The Unique Person of Christ

The Son of God isn't like any other man you may have seen or encountered. Yes, at one point in time, there was a Man who came from the glorious expanse of heaven, who walked the earth, and who dined and made friends with sinners. His name was called Immanuel, but you may know Him as Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He is the One Man who changed the course of history for all men throughout time, and forevermore.

Around two-thousand years ago, the Great I AM stepped out of the realm of eternity and into time, emptying Himself into humanity, for the sake of humanity. He was fully God in every sense of the word, but, He was also fully man. The God of the universe became a baby, dependent on His mother's care, He grew and increased in wisdom in the sight of men, He went through all the same stages of adolescence that we would go through, was made strong in Spirit, and was completely perfect. He was Divine. There was nothing impure about Him. He never did anything wrong. There was no sin to be found in this Man that became the world's Savior.

His entire life was one spent about His Father's business. He came as servant, sent for the purpose of death. The cross was His ultimate destiny, and, was His ultimate plan for the salvation of all who would believe in His name and come to Him. The perfect will of the Father was the most painful place for Jesus, but His death on the cross become the cornerstone of our faith and our hope. Without Jesus, redemption for mankind would not have been possible.

Heaven was His origin, earth was just His visitation. Jesus' Kingdom was not of this world - Jesus' Kingdom was one that is far above all powers and principalities, and He, the most High King and One True Potentate, to which we all must one day answer to. He created the universe, the world, and all men, women, and children who inhabit it. It was by His love and mercy that He made us, and gave us life - and it was also His love and mercy that compelled Him to come down from heaven to save us from our sins when we fell. There has never been anyone quite like Him. His mercy is unfathomable.

Heaven and earth are Jesus' jurisdiction. He is in control of all things, and nothing goes unnoticed by Him. He keeps watch on both the evil and the good, and will recompense to all people's according to their ways. He is King and will deal prudently, and accordingly. When we declared war on Him, He sought peace and reconciliation.

Jesus is set apart from all the rest. His claims about His identidy, combined with the miracles that He performed testfied that He wasn't just any man. Many 'saviors' throughout time have come and gone, but none have ever claimed to be the God of heaven, while simultaneously giving very credible evidence to support it. Jesus did just that. No matter where you may look, none have ever left the kind of influential mark on history that Jesus Christ did, and certainly no one ever demonstrated and proved their Messiah-ship by rising from the dead. Except for Jesus.

Jesus said that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and that if anyone wanted to gain access to the Father, they must go through Him. Just in that one claim alone, we're left with a Man who brought division, and who demands a decision. He didn't leave open any doors for different thoughts or interpretation about who He was. He is either the Son of God, or He isn't.

This Man who came out of Nazareth accomplished for us what no one else ever could. He was the eternal God who related to us on a very personal level, by becoming one of us, so He could indentify with us and have compassion for our weaknesses, having experienced them Himself, and provide the means through which we could be reborn and saved. Jesus suffered the horrible torture and humiliation of crucifixion in order to forgive us of our sins, and bring reconciliation to our doorstep. It was the perfect exchange, the perfect transaction. Jesus offered up His pure life for the profane - the perfect for the perverted - the holy for the depraved - the righteous for the unrighteous.

Jesus died in our stead so that we could be saved. His death wasn't the death of a martyr, it was the atoning death of the One True King who willingly laid down His life - and who took it back up again when He was resurrected. He wasn't the victim of a vicious crime or human tragedy, He was fulfilling His Divine mission. It was God Himself putting His perfect plan of salvation into action. Though Pilate, Herod, the Pharisees, among many other did not yet know it, the King was doing this for their benefit, and for the world. Oh how great the mercy of God!

His death on the cross demonstrated to us two things. His sacrificial love for man, and His absolute hatred for sin. If because of our sin the very Son of God endured the brutal beatings, savagery and agony of the cross, our sin must be a repulsive sight for God to behold. The good news is that, Christ's death on the cross purchased for us a gift of pardon - that we could be forgiven, and spend eternity in heaven, in the presence of the living God who loves us with an everlasting love.

If one sees the Son of God, he sees no less than God Himself. In Him we have assurance, and in Him we have a hope that no scheme of hell can take away from us. Jesus is Savior and Lord, come to HIm and be reconciled. He is waiting for you!

"In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it." (Colossians 2:11-15 nkjv).

"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:5-11 nkjv).

"Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."" (John 14:6 nkjv).

The Word of Truth

Studying the Scriptures is an important thing. Many times throughout Paul's letters to Timothy, he exhorts him to do such things like giving heed to sound doctrine, to give himself over to reading and studying the Scriptures, and to rightly divide the word of truth - being fully equipped and prepared for the work of ministry.

What an awesome lesson for us as young men in the faith today. To give ourselves over to reading and studying God's word, to know thoroughly, as much as possible, what we believe, and why we believe it. It's important to know our faith - not just simply 'believe' it. I'm not saying that belief isn't good enough, but, I do believe it must also be accompanied by a sincere desire to learn more of Christ, to explore and discover the riches of God's Word, and to share it with those who contradict. The faith and hope in Christ we possess is a treasure trove, waiting to be dug into. The riches of God's wisdom and knowledge are unlike anything else, and to have the opportunity and privilege to dig into those riches of wisdom and knowledge are a truly amazing thing.

We're living at a time when error and vain philosophy are at the forefront of our culture. Virtually anything can be taught and accepted by our modern day society as 'truth', without any further questioning. But, our world has become one where truth is simply a matter of relativism. What's true for one guy may not be true for the other, and vice-versa. With this, there is no definitive point of reference for what we call 'truth'. The common notion is that, we must be tolerant of other people's beliefs and points of view. But as most anyone will tell you, that notion of tolerance ends the moment one brings the Cross into the picture. Now we're being offensive. We must be tolerant of all beliefs - except Christianity. This is where being a good soldier for Christ is important, because it means business and hardship.

I'm writing this post because, the gospel of God brings light and knowledge to darkened minds and alienated souls. People are in search of truth, but don't know where to find it - and so they feed into the lies and error that permeate our culture. The philosophical views of men have an outward appearance of wisdom, but it's end is destruction, and it's adherents become fools in the sight of God. God gave us His Word for a reason, that we might know the one True God, and become enlightened through the hope of His gospel.

Many skeptics and atheists challenge the Bible's authenticity, veracity, and credibility - and unfortunately, many Christians aren't well equipped in putting forth a defense because we haven't really studied our faith well enough to articulate a sound reason for believing in Jesus. If our defense to why we believe is the same as how we believe, it won't do much good for those who challenge us. We must study our Bibles, give heed to sound doctrine, be intent in reading, and dig deeper into the nuts and bolts of our Christian faith, that we may be instant in season and out of season, and to exhort with all longsuffering and teaching.

Our world is full of vain, hollow, and shallow philosophies and mindsets. False doctrines are not hard to come by, even by other professing Christians and teachers who distort the Word of God for dishonest gain and accolade. But we must be sober, diligent in the Word, and sound in the faith - having Christ as our head, and our King - being subject to Him, and in all things, showing love and compassion, teaching with all meekness and gentleness. Always remembering Jesus gave His life for us, and that the mercy with which He lavished on us, He desires the same for others also. We must be on our gaurd against the schemes of the devil, because he is crafty. But Christ is superior, and His word is infallible.

