MARCH 2015
In this issue
8
6 3
What the Resurrection Gives Us charles r. swindoll
6 Off Limits steve johnson
What are the Keys to Answered Prayer?
11
11 Not Buying Into the Hype robyn roste 14 The Gist: Connecting the Dots steve johnson
8 Our Journey to the Cross easter reading plan
Insights is published by Insight for Living Canada, the Bible-teaching ministry of Charles (Chuck) R. Swindoll. Chuck is the senior pastor-teacher of Stonebriar Community Church in Texas. His international radio program Insight for Living has aired for more than 35 years. We hope this publication will instruct, inspire, and encourage you in your walk with Christ. Copyright Š 2015 Insight for Living Canada. All rights reserved. No portion of this monthly publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the publisher. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture passages are taken from the NLT. Unless otherwise noted, photography and illustration by Laura Vanderwel. IFLC is an autonomous ministry and certified member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities. Printed in Canada.
What The
RESURRECTION
Gives us by charles r. swindoll
W
hen I was growing up in Houston, our family lived across the street from a widow named Mrs. Roberts. Her husband had recently died from a sudden heart attack. Alone, afraid, and facing an unknown future, her grief knew no bounds. In the weeks that followed the funeral, my mother watched Mrs. Roberts leave the house every day to visit the grave of her husband. Each day as she left her lonely home for the cemetery, her despair deepened. You see, our neighbour was a fine, morally upright woman—but she had no personal relationship with Jesus. Over the years, my mother had attempted to reach her with the Gospel, but Mrs. Roberts was never particularly receptive. And because she had no hope in Christ, she had no hope in His resurrection, no hope of any happiness in life, and certainly no hope of an eternal, peaceful home in heaven. I’ll never forget the day my mother said to me, “Charles, I want you to pray that Mrs. Roberts’ heart will be open to what I have to say.” And within a few minutes, she made her way across the street with a batch of warm cookies and a pitcher of lemonade. That very afternoon, Mrs. Roberts listened to the good news of Christ and embraced the truth: because Jesus rose from the dead, death has no claim to any final victory. But Christ—and those who believe in Him—will live forever. Stop for a moment and think about this: What if Jesus’ resurrection was a fraud? What, then, is the meaning of your fleeting life on earth? As Mrs. Roberts looked back on her delightful years with her husband—years that ended so suddenly, so confusingly to What the Resurrection Gives Us continued from p. 3
her—she had no answer. And her futile graveside outings only further deepened her hopelessness. Let’s face it. If Jesus didn’t arise that first Easter morning, lay aside His burial wrappings, and leave the tomb to walk among those who loved Him, nothing really matters. Let me write that another way. If Jesus didn’t come back, alive, from the dead or if His resurrection was a hoax, then nothing—absolutely nothing—has any meaning at all. Any blessing we enjoy will come to a sudden, heartbreaking end. Any good work we accomplish will either decay or quickly become obsolete. When our life has passed—a mere twinkling of a moment when compared to the eons before and after us—any impact we leave will be washed away like footprints in wave-washed sand. Furthermore, we waste our time trusting in and praying to some strange, dead Saviour. The Apostle Paul wrote it this way: If Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless. And we apostles would all be lying about God—for we have said that God raised Christ from the grave. But that can’t be true if there is no resurrection of the dead. And if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins. In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost! And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world. (1 Corinthians 15:14–19)
© stocksy.com woman
How pointless our belief would be in a dead Lord! How futile to trust a lying God! How fleeting is any happiness or any meaningful future or any hope that only ends with death! On the other hand, because Christ has indeed risen, we have every reason to live well, to worship God, and to savour the blessings we enjoy today. Why? Because these earthly blessings are only a taste of so much more to come. What does the resurrection give us? I suppose the benefits are many, but for now, let me mention only two: First, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is our promise that the life we live is not in vain. We have significance both temporally and eternally. Our lives have purpose beyond the 80-or-so years we spend on earth because the living God has promised us that our investments in eternity will not return empty. Second, because Jesus conquered death and because of our faith in Him, we now anticipate victory over the grave. Jesus’ triumph over death gives us the courage to endure all temporal tragedies and the wisdom to relish every earthly delight. His victory over the final evil, death, assures us that nothing is too dead for Him to revive. So whatever our circumstances, we can be confident that better days are coming. Furthermore, we have no fear of our own death! Mrs. Roberts embraced this truth the day my mother returned with an empty pitcher and a full heart. But the widow’s trips to the cemetery didn’t stop. Instead, her reason for going changed. In her many gravesite visits, she had noticed other people weeping over and talking to cold stones, trying in
“If Jesus didn’t arise that first Easter morning, lay aside His burial wrappings, and leave the tomb to walk among those who loved Him,
NOTHING REALLY MATTERS.”
