body of believers, the born-again believers, HE brings “MY reward is with ME.” The reward of every Christian is eternal life through CHRIST. Eternal life it is a free gift from GOD because of HIS mercy and grace. Yes, there will be rewards of obedience which will be given to Christians. The Apostle Paul gives us a glimpse into GOD’S reward program in 1 Corinthians 3:8-17:

8 Now the one planting and the one watering are one in purpose, and each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. 9 For we are God’s coworkers. You are God’s field, God’s building. 10 According to God’s grace that was given to me, I have laid a foundation as a skilled master builder, and another builds on it. But each one must be careful how he builds on it. 11 For no one can lay any other foundation than what has been laid down. That foundation is Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on that foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, 13 each one’s work will become obvious, for the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one’s work. 14 If anyone’s work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned up, it will be lost, but he will be saved; yet it will be like an escape through fire. 16 Don’t you yourselves know that you are God’s sanctuary and that the Spirit of God lives in you? 17 If anyone destroys God’s sanctuary, God will destroy him; for God’s sanctuary is holy, and that is what you are.

WOW!!! Do you know CHRIST as your Savior? If not, why not ask HIM to forgive you for your sins and to come into your heart now? One thing for sure, none of us are getting out of this world alive, unless JESUS returns but that will only be for the Christians alive upon earth at that instant. GOD does not grade on the curve, so why not secure your eternal destination now?  

CHRIST stated that HE is the Alpha and the Omega, which are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. All humans are the offspring of fallen mankind and all must be redeemed from eternal death. JESUS gave Himself to redeem all who will place their faith in HIM, but it is by choice and by the shed blood of CHRIST. This is what CHRIST meant by referring to “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the Tree of Life and may enter the city by the gates.”

CHRIST wants Christians to know what awaits them and for the non-Christians to know what can be theirs, if they accept CHRIST as their Savior. This is about as plain as it gets. The choice is yours. Blessings!!!

Bible Study - God's Story - JESUS Commissions HIS Chruch - Luke 24 and Acts 1 and 2 - August 18, 2013

Bible Study – God’s Story – JESUS Commissions HIS Church – August 18, 2013

This is lesson twelve in our series entitled “GOD’S Story.”

Our scripture is Luke 24:44-49; Acts 1:6-8; 2:41-47

JESUS was crucified, buried, resurrected and had been on earth for 40 days. Over 500 people witnessed HIS presence in HIS new resurrected and Glorified body upon earth before HIS ascension into heaven. Our first scripture focuses on JESUS preparing HIS disciples for HIS return to heaven or HIS ascension because HIS mission up to that point had been accomplished.

Our scripture in Luke 24:44-49 was JESUS preparing HIS disciples for the coming and indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Let’s explore.

Let’s read Luke 24:44-49:

44 Then He told them, “These are My words that I spoke to you while I was still with you —that everything written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 He also said to them, “This is what is written: The Messiah would suffer and rise from the dead the third day, 47 and repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And look, I am sending you what My Father promised. As for you, stay in the city until you are empowered from on high.”

JESUS reminded HIS disciples of what HE had taught them regarding the scripture. The prophesy was recorded in the Old Testament scriptures. HE outlined three main divisions, which reflected the three main sections of the Torah and the Katibim, or the writings which included the remainder of the books in the Old Testament:

 - the Law of Moses. Known as the Pentateuch or the first five books of the Bible written by Moses,  

- the Prophets – Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the 12 Minor Prophets

- and the Psalms had been fulfilled (This included the rest of the books in the Old Testament, including the Psalms.)

HE opened their minds to understand the scripture and revealed the parts of the Old Testament scripture that applied to HIM, the promised Messiah. The Jews often referred to the Messiah as the “son of David.” David and Solomon were the last kings to rule Israel as a united, powerful Jewish kingdom. That is why the Jews were looking for a political Messiah. They wanted a strong united, powerful kingdom and to get out from under Roman rule. However, GOD’S plan was to establish an even more powerful invisible kingdom of born-again believers by conquering the greatest enemy of all and that was sin and its consequence of eternal death. 

As a Christian, knowing and understanding the scriptures is very important but there is another very important factor. Scripture in its self has power and that is a good reason for Christians to memorize scripture. I am so glad I memorized scripture years ago because that is the only scripture that comes easily to my mind today. Christians worry about witnessing to others about receiving CHRIST as their Savior but if they will use scripture, the scripture is the power to bring understanding.