Paul say to Timothy in 2nd Timothy chapter 2 verse 15 and 16, 'Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness." We have the truth, and God has given it to us. Jesus is the truth that the world is searching for, but fails to recognize. He revealed Himself to us, gave us His word, and proved His Deity and supremacy to us through His resurrection. He is the firm foundation we can build our lives on without fear of collapse.

Remain in Jesus, study His word, and be diligent to know the faith of Christ and His gospel. It is the essence of our hope - and power of God unto salvation. It is by God that we even have the ability to reason, and to think, and to have the capacity to understand what is true and what is not. God gave us our minds so that we might use them and glorify Him. Only Jesus has the words of eternal life - and this cannot be found in any new age teaching or philosophical way of thinking. They do not bring life, and they are unable to save the soul. Weighed in the balances and found wanting are all counterfeits that claim to be 'truth', but neither know nor have Jesus Christ and Lord and Savior.

"But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,  and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:14-17 nkjv).

"Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." (James 1:21 nkjv).

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed." (1 Peter 3:15,16 nkjv).

The Living Water, The Living God

Water is an interesting thing we have here on planet earth. In fact, it's not only interesting, it's an essential part of life. We cannot live without this stuff we call 'water'. It is calculated that about 70% of our globe is covered by water, and about 60% of our own bodies are comprised of water. Water is everywhere and it is an amazing thing the Lord has given us.

The composition of water is a miracle in and of itself. Water is made up of hydrogen ions linked together with hydroxyl ions, to form the molecular combination of H20. The molecular weight for water is 18 grams - which can also be referred to as 1 mole of water. Now, what's cool about this is that just one mole (18 grams) of water contains an unbelievable amount of molecules. The number is huge. In scientific notation, the number is 6.02 x 10 to the 23rd power. The number we have represented here is 602 billion trillion. Written out, this number would be 602,000,000,000,000,000,000,000. That's how many water molecules are contained in just 1 mole of water.

The mind of God is incredible and incomprehensible. Many people have a difficult time believing the miracle that Jesus walked on water, but truly, Jesus has already demonstrated a miracle before our eyes in the very composition of water.

Now, I'm writing this for a very specific purpose. Water is an essential and vital part of our lives, without it, we would die. We need this water to stay healthy and hydrated. It cleanses our systems from impurities, keeps our bodies functioning properly, and acts as an antioxidant and replenishes the whole body. In a nutshell, water is a very good and beneficial thing for us. It gives us life. But while this water sustains the physical body, there is another that sustains the soul.

In John chapter 4 verses 13 and 14, Jesus is speaking with a woman of Samaria who came to draw water, and says this, "Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water sprining up into everlasting life." Further on in the exchange, Jesus discloses to her the He is the Messiah that Israel and the world had been waiting for (John 4:21-26).

We all get thirsty, and have this need for that thirst to be quenched. It's inbuilt in us, it's instinct. But our thirst goes much deeper than that of the physical. Jesus said that He Himself would give us the water that would spring up into everlasting life. But this isn't just a superficial, natural thirst of the body - Jesus was appealing to something far more important and necessary - the thirst of our souls. He explained that this thirst is a reality, every person has it, and only He is the One who is able to quench this thirst. Unless our bodies receive water, we die. Likewise our souls, if they do not receive the Living Water, they too will die.

It's fascinating to me because, Jesus didn't just say He would provide that water, but He indentified Himself as that Living Water. Jesus said in John chapter 7 verses 37 through 39 - ". . ."If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would recieve. . ." It's also interesting because in Jeremiah chapter 2 verse 13, God is speaking to Israel and pleading with them because they have forsaken Him, and He says that they have 'forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters. . .'

Jesus is the Living Water, and the Living God. Without Jesus, we are headed towards death. We need Jesus to revive us and bring us back to life. He is the living Water that will sustain us eternally, that beautiful fountain that never fails, and never runs dry. If we come to Jesus in repentance, believing on His name, He will give us freely that living water that springs up into life everlasting - and there is not a single man living who is not desperately in need of this life-giving, soul saving Water. Apart from Jesus, we are as good as dead. He came so that we might be saved, and have life eternal in His name. If a man has Jesus, he has the Father also - he does not need to work or earn his way into heaven - there is no application process or forms to fill out upon entering - one does not need a greencard to get into heaven - one does not have to go through a waiting period - Jesus registers our names in heaven, in His book, the very moment we come to Him in faith, believing in Him. He cleanses us from all of our sin and unrighteousness, and buries them in the deepest ocean, never again to be remembered against us. Jesus mediated for us, and gave us entrance into heaven through His death on the cross.

But, only those who come to Jesus for forgivness and salvation are afforded this awesome gift. He extends this gift of pardon to all men, but we need to receive it. Jesus said in John chapter 6 verse 37 "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out". In another place, the prophet Isaiah, through the Spirit says in 55:7 "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon."

Jesus has done much for us. He has purchased for us eternal life. Let us enter into that life, and be swept away by the flood of God's mercy. He is the Living Water. If we abide in Him, we will be as well watered gardens - enduring into eternity with the One who died on a tree to save us from our sins. Jesus Christ is our light, our life, and our salvation - the Living Water in whom we are restored to eternal life.

"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish." (Ephesians 5:25-27 nkjv).

"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. . ." (John 11:25,26 nkjv).

"And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely." (Revelation 22:17 nkjv).

Jesus - Our High Priest

I have just concluded today my daily reading through the book of Hebrews. I have to say, Hebrews has become one of my favorite books of the Bible. Mainly because there is so much to be learned about Jesus in it. This litarary work of the Scriptures is incredibly rich in it's content, and the theological depth of it is immense. I thoroughly enjoy reading, digesting, and meditating on the things that are written in it.

No one knows for sure just who wrote Hebrews. From what I 've heard, most scholars and Bible teachers generally agree that it may have been written by Paul the apostle, but with one catch. It lacks many of the trademark features that Paul's epistles normally contained, such as his signature greeting, praises of thanksgiving, his closing exhortations, and his signature sign-off. This doesn't necessarily mean he did not write it, but it does cast doubt on the possibility. I've also heard that either Apollos or Barnabas could have written it. Whatever the case may be, the man of God who wrote it was truly a man of God indeed, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to write the words exactly as God saw fit to put them.

As I said before, there is much to be learned about the Person, ministry, and mission of Jesus Christ. The Deity of Jesus is clearly seen right at the beginning to the book in chapter 1 verse 3 where it say that He was the 'express image of His person'. I like the way the writer puts it. When we are seeing Jesus, when we gaze upon Jesus, we are looking at the personification of the eternal God. When we are reading about and studying the Person of Jesus, we're really studying God Himself. God is triune, consisting of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each distinct, and yet One. This is an amazing thought, and far beyond human comprehension. But it is true, we can be sure that when Jesus said the 'before Abraham was, I am' in John chapter 8 verse 58, it was none other than God Himself testifying that He is who He says He is.