vain to cling to the relationships they once enjoyed. She understood their despair… but now she held a truth they desperately needed to hear and believe. With her little New Testament and a few well-chosen words, this transformed woman comforted mourners as they wept, then offered them the very message that had given her life meaning and hope: Jesus Christ rose from the dead! Strange as it may sound, she became a “cemetery evangelist”! In place of despair, she now had hope…enough hope to share with many others the rest of her life. And that’s our hope, isn’t it? Jesus’ resurrection promises that we, too, will be resurrected one day…never to die again. Charles R. Swindoll serves as the senior pastor-teacher of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas.
5
OFF LIMITS T
his Easter, while commemorating Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, why not celebrate yours as well? Make it a part of every Easter. Even better still, make it a part of the rest of your life. Let me explain. One of the most impor-
steve johnson
tant truths of Scripture is one of the least understood by believers today. The consequence is we risk living as victims instead of victors. This came home to me again as I spoke to a long-time Christian friend. She revealed she was considering suicide
after a recent mistreatment stirred memories of a horrifically abusive childhood. Over the course of our conversation I shared two significant truths that helped change her perspective. The first truth, unpacked in Romans 6, is when Christ died, was buried, and rose from the dead, so did each and every believer—spiritually speaking. Although the effects were not applied until I received Christ as my Saviour, His death, burial, and resurrection were also mine. That is part of the result of being “in Christ.” This event in history 2,000 years ago has real, personal significance for me and for every Christian. In Romans 6, Paul points out one practical implication of our death and resurrection is sin's power over us is removed. The war with sin and Satan was won and any future battles are fought from the position of victory over a defeated foe. The second truth is one the Apostle John spells out in 1 John 5:18-19. He says the world (people who don’t know Christ) is under Satan’s rule and authority. However, John also says Satan cannot touch (control) believers in Christ. Because Jesus triumphed over Satan through the Cross, and we are in Christ, we are no longer under Satan's control, rule, or authority. We are off limits to him forever. Satan knows he can never reclaim us, but he still strives to steal glory from God by tempting us to sin and live in a defeated state. How does he do this? Knowing he cannot touch us, Satan uses his arsenal of lies, deceptions, and half-truths to snare, trip, and trap us so we fall. Think of it this way. Imagine a large field with a fence running through the middle. On one side is Satan and his kingdom of death and darkness. On the other side is Christ and His kingdom of life and light.
“SATAN KNOWS HE CAN NEVER RECLAIM US, BUT HE STILL STRIVES TO STEAL GLORY FROM GOD BY TEMPTING US TO SIN AND LIVE IN A DEFEATED STATE.” As believers, we have been transferred from darkness to light by the action of our omnipotent God. Even though this transfer is irreversible, Satan leans over the fence and whispers lies to us. Here are some of the usual lies. He tells us we are useless and worthless, says we’re unlovable and lost. He tells us God doesn't care, can't be trusted, isn't in control, has abandoned us, and our salvation isn’t real. When we start believing the lies, which was what my friend was doing, we stop fixing our eyes on Christ and we begin to falter. From here we fall into sin, despair, and sometimes even entertain thoughts of suicide. Knowing the truth, what Satan can and can’t do to us, gives us hope for everyday life. “And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.” (Romans 6:4). It’s in this hope we live and die with joyful confidence. This Easter, join me in celebrating Christ's death and resurrection by victoriously standing firm in the life brought about by our own death and resurrection in Him. Steve Johnson is the executive director at Insight for Living Canada.
