Bible Study - Identify (2) - Life in the Chruch - 1 Peter 4:7-11 - April 30, 2017

Bible Study – Identity (2) – Life in the Church – April 30, 2017

This is lesson two in our series entitled “Identity: My Life of Faith.”

Our focus scripture is 1 Peter 4:7-11.

I love and serve CHRIST when I love and serve HIS body, the church.

The Apostle Peter wrote this letter to a group of churches in Asia Minor or modern Turkey today. He wrote the letter in early 64 AD because Peter was martyred by the Roman Emperor Nero about 64 A.D.

These early Christians were looking for the immediate and imminent return of JESUS but they were living in a time of hostility toward the Christian community. This resulted in the Christian community to focus on their individuality because CHRIST’S return was imminent, therefore they did not attempt to deal with the social and political issues evident at that time.

Christians must stand strong in times of crisis. When Christians turn a blind 

eye to the critical issues that are evident in their community, it opens the opportunity for Satan to fill the void and wreak havoc.

Peter wrote in 1 Peter 2:9:

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Christians are special. Just as GOD chose Israel to be HIS chosen nation, the promised Messiah, JESUS, had fulfilled GOD’S plan and purpose, which established GOD’S Spiritual kingdom upon earth. All who place their faith in 

JESUS create a new race, Holy nation, royal priesthood. This new Holy nation is made up of those who have been born into GOD’S family through the miracle of rebirth through faith in JESUS.

Christians are the salt and the light of the world and they are to share it with the world.

The Apostle Paul helps us to understand this new community as he wrote in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31: (GOD equips those born into HIS family to serve in the world until JESUS returns. Are we, as Christians, missing the calling of JESUS to serve? Have we, as Christians, considered obediently serving GOD, fully equipped using HIS gifts of the Spirit to minister? Or do we consider them as emotional manifestations not meant for us at this time? Christians are the light and we are to share that light with the world. But at the same time keeping a very careful eye that we do not allow the power of GOD to become our power and get puffed up with pride and self-esteem.

The Christian community is to obediently serve as equipped in unity, harmony and community. Christians are a Holy Nation as a community of faith based upon the birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension of JESUS. Faith in JESUS, as GOD’S only Son, Who gave HIS life to pay the penalty for sin for all who will place their faith in HIM is the foundation. The Christian church was founded upon this but it is not the brick and mortar building that is the true church, it is the Spiritual body of believers. The church building is filled with all sorts of people, as it should be. The true body of believers within the brick and mortar church functions as a unified body with CHRIST as the head. CHRIST functioning as the head is vital. Each member of the Spiritual body uses his or her Spiritual gift or gifts to minister, as led by the Holy Spirit.) 

Now, let’s read what the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31:

Diversity of Spiritual Gifts

1 About matters of the spirit: brothers, I do not want you to be unaware.

2 You know how, when you were pagans, you were led to dumb idols-being led astray.

3 Therefore I am informing you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus is cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit.

4 Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit.

5 There are different ministries, but the same Lord.

6 And there are different activities, but the same God is active in everyone and everything.

7 A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person to produce what is beneficial:

8 to one is given a message of wisdom through the Spirit, to another, a message of knowledge by the same Spirit,

9 to another, faith by the same Spirit, to another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit,

10 to another, the performing of miracles, to another, prophecy, to another, distinguishing between spirits, to another, different kinds of languages, to another, interpretation of languages.

11 But one and the same Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each one as He wills.

Notice verse 11, “as GOD wills.” Christians can desire a certain Spiritual gift but GOD distributes. What is our role? It is to be willing to accept the gift GOD chooses for each of us to have.

Unity Yet Diversity in the Body

12 For as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that body, though many, are one body-so also is Christ.

13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body-whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free-and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

14 So the body is not one part but many.

15 If the foot should say, "Because I'm not a hand, I don't belong to the body," in spite of this it still belongs to the body.

16 And if the ear should say, "Because I'm not an eye, I don't belong to the body," in spite of this it still belongs to the body.

17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were an ear, where would be the sense of smell?

