Last evening I was preaching out of the book of II Timothy 2. In my message I had mentioned the resurrection of Jesus and that of Lazarus. I had used the fact that as Jesus raised Lazarus from the tomb, that he came out of that tomb in the same physical body that he entered the tomb with. Then, I made the distinction that when Jesus arose from the tomb, he did so in a spiritual body, unlike the one he entered the tomb with.
The facts of the bible are very clear about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many verses clearly indicate and identify Jesus in a physical body. Luke 24:39 is a clear statement of this fact. John 20:15-17 is another indication of the physical, resurrected body of Christ. Also, look at I Cor. 15:42-45, Paul speaks of a physical and of a spiritual body, we could go on and on. No one can dispute the facts, if taken out of the true word of God, about the resurrection of Christ.
The issue that one of the members at the church had with me last evening was, he felt that I believed that Christ arose in a spiritual body alone and not in a physical body as well. I tried to explain to him that I surely believe that Christ arose in a physical body, however, that his risen, physical body was not like the one that he died with. Let me explain further. When was on his way to Calvary he was beaten so bad even to the point the book of Isaiah says that he was unrecognizable, he did not look like a man. The flesh that was hanging off of his body, his face no doubt disfigured by the blows of the Roman soldiers, the blood that was crusted to every part of his body, and eventually the prints of the nails in his hands and his feet. Now we know that he went to the tomb in this condition. The word is very clear on this point. However, we see that when he arose, he was not likened to the way he went in. Again, John 20:11-15, Mary looked into the tomb and no one was there, the tomb was empty testifying of a bodily resurrection. When Mary turned herself back, she saw whom she thought to be the gardener, because verse 14 says that she knew not it was Jesus. Surely she would have recognized him having been with him for a period of time? She did not know it was Jesus until he called her by name.
I have said all of that to say this, when Jesus arose from the tomb he did so in a physical body, but did so in a changed physical body. He still had the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet, he still had the wound where he was pierced. He told Thomas to touch the nail prints and to put in hand in his side, John 20:28. He was no longer the same as he was seen before. His physical appearance was accompanied with "supernatural", (if you will), abilities. Luke 24:39, while the disciples were in the room, doors shut, Jesus appeared and stood in the midst of them. How could this had been done any other way than in a supernatural way? His body was much more than mere physicality, it was spiritual as well. All of his life he lived a physical and a spiritual life. He did not separate the two, in that he was 100% man and 100% God. If he had risen with just his physical body, then he would have not yet conquered death, hell, and the grave. We in turn would not be victorious over these things either.
I pray that I have not overly explained my thoughts and my understanding of the scriptures so that others may think me to be a heretic or preaching heresy. I do try very hard to understand the scriptures and divide correctly the word of God, II Tim.2:15. I have been wrong at times and have corrected myself and have made my corrections known, I am only human. I want to be the very best of what God has made and called me to be, a preacher of the Word of God! I will make very clear on Sunday what I meant and in what I believe to be the truth of the scripture. It is very important to me that each one knows that I believe in a bodily resurrected Christ. This has taught me something though, it has taught me that I need to be more clear on certain facts of scripture as not to have others think that I am teaching and or preaching something false. Please pray for me as I continue in the Lords service.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
No greater than John.
I've often wondered why Jesus would make a such a statement about a man that undoubtedly was a true man of God, but yet was a man that was still born under the curse of sin. Here is what the Lord gave me on Saturday two weeks ago.
As I was studying for my Sunday morning message, my studies took me in the direction of this verse, Matt. 11:11. And, again I read this verse and was puzzled once more. However this time the word that came to my mind was in no way my own, but was a word from the Lord. At no other time had the thought, the answer to what had alluded me for some time, ever come to me before.
John the Baptist was of course the "forerunner" to Christ. One who baptized with water, but was laying the foundation for the one who would baptize with the Holy Ghost, only for those who would truly believe. At this time John was asking a question about if this was the real Messiah or should they be looking for another. Jesus answered by saying that they, (Johns Disciples), need to carry back to him the message of what they had heard and had seen done. Now, Jesus speaking to the multitudes, made the proclamation "Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."