The message of salvation is repentance for sin and faith in CHRIST. CHRIST paid, in full, the price for sin, which was required by GOD. It took HIS only Son to pay that price for all who place their faith in HIM.  

The Holy Spirit could not come to indwell those who accepted CHRIST as their Savior until CHRIST returned to heaven and took HIS seat at the right hand of GOD, the Father. JESUS’ death and resurrection had prepared those who received CHRIST, by faith, to also receive the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul captured this in 2 Corinthians 5:21:

21 He (GOD) made the One (JESUS) who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

JESUS took the sin of those who will believe in HIM upon Himself and HIS righteousness was placed upon those who receive HIM as their Savior. Because of the cleansing, shed blood of CHRIST, the Holy Spirit can reside within the human body of those who place their faith in CHRIST. The Christian’s body becomes the temple of GOD, the Holy Spirit.

This is very hard to fathom because we, as Christians, remain in our humanness and many squelch the Holy Spirit, including me. Our vision of the Holy Spirit in our lives is often that of high emotion and outward expressions. It is often the still small voice and the quite leadership of the Holy Spirit that accomplishes GOD’S plan and purpose through those who yield their lives to HIM in obedient service. We must take steps of faith as led by the Holy Spirit and when we do, GOD will give us bigger steps of faith to take.

The Holy Spirit is the missing power in many of our churches and Christian organizations. We seek manmade ideas and leadership, when the power to change the world is embodied in the Holy Spirit and HIS leadership. HE has the vision and the vantage point from GOD’S perspective. Christians must first begin within themselves and seek the fullness of CHRIST in them and take steps of faith. When they do, GOD increases their opportunity to obediently serve HIM according to HIS plan and purpose.  

This leads us to our next scripture. Keep in mind that Doctor Luke wrote both the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. In these first verses, we see Luke’s ending scripture in Luke as the lead-in scripture for Acts. The book of Acts could be titled “Acts of the Holy Spirit.” 

Let’s read Acts 1:6-8: (This is after the resurrection of JESUS and prior to HIS ascension into heaven.)

6 So when they had come together, they asked Him, “Lord, are You restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?”

7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by His own authority. (g)

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends (h) of the earth.”  (i)

HIS disciples were assembled with CHRIST before HIS ascension. JESUS had spoken to them about the second coming and about the Kingdom of GOD and they wanted to know if this was the time when HE would establish HIS earthly kingdom and restore Israel.

JESUS made it clear that the future for establishing GOD’S Kingdom on earth was in HIS hands. A Christian’s role is to be obedient and trust GOD with the future because GOD is sovereign. Just as JESUS had revealed that prophesy regarding the Messiah had to be fulfilled to the letter, so would GOD’S full plan have to be accomplished before the end times. Until GOD says it is finished, the end will not come. Since, no one knows when that will be, we are admonished to be ready and stay ready for that instant. Eternity is but a heartbeat away and no one knows when it may beat its last beat or CHRIST will return. This is not to frighten people but it is just a fact.

JESUS told them that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. When that happened, they were to witness to others about JESUS. They were to begin where they were, in Jerusalem and then spread the Good News in ever increasing areas as led by the Holy Spirit. It seems that the idea was as they spread the gospel, it would leave converts behind to grow and mature Spiritually. Those who are called would continue to go to the next area of opportunity and witness. As each expanded area presented the gospel, then those called were to move to the next area of opportunity and continue until the gospel reaches all people of the world.

GOD commissions Christians today to present the gospel wherever they are. They are to start with those closest to them – family, friends, fellow workers or anyone they come in contact with - and witness as the indwelling Holy Spirit gives them opportunity.

This leads us to the Day of Pentecost. The Apostle Peter was preaching. He was filled with the Holy Spirit and with the message of salvation. Peter, the very one who had denied CHRIST three times before HE was crucified, was preaching the gospel. Peter had repented and GOD had forgiven him, restored him and used him to preach salvation. GOD never gives up on HIS children. 

Let’s read Acts 2:41-47: (The Apostle Peter was preaching)

41 So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about 3, 000 people were added to them.

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, (y) to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to the prayers. (z)

43 Then fear came over everyone, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles. (a)

44 Now all the believers were together and held all things in common. (b)

45 They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as anyone had a need. (c)

46 Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the •temple complex, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with a joyful and humble attitude, (d)

47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to them (e) those who were being saved. (f)

The Holy Spirit came on the Day of Pentecost, which was fifty days after the Passover. When the Holy Spirit came to earth to indwell those who placed their faith in CHRIST, physical evidence manifested HIS arrival. There was sound and what appeared to be tongues of fire. Fire generally indicates cleansing or purifying. GOD intended for this event to be heard and witnessed.  