18 But now God has placed the parts, each one of them, in the body just as He wanted.

19 And if they were all the same part, where would the body be?

20 Now there are many parts, yet one body.

21 So the eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" nor again the head to the feet, "I don't need you!"

22 On the contrary, all the more, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are necessary.

23 And those parts of the body that we think to be less honorable, we clothe these with greater honor, and our unpresentable parts have a better presentation.

24 But our presentable parts have no need [of clothing]. Instead, God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the less honorable,

25 so that there would be no division in the body, but that the members would have the same concern for each other.

26 So if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and individual members of it.

28 And God has placed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, next, miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, managing, various kinds of languages.

29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all do miracles?

30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in languages? Do all interpret?

31 But desire the greater gifts. And I will show you an even better way.

The gifts of the Spirit must be administered with the Spiritual body with love, in unity and harmony as led by the Holy Spirit. When the Spiritual body is going astray, does that mean a member of that body remains silent? Discernment is a gift of the Spirit. If you see a child running toward a poisonous snake, would you remain silent? No, you would try to warn and protect the child. Back to our focus scripture.

Let’s read 1 Peter 4:7:

End-Time Ethics

7 Now the end of all things is near; therefore, be clear-headed and disciplined for prayer.

Christians of that time period were looking for the return of JESUS at any moment. They were to be watchful and to stay focused.

Christians today are to pray for the return of JESUS and keep a watchful eye for HIS return but at the same time obediently minister to the lost and the Spiritual body. Christians are the light and that light must be shared and not hidden. Earth is not the final destination of any person. The final destination of every person is eternity either with GOD, through faith in JESUS or separated from GOD by rejecting JESUS.

Christians know the truth and are to share it.

Let’s read 1 Peter 4:8-9:

8 Above all, keep your love for one another at full strength, since love covers a multitude of sins.

True love comes from those who have been born-again through faith in JESUS. Christians can keep their love for one another at full strength only as they are empowered by the Holy Spirit and keep their eyes upon JESUS.

What is meant by “since love covers a multitude of sins?” When Christians allow the love of JESUS and what HE has done for them fill their hearts it allows them to love others in spite of their nature. The love of JESUS leaves no room for hate, greed, holding grudges and the list goes on. Do not confuse condoning. Christians are to love the sinner but to hate the sin.

Agape love is love that demands nothing in return. Being filled with the love of GOD allows the Christian to trust GOD for the outcome and take the action as led by the Holy Spirit toward that person. Here we have to be careful. We are not to condone what the other person is doing but to maintain the resolve to seek the wisdom and power from GOD to help that person.

9 Be hospitable to one another without complaining.

Hospitality is a gift of the Spirit. Always being the host at times can become weary. When Christians complain, it detracts from their ministry. Yes, Christians become weary and need to take a break. Take that break before your ministry becomes a burden.

In the true Spiritual body, fellow Christians will discern that others within the body need a break and step in to give relief. So when you are prompted, step up to the plate and help or pray and ask GOD to reveal if what is being done needs to change. If there needs to be a change, what would work better? Pray about it. Just because something has been done a certain way does not mean it always has to be done.

Let’s read 1 Peter 4:10-11:

10 Based on the gift they have received, everyone should use it to serve others, as good managers of the varied grace of God.

Every Christian has at least one gift of the Spirit. He or she is to use that gift as led by the indwelling Holy Spirit, especially within the Spiritual body.

11 If anyone speaks, [his speech should be] like the oracles of God; if anyone serves, [his service should be] from the strength God provides, so that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To Him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

Christians are to function in the Spiritual body using the Spiritual gift or gifts that GOD has given them.

We live in a time when Spiritual gifts are often looked upon as suspect. GOD gifts HIS children for HIS gifts to be used to minister. Spiritual gifts are not to draw attention to the person manifesting the Spiritual gift but to the giver of the Spiritual gifts. May JESUS always be manifested and Glorified as we use our Spiritual gifts to minister to the Spiritual body and those to whom we are led by the Holy Spirit.

The Apostle Paul recorded additional gifts of the Spirit in Romans 12:4-8: (Keep in mind these are not all the Spiritual gifts.)

4 Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function,

5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another.

6 According to the grace given to us, we have different gifts: If prophecy, use it according to the standard of faith;

GOD will not give you a message that conflicts with HIS Word, which is the standard.  