This is what is meant, John the Baptist was brought to light in the New Testament but was the last of the Old Testament prophets. He, like others before him, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Zechariah, prophesied of a coming Savior that would take away the sins of the world. However, what is different is, only John the Baptist was the only Old Testament prophet that saw Christ face to face, and was the only one that was able to physically touch the Savior. What an honor John had to be the one that would actually see the one that he prophesied about, and to actually touch him. John the Baptist was no doubt a very persuasive prophet to have disciples himself and to persuade others to believe one that would come later on. We know that today we have to be persuasive ourselves to get others to believe what they can't see. However we know where the Spirit of God is anything is possible.
I would like to see your comments, whether they be positive or negative.
As I was studying for my Sunday morning message, my studies took me in the direction of this verse, Matt. 11:11. And, again I read this verse and was puzzled once more. However this time the word that came to my mind was in no way my own, but was a word from the Lord. At no other time had the thought, the answer to what had alluded me for some time, ever come to me before.
John the Baptist was of course the "forerunner" to Christ. One who baptized with water, but was laying the foundation for the one who would baptize with the Holy Ghost, only for those who would truly believe. At this time John was asking a question about if this was the real Messiah or should they be looking for another. Jesus answered by saying that they, (Johns Disciples), need to carry back to him the message of what they had heard and had seen done. Now, Jesus speaking to the multitudes, made the proclamation "Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."
This is what is meant, John the Baptist was brought to light in the New Testament but was the last of the Old Testament prophets. He, like others before him, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Zechariah, prophesied of a coming Savior that would take away the sins of the world. However, what is different is, only John the Baptist was the only Old Testament prophet that saw Christ face to face, and was the only one that was able to physically touch the Savior. What an honor John had to be the one that would actually see the one that he prophesied about, and to actually touch him. John the Baptist was no doubt a very persuasive prophet to have disciples himself and to persuade others to believe one that would come later on. We know that today we have to be persuasive ourselves to get others to believe what they can't see. However we know where the Spirit of God is anything is possible.
I would like to see your comments, whether they be positive or negative.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
The Lord Is Still Working !
This past Sunday was a great day in the House of the Lord! One of our members granddaughters came for her second visit and came to know the Lord as Saviour. Please pray for her boyfriend, he acknowledged his need for salvation, but did not come forward for salvation. I will continue to deal with him about his need. His name is David. Please pray for Mary as well. The devil no doubt is already working on her and she really needs your prayers.
We also had one baptized as well. He has been coming for some time and said he needed to be baptized. He knew he had been saved some years back, but never was baptized. Praise the Lord for both blessings!
Why do I mention these things? Is it to brag about our progress in the Lord? Is it to puff out my chest and say "look at me"? In both cases, a stern NO!!! I mention what the Lord has done to give him honor and glory. In no way is it me or is it anyone in the church. It is all of the Lord! We are the tools, the instruments that he uses to bring them in and then to deliver the word, but it is all Him. I thank God that he sees me even worthy to proclaim his message. I thank God that he would even use one such as me to carry the Gospel to others so they can hear of his unconditional love for them. It truly humbles me and I stand in awe of his mighty, miraculous mercy and grace! He is so worthy to be praised!
GOD IS SO GOOD ALL DAY, EVERY DAY!!!
We also had one baptized as well. He has been coming for some time and said he needed to be baptized. He knew he had been saved some years back, but never was baptized. Praise the Lord for both blessings!
Why do I mention these things? Is it to brag about our progress in the Lord? Is it to puff out my chest and say "look at me"? In both cases, a stern NO!!! I mention what the Lord has done to give him honor and glory. In no way is it me or is it anyone in the church. It is all of the Lord! We are the tools, the instruments that he uses to bring them in and then to deliver the word, but it is all Him. I thank God that he sees me even worthy to proclaim his message. I thank God that he would even use one such as me to carry the Gospel to others so they can hear of his unconditional love for them. It truly humbles me and I stand in awe of his mighty, miraculous mercy and grace! He is so worthy to be praised!
