April, 2015
Evidence for the Dr. Josh McDowell
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Articles Evidence for the Resurrection Faith in the Resurrection Even More Resurrection Power in Believers Christ’s Resurrection Insures Our Resurrection The Real Truth Behind the Resurrection of Jesus The Resurrection: It Proves that Christ is who He Says He is!
Dr. Josh McDowell Dr. Bill Hanshew Kim Miller Melissa Shepherd Dan Corse Leon Gosiewski NickSchreider
Column AIM – An Inspirational Message
Kathy Weddle
Books Megan’s Heart The Fig Tree Has Sprouted, Awake! Rise & Glow, and Christianity Mis-Sold Apple of His Eye and Hiding in His Love The Crocked Legged Foal The Power of Grace Decisions, Decisions, and more Decisions Love Connection
Sharon Bushey
Leon Gosiewski Kim Miller Danielle Norris Dr. Larry Ollison Nick J.Schreider Lesa Childress & Jamie Ward
ATTENTION PASTORS And Writers Faith Unlimited is currently looking for 2 new writers for our online magazine. One is for our Kidz Section and for a new Teen Section. Pastors if you have anyone in your congregation between the ages of 14-17 who would like to write for Junior Age Kidz Section, and another one between the ages of 18-21 to start up a new Teen Page, we have a place for them. They must meet the following qualifications: This is a voluntary position with no pay except their reward of blessing others. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Someone with an upbeat attitude A strong heart to encourage others A Christian with strong Christian values A love for kids with a positive attitude They must have their Pastor’s approval and support The writer for the Kidz Section must also have approval from their parents Job Description for Kidz Section is to write a short story (about 100 words), along with a game section (all should be on one page) 8. Job Description for the Teen Section is to help come up with the name of this new Section and write a page (about 200 words) that will reach out and touch teens Please submit your name, email, and why you would like to write for Faith Unlimited along with a letter from your Pastor and if under 18, a letter of approval also from your Parents. These can be emailed to me at: faye.faithunlimited@gmail.com
Faye Hanshew Editor/Publisher
organizations based in the United States, is now a part of Global Aid Network (GAiN USA). In the United States, Josh and his team have created many cutting-edge live events to help young people stand strong and firm in their faith in the face of a rapidly-changing culture. These have often developed into fullblown campaigns, such as: Six Hours with Josh Why Wait? Counter the Culture Right From Wrong
True Foundations Since 1960, Josh has written or co-authored 142 books in over 100 languages including: More Than a Carpenter – over 27 million copies distributed New Evidence That Demands a Verdict — named one the twentieth century’s top 40 books and one of the thirteen most influential books of the last 50 years on Christian thought by World Magazine.
In addition to many other awards, Josh has been nominated 36 times for the Gold Medallion Award and has received that award on four occasions. In spite of all the honors and awards he has received, Josh will tell anyone that his greatest joys and pleasures come from his family. He and his wife Dottie have been married 43 years. They have four children and ten grandchildren.
Josh McDowell Ministry is a division of Cru (the U.S. division of Campus for Christ International). @ http://www.josh.org/about-us/joshs-bio/
EVIDENCE FOR THE by: Dr. Josh McDowell For centuries many of the world's distinguished philosophers have assaulted Christianity as being irrational, superstitious and absurd. Many have chosen simply to ignore the central issue of the resurrection. Others have tried to explain it away through various theories. But the historical evidence just can't be discounted. A student at the University of Uruguay said to me. "Professor McDowell, why can't you refute Christianity?" "For a very simple reason," I answered. "I am not able to explain away an event in history--the resurrection of Jesus Christ." How can we explain the empty tomb? Can it possibly be accounted for by any natural cause? A QUESTION OF HISTORY After more than 700 hours of studying this subject, I have come to the conclusion that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is either one of the
most wicked, vicious, heartless hoaxes ever foisted on the minds of human beings--or it is the most remarkable fact of history. Here are some of the facts relevant to the resurrection: Jesus of Nazareth, a Jewish prophet who claimed to be the Christ prophesied in the Jewish Scriptures, was arrested, was judged a political criminal, and was crucified. Three days after His death and burial, some women who went to His tomb found the body gone. In subsequent weeks, His disciples claimed that God had raised Him from the dead and that He appeared to them various times before ascending into heaven. From that foundation, Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire and has continued to exert great influence down through the centuries. LIVING WITNESSES The New Testament accounts of the resurrection were being circulated within the lifetimes of men and women alive at
the time of the resurrection. Those people could certainly have confirmed or denied the accuracy of such accounts. The writers of the four Gospels either had themselves been witnesses or else were relating the accounts of eyewitnesses of the actual events. In advocating their case for the gospel, a word that means "good news," the apostles appealed (even when confronting their most severe opponents) to common knowledge concerning the facts of the resurrection. F. F. Bruce, Rylands professor of biblical criticism and exegesis at the University of Manchester, says concerning the value of the
New Testament records as primary sources: "Had there been any tendency to depart from the facts in any material respect, the possible presence of hostile witnesses in the audience would have served as a further corrective." IS THE NEW TESTAMENT RELIABLE? Because the New Testament provides the primary historical source for information on the resurrection, many critics during the 19th century attacked the reliability of these biblical documents. By the end of the 1 9th century, however, archaeological discoveries had confirmed the accuracy of the New Testament manuscripts. Discoveries of early papyri bridged the gap between the time of Christ and existing manuscripts from a later date. Those findings increased scholarly confidence in the reliability of the Bible. William F. Albright, who in his day was the world's foremost biblical archaeologist, said: "We can already say emphatically that there is no longer any solid basis for dating any book of the New Testament after about A.D. 80, two full
generations before the date between 130 and 150 given by the more radical New Testament critics of today." Coinciding with the papyri discoveries, an abundance of other manuscripts came to light (over 24,000 copies of early New Testament manuscripts are known to be in existence today). The historian Luke wrote of "authentic evidence" concerning the resurrection. Sir William Ramsay, who spent 15 years attempting to undermine Luke credentials as a historian, and to refute the reliability of the New Testament, finally concluded: "Luke is a historian of the first rank . . . This author should be placed along with the very greatest of historians. "
I claim to be an historian. My approach to Classics is historical. And I tell you that the evidence for the life, the death, and the resurrection of Christ is better authenticated than most of the facts of ancient history . . . E. M. Blaiklock Professor of Classics Auckland University
BACKGROUND The New Testament witnesses were fully aware of the background against which the resurrection took place. The body of Jesus, in accordance with Jewish burial custom, was wrapped in a linen cloth. About 100 pounds of aromatic spices, mixed together to form a gummy substance, were applied to the wrappings of cloth about the body. After the body was placed in a solid rock tomb, an extremely large stone was rolled against the entrance of the tomb. Large stones weighing approximately two tons were normally rolled (by means of levers) against a tomb entrance. A Roman guard of strictly disciplined fighting men was stationed to guard the tomb. This guard affixed on the tomb the Roman seal, which was meant to "prevent any attempt at vandalizing the sepulcher. Anyone trying to move the stone from the tomb's entrance would have broken the seal and thus incurred the wrath of Roman law. But three days later the tomb was empty. The followers of Jesus said He had risen from the dead. They reported that He appeared to them during a period of 40 days, showing Himself to them by many