7 if service, in service; if teaching, in teaching;

8 if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity; leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness.

The true Spiritual body is to function in unity and harmony in ministering to others as led by the Holy Spirit. Our obedient service magnifies our LORD. 

Our overarching banner for our lesson is “I love and serve CHRIST when I love and serve HIS body, the church (the true Spiritual body of believers of which, JESUS is the chief cornerstone of a building not made with hands. This is the Spiritual body upon earth.”)

1 Peter 2:1-10:

The Living Stone and a Holy People

1 So rid yourselves of all wickedness, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all slander.

2 Like newborn infants, desire the unadulterated spiritual milk, so that you may grow by it in [your] salvation,

GOD’S Word is nutritious and Christians must feed upon it to remain Spiritually healthy, grow and mature. The Holy Spirit provides the living water which carries the nutrients to the needed areas of our lives. Do not neglect HIS Word or putting it into action. 

3 since you have tasted that the Lord is good.

4 Coming to Him, a living stone-rejected by men but chosen and valuable to God-

5 you yourselves, as living stones, are being built into a spiritual house for a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

6 For it stands in Scripture: Look! I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and valuable cornerstone, and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame!

7 So the honor is for you who believe; but for the unbelieving, The stone that the builders rejected- this One has become the cornerstone, and

8 A stone that causes men to stumble, and a rock that trips them up. They stumble by disobeying the message; they were destined for this.

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Christians belong to GOD. Christians are precious to GOD. GOD loves you and so does JESUS. Never forget it, you who make up the Holy Nation not built by hands! You members of the royal priesthood! Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Identity (1) - Life in CHRIST - Luke 9:18-26 - April 23, 2017

Bible Study – Identity (1) – Life in CHRIST – April 23, 2017

This is lesson one in our series entitled “Identity: My Life of Faith.”

Our focus scripture is Luke 9:18-26.

JESUS’ identity is foundational to who I am.

For the past seven weeks we have studied the very foundation of our faith in JESUS in our series entitled “Victory.” Our series concluded with the resurrection of JESUS but for all Christians that was the beginning of their journey with JESUS. The resurrection of JESUS was proof that JESUS had paid the sin debt in full and conquered eternal death. It is only through faith in JESUS that a person receives eternal life. It is truth, accept it! Satan tries to lead us to consider other ways to salvation and GOD but JESUS is the only way.

Our next six-week series will explore our role as Christians in the family of faith in JESUS. We will study various scripture passages from the New Testament.

Salvation is the beginning of our journey of faith in JESUS. The miracle of rebirth in our spirit by the Spirit of GOD produces a new creation not born of flesh and blood but born of the Spirit of GOD. Thus our human spirit, when empowered by GOD’S Spirit, through faith in JESUS, results in the rebirth of our human spirit to become Spirit.

Through the miracle of rebirth the person of faith in JESUS is born into the family of GOD and since he or she is conceived by GOD, he or she is HIS Son or Daughter. The born-again believer, through faith in JESUS, has forgiveness for his or her sins, has eternal life, citizenship in Heaven, assurance he or she is GOD’S Son or Daughter by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

The disciples of JESUS asked HIM to teach them how to pray. The Apostle recorded the model prayer in Matthew 6:9-10:

9 "Therefore, you should pray like this: Our Father in heaven, Your name be honored as holy.

10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

I want to focus on “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

As children of GOD and an integral part of HIS Family, we are to function as an obedient member of GOD’S Family. This sets the foundation for our study, “My Life of Faith.”

Most of us would like for GOD to toss magic dust over us and in an instant we are Spiritually mature and live a life of absolute obedience. GOD knows us too well. Even JESUS had to face the issues in life and we know HE was victorious.

Our salvation was instantaneous the moment we asked JESUS to forgive us and for HIM to come into our heart and life. From that instant, our life in CHRIST has been a building, growing process through sanctification or being made into the image of JESUS. Let’s explore!

Let’s read Luke 9:18-20:

Peter's Confession of the Messiah

18 While He was praying in private and His disciples were with Him, He asked them, "Who do the crowds say that I am?"

19 They answered, "John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, that one of the ancient prophets has come back."