GOD IS SO GOOD ALL DAY, EVERY DAY!!!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
What Must I Do To Be Saved
The jailer in the book of Acts 16:30, asks a question that we all would like to hear each and everyone that we know that is lost ask, "What must I do to be saved". A question that did not go unanswered. Paul and Silas said simply, "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ". Not only would he believe, but his whole house would be saved and baptized.
So the question still remains, what must I do to be saved. This can be answered in the following ways.
First, we must see the need for our need for salvation. Rom.3:23, 5:12, Gal. 3:22, Heb 2:3, John 3:18, 36.
We all have come short of the glory of God. This glory was seen in the Old Testament in the pillar of the cloud that lead the children of Israel, the congregation of Kadesh, and in the Temple of Solomon. In the New Testament it is seen in the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. Not only in life but in and through his acceptance of the death, burial, and resurrection of his son. We are all born under the curse and bondage of sin due to Adams sin. Eve transgressed but sin came into the life of future generations when Adam accepted the fruit and therefore sinned against God. The only way out of this bondage and out from under this curse is by accepting Christ as our Lord and Saviour.
Secondly, we must see him as our substitution. Rom. 5:8, John 3:16, and John 15: 13.
I am so glad that he, Jesus, commended his toward me! This means that he not only said that he loved us enough to give his life for us, but he demonstrated this love as well. Not only did he die for me, but he died for the church, Eph. 5:25, and he died for the world, Heb 2:9. In the Old Testament, and the Old Testament being a shadow of things to come, and always pointing to a Saviour, this same type of love was demonstrated in the truth of Abraham and Issac with the ram being the substitute. What a wounderful illustration this is that God would love his own that he would provide a complete substitute.
Thirdly, we must see the penalty for sin. Rom.6:23, and Gen 2:17.
You may ask yourself why Genesis as a reference? Well this is explained easily. It is here that we not only see the first sin, but we see the first mention of a penalty for sin. It was to Eve who first transgressed in the form of painful childbearing and in the complete subjection to Adam her husband. It was to Adam in the form of having to toil and labor by the sweat of his brow that he would find Gods penalty for sin. Both were faced with the same penalty, and that being death. Death is a physical seperation of the body from the soul, and the spiritual death being the eternal seperation from one another and from God in the Lake of Fire,Rev. 20:15. If people do not see the penalty for sin, then salvation will not be named among them.
Fourthly, we must see there is a sure salvation. Rom. 10:9-10, 13, John 1:12, and 1 John 5:13.
Truely the only way to gain salvation is by believeing in Jesus Christ as not only your Lord but as Saviour. There never has been any other way but through him. Not of works, for we could not work long enough or be good enough to gain our own salvation. Salvation is what occurs on the inside and is manifestedon the outside by the visible changes that take place. Salvation constitutes, 1. deliverence, 2. safety, 3. preservation, 4. healing, and 5. soundness. Salvation works in three phases: 1. From the guilt and penalty of sin, 2. from the habit and doinion of sin, and 3. From the final results of sin. If salvation does all of this, why would anyone not want it?
I'm afraid that we as its recipients are not doing a very good job sharing what salvation will take away, but what it will give them if they would but receive the one who has given his life for it. GOD HELP US ALL TO SHARE YOUR LOVE WITH OTHERS, AND THAT YOU GAVE YOUR LIFE FOR THEM !!!
So the question still remains, what must I do to be saved. This can be answered in the following ways.
First, we must see the need for our need for salvation. Rom.3:23, 5:12, Gal. 3:22, Heb 2:3, John 3:18, 36.
We all have come short of the glory of God. This glory was seen in the Old Testament in the pillar of the cloud that lead the children of Israel, the congregation of Kadesh, and in the Temple of Solomon. In the New Testament it is seen in the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. Not only in life but in and through his acceptance of the death, burial, and resurrection of his son. We are all born under the curse and bondage of sin due to Adams sin. Eve transgressed but sin came into the life of future generations when Adam accepted the fruit and therefore sinned against God. The only way out of this bondage and out from under this curse is by accepting Christ as our Lord and Saviour.
Secondly, we must see him as our substitution. Rom. 5:8, John 3:16, and John 15: 13.