As you read on deeper into the book of Hebrews, you find much written about the old covenant, the tabernacle, and the earthly ministry of the priests. You will also find so much written about Christ, and the superiority of His finished work at the cross, and how the earthly ministy - the sacrificing of bulls and goats for sin - was superseded by Jesus finished work at the cross of Calvary, because He Himself became the perfect sacrifice for us. Jesus died in our stead that we might inherit eternal life in His name.

Jesus, as the writer says, was the Mediator of a better covenant for us that was established upon better promises. When Jesus came to earth in the form of a baby, He was destined for the cross. His death demonstrated that God is for us, not against us. He died so that we and God could be reconciled. It's fascinating to me how Jesus entered into what was called the 'Holy of Holies' for us. This was a place inside the Tabernacle that contained the Ark of the Covenant rested. Once a year, the high priest would enter into the Holy of Holies, and sprinkle the blood on the mercy sit to make reconciliation for the sins of himself, and for the sins of the people. When blood was applied, the law no longer testified against the people.

But Jesus, being the Author and Finisher of our faith, and Mediator of a better covenant, entered into the Holy of Holies for us, having died on the cross, and purchasing for us eternal redemtion. The blood of animals could not fully cleanse a sin sick soul, it required the blood of a Perfect Man. God stepped off His throne, and emptied Himself for us, that we might be filled with Himself, and clothed with His everlasting Righteousness. It was at the cross where Jesus paid the ultimate penalty for our sins, and this He did once for all men for all time. It was the perfect gift, it was the perfect sacrifice. Like the high priest of the Levitical priesthood in the days of Moses and Aaron, Jesus became our faithful High Priest, and made Himself the sacrifice for us. Truly no greater act of mercy has ever been done!

All because of what Jesus did for us at the cross, we can now approach His throne and find grace. Jesus bought us gifts we could have otherwise never gotten ourselves - forgiveness, redemption, salvation, reconciliation, eternal life - these are what He offers us if we simply come to the foot of the cross, and recieve what He did for us. Jesus is the One and only King who came from heaven to earth, to show Himself to us, teach us, lead us and guide us, and die for us. He is our Shepherd, and He is our King. There is much more in the book of Hebrews that I haven't touched on, but I am in awe of what is in there, and so for at the present time, I think what's written in this latest blog post will do.

Jesus Christ; Our Forerunner

Jesus Christ came to earth to seek and to save the lost. This was His mission, this was His ministry. He is in the business of saving lives, not destroying them. He incarnated Himself to us at the virgin birth all those years ago, and for the first time, the world was touched by the grace and truth of Jesus and all men saw the salvation of God. The love of God was manifested in the flesh, being made like a man just as we, and offering up Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. He was perfect, there was no evil or deceit found in Him. You may be familiar with the rituals and ordinances in the days of the priesthood in the Old Testament, where the High Priest, appointed under Aaron, would enter into the Holy of Holies to offer a sacrifice for the sins of his people, as well as for his own. The High Priest would offer up the blood of calves and goats according to the law. For without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins. Forgiveness and atonement was impossible unless the sacrifice were made possible. For although the blood of bulls and goats covered sin, they could not take the problem of sin away once and for all. They were imperfect sacrifices. They could cover the sin outwardly, but concerning the heart, was not able to provide a full cleansing. It wasn’t that the law was imperfect - the law is holy, just, and true. The problem is us - we don’t find fault with the law, the law found fault with us, and so it condemns us. Because the law is not only physical, but spiritual, we are now in a position where the law condemns our inward thoughts and the intents of our hearts. It is not just the external man and what he does that is evil, but the inner man is evil also. What we do flows from out of who we are - and we’re desperately wicked, having a heart that is inclined to sin, wander, and stray. Jesus was the only sacrifice that was sufficient enough to cleanse us from all unrighteousness - He kept the whole of the law - He was faultless - He had no sin - there was nothing impure about Jesus. He was the Lamb of God that was offered up for us, that had neither spot or blemish - and so Jesus, being made High Priest forever - sat down on the right of God, having paved the way to the Father for us. Jesus entered the Holy of Holies for us, and obtained eternal redemption. He made the way of salvation for us possible. What was impossible with men was now made possible by God. We could not be saved by our own works of righteousness, but by the everlasting Righteousness of Jesus our Savior. Jesus is our Forerunner - ever always interceding to God the Father on our behalf. When Jesus was crucified, having breathed His last and committing His Spirit to the Father, there was a tremendous earthquake throughout the land - the dead rose from their graves, and the veil was rent in two, from top to bottom. Unless the Lord had entered into the most Holy place for us, we would have been forbidden to come to the Father. Our sin is what separates us from God. It’s not an issue of morality, it’s about deadness. We are spiritually alienated from God, and need to be brought back to life. Jesus did not come to make bad men good, He came to make dead men live. Our souls need saving - we need redemption - we need to hear the voice of the living God speaking to us - we need to come to the cross - where Jesus made the way for us, to come to the Father boldly to find grace to help in time of need. He did not come to judge the world, but to save the world through His death. Oh, there will be a day of judgment - and it is coming. But every day that passes, every breath a man takes is another opportunity in His mercy He has given to be reconciled to God. The mercy of God is everlasting, and past finding out. The depth of His riches and wisdom are incomprehensible. Jesus mediated for us a better covenant which was established upon better promises. God made us promises in the Old Testament. Then He made more promises. Having died on the cross for our sins, we can now be reconciled. Eternal life does not start when a person died - eternal life begins the moment one receives the gift of pardon Jesus purchased for them at the cross. Jesus beckons us all to come, who are weak and heavy laden, and He will give us rest. Let us enter into that rest. Not being unbelieving, but believing - that God’s promises are true, because He has proven Himself to us by the death of His Son, and God cannot lie. Jesus promises rest for any and all who come to Him in repentance, and truly our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Jesus. When we find Jesus, our hearts will be at rest indeed. Jesus is our forerunner, opened the entrance to the gates of His heavenly kingdom, and invites all to come in and be saved. He is our Shepherd and our Savior. Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.

"This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek." (Hebrews 6:19,20 nkjv.)

"Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens; who does not need daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people's, for this He did once for all when He offered up Himself." (Hebrews 7:25-27 nkjv.)

"For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, while it is said; 'Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts. . .'" (Hebrews 3:15 nkjv.)
 

Study Notes on John 1...