Our Journey TO THE CROSS Easter Readings
T
he death and resurrection of Jesus is the most important event in all human history. Understanding its significance requires reading and reflection. This three-week reading plan will help you to better understand and appreciate these events as you prepare for Easter.
Week One Prediction and Preparation Day 1 God’s plan for our redemption began before the world was formed (Ephesians 1:4; Revelation 13:8). What is God’s purpose in saving you? Day 2 Christ the Lamb of God would be sacrificed (Isaiah 53:1-9; 1 Peter 2:23; Mark 15:27; Matthew 27:57-60). Not reviling in return, crucified with criminals, buried with the rich—how does knowing this was predicted approximately 700 years before it happened impact you? Day 3 Christ would be sacrificed and raised for our sins (Isaiah 53:4-6, 10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Read these verses replacing “we” and “our” with “me” and “my.” Day 4 Christ would suffer at the hands of the wicked (Psalm 22; Hebrews 2:9-12; John 20:25; John 19:33; Matthew 27:35; Luke 13:34). How does knowing God let Jesus suffer for a greater good help you understand your suffering? Day 5 Christ the Holy One would be raised (Psalm 16:10-11). Jesus endured suffering knowing He would be raised. How does that help you deal with your suffering? Day 6 Jesus prepares His disciples telling them He will suffer, die, and rise again (Matthew 12:39-40; 16:21; 20:17-19; Mark 8:31; 9:30-32; 14:27-28; John 2:18-22). How does expecting suffering help to deal with it?
Day 7 Jesus said He would leave but later return to earth in glory (John 13:31-14:3; 16:16-17, 28-29; Matthew 24:27-30; 27:6264). What is one thing Jesus said He would be doing for us while away from us?
Week Two Passion and Pain Day 1 Jesus prays for Himself, His disciples, and us (John 17). What does it mean to you that Jesus prayed for you? Day 2 Jesus prays anticipating violent death and is arrested (Matthew 26:36-56). How is Jesus’ submission to the Father’s will an example for you? Day 3 Jesus endures false accusations, punishment, and religious trials (John 18:12-14; Matthew 26:57-27:10). Why did the religious leaders want Jesus killed? Day 4 Jesus endures more accusations, punishments, and civil trials (Matthew 27:2, 11-30; Luke 23:6-12). How do these trials highlight the innocence of Jesus? Day 5 Jesus proceeds to Calvary (Luke 23:26-33; Mark 15:21) Comparing these verses to Romans 16:13 what impact might carrying Jesus’ cross have had on Simon of Cyrene?
Day 6 Jesus is crucified with criminals and dies (Matthew 27:35-56). Jesus was submissive to the Father to the very end. How do you respond in suffering? Day 7 Jesus is buried (John 19:31-42); the tomb is sealed (Matthew 27:62-66). What is the significance that Jesus was buried and the tomb sealed?
58). Why are we victors over sin and death by virtue of being raised with Christ? Day 4 Believers will be resurrected and given new bodies (1 Corinthians 15:35-53; 2 Corinthians 5:1-10; Romans 8:11; Colossians 3:4). What are some of the attributes of having a body like Christ’s resurrection body? Day 5 Believers have a mission to proclaim the Good News of redemption through Christ (Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 2:22-36; 2 Corinthians 5:11-21). Are there people in your life you need to share the Good News with?