"infallible proofs." Paul the apostle recounted that Jesus appeared to more than 500 of His followers at one time, the majority of whom were still alive and who could confirm what Paul wrote. So many security precautions were taken with the trial, crucifixion, burial, entombment, sealing, and guarding of Christ's tomb that it becomes very difficult for critics to defend their position that Christ did not rise from the dead. Consider these facts: FACT #1: BROKEN ROMAN SEAL As we have said, the first obvious fact was the breaking of the seal that stood for the power and authority of the Roman Empire. The consequences of breaking the seal were extremely severe. The FBI and CIA of the Roman Empire were called into action to find the man or men who were responsible. If they were apprehended, it meant automatic execution by crucifixion upside down. People feared the breaking of the seal. Jesus' disciples displayed signs of cowardice when they hid themselves. Peter,
one of these disciples, went out and denied Christ three times. FACT #2: EMPTY TOMB As we have already discussed, another obvious fact after the resurrection was the empty tomb. The disciples of Christ did not go off to Athens or Rome to preach that Christ was raised from the dead. Rather, they went right back to the city of Jerusalem, where, if what they were teaching was false, the falsity would be evident. The empty tomb was "too notorious to be denied." Paul Althaus states that the resurrection "could have not been maintained in Jerusalem for a single day, for a single hour, if the emptiness of the tomb had not been established as a fact for all concerned." Both Jewish and Roman sources and traditions admit an empty tomb. Those resources range from Josephus to a compilation of fifthcentury Jewish writings called the "Toledoth
Jeshu." Dr. Paul Maier calls this "positive evidence from a hostile source, which is the strongest kind of historical evidence. In essence, this means that if a source admits a fact decidedly not in its favor, then that fact is genuine." Gamaliel, who was a member of the Jewish high court, the Sanhedrin, put forth the suggestion that the rise of the Christian movement was God's doing; he could not have done that if the tomb were still occupied, or if the Sanhedrin knew the whereabouts of Christ's body. Paul Maier observes that " . . . if all the evidence is weighed carefully and fairly, it is indeed justifiable, according to the canons of historical research, to conclude that the sepulcher of Joseph of Arimathea, in which Jesus was buried, was actually empty on the morning of the first Easter. And no shred of evidence has yet been discovered in literary sources, epigraphy, or
archaeology that would disprove this statement." FACT #3: LARGE STONE MOVED On that Sunday morning the first thing that impressed the people who approached the tomb was the unusual position of the one and a half to two ton stone that had been lodged in front of the doorway. All the Gospel writers mention it. There exists no document from the ancient world, witnessed by so excellent a set of textual and historical testimonies . . . Skepticism regarding the historical credentials of Christianity is based upon an irrational bias. Clark Pinnock Mcmaster University Those who observed the stone after the resurrection describe its position as having been rolled up a slope away not just from the entrance of the tomb, but from the entire massive sepulcher. It was in such a position that it looked as if it had been picked up and
carried away. Now, I ask you, if the disciples had wanted to come in, tiptoe around the sleeping guards, and then roll the stone over and steal Jesus' body, how could they have done that without the guards' awareness? FACT #4: ROMAN GUARD GOES AWOL The Roman guards fled. They left their place of responsibility. How can their attrition he explained, when Roman military discipline was so exceptional? Justin, in Digest #49, mentions all the offenses that required the death penalty. The fear of their superiors' wrath and the possibility of death meant that they paid close attention to the minutest details of their jobs. One way a guard was put to death was by being stripped of his clothes and then burned alive in a fire started with his garments. If it was not apparent which soldier had failed in his duty, then lots were drawn to see which one would be punished with death for the guard unit's
failure. Certainly the entire unit would not have fallen asleep with that kind of threat over their heads. Dr. George Currie, a student of Roman military discipline, wrote that fear of punishment "produced flawless attention to duty, especially in the night watches." FACT #5: GRAVECLOTHES TELL A TALE In a literal sense, against all statements to the contrary, the tomb was not totally empty-because of an amazing phenomenon. John, a disciple of Jesus, looked over to the place where the body of Jesus had lain, and there were the grave clothes, in the form of the body, slightly caved in and empty--like the empty chrysalis of a caterpillar's cocoon. That's enough to make a believer out of anybody. John never did get over it. The first thing that stuck in the minds of the disciples was not the empty tomb, but rather the empty grave clothes--
undisturbed in and position.
form
FACT #6: JESUS' APPEARANCES CONFIRMED Christ appeared alive on several occasions after the cataclysmic events of that first Easter . When studying an event in history, it is important to know whether enough people who were participants or eyewitnesses to the event were alive when the facts about the event were published. To know this is obviously helpful in ascertaining the accuracy of the published report. If the number of eyewitnesses is substantial, the event can he regarded as fairly well established. For instance, if we all witness a murder, and a later police report turns out to he a fabrication of lies, we as eyewitnesses can refute it. OVER 500 WITNESSES Several very important factors arc often overlooked when considering Christ's postresurrection appearances to individuals. The first is the large number of witnesses of
Christ after that resurrection morning. One of the earliest records of Christ's appearing after the resurrection is by Paul. The apostle appealed to his audience's knowledge of the fact that Christ had been seen by more than 500 people at one time. Paul reminded them that the majority of those people were still alive and could be questioned. Dr. Edwin M. Yamauchi, associate professor of history at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, emphasizes: "What gives a special authority to the list (of witnesses) as historical evidence is the reference to most of the five hundred brethren being still alive. St. Paul says in effect, 'If you do not believe me, you can ask them.' Such a statement in an admittedly genuine letter written within thirty years of the event is almost as strong evidence as one could hope to get for something that happened nearly two thousand years ago." Let's take the more than 500 witnesses who saw Jesus alive after His death and burial, and place them in a courtroom. Do you realize that if each of those 500 people were to testify for only six minutes, including cross-examination, you would have an amazing 50 hours of firsthand testimony? Add to this the testimony of many other
eyewitnesses and you would well have the largest and most lopsided trial in history. HOSTILE WITNESSES Another factor crucial to interpreting Christ's appearances is that He also appeared to those who were hostile or unconvinced. Over and over again, I have read or heard people comment that Jesus was seen alive after His death and burial only by His friends and followers. Using that argument, they attempt to water down the overwhelming impact of the multiple eyewitness accounts. But that line of reasoning is so pathetic it hardly deserves comment. No author or informed individual would regard Saul of Tarsus as being a follower of Christ. The facts show the exact opposite. Saul despised Christ and persecuted Christ's followers. It was a life-shattering experience when Christ appeared to him. Although he was at the time not a disciple, he later became the apostle Paul, one of the greatest witnesses for the truth of the resurrection. If the New Testament were a collection of secular writings, their authenticity would generally be regarded as beyond all doubt.