I am so glad that he, Jesus, commended his toward me! This means that he not only said that he loved us enough to give his life for us, but he demonstrated this love as well. Not only did he die for me, but he died for the church, Eph. 5:25, and he died for the world, Heb 2:9. In the Old Testament, and the Old Testament being a shadow of things to come, and always pointing to a Saviour, this same type of love was demonstrated in the truth of Abraham and Issac with the ram being the substitute. What a wounderful illustration this is that God would love his own that he would provide a complete substitute.
Thirdly, we must see the penalty for sin. Rom.6:23, and Gen 2:17.
You may ask yourself why Genesis as a reference? Well this is explained easily. It is here that we not only see the first sin, but we see the first mention of a penalty for sin. It was to Eve who first transgressed in the form of painful childbearing and in the complete subjection to Adam her husband. It was to Adam in the form of having to toil and labor by the sweat of his brow that he would find Gods penalty for sin. Both were faced with the same penalty, and that being death. Death is a physical seperation of the body from the soul, and the spiritual death being the eternal seperation from one another and from God in the Lake of Fire,Rev. 20:15. If people do not see the penalty for sin, then salvation will not be named among them.
Fourthly, we must see there is a sure salvation. Rom. 10:9-10, 13, John 1:12, and 1 John 5:13.
Truely the only way to gain salvation is by believeing in Jesus Christ as not only your Lord but as Saviour. There never has been any other way but through him. Not of works, for we could not work long enough or be good enough to gain our own salvation. Salvation is what occurs on the inside and is manifestedon the outside by the visible changes that take place. Salvation constitutes, 1. deliverence, 2. safety, 3. preservation, 4. healing, and 5. soundness. Salvation works in three phases: 1. From the guilt and penalty of sin, 2. from the habit and doinion of sin, and 3. From the final results of sin. If salvation does all of this, why would anyone not want it?
I'm afraid that we as its recipients are not doing a very good job sharing what salvation will take away, but what it will give them if they would but receive the one who has given his life for it. GOD HELP US ALL TO SHARE YOUR LOVE WITH OTHERS, AND THAT YOU GAVE YOUR LIFE FOR THEM !!!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Sunday
We had a great day in the Lord at the House of the Lord yesterday. We were encouraged to see three new visitors. I am more encouraged to see that our members are out inviting people to come to the House of the Lord. I have found it to be somewhat of a difficult task to get people interested in our soul winning classes. I have tried to make these classes as easy as possible and at a time where everyone could attend, but, I realize that not everyone will have it in their heart to attend or go with us on our door to door efforts later on. Help me pray for these people to gain this most needed desire for souls.
We are in a predominately catholic area. It seems that there is a catholic church on every corner here in Owensboro. We run up against this each and every time we go out to visit and to win souls. I do believe it does discourage our people when they have more rejections than they do acceptance. However ouir mission is still the same, to seek and to bring in those that are lost. It's difficult to believe but there are people here that have never stepped foot inside of a church building or have even heard the good fundamental bible preaching and teaching that we offer to them.Our church does support missionaries, but we do not need to go far to see the mission field. It is right here at our door step. I do ask for your continued prayers for us as we work the field here in Kentucky, and our efforts as we try to glean souls for the Lord.
We are in a predominately catholic area. It seems that there is a catholic church on every corner here in Owensboro. We run up against this each and every time we go out to visit and to win souls. I do believe it does discourage our people when they have more rejections than they do acceptance. However ouir mission is still the same, to seek and to bring in those that are lost. It's difficult to believe but there are people here that have never stepped foot inside of a church building or have even heard the good fundamental bible preaching and teaching that we offer to them.Our church does support missionaries, but we do not need to go far to see the mission field. It is right here at our door step. I do ask for your continued prayers for us as we work the field here in Kentucky, and our efforts as we try to glean souls for the Lord.
Monday, February 23, 2009
A Time To Stand
In this current day that we live in it is now that Christians need to stand more than ever. Our new President and those in Congress are on a whirlwind of change and sadly not for the better. The stimulus, or spend-u-lous plan, has created a far worse condition than we started off with. Just as with other problems in our country the Federal Gov. believes that the best way to deal with it is to throw money at it. Now, there is only three ways that the government can obtain the monies needed for this type of plan. We will either be taxed, the money will be borrowed, or the money will be printed, which is what the government is currently doing. I am sad to say that if things do not change we will possibly see the days of our great grandfathers and mothers.