The Apostle Peter preached and 3,000 people became Christians that day. These were 3,000 Christians filled with the Holy Spirit who would take the message of salvation to their homes, communities, towns, cities and various places. Where ever they went, they took the Good News of salvation. That is GOD’S plan. HE wanted to be an intimate part of HIS children’s lives. HE wanted them to have a personal relationship with HIM. When they have a personal relationship with HIM, they can be a witness of what they know and not what they think they know. HE wanted HIS children to have heart knowledge and not just head knowledge about HIM.

The word gospel means “good news.” When we accept CHRIST as our Savior and receive the Holy Spirit, GOD equips us, according to HIS plan for our lives, to witness and minister to others. Christians are equipped with various gifts of the Holy Spirit that are given according to GOD’S will, plan and purpose.

We often make salvation complicated but it is CHRIST in you that makes you a Christian. Christians today are truly blessed because we have the complete Bible, which the early Christians did not. We can read and study the Bible and read about the message CHRIST revealed to them when HE instructed them before HE ascended. As we ponder and explore the Scriptures for answers to Spiritual questions, we can and should ask the Holy Spirit to reveal truth to us and enlighten us. As we probe the depths of scripture we, in turn, can reveal what we learn to others.

Notice in verse 42, that the new converts were eager to learn from the Apostles. They even lived in a group and shared things in common so they could spend all the time possible learning from the Apostles. Learning is important but there comes a time when Christians must put into action what they are learning and being taught. We attend Sunday school and Bible studies but are we putting into practice what we are learning?

Verse 43 states that “fear” came over everyone. This was not fear as we know it. It was “awe.” When the Holy Spirit is working around us and through us, we stand in awe of HIS work. HE manifested Himself through many signs and wonders. HE still manifests Himself through signs and wonders today.

Why don’t we witness this today? Some do but many of us miss out because of our unbelief. We say, “Oh, that was for that day.” I don’t believe that for second. GOD is the same yesterday and today. HE is still all knowing, all powerful and in all places.

Christians believe in CHRIST and the presence of the Holy Spirit but they place boundaries and limits on what they think HE can do. JESUS told HIS disciples that the faith the size of a mustard seed will move mountains. But it is not our faith that brings it about or our ability but it is our faith in GOD because HE is the ONE Who does it. If we did it, we would get the big head.

Yes, GOD is at work today and is still in the mountain moving business. HE moves mountains of stubbornness, disbelief, disease, sorrow, hurts, strongholds and the list goes on. Yes, I believe HE can physically move a mountain or any other physical object that needs to be moved but the greatest miracle is salvation.

These Christians sold their goods and distributed them as others had need. Sharing the gospel and meeting the needs of others go hand-in-hand but a word of caution. There are scam artists who are eager to take advantage of Christians. I don’t mind helping but I do not want to be taken advantage of. Discernment is a gift of the Holy Spirit.

The Christian community of 3,000 grew because they were reaching out to the community around them. They were going to the temple every day to witness and worship. They came into contact with other worshippers who saw the change that CHRIST had made in their lives. They saw the unspeakable joy they had in CHRIST. The temple was the focal point for the community in Jerusalem, as well as for those coming from other areas to Jerusalem to worship. The Christians were eager to tell them that the Messiah had come and faith in HIM results in salvation and eternal life.

What was their message to others? All we have to do is read the New Testament. There was power in the name of JESUS. Oh, yes there were those who got very upset with the message of CHRIST because it threatened their position or business. The same is true today. Even in churches today there are those who want to define the activities of the church according to them and do not seek the leadership of the Holy Spirit. They do not want to give up their control or power. Tradition is a major stumbling block for many Christian organizations including churches and individual Christians.

In any community or city, the citizens of that community should know what is going on in the churches located there because the churches are reaching out to the community. If the church you attend would close its doors, would the community know it?

Christians get comfortable. We often question if we should open our doors and minister to those who don’t dress like us, act like us, speak like us or smell like us. That is why the community churches are the growth churches in many communities, because they open their doors to all. Even these community churches need to keep an eye on themselves and not become stuck in a rut. A rut is a grave with the ends knocked out. All Christians and those called to ministry must stay focused on CHRIST and be led by the Holy Spirit to remain fresh and refreshed.

If you are a Christian and have not been living the victorious life in CHRIST, yield your will and life to HIM and allow the Holy Spirit to lead, guide and control your life. Here I am LORD JESUS, take me as I am and make me into the Christian You want me to be.