F. F. Bruce Manchester University The argument that Christ's appearances were only to followers is an argument for the most part from silence, and arguments from silence can be dangerous. It is equally possible that all to whom Jesus appeared became followers. No one acquainted with the facts can accurately say that Jesus appeared to just "an insignificant few." Christians believe that Jesus was bodily resurrected in time and space by the supernatural power of God. The difficulties of belief may be great, but the problems inherent in unbelief present even greater difficulties. The theories advanced to explain the resurrection by "natural causes" are weak; they actually help to build confidence in the truth of the resurrection. THE WRONG TOMB? A theory propounded by Kirsopp Lake assumes that the women who reported that the body was missing had mistakenly gone to the wrong tomb. If so, then the disciples who went to check up on the women's statement must have also gone to the wrong tomb. We may be certain, however,
that Jewish authorities, who asked for a Roman guard to be stationed at the tomb to prevent Jesus' body from being stolen, would not have been mistaken about the location. Nor would the Roman guards, for they were there! If the resurrection-claim was merely because of a geographical mistake, the Jewish authorities would have lost no time in producing the body from the proper tomb, thus effectively quenching for all time any rumor resurrection. HALLUCINATIONS? Another attempted explanation claims that the appearances of Jesus after the resurrection were either illusions or hallucinations. Unsupported by the psychological principles governing the appearances of hallucinations, this theory also does not coincide with the historical situation. Again, where was the actual body, and why wasn't it produced? DID JESUS SWOON? Another theory, popularized by Venturini several centuries ago, is often quoted today. This is the swoon theory, which says that Jesus didn't die; he merely fainted from exhaustion and loss of blood. Everyone thought Him dead, but later He resuscitated and
the disciples thought it to be a resurrection. Skeptic David Friedrich Strauss--certainly no believer in the resurrection--gave the deathblow to any thought that Jesus revived from a swoon: "It is impossible that a being who had stolen half-dead out of the sepulchre, who crept about weak and ill, wanting medical treatment, who required bandaging, strengthening and indulgence, and who still at last yielded to His sufferings, could have given to the disciples the impression that He was a Conqueror over death and the grave, the Prince of Life, For the New Testament of Acts, the confirmation of historicity is overwhelming. Any attempt to reject its basic historicity, even in matters of detail, must now appear absurd. Roman historians have long taken it for granted. A. N. Sherwin-White Classical Roman Historian an impression which lay at the bottom of their future ministry. Such a resuscitation could only have weakened the impression which He had made upon them in life and in death, at the most could only have given it an elegiac voice, but could by no possibility
have changed their sorrow into enthusiasm, have elevated their reverence into worship." THE BODY STOLEN? Then consider the theory that the body was stolen by the disciples while the guards slept. The depression and cowardice of the disciples provide a hard-hitting argument against their suddenly becoming so brave and daring as to face a detachment of soldiers at the tomb and steal the body. They were in no mood to attempt anything like that. The theory that the Jewish or Roman authorities moved Christ's body is no more reasonable an explanation for the empty tomb than theft by the disciples. If the authorities had the body in their possession or knew where it was, why, when the disciples were preaching the resurrection in Jerusalem, didn't they explain: "Wait! We moved the body, see, He didn't rise from the grave"? And if such a rebuttal failed, why didn't they explain exactly where Jesus' body lay? If this failed, why didn't they recover the corpse, put it on a cart, and wheel it through the center of Jerusalem? Such an action would have destroyed
Christianity--not in the cradle, but in the womb! THE RESURRECTION IS A FACT Professor Thomas Arnold, for 14 years a headmaster of Rugby, author of the famous, History of Rome, and appointed to the chair of modern history at Oxford, was well acquainted with the value of evidence in determining historical facts. This great scholar said: "I have been used for many years to study the histories of other times, and to examine and weigh the evidence of those who have written about them, and I know of no one fact in the history of mankind which is proved by better and fuller evidence of every sort, to the understanding of a fair inquirer, than the great sign which God hath given us that Christ died and rose again from the dead." Brooke Foss Westcott, an English scholar, said: "raking all the evidence together, it is not too much to say that there is no historic incident better or more variously supported than the resurrection of Christ. Nothing but the antecedent assumption that it must be false could have suggested the idea of deficiency in the proof of it." REAL PROOF: THE
DISCIPLES' LIVES But the most telling testimony of all must be the lives of those early Christians. We must ask ourselves: What caused them to go everywhere telling the message of the risen Christ? Had there been any visible benefits accrued to them from their efforts--prestige, wealth, increased social status or material benefits--we might logically attempt to account for their actions, for their whole-hearted and total allegiance to this "risen Christ.� As a reward for their efforts, however, those early Christians were beaten, stoned to death, thrown to the lions, tortured and crucified. Every conceivable method was used to stop them from talking. Yet, they laid down their lives as the ultimate proof of their complete confidence in the truth of their message. WHERE DO YOU STAND? How do you evaluate this overwhelming historical evidence? What is your decision about the fact of Christ's empty tomb? What do you think of Christ? When I was confronted with the overwhelming evidence
for Christ's resurrection, I had to ask the logical question: "What difference does all this evidence make to me? What difference does it make whether or not I believe Christ rose again and died on the cross for my sins!' The answer is put best by something Jesus said to a man who doubted--Thomas. Jesus told him: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me" (John 14:6). On the basis of all the evidence for Christ's resurrection, and considering the fact that Jesus offers forgiveness of sin and an eternal relationship with God, who would be so foolhardy as
to reject Him? Christ is alive! He is living today. You can trust God right now by faith through prayer. Prayer is talking with God. God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart. If you have never trusted Christ, you can do so right now. The prayer I prayed is: "Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and trust You as my Savior. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of person You want me to be. Thank You that I can trust You."