20 "But you," He asked them, "who do you say that I am?" Peter answered, "God's Messiah!"

JESUS was praying and asked HIS disciples an important question, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” This led JESUS to the most important question each of us must consider, “who do you say that I AM?”

We get to read the response of JESUS’ disciples. Note Peter’s response.

Often, when we first become a Christian we have great zeal to obediently serve the LORD JESUS. We have formed certain opinions about JESUS and GOD and their role in our lives such as how will they use us to minister to others in the world.

Peter was no different. When we study the journey of Peter we discover that he had formed certain opinions regarding JESUS. We know that in Luke 9:28-36:

The Transfiguration

28 About eight days after these words, He took along Peter, John, and James, and went up on the mountain to pray.

29 As He was praying, the appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became dazzling white.

30 Suddenly, two men were talking with Him-Moses and Elijah.

31 They appeared in glory and were speaking of His death, which He was about to accomplish in Jerusalem.

32 Peter and those with him were in a deep sleep, and when they became fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who were standing with Him.

33 As the two men were departing from Him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it's good for us to be here! Let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah"-not knowing what he said.

34 While he was saying this, a cloud appeared and overshadowed them. They became afraid as they entered the cloud.

35 Then a voice came from the cloud, saying: This is My Son, the Chosen One; listen to Him!

36 After the voice had spoken, only Jesus was found. They kept silent, and in those days told no one what they had seen.

Peter had been exposed to special Spiritual insights regarding JESUS. Peter was willing to die for CHRIST. Yet, do you recall the words JESUS spoke to Peter in Luke 22:31-34:

Peter's Denial Predicted

31 "Simon, Simon, look out! Satan has asked to sift you like wheat.

32 But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."

33 "Lord," he told Him, "I'm ready to go with You both to prison and to death!"

34 "I tell you, Peter," He said, "the rooster will not crow today until you deny three times that you know Me!"

Yet, we know the rest of the life of Peter. He repented and went on to become a stalwart for JESUS. The resurrection of JESUS changed Peter’s life.

Let’s read Luke 9:21-22:

His Death and Resurrection Predicted

21 But He strictly warned and instructed them to tell this to no one,

22 saying, "The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, be killed, and be raised the third day."

We may know something intellectually without knowing it fully or understanding it completely. JESUS made it plain to HIS disciples what was going to take place but when we have our own notions about things, we forget. 

As you recall, JESUS had to put together the scriptures and the events during HIS life upon earth together for them in an effort to give HIS disciples understanding and comprehension.

The indwelling Holy Spirit was the Spiritual power that brought it all together for them at Pentecost. It is the indwelling Holy Spirit, Who brings it together for each of us as we seek the fullness of JESUS in our lives.

Christians often walk in life in a glass darkly then face to face, as we seek truth. Christians have to grow and mature Spiritually before they comprehend fully the intimate, loving relationship GOD desires for them through their faith in JESUS. False notions have to be dispelled and truth must be embraced, comprehended, understood and applied.

So how do we as Christians build the right relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS? Let’s read on ---

Let’s read Luke 9:23-26:

Take Up Your Cross

23 Then He said to [them] all, "If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me.

There must be a moment of decision. Notice JESUS “said to all.” All people are called to become a Christian but each must accept the call of JESUS.

For a person to become a Christian he or she must accept JESUS as his or her Savior. They are born anew into GOD’S family. They receive the Holy Spirit as the guarantee and assurance that they are GOD’S children. It is when Christians put the truth of their relationship with GOD into practice, as led by the Holy Spirit, that GOD becomes relevant and real in their lives.

Keep in mind that we are not testing GOD but partnering with GOD when we desire to build the right relationship with HIM. It is only in the last year that I have begun to discover this in my life and still have a long ways to go but it is so rich to see GOD as my very best friend. We can tell HIM our darkest secrets and HE listens and forgives when we ask HIM. HE not only forgives, HE cleanses, restores and reminds us that we are under HIS Grace; therefore we are always HIS beloved Son or Daughter.

That is unfailing love, agape love, which loves without demanding anything in return.