I’m always overwhelmed by the Book of John and it’s deep, rich theology. Of all the books of the Bible, no other book outlines and attests more beautifully to Jesus and His identity as does John’s gospel. John chronicles Jesus ministry, but shows and demonstrated Jesus Christ in His humanity, and Jesus Christ as He is God. It’s not difficult to see in John’s gospel that that Jesus wasn’t just a mere man…He wasn’t just simply an exceptionally intelligent or intriguing individual…no, His personality was one that reaches far beyond the grasp of our mere human intuition or perception…the Man Jesus was not simply a man of good moral conduct, or of a noble or high regard. And though he is certainly worthy of such titles, to address Him as these alone without the acknowledgement or inquiry of anything further would be to betray Him all over again with a kiss. John writes his testimony of Jesus with the simplicity of a child, but with the eloquence of a scholar…in the words of his gospel a story is told of a Man who is far above the height of human comprehension…Jesus, the Man, God incarnate, revealed Himself to us in such a way that there is not a soul living who could deny His existence, His goodness, His personality, and His love for mankind…God came to this world, leaving the throne-room of heaven, for the benefit of sinners…but I think more than this, at least I find this to be one the most intriguing aspects of His nature, is that He entered this world humbly as an infant….completely dependant upon the breasts of His mother…What humility and condescension from heaven…It is of this Man whom John testifies that he has seen and heard from, and learned from…He came from the realm of eternity, outside the scope of time, and entered into our world for the purpose of searching out and rescuing those who had been lost…the world was what He so loved, the world and the sinners who occupied it…so much so that it was to become the altar of His death, ransomed through His blood; or rather, He ordained it to be so. What remains to be seen is that man has done absolutely nothing to merit such a gift from God…but then, being hopelessly lost in a diabolical mess of our own making, what exactly could man offer Him that would be considered acceptable in His sight? And so we had no other alternative but to rely upon the goodness and mercy of an incomprehensible and infallible God; and it is because of His goodness and mercy that he came and visited us…not that He was by any means under any obligation to do what He did -- far from it -- He would have been just as Holy and just as Just in leaving us to our own devices in my opinion, again, we’re the reprobates who rebelled. But he came unto His own in the likeness of His own. We could not go up to Him, He had to come down to us…and because we at the beginning had lost fellowship with our Creator, we became His enemies…John writes that He came unto His own and His own did not receive Him…Surely God was well aware of the atrocities of man -- from the dawn of creation in Genesis to the consummation of history Revelation -- Jesus knew from the very beginning who they were who would believe in Him. But from the beginning, God made man to be His own, and no one else’s…He desired to create us and to be a part of our lives, and for us to be a part of His. It was out of His infinite love that He created us to begin with, knowing what lay ahead for us, as well as for Himself…but for love between two parties to be genuine and true, it requires that they both choose to love one another, even at the risk of rejection from either side…Jesus “came unto His own, and His own did not receive Him…”…how much God loves man that He would come humbly as a man, destined to die for the sake of those who are wrongfully His enemies…before I go any further, I must point out that Jesus Christ had done no wrong…He was pure in every way, and He withheld no good thing from us. It we He who gave us breath, and our bodies sustenance, air for our lungs, and water to quench our pangs of thirst…He provided for us even the most basic of amenities to support and nourish our bodies, for the simple reason that He cares. He gave them to us freely, and He did not charge. In the garden when God created the animals, He gave them all to Adam, for play and for pleasure. By the goodness of the Lord, we have what we have…and now He comes, not for the nourishment of our bodies, but for the preservation of our souls…because of the diagnosis of our spiritual condition, He came to provide us with the food that would sustain our souls for eternity. It’s in this context that Jesus said in his exchange with the Jews that He is the bread which came down from heaven, that a man might eat thereof, and not die. It takes temporary food to sustain temporarily…logically, it would then take eternal food to sustain eternally…not only did we need nourishment for our bodies, but because of the rebellion in the garden, God had to provide for the benefit of our souls as well. When I say that He had to, I do not mean, nor am I implying that we were by some stretch deserving of this, but that if we were to have any hope of escaping the snares of death and God’s divine judgment, He had to come and make it possible for us since we were already cut off from Him. Moreover, He also gave man light…He came as a light to the world…light by definition, reveals that which is hidden; when light is present, darkness flees in terror. It provides light for those who cannot see because of the darkness…light brings clarity, and revelation. I’ve found that usually two things will happen when a man is faced with the light and revelation Jesus brings; he will either 1) submit to the light, and walk in it, or 2) be repelled by it’s very presence and remain in darkness. Secrecy gives the illusion of being a safe-haven for those who practice wickedness…darkness is their domain, and Jesus has no part in it. But whether or not a man believes in Him, His very existence and presence in the universe convicts a man of wrongdoing, no matter how far he may run or try to escape from it. His law is on the heart of every man that comes into the world…Jesus brought light into this dark world, that we might no longer walk in darkness, but in His light, and become one of His own. But alas, just as at the beginning, the Lord gave us a mind and will of our own to use and exercise, and for whatever reason, does not impose on it. He allows man to live and to conduct himself, to make choices and decisions of his own accord without prevention…as I stated before, love between two parties is only true if both acquiesce…He desires us to come to Him, and to love Him, without being forced. This was His plan at the very beginning.

The Interceding God

“For God so loved the world that He gave…”
These words echo throughout the distant reaches of time. These words begin perhaps the most well known verse in all of God’s holy Word. And in my estimation, could sum up the whole of the gospel of Christ. How is it that an infinite God of infinite power and might could have such an incomprehensible love for sinners? Everything Jesus did, everything Jesus said was for our good. He did all things with us in mind. As the Lord says through the Psalmist David, "...Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; If I would declare and speak of them, They are more than can be numbered..." -- (Psalm 40:5)...It is no secret that our God is big, He is mighty. He is powerful. There is nothing hidden from His sight, but all things are plain and lay naked before His eyes. We worship and serve a God who has created us for Himself; for His own good pleasure…all because He loves us. He is God and Father. I find myself ever pondering this one question…why in the world would the Lord, who is so Great in power, might, strength, and glory ever care for sinful people like us, who are so miniscule in comparison to Him? I pray that He does not count this question against me, for in asking this, I only intent an honest inquiry into His heart; and in no way attempting to diminish the height and depth of His love for humanity or His character. But of a truth, scripture paints a beautiful picture of the nature and character of God in the life of His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus is unlike any man that ever walked this earth. Jesus held history and time in the palm of His hand; for it was He who founded these things and their boundaries. Jesus came for us; not to destroy us…though in doing so, He would have been Just still…but He came to “…seek and save that which was lost…” and again He says elsewhere, “…to give His life a ransom for many…”. I will be the first to admit, I am no theologian. I am not a pastor, nor would I really consider myself a teacher in any way. If I have been seen by any as such, it is only by the grace of God that I am what I am. For I could have nothing unless it had been given me from above. And if you search, you will find that all things will have God as it’s source. It is He who is the Giver of every good and perfect gift. All things that we have were given to us by the mighty hand of a God who, believe it or not, cares about us more than we will ever know. So deep is His love for mankind that He gave His only begotten Son…who can understand this? Jesus came for the benefit of man. God gave to us, because we lacked. In the very beginning of creation, God had given…He gave man all they would need at the time. In Moses day, during the rebellion in the wilderness, God had given His law…and throughout the ages, God had sent them prophets to proclaim His word, and bring a rebellious people back to Himself…and if this weren’t enough, God, ushering in a new covenant with the world, offered up for us His Son…Many have given this and that, but none so much as even came close as when God sacrificed His own body on a cross for our sake. Yes and in all things and in everything, God provided. He saw that our bodies needed food in order to preserve our bodily lives, and He provided it. And when He saw that man had sinned against Him and damned His own soul, God provided food for even this…”…I am that bread of life…” -- John 6:48...How amazing is the love of Christ! “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life…” -- John 3:16...
Never has man been so loved by another as God has done towards us. I believe that the love of Christ towards men isn’t something that can really be fully understood or grasped from our earthly standpoint; for a love such as this is truly Divine in it’s origin. God doesn’t love us simply because He has to or because He just simply chooses to not hate us -- but He loves us because of who He is, and not because of who we are. We are not worthy of this kind of love from the Father….Jesus came for the purpose of death on a cross, to purchase us back to God, and reconcile the world unto Himself. Jesus is the ransom of the world. No greater act of mercy or grace had ever been shown. It is He who sits on His throne and declares a man righteous. It is He who breathed the stars into existence, and gave them to us for light in the cloak of nights blackness. Jesus has done more for us than anybody could do for anyone; yet still, after over two thousand years, He is still hated by those who don’t know Him…and even to these He beckons, “…Come to Me…and be saved…” Jesus interceded on our behalf, and died on the cross for all men throughout all time…and He continues to intercede on behalf on men…saving men from eternal destruction. As the Apostle Paul says through the Holy Spirit in Romans 5:6...”For when we were yet without strength, in due time, Christ died for the ungodly…” The ungodly was you…the ungodly was me…we were the ones who were at fault, and were found in God’s sight deserving of death. But God poured out Himself, and all that He had, to give us the very things we did not deserve. He emptied Himself, and took on the form of a bondservant, and became a Man. The Lord…who is so Great in power, might, strength, and honor…who is superior, supreme, and above all things and above every name…became as one of the least of us, suffered and died the death of a criminal. Jesus has come and given us the greatest gift that could ever be given; Himself. Such an incredible, complex mystery! Because of what Christ did on the cross, forgiveness and salvation are now possible….He has given us so much. And these things He will give to us freely, if we would only just ask Him…and He will gladly pardon any person who comes to Him…Oh how the Father loves us…