Š1992 Josh McDowell Ministry
Copies of this article and other teachings along with many books by Josh McDowell can be ordered at: www.josh.org/store Or by calling 866-252-5424
FAITH IN THE RESURRECTION by: Dr. Bill Hanshew John 11:26 says, “And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”” Jesus was speaking of the resurrection of Lazarus from the dead in this passage. He told Martha and Mary the truth about the resurrection and that Lazarus would be resurrected then, and later; when it was time. In this story, Lazarus had become ill. Jesus did not arrive on the scene until Lazarus was already dead and buried for four days. The disciples of Jesus rendered a very common religious view of the situation by saying, “Lord, if he sleeps {is dead} he will get well” (John 11:12). Many believe today that sometimes it is not God’s will for them to be healed here on this earth, but once they get to heaven, far off in the future— some day; they will be healed and whole. John 11:13-14 says, 13 “ However, Jesus spoke of His death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest
in sleep {same root word mentioned in V.12, meaning, ‘deceased’}. 14 Then Jesus said to them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 15And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him.” Jesus taught this in V.23-24, “23Jesus said to her, “Your brother {Lazarus} will rise again.” 24Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day” Martha did not believe in a now resurrection.” Many today do not believe in a {now healing}, or a {now blessing}; but only healing and blessing in the sweet bye and bye. Jesus said to Martha in verse 2526, “25I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” Even after four days, Lazarus was
raised or resurrected from the dead. This incident recorded in the gospel of John occurred before Jesus was crucified. Much of the gospels contain a period of time in which Old Testament theology was practiced. Jesus is always to be our balance in supporting New Covenant Truth. He said to Martha, “Do you believe this?” And the question being asked today is: Do you have faith in the resurrection? Why was Jesus resurrected? Romans 4:25 says, “{Jesus} who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.”
The word ‘offenses’ in this verse means, a side slip (lapse or deviation), which causes an unintentional error or a willful transgression. Jesus was not put to death because of any wrong He had done, but because of both the unintentional errors and the willful transgressions of mankind. And the word ‘justification’ means, to render (show or regard as) just or innocent. And Jesus was raised from the dead for our justification, which declares that you and I righteous before God. The death of Jesus was the payment required to “obtain eternal redemption” for you and I. But the resurrection of Jesus was the unveiling of our justification, even as He was unveiled as alive forevermore and released from the grave eternally. 1 Thessalonians 4:15-16 says, “15…we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep {Greek means, decease}. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.” Some believe only in a spiritual resurrection, but this verse speaks of {a corpse} being resurrected from the dead on that day, which
means, someone physically dead.
who
is
Jesus commanded all of His disciples to go and “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons” (Mathew 10:8). That is just what Jesus did with Lazarus and others as recorded in the gospels. Still, many did not believe. Jesus said to Martha, “And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” In 2 Timothy 2, Hymenaeus and Philetus said, “the resurrection is already past…” It is more commonly believed that these two accepted the resurrection of Jesus, but didn’t believe that anyone else would encounter a physical resurrection. And there were some who believed that there was only a spiritual resurrection but not a physical resurrection. These teachings brought confusion to new believers in Christ. Today, when we deny that the dead can be raised—now—on this earth—in this life, we deny the teachings of Jesus, the Son of the Living God. Maybe you can’t accept that God wants to heal you now. Maybe you don’t agree that God can set you free from sickness and disease. And maybe you absolutely do not accept that demons can be cast out. But, if you only believe in an end time resurrection, then you will miss out on the “now
revelation” of the Truth, which you can walk in while here on this earth. And just as Martha said, “I know that {Lazarus} will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Yet Jesus raised him from the dead before their eyes on that every day. Romans 6:4 “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” And this means that because of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, we have the opportunity to think differently, live differently and to walk in a new life—or in a new way of living. …Think about it!
L – Pastor Douglas Cline with Bishop Tom Tapley, Pastor of church in Manuelito, NM R – Bishop Tom Tapley and Wife Nancy
EVEN MORE by: Kim Miller
If the only thing that Jesus did through His death and resurrection was give us eternal life that would have been more than enough! Jesus did even more! Philippians 3:10-11 says, “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” In my experience in all different areas of ministry throughout the years, I've come to find out that many believers don't know the power of His resurrection. They experience life pretty much the same way they experienced it before they got born again. They are excited about going to Heaven when they leave this Earth and they should be, but there is even more! Our Father desires that we experience His resurrection power in our lives. We are not an old sinner anymore, but a new creation. We are not to go about this life as a victim, but a victor. We don't have to, and shouldn't, bow our knee to the
circumstances that come our way. We shouldn't be bowing our knee to sickness, even the smallest little things. Jesus paid too high a price for our heath. 1 Peter 2:24 says, “Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we having died to sins, might live for righteousness-by whose stripes you were healed.” If we were healed, then we are healed! Too many of us put up with things that we shouldn't be putting up with. I know people who get colds a lot and they don't even speak God's Word over their body. We are to walk in divine health. Don't just sit there and allow the devil to put things on you that Jesus took for you. Keep believing and speaking His Word for your healing, whether it be a small or a big need. Don't take what Jesus already took! My oldest daughter suffered from allergies for years. She began to get a revelation of the power of His resurrection. She realized that she didn't have to
put up with the constant sore throats due to allergies. She would speak God's Word over her body and say that she is redeemed from allergies. Even when her throat was very sore and uncomfortable, she didn't give up. She knows what belongs to her. As she continued to take her medicine, she kept believing and speaking God's Word. It didn't happen instantly, but she no longer has any symptoms and no longer needs to take allergy medicine. As you take your medication, continue to believe and speak God's Word. In 1 Peter 2:24, we also see that Jesus took our sin. We are not a sinner anymore. When I make that statement, many wellmeaning believers are ready to stone me, but that statement is truth. It's the Word of God! It may sound sweet and religious to call yourself a sinner, but it is not scriptural once you are born again. We must see ourselves as the people Jesus made us to be. Sin doesn't have to control our lives anymore. We can walk in the Spirit and have our spirit in control of our flesh. Romans
6:14 says, “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law, but under grace.” You see, the grace of God through the power of His resurrection gives us the power to say no to sin's control over our lives.