If you do not know CHRIST as your Savior, ask HIM to forgive you for your sins and to come into your life now. HE will and if you did, then thank HIM for saving you and begin to read and study the Bible and pray. Ask the LORD to lead you to a church where you can grow Spiritually and obediently serve HIM. Welcome brother or sister to the family of GOD. Blessings!!!   

 

 

Bible Study – God’s Story – JESUS Is Crucified and Raised – August 11, 2013

This is lesson eleven in our series entitled “GOD’S Story.”

Our scripture is Mark 15:33-39; 16:1-7; 1 Corinthians 15:17-19.

In our study, we have fast forwarded to the crucifixion of CHRIST. HE has been sentenced to die on the cross. In our last lesson, the Apostle John gave us his account of JESUS’ being the Word and residing upon earth as a human. John was with JESUS, the mother of JESUS and others when HE was crucified. Let’s read John’s account in John 19:25-27:

25 Standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother, His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and • Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple He loved standing there, He said to His mother, “ • Woman , here is your son.” 27 Then He said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.

The Apostle John witnessed the death of JESUS but more importantly, he witnessed HIS resurrection in HIS new Glorified body.

Let’s explore the most important event in the history of the world.

Let’s read Mark 15:33-39:

33 When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. 34 And at three Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lemá sabachtháni?” which is translated, “ My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” 35 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “Look, He’s calling for Elijah!” 36 Someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, fixed it on a reed, offered Him a drink, and said, “Let’s see if Elijah comes to take Him down!” 37 But Jesus let out a loud cry and breathed His last. 38 Then the curtain of the sanctuary was split in two from top to bottom. 39 When the • centurion, who was standing opposite Him, saw the way He breathed His last, he said, “This man really was God’s Son!”

To me, the time JESUS hung on the cross, leading up to HIM giving up HIS earthly life, was HIS greatest moment of temptation. Consider, if you had the power to call legions of angels to come to your rescue and had been treated the way JESUS had been treated – beat, spat upon, ridiculed, humiliated, laughed at – what would you do? I think I would zap some people but that would have been wrong. Thinking that GOD, HIS Father had abandoned HIM, JESUS had a choice to make either to continue to place HIS faith in the Father or resort to HIS power and call in the troops.

Those who had crucified HIM heard HIM cry out. They wanted to see if Elijah would rescue HIM. They wanted to see something spectacular, which they did after HE gave up HIS earthly life.

We know that CHRIST chose to give up HIS earthly life and to trust the Father to restore HIS eternal life by resurrecting HIM and giving HIM HIS Glorified body. This is an example to all Christians.

None of us want to give up our earthly life. I believe JESUS was faced with the same dilemma. HE had the power to take charge of HIS own destiny but if HE had, we would still be in our sin.

Thank you JESUS for voluntarily giving Your life for all who place their faith in You. As a result, Christians will have eternal live through the miracle of rebirth and receive their Glorified bodies when CHRIST returns to rapture the church form the earth. When Christians leave their earth suits/body, they slip seamlessly into their Spiritual bodies fashioned by GOD. Their special Spiritual body is suitable for heaven until they receive their Glorified bodies at the rapture. The born-again Christian never ceases to exist or lose his or her identity.

Notice in verse 38, that the curtain in the sanctuary was split from top to bottom. The curtain separated the people from the Holy of Holies. The priest went into the Holy of Holies to sprinkle the shed blood of the sacrificed animals on the altar to GOD for the remission of sins. A priest was no longer needed to offer up the blood of animals because JESUS, the perfect, everlasting sacrifice had shed HIS blood for the remission of sin. The sin debt has been paid in full for all who will place their faith in CHRIST. The curtain was split from top to bottom because GOD split the curtain. There were other visible signs, which are covered in the other gospels. 

The centurion saw JESUS as the Son of GOD when JESUS breathed HIS last breath and gave up HIS earthly life. I believe the centurion became a Christian at that instant. Seeing truth takes place in the heart and not in the head. It is not intellectual knowledge but heart knowledge. 

If JESUS’ death was the end, then Christians would have no more reason to believe in HIM than any religious person such as Buddha, Mohammad, etc. or choosing any religion to pursue a way to god.

Keep in mind that we can make a religion out of Christianity. True Christianity is CHRIST in you and not you being in some religious institution or worshipping another human or false god. I don’t mean to be anti-church. But I want you to know that depending on some religious institution or person, such as the Pope or priest or famous preacher or guru will not get you to heaven. Attending a church where the Bible is taught is important to help you to grow Spiritually.