“…But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved…” -- (Romans 10:8-13)

“…For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved…” -- (John 3:16,17)

Repentance Towards God

"...Repent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord..." -- Acts 3:19

Peter was preaching to a crowd of unrepentant Jews when he said this to them. Peter was an eyewitness to the glory of Christ. He was witness to the betrayal of Him in the garden at the hands of Judas; and he was witness to the horror of His crucifixion. Peter I think often gets a bad rep for being the first to open his mouth without thinking. He often said things that were better left unsaid. However, one thing is sure -- he was always the first disciple to jump into treacherous waters at the sighting of His Lord and God. Jesus saw and knew this about Peter; aside from his sharp tongue. Peter had denied three times that he even knew who Jesus was when He was apprehended. As Jesus is standing before the High Priest for questioning, Peter, being antagonized by those around him who swore he was one of Jesus' disciples, denied Him with cursing that he even knew who He was. This was no surprise to Jesus. He had already foretold this earlier that very night. Peter was bold to speak; but when faced with the reality of a dire situation, faltered and fell. Denying the very Lord that was going to the cross for your sin wasn't, in my mind anyway, any worse than what Judas had done. Both offences were I think, equally as horrible as the other. The difference was in the response of these two men. One sought repentance; the other was merely remorseful. But if you're familiar with scripture, you will know that mere remorse for wrongdoing does not forgive sin. Only Jesus can. One can be remorseful over something that they did, but it wouldn't change the way that they lived. Remorse isn't an act of departing or changing one's own evil ways, it is simply an unpleasant feeling for doing wrong. This is a natural consequence. We all feel relatively bad when we do wrong. And it is possible to feel bad for doing wrong, but over time, become so calloused due to repetitiveness of habitual sin that one may no longer feel that sting of guilt that comes as a consequence. Dying in sin means certain death. This is where repentance is so important as opposed to just feeling sorry for our actions. The Lord says through Paul in 2 Corinthians 7:10, "...for Godly sorrow works repentance to salvation not to be repented of, but the sorrow of the world works death...". There is a difference between repentance and remorse. One is able to make you wise, and bring you to a place where the Lord can then work with a contrite heart; and the other, to a place the end is destruction. There is no hope apart from the slavation of God. When a man sees the reality of his sinfulness, and his spiritual condition before God, it's then that he is brought to a place where there is nothing else to do but fall down on his knees before a Righteous and Holy God. Repentance is, as C.S. Lewis put it so eloquently in his book "Mere Christianity", "...no fun at all..." For it requires a "laying down of our arms", which were once so hostily held against God. When we were born, we were born into sin. Your sin might be a bit different then my sin, but we are all sinners just the same. But though we were all born with a sin nature, our sinful habits or addictions were not a part of us from the start; they had to be cultivated. There is sin in the world; and it appeals to our inner sinful desires which are already there; we just choose to play with it, and pursue it further. And so we fall, giving into the lusts of our hearts. Sin is pleasurable. Sin is appealing. Sin on the outside, is harmless. But it's as if we drink poison from a canned drink labeled "Grape Juice". The innocent and delicious proclamation on the outside does not negate the evil contents and trouble on the inside. Sin will, as I once heard it said, "always start out being fun". But it's end is anything but. Sin will rob, kill, and destroy. It will damage testimonies, and it will destroy relationships. The destructiveness of sin knows no limits. It never says "enough". Well, the only other option is to turn from it. And this cannot be accomplished by simply feeling sorry for it, though we should feel sorry for it. But it must be accompanied by a change in behaviour. Not one that takes place on the outside; a simple modification of behaviour...but it must happen on the inside. When the Lord convicts a person of their sin, it's an opportunity for repentance He has given. As long as there is breath in a person's body, there is still hope. A man's heart must be changed, and Jesus is that Man for the job. He is able to take a filthy, rotten heart, and make it clean. This does not mean that a man will never again commit sin. We all struggle with sin. Unfortunately, we are sinful; and we will always continue throughout our entire lives be waging a war against our flesh. But do not pursue the things of the flesh; pursure the things of the Spirit. We must set our hearts and minds on Jesus. This will take focus, determination, and resolve. It will not be easy. And living in a world where sin is around every corner and lurking in the most innocent of places, it becomes harder still. And even so, because we love it. But with Christ dwelling within our hearts, we are given that extra boost -- that strength He gives us to overcome. As it's been said before, repentance is no fun at all. It means not doing what we desire, and placing ourselves in submission to the will of another; Jesus Christ. Doing what He commands. Forsaking wickedness, and practicing that which is right. But just as our sinful habits had to be cultivated, so also repentance towards God and a life of righteousness must also be cultivated. And there will be times when a man in Christ may fall. But a righteous man may fall seven times and get back up again, but the wicked will perish. The wicked perish because they pursue sin and evil to their death; never coming to the knowledge of the truth and obtaining salvation in Christ. But those who are in Christ, though they be sinners, pursure that which is right; and are made less likely to fall. Jesus will protect us; and there is always the opportunity to turn away -- and to make the right decision. Repentance in and of itself, does not save a man; but the Lord always saves the person that repents. And repentance towards the Lord is the remedy for a sin sick soul. The Lord knows what is good for us. He knows all that would do us good. Repentance is no different. Sin might be pleasing, but it is passing. Momentary appeasement for our evil desires, then nothing but guilt, condemnation, and emptiness that follows. Do we not think that the Lord knew this to be the case? And isn't He simply trying to keep us from those very things? In addition to all the bad consequences that may follow as a result? It is not worth it. Sin will never satisfy; it will only breed discontentment, and a desire for more. Feeding a life of sin will only mean an increased appetite, and a diminished return. Only Jesus will satisfy. Only Jesus can give us security. Repentance is necessary; it is commanded. And it is commanded for our own good. The Lord is watching out for us. Repentance takes work; and it requires commitment to follow Jesus and to do His will. The good news is that we are not alone. All have sinned, and all have fallen short of the glory of God. Lift one another up, and strengthen each other. Fight the good fight; strive against sin, and stay in the Word. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin. Jesus is the One to whom belong the glory and honor and praise. Jesus is the One who forgives all our transgressions. Jesus has paid our debt; now we are free from the penalty of sin, and free to live for Him. And it is He who gives us the power and the strength to overcome, and to stand strong against temptation. If we are in Christ, we are His...and if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father; Jesus Christ. And He Himself, is the propitiation for our sins. For ours, and for the world. Forgiveness and salvation are available to all men. But only those who come are partakers of it. Just as only those who drink water are quenched of their thirst. Repentance is not an effort to God; it is simply the result of a contrite heart before the Lord. And if you cry out to the Lord, He will surely hear you. And all your sins He desires to forgive, and wash away. He wants to pull us up out of the pit we've dug for ourselves; His hand is reaching down for us, but are we willing to reach back and take hold of Him? Just as the recovery process of a surgery isn't a very pleasant thing to go through, the undoing of our sinful ways won't be pleasant either. But it is healing and refreshing in the end. May we ever live in the grace and mercy of our God who gave Himself for us and made salvation possible.