Romans 5:17 says, “For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ.” We have received
He Gave His Life for
YOU!
abundance of grace through Him and we are to reign in life. What an indescribable gift Jesus is. He purchased eternal life for us, and He did even more! Begin to experience His resurrection power every day. Take what belongs to you!
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IN BELIEVERS by: Rev. Melissa Shepherd Christ's Resurrection illustrates the power of God to bring life even after death. It is the promise of resurrection by God that gives believers hope in everlasting life in Christ Jesus. Resurrection also includes being given spiritual life, or salvation, after death, or being dead in sin. Christ bore our sins during the crucifixion and gave us the ability to be forgiven, cleansed of sin, and become the righteousness of God in believing in Him. With these promises, we are assured spiritual and physical resurrection and eternal dwelling with God. Jesus describes some of the things to come for those who are resurrected into life: Luke 20:34-38 34 And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: 35 But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world (to come), and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:
36 Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.
Do you believe this?” 27 She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
37 But even Moses showed in the burning bush passage that the dead are raised, when he called the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.
2. A little girl resurrected by Christ at her home after sickness.
38 For He is not the God of the dead but of the living, for all live to Him.” The power of God was upon Christ to resurrect the dead before He was resurrected. There are several examples of this resurrection power at work through Jesus in scripture: 1. Lazarus was resurrected before Christ's crucifixion. John 11:25-27 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die.
Mark 5:35-42 35 While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” 36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” …... 41 Then He took the child by the hand, and said to her, “Talitha, cumi,” which is translated, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42 Immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were overcome with great amazement.
3. A woman's son resurrected by Christ during his funeral. Luke 7:12-15 12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. 14 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. 15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. Christ's resurrection gives us that hope that if we are His, then we will be with Him and alive for all eternity. Scripture tells us that even the tombs of saints were opened and they were resurrected and went into the towns after Jesus was crucified and resurrected. Matthew 27:50-54 50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. 51 Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, 52 and the graves were opened;
and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. 54 So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!� There have been many verified reports of believers all over the world who have resurrected, or raised, the dead over the years since Jesus was on the Earth. The same miracle working, resurrection power is available to every believer today. It is the Holy Spirit through the believer that does these mighty works. This resurrection power does not only pertain to bringing someone from back from physical death, but it also applies to the ability of the Spirit of God to bring life to every area of our lives. The power of God can resurrect our family relationships, our financial substance, our spiritual growth and maturity, and bring healing to our physical bodies. Jesus knew this power of resurrection was imparted to believers as He gave them directives to do the same works that He did. We have this same Spirit that raised
Jesus Christ from the dead in us, that resurrection power is in us now, to do the works that Jesus did, and even greater works. Matthew 10:7-8 7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. John 14:12-14 12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. 13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
HE DIED FOR YOU, WILL YOU LIVE FOR HIM?
KENYA
L to R: Elijah Ombiro, Enock Asulwisye, Geoffery Kimani, and Josephat Karuiki and many more helped set up Pastor Jimmie’s itinerary
Christ's Resurrection Insures
Our Resurrection by: Dan Corse Each spring multitudes of Christians gather around the world to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many of them remember the day by the designation “Easter.” Others prefer the title “Resurrection Day.” Those preferring the title Resurrection Day often do so because the term Easter had its origins with ancient polytheistic religions or paganism, specifically an association with the Teutonic spring goddess, Eastre. Some add that the origins of the word Easter go much further back to the days of Noah’s evil grandson, Nimrod, and his evil queen, Easter (Ishtar/Semiramis). Considering the terms “Easter” and “resurrection” from a biblical perspective, we find that the word Easter is used only once in the King James Version of the Bible. In Acts 12:4 (KJV) we read that Herod had apprehended Peter, “intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.” In other
translations, including the New King James Version, the word Passover is used instead of Easter, as Passover is a correct translation of the Greek word pascha. Resurrection, however, is used, accurately, a multitude of times in the King James Bible. It comes from the Greek word anastasis, meaning “restoration to life, rising from the dead” and speaks of the “resurrection of Jesus Christ” as “the firstfruits or prototype of the future resurrection of all that are in the grave” (“Word Wealth” from the New Spirit Filled Life Bible). Thus, finding much biblical support for the word resurrection as used in “Resurrection Day,” the use of that term is preferable to Easter, especially in light of some of the evil practices associated with derivations of that name. Settling on the use of Resurrection Day over Easter, we now turn to our primary task, determining why Christ’s resurrection is an integral part of the Christian faith. Related to
that task, 1 Corinthians 15 (NKJ) provides a plethora of reasons: 1. If Christ did not rise from the dead, our preaching as Christians is senseless and our faith is useless. For verse 14 assures us that without the resurrection our “preaching is empty” and our “faith is also empty.” 2. If Christ did not rise from the dead, we who testify that He did are nothing more than liars. For we read in verse 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 raise.” 3. If Christ was not resurrected, then our sins have not been forgiven. For verse 17 tells us, “And if Christ is not risen …you are still in your sins!” 4. If Christ did not rise from the dead, all the believers who have died have perished. For we read in verse 18, “Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.” 5. If Christ did not rise from the dead, then Christians, ultimately, are most
unhappy or miserable. For we read in verse 19, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.” Yet the Holy Spirit inspiring Paul in 1 Corinthians 15 also compares Christ’s resurrection the one of Israel’s annual feasts, Firstfruits. He reveals to us that Christ was indeed resurrected as the firstfruits of those who have died. In verse 20 we read, “But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” Just as the wave sheaf spoken of in Leviticus 23:10 was the firstfruits of the harvest and a pledge of the harvest so is Christ the firstfruits and pledge of mankind’s resurrection. Biblically speaking, Christ’s resurrection is not attested to by merely one or two incidents but by numerous incidents. A compilation of those incidents follows: His first appearance was to Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9; John 20:11-18). He later revealed Himself to women returning from His tomb (Matthew 28:9-10). On the road to Emmaus He appeared to two disciples (Luke 24:13-35; Mark 16:12-13). He was seen by Peter in Jerusalem (Luke 24:34; 1
Corinthians 15:5). He appeared to His disciples (except for Thomas) in a locked room, other followers and a second time to the two men from Emmaus (Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-23). A week later He again appeared to His disciples behind locked doors but this time Thomas was present (John 20:24-29). He appeared to seven of His disciples by the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-14). On one occasion He was seen by 500 believers (1 Cor. 15:6). He appeared to James (1 Cor. 15:7). On a mountain in Galilee He appeared to eleven disciples (Matt. 28:18-20). He walked with His disciples along the road to Bethany, on the Mount of Olives and then ascended into Heaven (Luke 24:5-53). Finally, He was seen by Paul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-6; 1 Cor. 15:8). Those whom Christ appeared to after His resurrection did not remain silent about it. They proclaimed His resurrection as an integral part of the gospel. They understood clearly and taught that Christ’s resurrection provided assurance of the Christian’s resurrection, including “the resurrection of the dead” as one of six elementary or foundational
topics recorded in Hebrews 6:12. As the resurrection is integral to the gospel of Christ, it should come as no surprise that there have been and are ongoing efforts to discredit it. We remember that Matthew 28:1125 records how the Jews bribed the soldiers to say that Christ’s disciples came at night and stole the body away. Yet, doubtless in no small part to the vast numbers of Christians whom the risen Christ appeared to and the work of the Holy Spirit, such efforts have not stopped the gospel from bearing fruit. For that being so may we remain eternally thankful. And with thankfulness let us anticipate the day when we shall no longer be confined to mortal bodies but based on Christ’s resurrection those bodies shall be clothed in immortality.