Ephesians 6 tells us that we need to stand and stand clothed in the whole armour of God. Now this particular scripture also says that we war against the principalities, and the powers of the air which we know that to be Satan and his demonic servants. Why do I mention this? I mention this because of the weakness of man. Though we as Gods children are saved, and that to be for eternity, are still in the flesh and in the flesh, in the sin nature. Satan will tempt us with these times to turn us away from the faith and the truth of the word which plainly says that he, through the spirit, will never leave us nor will he forsake us. The same promise that he gave Joshua when he became the leader of his people, he still gives and provides to us today as the new testament church. I am glad to know that his promises never fail. One never knows what tomorrow holds but we know who holds tomorrow. I believe that in the months to years ahead we will see more of a falling away, the great apostasy, from the church and from the only true way which is Jesus Christ. We need to be in a manner of prayer every day that if and when we are tempted to follow those who will no doubt give in, that we are strong enough to withstand his onslaught of fiery darts and stand showing ourselves and others that the devil can't get us all. We will need to be a modern day Job. My prayer is not only for myself, my family, my church. my friends, but for all of my spiritual brothers and sisters to withstand in this ever changing time.
I'll pray for you, please pray for me as we journey on to the kingdom that is yet to come, a kingdom not made with hands.
Ephesians 6 tells us that we need to stand and stand clothed in the whole armour of God. Now this particular scripture also says that we war against the principalities, and the powers of the air which we know that to be Satan and his demonic servants. Why do I mention this? I mention this because of the weakness of man. Though we as Gods children are saved, and that to be for eternity, are still in the flesh and in the flesh, in the sin nature. Satan will tempt us with these times to turn us away from the faith and the truth of the word which plainly says that he, through the spirit, will never leave us nor will he forsake us. The same promise that he gave Joshua when he became the leader of his people, he still gives and provides to us today as the new testament church. I am glad to know that his promises never fail. One never knows what tomorrow holds but we know who holds tomorrow. I believe that in the months to years ahead we will see more of a falling away, the great apostasy, from the church and from the only true way which is Jesus Christ. We need to be in a manner of prayer every day that if and when we are tempted to follow those who will no doubt give in, that we are strong enough to withstand his onslaught of fiery darts and stand showing ourselves and others that the devil can't get us all. We will need to be a modern day Job. My prayer is not only for myself, my family, my church. my friends, but for all of my spiritual brothers and sisters to withstand in this ever changing time.
I'll pray for you, please pray for me as we journey on to the kingdom that is yet to come, a kingdom not made with hands.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Christian Maturity/ Forgiveness
Forgiveness; being defined it means, "the act of forgiving; to pardon an offender by the which he is considered not guilty".(Noah Websters American Standard English Dictionary).
Forgiveness, and true forgiveness, can only come by having a personal relationship with Christ. It was his forgiveness that allowed us to have a personal relationship with him. Pretty elementary biblical principle. However, when we do come to a personal relationship with Christ, then we also must understand that he expects us, actually requires us to follow in his footsteps. Why should we forgive others? I've listed below three reasons that we should forgive others.
1. Christ commands us:
a. Mark 11: 25-26: Jesus speaking here explains to the disciples, and, to us as well, that if we cannot forgive others, then his father, God, will not forgive you. A statement that is not made of man but of Christ himself.
b. Luke 17: 4: "thou shalt forgive him". No matter even if it is seven times he comes to you and repents of his wrong against you, Christ says then seven times "thou shalt forgive him". When Christ uses these two words, "thou shalt", it leaves no room for any mis-interpretation.
2. Paul compels us:
a. Eph. 4: 25-32: In this chapter and in these verses, Paul speaks of five things that we were once bound in or in bondage to in the former life before Christ, and the things we need to do to replace the former things now that we have a new life in Christ,(I'll leave it up to you to search these things out). The one thing we need to do is to forgive others. At one place in our life we would not forgive, but now that we are in Christ a new creature, we need to forgive others and work out what it is that brought us to the point of having to forgive and be forgiven. Verse 17 Paul says that "I testify in the Lord" in other words he is only restating what Christ has already said. He is compelling us to get to the point of our christian maturity that we can forgive. Ephesians 2:2 & 4:22 also compels us to this end.