"There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”" -- (Luke 13:1-5 NKJV).

"...Repent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from that presence of the Lord..." -- Acts 3:19

The Importance of Christ's Resurrection

...nearly three days have passed since the crucifixion of the One Man whom eleven men thought would be the Messiah. On the eve of the night He was apprehended, He was with them in the upper room sharing what would be their last supper together. A quaint, queit evening with their Master. They had traveled with Him for the last three years or so, learning from Him, witnessing right in front of them wonders that the world had never known. This Man sought them out for Himself, beckoning them "come to Me, and I will make you fishers of men". And so they did, and followed Him. He told them many things. Some things were easily understood. But many other things, not so easliy. He was more than willing to explain to them the mysteries of this Kingdom of God of which He spoke. He wasn't like any man they had ever met before...there was something different about Him. Maybe it was the way He carried Himself...perhaps it was the way He spoke with authority to the ones who labeled Him an evildoer...He demonstrated on numerous occasions that wherever He was from, it was not of this world. He healed those who suffered from illnesses and infirmities...many of whom at the time, had no other hope of recovery.
He showed the people of Jerusalem openly, that he had power over the elements, and over nature...It was only a short time before that they had seen Him coming towards them...a ghost maybe? No, it's their teacher...and He's walking...on the water. Oh, He sure seemed to be a native of Galilee...He didn't have very much. Nothing as a matter of fact. His hometown was hardly a spot on Mediterrainian map. But can anything good come out Galilee?...Oh, and I would be foolish to forget to mention that with a single wave of His hand, the storm His disciples thought would make an end of them, came to a calm...stilled...silenced. Even the wind and the waves obey Him. Who is this Man who says to us "follow Me"? His claims in and of themselves were absolute in their nature. Who does this guy make Himself to be, anyway? He had told Nathaniel nearly three years before that heaven was His origin...not earth. And again, gave the same witness when he was brought before the High Preist as a blasphemer. The Jewish people of the time were a stiff-necked folk, as are the whole lot of us for that matter...On more than one occasion, they sought to take Him and throw Him off a cliff...and at other times, stone Him. But rest assured, His hour had not yet come. "Are you not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?" they asked Him...but He replied..."...Assuredly I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM".
The Pharisees had no desire for the likes of this Man. Why, He blasphemed the law of Moses, and in turn, blaspemed God! Surely this Man was worthy of death. You know the law..."You shall have no other gods before Me"...but this Man...He's accepting worship. But, say the Jews, we are of Abraham's seed! We have only one God! And this Man makes Himself to be the Son of God?...but what does Jesus say? "all men should honor the Son, just as they honor the Father". What are these words He is speaking, and why is He speaking them? He better be able to back these things up...why should we listen to Him? "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life...no man comes to the Father but by Me..."..."If you have seen Me, you have seen the Father..."..."I and My Father are one..."...Truly, no man ever spoke like this man; and no man would have ever been able to do the things that He did unless God were with Him...but now, He is gone...The disciples looked on in disbelief as their Lord and Master was apprehended in Gethsamane, bound and led away to Caiaphas for questioning...after mindless contradiction from false witnesses and unable to reach a verdict, Caiaphas asks Him, "...are you the Christ?..." Jesus, after keeping silent, said, "...I AM...". Immediately they found Him guilty of death...and they beat Him in the synagogue. Legally however, they could not put Him to death...so in an effort to rid themselves of this Troublemaker, they had led Him to Pilate...who also after questioning himself, found no fault in Him...and Herod was no different. In an effort to appease the bloodlust of the crowd, Pilate had Jesus flogged...and, unable to find a loophole, for fear of the people and of Caesar, Pilate handed Jesus over to the Roman soldiers to be executed, after he sought to let Him go, though unsuccessfully.
It was at Golgotha where the turning point of history took place...a battered and bloody Man, stripped naked of His clothes...covered in lacerations, resulting from the blows of the flagrum...exhausted, swollen, and disfigured, laid Himself down on the cross as Roman soldiers drove spikes through His wrists and feet...sending a pulsating shock throughout His limbs... But this cannot be! He was the King of Israel...the promised Messiah! He can't die! But alas, Jesus hung in agony for nine hours...fighting for every breath as the cross itself run down to the base with blood...
"...It...is...finished...." Jesus says, just barely above a whisper...and with that, breathes His last, and yields His Spirit. Jesus had died....then a rumbling...from a distance it seems...then closer...now the ground is shaking violently. The earth is quaking...unknown at the time to the officers who had nailed Him just hours earlier, the veil of the temple hasd been torn in two. Jesus had interceded for all men throughout all time..."...surely, this was the Son of God.." proclaims one of the centurions...
He was laid in a tomb...no longer did the disciples have their Lord and Master with them...this must be part of the plan...it has to be...they trusted this Man...He came proclaiming the Kingdom of God, and that He would bring salvation...and rescue those who were in captivity...but He was taken by sinful men and slaughtered...
...if only they knew the sciptures, and the power of God...
"...but we trusted that it had been He which should have redeemed Israel; and beside all this, today is the third day since these things were done..."...(Luke 24:21)...the people said...
"O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken; Ought not the Christ to have suffered such things, and to enter into His glory?..." (Luke 24:25,26)...says Jesus as He appears to some disciples on the road to Emmaus...
It was impossible for death to have any hold on the Lord of heaven and earth. He is King...He is Life and the Giver of life...there is no grave that could hold Him. Jesus came as a Man; perfect, pure, and pristine...Jesus was the sinless Son of God...absolutely flawless is every way...an offering for sin straight from the courts of heaven. It was He of whom Moses and the prophets wrote of...it was He who declared milleniums before that he would come, and offer up Himself for the sins of the world. God came down to us, and taught us...He showed us the way in this fallen world, darkened through the deceitfulness of sin, and of death...He came for the purpose of death on the cross...this was His mission...this was His passion.
Everything He said, eveything that He did, banked upon whether or not He would rise again from the dead...His resurrection from the grave was His final proof to an unbelieving world that He was truly who He claimed to be...He said He would do this back in John 10:18...John 10:18 "...No man takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment I have received from my Father..."...Jesus resurrection from the dead was the verification that He is God. No man in history has ever claimed divinity, and proven it through exhibiting complete power over death itself...
God cannot be killed...God is of a truth, alive.
It was for our benefit that He died! It was for our benefit that He suffered such shame from sinners, agony, and brutality...Yes, everything Jesus did was only good and only for our good. He did all things right, and all things He did glorified His Father, and worked to bridge the gap between us and Him that we had created.
Jesus life is the focal point of earth's history. I find it difficult to believe that a Man such as Jesus would have such influence over history and time if He were a liar. He is the crux of our hope. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the only hope the world has to cling to. Where all others have failed, Jesus succeeds. Jesus holds the preeminence in all creation. He is the preeminent One. There is nothing that can stop Him, not even death. Jesus rose from the grave, and conquered death. To those who believe on His name, death has no more hold on them. Praise God for the wonderful work He wrought through His Son for us! God has given us far more than we ever deserved from Him. Oh how beautiful is this love which He bestows on us freely...that He would give Himself to save sinful wretches such as ourselves. There wasn't a thing in this world we could offer Him that would have been enough. But the cross was enough. Jesus was enough. We had nothing -- He had everything...and He emptied out Himself to become poor, that we might become rich in faith towards Him. His resurrection from the grave is our gaurantee that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. This world we're presently living in right now, this isn't all there is. There is a hereafter, and because of Jesus, our hope will not be cut off. Unless Jesus had risen from the dead, we'd simply exist until our ultimate demise to eternal destruction. Faith is Jesus Christ isn't blind. It makes perfect sense. Jesus makes sense. If only all men would know Him and the power of His resurrection! Without His resurrection, we are still in our sins...our faith is pointless...and we are above all men, most to be ridiculed and pitied...without His resurrection, we have no hope...