Every person comes to GOD in the same way and that is through his/her faith in JESUS CHRIST. It may not be hip. GOD did not want salvation to be complicated. It is simple. You either accept or reject CHRIST as your Savior. But some may say, but I want to do it my way. You can but it will lead to eternal death. Do you want eternal life? CHRIST is the answer and HE is the way!!! HE gave HIS life just for you. 

As stated earlier, I believe JESUS faced HIS greatest temptation when HE faced having to give up HIS earthly life. The person seeking CHRIST as his/her Savior struggles with turning his/her life over to CHRIST. That is, turning over the control of their lives to GOD through CHRIST.

Christians face similar choices when they are in the middle of turmoil and GOD seems to have abandoned them. They have a choice, do they throw in the towel and give up on GOD or do they place their trust in GOD completely and trust HIM with the results? I can tell you, it is very hard to completely trust GOD, when things do not go the way you think they should. But JESUS chose to give up HIS earthly life for you and for me because of HIS limitless love for us. It is HIS amazing love and grace. 

Let’s read Mark 16:1-7:

Resurrection Morning

1 When the Sabbath was over, • Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so they could go and anoint Him. 2 Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they went to the tomb at sunrise. 3 They were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone from the entrance to the tomb for us?” 4 Looking up, they observed that the stone—which was very large—had been rolled away. 5 When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; they were amazed and alarmed. 6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he told them. “You are looking for Jesus the • Nazarene, who was crucified. He has been resurrected! He is not here! See the place where they put Him. 7 But go, tell His disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there just as He told you.’”

Sadness turned to joy. When the Sabbath was over, it would have been after sundown or about 6 PM on Saturday. The stores would have opened. The ladies bought spices to complete the embalming process the next day, which would be Sunday.

JESUS’ body had been embalmed quickly, before sundown on Friday or about 6 PM. The Apostle John wrote in John 19:38-42:

Jesus’ Burial

38 After this (after the crucifixion and death of JESUS), Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus —but secretly because of his fear of the Jews —asked Pilate that he might remove Jesus’ body. Pilate gave him permission*, so he came and took His body away. 39 Nicodemus (who had previously come to Him at night) also came, bringing a mixture of about 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes. 40 Then they took Jesus’ body and wrapped it in linen cloths with the aromatic spices, according to the burial custom of the Jews. 41 There was a garden in the place where He was crucified. A new tomb was in the garden; no one had yet been placed in it. 42 They placed Jesus there because of the Jewish preparation and since the tomb was nearby.

*This is the Gospel of Mark’s account of Joseph of Arimathea’s request for JESUS’ body. Mark 15:43-46:

43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Sanhedrin who was himself looking forward to the kingdom of God, came and boldly went in to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. 44 Pilate was surprised that He was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him whether He had already died. 45 When he found out from the centurion, he gave the corpse to Joseph. 46 After he bought some fine linen, he took Him down and wrapped Him in the linen. Then he placed Him in a tomb cut out of the rock, and rolled a stone against the entrance to the tomb.

The bottom line, JESUS was dead as a human. Remember they stuck a spear into HIS side to make sure that HE was dead.

The ladies knew it would be a quick embalming process because it was not long until the Sabbath would begin. They loved JESUS and wanted to make sure HE had a proper burial. They needed to know where JESUS would be buried. So they had a plan as recorded in Mark 15:47:

47 Now Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses were watching where He was placed.

They saw the large stoned rolled into place to cover the entrance to HIS tomb, which was sealed and even guarded to make sure no one stole HIS body.

Now back to our scripture in Mark 16, verse 3.

They were walking to the tomb early that Sunday morning, which Christians celebrate as Easter, contemplating how in the world they would move that large stone covering the entrance to the tomb. But to their surprise, as they approached the tomb, the large stone had been rolled away.

These were gutsy women. They entered the tomb and saw a young man dressed in a long white robe. He was an angel. The ladies were amazed and then startled. They were amazed that JESUS was missing and startled that this young man was there in the tomb where JESUS was supposed to be.

Notice, the young man, an angel, quickly put them at ease. This was the greatest event in the history of the world and it was no time to frighten those who would be telling the greatest news of all time. The angel made statements and gave them instructions as recorded in verses 6 and 7:

6 “Don’t be alarmed,” he told them. “You are looking for Jesus the • Nazarene, who was crucified. He has been resurrected! He is not here! See the place where they put Him. 7 But go, tell His disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there just as He told you.’”