Those who are serious about obediently serving the LORD JESUS are to:

-         Make a decision whether or not to follow JESUS.

-         Lay your ambitions on the altar and commit your life to follow JESUS. An interesting dynamic can, but not always, take place that GOD leads you to the desires of your heart but under HIS authority.

-         Take up your cross daily. The cross was an instrument of death. The condemned person carried the cross upon which he or she would be crucified. Christians are to, each day, willingly and without coercion, decide to follow JESUS. The Apostle Paul reminds Christians in Ephesians Chapter 6; they are in spiritual warfare and must suit up for battle each day with spiritual forces. Christians are to die to self and live in obedience to GOD as led by the Holy Spirit.

-         Follow HIM. JESUS was totally obedient to the will, plan and purpose of HIS Father, GOD. JESUS came to earth to live as a human for a specific purpose. That was to give HIS life to redeem all who will place their faith in HIM as their Savior from the penalty of sin, which is eternal death. That purpose was fulfilled. JESUS’ death upon the cross opened the way to GOD but the only way to GOD is through faith in JESUS. Do you remember the words of JESUS in John 14:6?

24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me will save it.

Many people want to do their own thing and live like they want to, which is what JESUS had in HIS mind. People are so afraid if they become a Christian they will not experience all that life upon earth has to offer. Satan’s desire is for us to live life according to our desires. Why? It is because Satan’s mission is to prevent all people from acknowledging JESUS as their Savior and GOD as their Father through faith in JESUS.

We think that earth is reality but all humans are moving toward reality and that is eternity – Heaven with GOD, through faith in JESUS or Hell that was created for Satan and his followers.  

Truth and reality is that GOD loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life upon earth and for eternity with HIM. Satan’s desire is for you to miss that loving, intimate relationship with GOD and for you to spend eternity being miserable and alienated from GOD outside of Heaven.

Have you ever been invited somewhere and refused to go because you thought it would be boring or had something else you wanted to do? Later you found out that it was the best event ever? Those who believe the lies of Satan and miss Heaven will be in for an eternal disappointment.

GOD is the GOD of reconciliation. All humans are separated from GOD by sin. GOD sent HIS only Son to earth to break the barrier of sin. The key to eternal life is for each person to accept what JESUS did for him or her and for him or her to be born into GOD’S family through the miracle of rebirth in our spirit.  

25 What is a man benefited if he gains the whole world, yet loses or forfeits himself?

JESUS makes a very valid point. Suppose you were the ruler of earth and all of earth belonged to you. Everything in earth was yours. WOW! What is missing? One day, you would die and leave it all behind and enter eternity. Would you enter Heaven or Hell? Your decision regarding JESUS makes the difference.

JESUS was saying this life upon earth is precious and intended to be lived but one day it will be over and then what? Eternity! Where will you spend eternity; With GOD in Heaven or Hell?

JESUS was saying choose wisely by following ME because the rewards are eternal.

26 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory and that of the Father and the holy angels.

Have you ever been ashamed? You are very uncomfortable to be associated with that which makes you ashamed. You avoid the subject or associating with the subject.

Some of the time we are ashamed of that which we do not understand. We place our confidence in a certain person and support that person in word, deed, resources and he or she does something that appears to violate the trust we have placed in him or her. We are hurt to the core and feel betrayed.

How many of JESUS’ followers were certain that JESUS would be the next physical ruler of Israel? Yet, when HE was treated so shamelessly by the Romans and even the Jewish leaders, they lost all faith in JESUS. After all, JESUS was crucified as a common criminal. It was very humiliating to be one of HIS followers. Yet, the greatest triumph was HIS resurrection from the dead. JESUS conquered both sin and eternal death for all who will place their faith in HIM!

JESUS made it clear that those who are ashamed of HIM, when truth is revealed, HE will be ashamed of them. Being ashamed of JESUS will block a person from being a follower of JESUS.

If you are ashamed of JESUS, let it be an alarm to you and confess it to HIM. Ask HIM to help you change your being ashamed of HIM to being a faithful, obedient follower of HIM.