The Real Truth Behind the
Resurrection of Jesus by: Leon Gosiewski ‘‘Death is swallowed up in victory’ [Isaiah 25: 8]. ‘O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory’? [Hosea 13: 14]. The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ’’ (1 Corinthians 15: 54 – 56 NKJV) For anyone who truly wants to understand the need and purpose for Jesus’ resurrection, there are few better places to go in Scripture than the words of Paul to the Corinthian Church found in the New Testament first letter of Corinthians and chapter fifteen. There are four key points that arise from Paul’s message about the resurrection: 1. The first thing we must fully grasp in our understanding of the resurrection is the stark and uncomfortable truth that the death and resurrection of Jesus was and is only necessary because of sin. From the moment man entered the realm of sin death and separation from God occurred because His standard of holiness was wilfully broken and sin cannot co-exist in the life abundant Kingdom of God.
2. The second thing to fully understand is that sin is death. It is opposite to life and it is opposite to God. The resurrection is about rising from death and coming into life. 3. The third point is that sin created both physical and spiritual death. When we enter the realm of sin we also enter into death and separation from God. But when we truly repent and totally commit ourselves to God, although we still die physically because of sin we will rise to life spiritually. In other words, we follow Jesus in the sense that just as He died and rose again, so we will do the same. We do the same spiritually by dying to sin and rising to life. We do the same symbolically through baptism and we do the same in our repentant commitment to God by laying down our old life of sin and taking up a new life in the Spirit. 4. Jesus said, “I came that they [the sheep (us)] may have life’ (John 10: 10). The fourth point is that Jesus specifically came to give life whilst the devil takes life. This is why Jesus said, ‘The thief [satan] comes
only to steal and kill and destroy” (John 10: 10). The ravages of sin came following a clever and deceitful act of cunning, and humankind fell into the trap by choosing to give them self to the devils’ false promises that is why Jesus said: “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8: 44 RSV) One of the points that this statement from Jesus highlights is that we were never created for the purpose of being children of the devil. The devil is in effect an illicit father and so God’s intention to reunite us back to Him, and restore us to Him - our legitimate Father, was actually made clear as early as the third chapter of Genesis where God said: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; he shall bruise your head, and
you shall bruise his (Genesis 3: 15 RSV).
heel”
of the dead, but of the living’ (Matthew 22: 32).
This Scripture raises an important point in our understanding and appreciation of what God has done for us through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Have you ever wondered why God put in place a means of reconciliation immediately after humankind had chosen to unlovingly disobey and sin against Him? There are two main reasons: a) As our legitimate Father God’s love for us is so deep and genuine that He had to make a way open to those of us that would repent and take that option (John 3: 16). Just as we would do anything to help someone we love so God has done the same for us. You see, that deep feeling of love that we have for a person we care about is actually just a small reflection of our Creator God in us. b) Sin and death are the attitudes of an illicit father, a father that does not love or care about us. It is the destructive influence of satan in us that leads to hatred, bitterness, resentment and death.
The death and assurance of a resurrected Jesus was actually prophesied by David in Psalm 16 where he said, ‘You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption’ (Psalm 16: 10 NKJV). This simple statement neatly encapsulates the purpose of the resurrection, but how and why?
I hope you can see the point that, death is not in God’s perfect plan. God is life and He intends life for us. This is why we read that God does not want any of us to perish (2 Peter 3: 9). It is also why Jesus said, ‘He is not God
What we know is that the consequences of sin lead to death (Romans 6: 23). If it were not for the unselfish action of Jesus on the cross of Calvary the price of sin wouldn’t have received its costly payment. In other words Jesus had in effect to buy us back from the devil by offering Himself as a sacrifice. This is why Paul said: ‘You are not your own; you were bought with a price’ (1 Corinthians 6: 19, 20). But this action alone was not enough, a further demonstration of God’s love and intent toward us had to follow – He had to raise Jesus from the dead. The sting of death had, once and for all to end in defeat. The fact is, if Jesus had remained dead He would have also remained under the powerful grip of sin and separated from His Father. Sin would have shackled Jesus to the place of punishment; the fiery depths of satan’s (and all that follow him) ultimate destiny, hell. There would be no hope for us. But because of the resurrection
Jesus not only paid the price of sin on our behalf but He also shattered the power of it. The miraculous resurrection of Jesus is absolute proof of His victory over sin and death and it is why He can legitimately say: ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father, but by me’ (John 14: 6). It is not too delicate to re-state that sin has one terrible outcome. It leads to death and takes those under its grip into the place of death and eternal separation from God. Jesus removed the sting of death and released those who had until this time been made captive by it from the prison of death and into the liberty of life. The resurrection of Jesus broke the shackles of separation from God, wiped sin away and opened the door to life and freedom in the Kingdom of God. It is for this reason that Jesus said: ‘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). A Gospel message that fails to speak about the consequences of sin is not a Gospel message. It is an affront to God; a denial of the blood of Calvary and an insult to the wonderful life-giving resurrection of Jesus. Sin is not something that initially comes to us in bold and blatant trumpet blowing fashion - telling
us the truth about its agenda and eventual purpose and outcome. Sin comes by stealth and many of its consequences only manifest themselves when it is too late. Just as a thief does not come knocking at your door to let you know that they are going to steal your car or any other possession so satan does not come boldly to tell you that he is going to steal your Godly possessions and heritage. If anyone is in doubt about the truth of God’s word and wants proof of satan’s destructive intent take a closer look at such things as the evil atrocities of man against man and the dehumanizing indignity of awful sicknesses and diseases - they are clear evidence of who satan really is. They are graphic evidence of the true destructive nature of satan. None of these things are of God! It is when we see the dreadful outcome of satan's work in the world or in our lives and put the blame where it should rightly
rest, on him, that we will be spiritually stirred to anger against satan and realize what his gameplan is. During a ministry trip to Norway in 1922 Smith Wigglesworth tells the story of a nurse who had a cancerous growth on her nose, which God miraculously healed for all to see. Out of a heart of compassion and hate of sin Smith turned to the onlookers and pointed them to the awfulness of sin, its power to cause sickness and the dreadful penalties of man’s fall. If it had not been for the resurrection, miracles of healing would not prove the gospel message. It may sound incredibly strong to use the language that I am applying to sin but in this context I hate what sin has done and does do. I hate the debasing destruction of a person’s dignity through illness and the heartwrenching separation of loved ones as a result of death. There is nothing good that has ever or will
ever come out of sin or from satan. Let’s give praise to God for this wonderful truth: ‘If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness’ (1 John 1: 9). We cannot bury our heads in the sand and ignore the dreadful reality of sin and the subtleness and deception of satan. We have to take deliberate, selfless and positive actions to reconcile ourselves to God. When we totally surrender our lives to the Lord we will come to know and experience the power of the resurrection. We serve a resurrected, living redeemer. This is a biblical truth that is so powerful that these words will set you free: ‘He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed’ (1 Peter 2: 24).