"...Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. 14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. 15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. 16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable..." -- (1 Corinthians 15:12-19 NKJV).

"...The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, 3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God..." -- (Acts 1:1-3 NKJV).

"...I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death..." -- (Revelation 1:18 NKJV).

Matthew 20

The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard

¹ “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. ² Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. ³ And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, ⁴ and said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went. ⁵ Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise. ⁶ And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day?’ ⁷ They said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive.’
⁸ “So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, ‘Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.’ ⁹ And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius. ¹⁰ But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius. ¹¹ And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner, ¹² saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.’ ¹³ But he answered one of them and said, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? ¹⁴ Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. ¹⁵ Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’ ¹⁶ So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.”

Jesus a Third Time Predicts His Death and Resurrection

¹⁷ Now Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples aside on the road and said to them, ¹⁸ “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death, ¹⁹ and deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify. And the third day He will rise again.”

Greatness Is Serving

²⁰ Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him.
²¹ And He said to her, “What do you wish?”
She said to Him, “Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom.”
²² But Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”
They said to Him, “We are able.”
²³ So He said to them, “You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.”
²⁴ And when the ten heard it, they were greatly displeased with the two brothers. ²⁵ But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. ²⁶ Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. ²⁷ And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— ²⁸ just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Two Blind Men Receive Their Sight

²⁹ Now as they went out of Jericho, a great multitude followed Him. ³⁰ And behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, saying, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!”
³¹ Then the multitude warned them that they should be quiet; but they cried out all the more, saying, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David!”
³² So Jesus stood still and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?”
³³ They said to Him, “Lord, that our eyes may be opened.” ³⁴ So Jesus had compassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him.

Matthew 19

Marriage and Divorce

¹ Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these sayings, that He departed from Galilee and came to the region of Judea beyond the Jordan. ² And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them there.
³ The Pharisees also came to Him, testing Him, and saying to Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?”
⁴ And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female,’ ⁵ and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? ⁶ So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”
⁷ They said to Him, “Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her away?”
⁸ He said to them, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. ⁹ And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.”
¹⁰ His disciples said to Him, “If such is the case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry.”

Jesus Teaches on Celibacy

¹¹ But He said to them, “All cannot accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given: ¹² For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.”

Jesus Blesses Little Children

¹³ Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. ¹⁴ But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” ¹⁵ And He laid His hands on them and departed from there.

Jesus Counsels the Rich Young Ruler

¹⁶ Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”
¹⁷ So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
¹⁸ He said to Him, “Which ones?”
Jesus said, “ ‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ¹⁹ ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
²⁰ The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?”
²¹ Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”
²² But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

With God All Things Are Possible

²³ Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. ²⁴ And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
²⁵ When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?”
²⁶ But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
²⁷ Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?”
²⁸ So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. ²⁹ And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. ³⁰ But many who are first will be last, and the last first.

Proverbs 15

¹ A soft answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.
² The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly,
But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.
³ The eyes of the LORD are in every place,
Keeping watch on the evil and the good.
⁴ A wholesome tongue is a tree of life,
But perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
⁵ A fool despises his father’s instruction,
But he who receives correction is prudent.
⁶ In the house of the righteous there is much treasure,
But in the revenue of the wicked is trouble.
⁷ The lips of the wise disperse knowledge,
But the heart of the fool does not do so.
⁸ The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD,
But the prayer of the upright is His delight.
⁹ The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD,
But He loves him who follows righteousness.
¹⁰ Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way,
And he who hates correction will die.
¹¹ Hell and Destruction are before the LORD;
So how much more the hearts of the sons of men.
¹² A scoffer does not love one who corrects him,
Nor will he go to the wise.
¹³ A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance,
But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
¹⁴ The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge,
But the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.
¹⁵ All the days of the afflicted are evil,
But he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.
¹⁶ Better is a little with the fear of the LORD,
Than great treasure with trouble.
¹⁷ Better is a dinner of herbs where love is,
Than a fatted calf with hatred.
¹⁸ A wrathful man stirs up strife,
But he who is slow to anger allays contention.
¹⁹ The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns,
But the way of the upright is a highway.
²⁰ A wise son makes a father glad,
But a foolish man despises his mother.
²¹ Folly is joy to him who is destitute of discernment,
But a man of understanding walks uprightly.
²² Without counsel, plans go awry,
But in the multitude of counselors they are established.
²³ A man has joy by the answer of his mouth,
And a word spoken in due season, how good it is!
²⁴ The way of life winds upward for the wise,
That he may turn away from hell below.
²⁵ The LORD will destroy the house of the proud,
But He will establish the boundary of the widow.
²⁶ The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD,
But the words of the pure are pleasant.
²⁷ He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house,
But he who hates bribes will live.
²⁸ The heart of the righteous studies how to answer,
But the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.
²⁹ The LORD is far from the wicked,
But He hears the prayer of the righteous.
³⁰ The light of the eyes rejoices the heart,
And a good report makes the bones healthy.
³¹ The ear that hears the rebukes of life
Will abide among the wise.
³² He who disdains instruction despises his own soul,
But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding.
³³ The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom,
And before honor is humility.