27 I tell you the truth: there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God."

This statement of JESUS is just as true today as the day HE spoke it. Some reading this will experience seeing the Kingdom of GOD before they die. My prayer is that all will accept JESUS as their Savior and make HIM the LORD of their lives and obediently serve HIM. Happy Resurrection! Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Special Easter Lesson - HE is Risen - Luke 24:1-6, 36-40 - April 16, 2017

Bible Study – Special Easter Lesson – HE is Risen! – April 16, 2017

This is a special Easter Lesson.

Our focus scripture is Luke 24:1-6, 36-40.

The resurrection of JESUS is a fact you can build your life on.

It is a fact that when a person places his or her faith in JESUS, GOD confirms that fact and guarantees it by the indwelling Holy Spirit that he or she is GOD’S Son or Daughter through the miracle of rebirth in his or her Spirit.

Let’s read Luke 24:1-6a:

Resurrection Morning

1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared.

JESUS was buried on Friday before sundown, 6 PM. Then there was Saturday, the second day and then Sunday, the third day. Any portion of a day was considered “a day,” thus JESUS was raised from the dead on the third day. Of course, the Jewish Sabbath was on Saturday and the seventh day of the week. 

Thus, the first day of the week was Sunday, which is the day Christians worship the LORD JESUS.

Let’s drop back to consider what Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, Jewish religious leaders and secret followers of JESUS, had done to help slow down the decay process until Sunday when the body of JESUS could be properly prepared for preservation.

In John 19:38-42:

Jesus' Burial

38 After this (after the Romans were sure that JESUS was dead), 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 – John Chapter 3) also came, bringing a mixture of about 75 pounds = 12 ounces of myrrh and aloes. [Other translations range from 75-100 pounds and just refer to a mixture 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.

Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus had put 75 pounds of embalming material on the bloody body of JESUS and quickly placed a linen cloth around HIM.  Typically a linen napkin was placed over the deceased face in addition to the linen cloth. Scientists are still trying to link the Shroud of Turin to the linens used to wrap the body of JESUS.

The ladies likely thought the men would not be as detailed as they would, so the ladies planned to prepare their own mixture of spices and complete the burial process out of love and respect for JESUS. GOD knew exactly what they would do. It is so neat that women discovered the empty tomb.

In that day women were considered just slightly above the status of cattle, except in the eyes of JESUS. The first to discover the empty tomb and the resurrection of JESUS were women. The Bible reveals truth.

In Luke 23 we learn - 55 The women who had come with Him (JESUS) from Galilee followed along and observed the tomb and how His body was placed.

56 Then they returned and prepared spices and perfumes. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.

Now, we need to explore who “they” were.

Mark gives us a more detailed list of the women who visited the tomb in Mark 16:1-8:

1 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so they could go and anoint Him.

Luke added “Joanna” the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household. 

Matthew identified “Salome” as the “mother of Zebedee’s children.” Mary the mother of James also identified as the wife of Cleopas or Alphaeus, also who was the sister of Mary the mother of JESUS, also referred to as the other Mary. 

[Cleopas was one of the men who JESUS walked with on the way to Emmaus after HIS resurrection.]

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.' "

I think it is so special “go tell --- and Peter.” JESUS reaches out to all of us who have been sifted by Satan. JESUS understands and when we repent, HE forgives and restores.

8 So they went out and started running from the tomb, because trembling and astonishment overwhelmed them. And they said nothing to anyone, since they were afraid.

[Appearances of the Risen Lord – Mark 16, Verses, 9-13, are not in the earliest manuscripts. Therefore, I stopped with verse 8. ]

Back to our focus scripture - Luke 24:2-6a:

We know from the Mark 16 scripture that the ladies were concerned how they were going to roll the stone away from the entrance to the tomb of JESUS. Guess what? Let's read on ----

2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb.

3 They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.

4 While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes.

These two men were angels. Angels are messengers of GOD. It is interesting that angels announced the birth of JESUS and they announced HIS resurrection!

It is also interesting, when we are perplexed regarding spiritual matters, GOD responds. Seek HIM and the fullness of HIM in your life.

5 So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground. "Why are you looking for the living among the dead?" asked the men.

6 a. "He is not here, but He has been resurrected!