Leon is available to speak, sign books at conferences, and hold healing meetings. You can contact him by email at: Renewedlifehealingministries@gmail.com
Christianity Mis-Sold
Leon Gosiewski’s Newest Book
Order your copy today! renewedlifehealingministries@gmail.com
HE IS RISEN!
by: Kathy Weddle Resurrection. Spring brings resurrection of flowers and trees. Having lay dormant through the winter months; dead….and yet….with the promise of life in their core. Then a signal from the Master Gardener to begin the symphony that starts first with the crocus, then the daffodil…and on to forsythia, lilacs, and more. Beautiful resurrection. Matthew 27:51-53 speaks of an event at the close of the crucifixion that is often overlooked and seldom spoken of. Not only did the temple veil tear from top to bottom, but the graves of Old Testament saints opened and they came out and walked among the living. You have to wonder how many followers, albeit in secret because of fear of the Romans were brought into the Kingdom with that event! Jesus Christ exhibited power over death and the grave even before His own Resurrection! Here’s a question to ponder: since the Old Testament saints are the ones who came out of their graves that day, I challenge you to consider this: does that mean that upon His death, Jesus was instantly in Paradise, presented Himself to those saints as in Ephesians 4: 8-10, and they accepted Him and resurrected immediately, perhaps to prove He really went where He said He would? Once He completed the work on the cross, He was no longer restricted to act only as a human. He would be outside the effect of time, so to accomplish this in an instant would mean nothing to Him.
In the period between His burial and first appearance, the faith of the disciples and other followers seem to have all but died. They, too, remained “buried” in that room. Grieving. Fearful. Waiting. But for what? It doesn’t seem like they remembered He said He’d been in the grave 3 days. Oh how could they forget! We’re SO human, aren’t we? We think our faith is strong, then a great tragedy strikes and knocks the wind out of our sails. But then….Sunday morning. Oh Sunday morning. Not Easter. Not bunnies and eggs and candy, but the triumphant, glorious, powerful, eternal Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! And He appears to them; and according to John 20 He breathed the Holy Spirit into them. And now THEY are resurrected! From a life of hopelessness and despair to a life of great victory and boldness! These folks turned their world upside down in 2 years. Resurrection Sunday!
Decisions, Decisions, and more Decisions Written by: Nick J. Schneider
Nick’s book, Decisions, Decisions, and more Decisions illustrates some life lessons for your children, grandchildren, and young friends. The aim of the short stories is to teach and encourage. Join Nick as his fictional character, Jimbo, grows up and meets many challenges. Jimbo will take you through 10 short stories that will help both child and parent through hard times such as bullying, studying, avoiding injuries, and many more. Nick’s background as a news and sports reporter, feature writer, and editor for nearly 40 years gives him the necessary training as a book writer, however, he never saw himself as a children’s book writer. Sometimes God has a different plan. You can purchase your own copies of Decisions, Decisions, and more Decisions directly from Nick by contacting him at:
schneider.nick@gmail.com or at one of the following:
Amazon USA Amazon Europe Amazon Kindle CreateSpace.
The Resurrection: By: Nick Schneider There is little debate that the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is history's most significant event. There have been many really important historical events over the centuries, but the raising of Christ from the dead stands in the forefront. This fact has generated heated discussion among the educated and the not so educated, among the rich and the poor, among those to know Christ and those who do not. Jesus claims during his earthly ministry are tested about himself in his statements of "Who do you say I am?" It all rests on whether Christ indeed rose from the dead or stayed in the stone grave. Some non-believers assert a risen Christ is nothing more than a leap of faith with little basis in truth. Some might even call it fantasy, fiction or an outright lie. However, when confronted with the facts, those who are intellectually honest with themselves must admit that the resurrection is an historical event based on proof and facts.