Psalm 15

A Psalm of David.

¹ LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle?
Who may dwell in Your holy hill?

² He who walks uprightly,
And works righteousness,
And speaks the truth in his heart;
³ He who does not backbite with his tongue,
Nor does evil to his neighbor,
Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend;
⁴ In whose eyes a vile person is despised,
But he honors those who fear the LORD;
He who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
⁵ He who does not put out his money at usury,
Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.

He who does these things shall never be moved.

Genesis 29

Jacob Meets Rachel

¹ So Jacob went on his journey and came to the land of the people of the East. ² And he looked, and saw a well in the field; and behold, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks. A large stone was on the well’s mouth. ³ Now all the flocks would be gathered there; and they would roll the stone from the well’s mouth, water the sheep, and put the stone back in its place on the well’s mouth.
⁴ And Jacob said to them, “My brethren, where are you from?”
And they said, “We are from Haran.”
⁵ Then he said to them, “Do you know Laban the son of Nahor?”
And they said, “We know him.”
⁶ So he said to them, “Is he well?”
And they said, “He is well. And look, his daughter Rachel is coming with the sheep.”
⁷ Then he said, “Look, it is still high day; it is not time for the cattle to be gathered together. Water the sheep, and go and feed them.”
⁸ But they said, “We cannot until all the flocks are gathered together, and they have rolled the stone from the well’s mouth; then we water the sheep.”
⁹ Now while he was still speaking with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep, for she was a shepherdess. ¹⁰ And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother’s brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother’s brother, that Jacob went near and rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother’s brother. ¹¹ Then Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice and wept. ¹² And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father’s relative and that he was Rebekah’s son. So she ran and told her father.
¹³ Then it came to pass, when Laban heard the report about Jacob his sister’s son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him and kissed him, and brought him to his house. So he told Laban all these things. ¹⁴ And Laban said to him, “Surely you are my bone and my flesh.” And he stayed with him for a month.

Jacob Marries Leah and Rachel

¹⁵ Then Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my relative, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what should your wages be?|” ¹⁶ Now Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. ¹⁷ Leah’s eyes were delicate, but Rachel was beautiful of form and appearance.
¹⁸ Now Jacob loved Rachel; so he said, “I will serve you seven years for Rachel your younger daughter.”
¹⁹ And Laban said, “It is better that I give her to you than that I should give her to another man. Stay with me.” ²⁰ So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed only a few days to him because of the love he had for her.
²¹ Then Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in to her.” ²² And Laban gathered together all the men of the place and made a feast. ²³ Now it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter and brought her to Jacob; and he went in to her. ²⁴ And Laban gave his maid Zilpah to his daughter Leah as a maid. ²⁵ So it came to pass in the morning, that behold, it was Leah. And he said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? Was it not for Rachel that I served you? Why then have you deceived me?”
²⁶ And Laban said, “It must not be done so in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn. ²⁷ Fulfill her week, and we will give you this one also for the service which you will serve with me still another seven years.”
²⁸ Then Jacob did so and fulfilled her week. So he gave him his daughter Rachel as wife also. ²⁹ And Laban gave his maid Bilhah to his daughter Rachel as a maid. ³⁰ Then Jacob also went in to Rachel, and he also loved Rachel more than Leah. And he served with Laban still another seven years.

The Children of Jacob

³¹ When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren. ³² So Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben; for she said, “The LORD has surely looked on my affliction. Now therefore, my husband will love me.” ³³ Then she conceived again and bore a son, and said, “Because the LORD has heard that I am unloved, He has therefore given me this son also.” And she called his name Simeon. ³⁴ She conceived again and bore a son, and said, “Now this time my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” Therefore his name was called Levi. ³⁵ And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, “Now I will praise the LORD.” Therefore she called his name Judah. Then she stopped bearing.

Genesis 28

¹ Then Isaac called Jacob and blessed him, and charged him, and said to him: “You shall not take a wife from the daughters of Canaan. ² Arise, go to Padan Aram, to the house of Bethuel your mother’s father; and take yourself a wife from there of the daughters of Laban your mother’s brother.


³“May God Almighty bless you,
And make you fruitful and multiply you,
That you may be an assembly of peoples;
⁴ And give you the blessing of Abraham,
To you and your descendants with you,
That you may inherit the land
In which you are a stranger,
Which God gave to Abraham.”
⁵ So Isaac sent Jacob away, and he went to Padan Aram, to Laban the son of Bethuel the Syrian, the brother of Rebekah, the mother of Jacob and Esau.

Esau Marries Mahalath

⁶ Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob and sent him away to Padan Aram to take himself a wife from there, and that as he blessed him he gave him a charge, saying, “You shall not take a wife from the daughters of Canaan,” ⁷ and that Jacob had obeyed his father and his mother and had gone to Padan Aram. ⁸ Also Esau saw that the daughters of Canaan did not please his father Isaac. ⁹ So Esau went to Ishmael and took Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, the sister of Nebajoth, to be his wife in addition to the wives he had.

Jacob’s Vow at Bethel

¹⁰ Now Jacob went out from Beersheba and went toward Haran. ¹¹ So he came to a certain place and stayed there all night, because the sun had set. And he took one of the stones of that place and put it at his head, and he lay down in that place to sleep. ¹² Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.
¹³ And behold, the LORD stood above it and said: “I am the LORD God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and your descendants. ¹⁴ Also your descendants shall be as the dust of the earth; you shall spread abroad to the west and the east, to the north and the south; and in you and in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed. ¹⁵ Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.”
¹⁶ Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it.” ¹⁷ And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!”
¹⁸ Then Jacob rose early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put at his head, set it up as a pillar, and poured oil on top of it. ¹⁹ And he called the name of that place Bethel; but the name of that city had been Luz previously. ²⁰ Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me, and keep me in this way that I am going, and give me bread to eat and clothing to put on, ²¹ so that I come back to my father’s house in peace, then the LORD shall be my God. ²² And this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You.”

Matthew 18

Who Is the Greatest?

¹ At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
² Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, ³ and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. ⁴ Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ⁵ Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.

Jesus Warns of Offenses

⁶ “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. ⁷ Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!
⁸ “If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire. ⁹ And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire.

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

¹⁰ “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. ¹¹ For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.
¹² “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? ¹³ And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. ¹⁴ Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

Dealing with a Sinning Brother

¹⁵ “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. ¹⁶ But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ ¹⁷ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.
¹⁸ “Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
¹⁹ “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. ²⁰ For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

²¹ Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”
²² Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. ²³ Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. ²⁴ And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. ²⁵ But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. ²⁶ The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ ²⁷ Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.
²⁸ “But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ ²⁹ So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ ³⁰ And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. ³¹ So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. ³² Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. ³³ Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ ³⁴ And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him.
³⁵ “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”