WOW! Surprise! Surprise! But what had they missed? The angels were perplexed that they did not recall what JESUS had taught regarding HIS resurrection.

As the old saying goes, hind-sight is 20/20. Many of us need to have the facts put together for us and the Holy Spirit can do that. That is why we study GOD’S Word and talk to HIM in prayer but just as important we must listen and put into action what HE reveals to us. The key is that it is put together for us as we build upon what we know. It is like growing as a child; learning to know GOD through faith in JESUS is on an ever ascending scale as Christians build their relationship on the solid foundation of truth.

Matthew 7:7-11:

7 "Keep asking, and it will be given to you. Keep searching, and you will find. Keep knocking, and the door will be opened to you.

8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who searches finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

9 What man among you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone?

10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?

11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

GOD is eager to have a loving intimate relationship with you. Trust HIM!

Ask, seek and we will find, knock and it will be opened. No question is too hard for GOD. Ask HIM and look for HIS response. It is awesome!

The disciples thought JESUS was going to be an earthly King. Making up our minds based upon faulty notions leads to faulty conclusions. Do you remember the scripture we had a few weeks ago – GOD hides some things until they accomplish HIS plan and purpose as recorded in 1 Corinthians 2:8:

8 None of the rulers of this age knew it, for if they had known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

Let’s read Luke 24:6b-8: (The angel continues to speak.)

6 b. Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee,

7 saying, 'The Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and rise on the third day'?"

8 And they remembered His words.

The angels reminded the ladies what JESUS had told them. They remembered HIS words. What do we often say? “Oh, yea, now I remember.”

Now, let’s fast forward to JESUS revealing Himself to HIS disciples.

Let’s read Luke 24:36-40:

The Reality of the Risen Jesus

36 And as they were saying these things, He Himself stood among them. He said to them, "Peace to you!"

We can only imagine this event. The disciples were discussing the recent events regarding the sightings of JESUS. How were they to understand them? All of a sudden JESUS appeared in the room with them. I think that would shock and stun most of us and the disciples were not different as we continue to read ---

37 But they were startled and terrified and thought they were seeing a ghost.

38 "Why are you troubled?" He asked them. "And why do doubts arise in your hearts?

JESUS quickly puts their minds at ease. It is vital that those you wish to teach calm down, listen and hopefully understand what you are saying.

In essence, JESUS was saying “didn’t you guys hear anything I taught you? Let’s review.”

39 Look at My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself! Touch Me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have."

JESUS, in essence, said, “I am not a ghost because ghosts do not have flesh and bones. Touch ME to prove to yourself that I am real. Notice JESUS did not mention “blood.” Why do you think he omitted a reference to blood? Could it be that human life is in the blood whereas the life for our Glorified bodies is in the Spirit, which is eternal?  

40 Having said this, He showed them His hands and feet.

JESUS wanted them to know what HIS and their Glorified body was capable of doing. Our Glorified body will be totally at our command. It will be capable of being incognito, walk through solid structures or choose to open the door, eat, transport from one place to another. How do I know that? Examine the scripture and what JESUS was capable of doing after HIS resurrection.

Why doesn’t every Christian get his or her Glorified body the instant he or she exits his or her earth suit?

I think we know. Would it be a temptation for the departed to return to earth after their transfer to Heaven? If we be-bopped between earth and Heaven, what would those remaining upon earth want to do?  That is correct. Those still remaining upon earth would want their Glorified body and do all these neat things.

That is NOT GOD’S plan for life upon earth. Those who know the truth are to share truth with those with whom they come into contact. Share the light you have with others and live such that your life will be savory to draw others to your life in JESUS. JESUS said Christians are the salt of the earth. Salt makes us thirsty and we seek water. May our lives lead others to the living water that only faith in JESUS can provide. The living water is the only water that can satisfy and quench our Spiritual thirst.

Christians serve a risen Savior. Because JESUS lives, our faith in HIM guarantees our resurrection and eternal life through faith in JESUS. There is no better time to place your faith in JESUS than this Easter. HE died just for you and issues a call to you to accept HIM as your Savior and make HIM the LORD of your life. Make Easter truly a HAPPY EASTER by experiencing the miracle of rebirth in your spirit! Blessings!!!