WOW!!! That was a lot to comprehend. HE HAS BEEN RESURRECTED!!! These are the most important words ever spoken. Because HE lives, so will all who place their faith in HIM!

Our scripture fast forwards a number of years to consider what the Apostle Paul had to say about the importance of the resurrection. Let’s continue.

Let’s read 1 Corinthians 15:17-19:

17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. 18 Therefore, those who have fallen asleep in Christ have also perished. 19 If we have put our hope in Christ for this life only, we should be pitied more than anyone.

The Apostle Paul hits the nail on the head, so-to-speak in these verses. Paul had been dealing with problems among Christians in Corinth. One was doubts about the resurrection of CHRIST. Paul was summarizing his argument in favor of the resurrection.

There was a time when I questioned the resurrection of CHRIST. The Holy Spirit led me through the scripture to reveal the attitude of JESUS brothers toward HIM before HIS crucifixion and after HIS crucifixion. Let’s read John 7:1-5:

The Unbelief of Jesus’ Brothers

1 After this, Jesus traveled in Galilee, since He did not want to travel in Judea because the • Jews were trying to kill Him. 2 The Jewish Festival of Tabernacles was near, 3 so His brothers said to Him, “Leave here and go to Judea so Your disciples can see Your works that You are doing. 4 For no one does anything in secret while he’s seeking public recognition. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.” 5 (For not even His brothers believed in Him.)

But after the resurrection and ascension of JESUS, guess who were in the upper room praying and waiting on the coming of the Holy Spirit as recorded in Acts 1:12-14:

12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem—a Sabbath day’s journey away.

13 When they arrived, they went to the room (l) upstairs where they were staying:

Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. (m)

14 All these were continually united (n) in prayer, (o) along with the women, including Mary (p) the mother of Jesus, and His brothers. (q)

Scripture reveals that HIS brothers went on to serve HIM in ministry. HIS resurrection made the difference in their lives.

Paul stated in verse 17, “if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins.”

The words used “has not been” carried the idea of another party being involved in HIS resurrection. CHRIST did not resurrect Himself, it was GOD, Who resurrected HIM. JESUS had to place HIS faith completely in the Father to resurrect HIM and give HIM HIS new Glorified body, which HE did.

Just as JESUS had to place HIS faith and complete trust in HIS Father, GOD, all humans are in the same situation. Do we place our trust in CHRIST Who was born as a human, yet GOD to give HIS life to save us from sin and eternal death?

Faith is step one in the process. When a person takes that step of faith, he/she is not only saved but is born into the family of GOD through the miracle of rebirth in his/her spirit. The new Christian becomes a Son or Daughter of GOD.

Those who place their faith in CHRIST also receive the indwelling Holy Spirit, Who confirms, enlightens, reveals, teaches, empowers and assures them of their security in CHRIST. The Holy Spirit is the security deposit or the down payment that your faith in CHRIST is real and can be counted upon.

The Apostle Paul wrote about this in 2 Corinthians 1:22 and 5:5:

22 He has also sealed us and given us the Spirit as a down payment (a) in our hearts. (b)

5 And the One who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit as a down payment.

This security deposit/down payment is guaranteed by GOD. At the instant you receive CHRIST you go from death into life and will not face judgment. Read the words of JESUS as recorded in John 5:24:

24 “I assure you: Anyone who hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life (c) and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life.

The Apostle Paul states in Romans 8:16-17:

16 The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children, 17 and if children, also heirs —heirs of God and coheirs with Christ—seeing that we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

The Apostle Paul makes it clear when you have been born in the family of GOD through CHRIST, you will know it because of the witness of the Holy Spirit in your heart and being a Christian is not easy. It takes the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit to give Christians the strength to live an obedient life for CHRIST.

Paul makes it clear in verses 18 and 19 of our lesson scripture, if CHRIST was not resurrected by GOD, then those who have died believing in CHRIST have no hope and those who are still alive and have placed their faith in CHRIST are to be pitied. If the resurrection is not true, Christians believed a lie and were living a lie.

Do you believe that CHRIST gave HIS life to pay the sin debt for you? Do you believe that GOD raised HIM from the dead on the third day? If so, ask HIM to forgive you for your sins and to come into your life. When you do, you will experience the miracle of rebirth in your spirit and an awesome journey will begin. Read and study the Bible, pray and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal truth to you. The Christian life is not easy but the rewards are eternal as you obediently serve HIM. Blessings!!!