The Resurrection confirms that Jesus is who He claimed to be - the Son of God. Jesus Christ predicted His resurrection in Matthew 16:21 (NIV) when it reads, "From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life." Even though the disciples did not understand what Jesus was telling them at the time, they remembered His words and recorded them in what is now The Bible. The Rev. Bill Bright wrote, "Jesus made numerous appearances to His followers. He comforted the mourners outside His tomb on Sunday morning. On the road to Emmaus, He explained things about Himself from the Old Testament. Later, He ate in their presence and invited them to touch Him. Scripture records that Jesus was seen by more than 500 at one time. Some may argue that a few people could have agreed to a deception, but how can one
explain the collaboration of 500 people?" The resurrection was one of the most commonly mentioned themes in the preaching of the apostles. It was preached as a major proof for Jesus' claims. But it was also used to teach many other important lessons. If the resurrection was so important in the preaching of inspired men in the first century, surely it should be just as important in our preaching today. Rev. Bright also wrote, "The growth of the Christian church confirms the Resurrection. Peter's first sermon, which dealt with Christ's resurrection, stirred people to receive Him as their living Savior. Luke records the thrilling results in Act 2:41:
"That day there were added about three thousand souls." That group of believers has multiplied until now it reaches around the world. Today, there are hundreds of millions of believers." Perhaps the most powerful proof that Christ rose on that Resurrection Sunday morning is the testimony of the hundreds of millions of transformed lives through the centuries. In Romans 1:4, Jesus was declared to be the Son of God with power, ... 窶話y the resurrection from the dead'. The resurrection was preached to both Jews and Gentiles as a major proof of who Jesus is. Today, we need similar evidence to strengthen the faith of believers and also to answer the wild challenges of atheists, humanists, and evolutionists. Jesus claimed His resurrection would fulfill prophecy and proved Him to be the Christ predicted by Old Testament prophets. Jesus' many miracles were used to confirm that His teaching was from God and His claims were true. When a man claimed to have a message given to him directly by God, people needed some way to determine whether or
not this claim was true. If that man could perform acts that are impossible to do or understand by natural law, people would know God was really working through him and would believe his teaching. The power of this claim can be seen when we realize that no other major religion even claims the founder of their faith arose from the dead. No such claims are made by Judaism for Moses, nor by Islam for Mohammed, nor by Buddhists for Buddha. Because it would be so difficult to convince people it had been accomplished. But Jesus not only made the claim, He presents eyewitness testimony to convince honest people that it is true. In many ways, the resurrection of Jesus is the greatest miracle that ever occurred. Christ arose from the dead and remains alive. Through his power he has delivered so many from addictions. The risen Christ offers hope to those who think there is no hope. The Resurrection leaves no doubt that Christ was divine.
The Resurrection leaves no doubt that Christ has the power to forgive sin and wash us clean through his mercy and grace. Because of Resurrection Day, we can stand blameless in front of the risen Savior and allow us to proclaim that we are redeemed. The Bible asserts in 1 Corinthians 15:17, "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins." By rising from the dead, Jesus proved His authority and power to break the bonds of sin and to assure forgiveness and eternal life to all who accept His gift of salvation. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, it is written, if there is no resurrection of the dead, then our only reward for righteousness would have to come during this life. But if we believe Jesus died and rose again, then we should also believe that, when He returns, the dead will be raised and we will be with Him forever. For 40 days after His death and resurrection, Christ appeared many times to His followers. On one occasion, Jesus gathered His remaining
11 disciples on a mountain in Galilee and gave them what became known as The Great Commission. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always." After 40 days, Jesus rose skyward and disappeared into the clouds, leaving the disciples staring after Him in amazed wonder. What had they seen? What had they witnessed? What did it all mean? The ascension of Christ was the final act of redemption. The mission from his heavenly Father was completed, Jesus Christ was exalted to His former glory. One cannot deny that Jesus Christ shook the world in His day - even among those who did not believe. His life dramatically shaped the course of history in our time. Resurrection is the basis for our Christ faith -- Jesus Christ was born to a young virgin girl, he died on the cross and on the third day he rose from
the death so we might have eternal life. Those who persecuted Jesus and sentenced him to a humble and painful death on the cross thought on that Friday afternoon that the teachings of this young preacher man were going to be extinguished. Oh, they were so wrong! His teaching and the faith that have been formed over the years are alive and well on this day. The Resurrection is the final proof that Jesus Christ is who He claimed to be. We can all shout for joy every Resurrection Sunday, as we know as Easter Sunday, and proclaim loudly that "God's Not Dead. He's alive. The stone has been rolled away from the cave tomb. I savor the victory of Christ through his resurrection and in the words of teacher and prophet Dr. Johnnie Blount, "Now, it is crucial for us to think, believe and say what The Word has already said about us and our circumstances, that we are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus. To Christians, Jesus' resurrection is important, not just because it proves to us who He is, but also because it
is the basis for the hope of our own eternal reward! Be blessed.
We are asking for your prayers and involvements for our upcoming " Faith Gospel and Healing Festivals " from April th
th
17 - 19 , 2015. We will be conducting a Youth Conference and Pastors and Leadership Conferences. We are believing for many souls to be saved, many healings and the signs of the Holy Spirit to manifest. We need your help too to meet all the crusade and conference budget for the Kingdom expansion. Please ask us for any details at: jagministries28@gmail.com or at +91 990 873 1677. Regards. Kumar Raju Komannapalli www.jagministries.org You can hear Pastor Kumar at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5E_LARteYuU
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You can find Kimberly’s books on Amazon.com Get these books while they are still available! You will enjoy them, and they will touch your life!
Minister and Author, Kimberly Miller, has a powerful testimony of the healing and delivering power of God. Kimberly desires to touch lives everywhere she goes. Her love for truth and candid personality has led many to their path of freedom in Christ! Kimberly lives in the Midwest with her husband, Gary, and her two daughters, Briana and Brooke.
LOVE CONNECTION by: Lesa Childress & Jamie Ward
One Woman
– pregnant, broken, addicted to meth, homeless, and alone. Another
woman - barren, broken, addicted to bitterness, empty, and alone. Two impossible stories -no different from the many found in the pages of God’s own. Beginnings deemed hopeless and sad as the odds continued to be stacked only to be concluded by God’s grace with immeasurably more than could have been thought or asked. What does it look like when God’s hand reaches down into a broken world, picks up a broken person and rescues them from their broken life? God’s hand is so big that if He picks up one broken person, He can’t help but pick up several. Our lives are purposed to change the lives of those around us; the day that we received that touch from God is the very day others received their promise. God has begun a Love Connection as others wait in expectancy for our story--they may not know yet--but our life that was just changed has ultimately changed theirs.
Go to: Facebook/LoveConnectionTheBook or Amazon.com to order your book now!
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Dr. Larry Ollison’s book, The Power of Grace, has given the reader a clear understanding of what Grace really is. Grace is not only Salvation for the sinner and forgiveness for the Christian, but also guidance for our daily lives. Grace is presented with Old and New Testament backup from the writings of the prophets and the words of Jesus and the apostles. Instead of teaching that grace is a license to sin, Dr. Ollison has presented grace as the power to save us from sin and to keep us from sinning.
Downloadable Product - ISBN: 9781606836675 Harrison House Publishers, Tulsa, Oklahoma USA
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