3. Love constrains us:
a. Col. 3: 12-14: Here Paul speaks of Christian Virtues, and virtue being strength and morality. We are to be able to "forbear" and to "forgive". We are to bear with others and during this we are to also forgive. Understand that we all are developing our virtues and maturing in our walk that there will be times that others will do something that will either hurt our feelings, or, do something that will get to us, but we are to at that time be able to forgive. The problems that we have in this area is that we to often allow things to grow and grow until we get to the point that we have a difficult time talking with the individual let alone forgiving them. This should not be in the Christian life. Christians can disagree without being disagreeable.
b. 1 Cor. 3: 13: It is here stated that charity, love, is the greatest, even of faith and hope. When we love right then we will live right. We cannot love right if we do not have the love of Christ living and dwelling within us. 1 Peter 4: 8 says that "charity shall cover the multitude of sins". We will not continue to re-hash over and over what has been done to us if we love correctly. We will not talk to others about the issue before we talk to the one who has created the issue according to Matt. 18: 15-17. Love will truly cover our sins if we only live in the realm of a Christ like love.
I encourage everyone who reads this blog to examine yourself and see where you stand in the area of forgiveness, I know that I have.
Forgiveness, and true forgiveness, can only come by having a personal relationship with Christ. It was his forgiveness that allowed us to have a personal relationship with him. Pretty elementary biblical principle. However, when we do come to a personal relationship with Christ, then we also must understand that he expects us, actually requires us to follow in his footsteps. Why should we forgive others? I've listed below three reasons that we should forgive others.
1. Christ commands us:
a. Mark 11: 25-26: Jesus speaking here explains to the disciples, and, to us as well, that if we cannot forgive others, then his father, God, will not forgive you. A statement that is not made of man but of Christ himself.
b. Luke 17: 4: "thou shalt forgive him". No matter even if it is seven times he comes to you and repents of his wrong against you, Christ says then seven times "thou shalt forgive him". When Christ uses these two words, "thou shalt", it leaves no room for any mis-interpretation.
2. Paul compels us:
a. Eph. 4: 25-32: In this chapter and in these verses, Paul speaks of five things that we were once bound in or in bondage to in the former life before Christ, and the things we need to do to replace the former things now that we have a new life in Christ,(I'll leave it up to you to search these things out). The one thing we need to do is to forgive others. At one place in our life we would not forgive, but now that we are in Christ a new creature, we need to forgive others and work out what it is that brought us to the point of having to forgive and be forgiven. Verse 17 Paul says that "I testify in the Lord" in other words he is only restating what Christ has already said. He is compelling us to get to the point of our christian maturity that we can forgive. Ephesians 2:2 & 4:22 also compels us to this end.
3. Love constrains us:
a. Col. 3: 12-14: Here Paul speaks of Christian Virtues, and virtue being strength and morality. We are to be able to "forbear" and to "forgive". We are to bear with others and during this we are to also forgive. Understand that we all are developing our virtues and maturing in our walk that there will be times that others will do something that will either hurt our feelings, or, do something that will get to us, but we are to at that time be able to forgive. The problems that we have in this area is that we to often allow things to grow and grow until we get to the point that we have a difficult time talking with the individual let alone forgiving them. This should not be in the Christian life. Christians can disagree without being disagreeable.
b. 1 Cor. 3: 13: It is here stated that charity, love, is the greatest, even of faith and hope. When we love right then we will live right. We cannot love right if we do not have the love of Christ living and dwelling within us. 1 Peter 4: 8 says that "charity shall cover the multitude of sins". We will not continue to re-hash over and over what has been done to us if we love correctly. We will not talk to others about the issue before we talk to the one who has created the issue according to Matt. 18: 15-17. Love will truly cover our sins if we only live in the realm of a Christ like love.
I encourage everyone who reads this blog to examine yourself and see where you stand in the area of forgiveness, I know that I have.
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