Week Three Power and Proclamation Day 1 He is not here He is risen (Matthew 28:1-15; 1 Corinthians 15:1-9). How is your faith validated by Jesus’ resurrection? Day 2 Believers too have been raised (Romans 6:1-11; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 2:5-6; Colossians 3:1-3). What is the significance of being raised with Christ? Day 3 In Christ believers are no longer condemned and are victors over sin and death (Romans 8:1-17; 1 Corinthians 15:54-
Day 6 He is coming back as the conquering King (Matthew 24:30-44; Acts 1:1-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Jesus is already the victorious King although the world doesn’t see that. How is His kingship and kingdom present in your life now? Day 7 Believers will spend eternity glorified in His presence (Romans 8:18-25; 2 Corinthians 5:6-10). How does knowing this help you gain perspective for your life?
Insight for Living Canada began over 30 years ago when a Bible-study group in Vancouver decided to look into bringing Chuck Swindoll’s messages into Canada. For more visit insightforliving.ca/our-history
by robyn roste
I remember it like it was yesterday, driving home early January 1, 2000 and gazing at the empty streets and closed businesses. t seemed like a ghost town. Sure I knew I wasn’t witnessing the rapture in action or the end of the world. This was just a city recovering from millennium celebrations. So why was there a twinge of doubt in the back of my mind? My thoughts ranged from “Did Y2K really strike?” to “Why wasn’t I raptured with everyone else?” Silly as it sounds, I know I’m not the only one whose theology got muddled with the hype of yet another “the end is near” scare. Look at all the attention Harold Camping’s End of the World 2011 predictions received, even though he had already been discredited as a prophet. And what about the 2012 phenomenon? When the Long Count Mayan calendar ended on December 21, 2012 some people predicted Planet X or solar flares or an asteroid would destroy Earth. And this is despite the fact scientists said any of those catastrophes were impossible. The truth is end times and date setting is big business. People tend to have an emotional reaction when faced with frightening messages of doom and gloom and often their fear translates into large purchases lacking critical thought.
I
Not Buying Into the Hype continued from p. 11
But this is nothing new. In the 1950s Wisconsin Senator Joseph McCarthy rose to power and fame by capitalizing on America’s fear of communism. He made hundreds of unfounded accusations of politicians, business owners, and celebrities sympathizing with communist ideals. Thanks to what is now known as “McCarthyism,” many of these people lost their careers and livelihoods even if the accusations were later found to be false. McCarthyism reared its ugly head again after 9-11, when many Muslims were accused, arrested, detained, humiliated, and more without proof or cause. Even now there is a palpable distrust between people groups who differ religiously, politically, or racially. People are afraid to trust each other, lest they be fooled and terrorists strike again. So should we be surprised when the Harold Campings of the world step up to make wild, unfounded predictions and people buy it? With fear as the propelling force for decision-making, and critical thought and biblical knowledge lagging behind, the line between truth and fiction becomes irrelevant. In the face of these situations, how do we avoid getting swept up in the hype and losing ourselves to fear and doubt? The key to keeping your head is Bible knowledge. A good contrast to the hype of end times is Matthew 24—it’s encouraging to know even the disciples wondered when the end would come (verse 3). So what should our response be when people tell us the end is near? What about when people tell us it will happen on an exact date? More than once in the Bible Jesus
We live in a time where fact and fiction are confused with feelings. People believe what they feel over anything else.
warned against setting dates. Yet people continue to do so. Chuck Swindoll in his message More Seals Broken…More Lives Shaken and Taken says, “Let me give you a tip about that. Never follow a teacher who sets dates regarding prophecy. That person is not reliable. Jesus himself said not even angels know the precise moments. So believe me neither do we who are on this earth know the precise date or day.” Matthew 24:36 says no one knows when the end is. As well we can be assured that it will happen without warning (verses 40-44). Therefore, anyone who tries to tell us otherwise is incorrect. But this “not knowing” shouldn’t be something to fear. In fact, we’re told not to be afraid of the end. When we put our trust in the Lord and as we live in God, 1 John 4 tells us our love grows more perfect. And “such love has no fear
because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of judgment, and this shows that his love has not been perfected in us,” (1 John 4:18). When we are filled with God’s perfect love, there is no room for fear. We live in a time where fact and fiction are confused with feelings. People believe what they feel over anything else. In this light, it is more important than ever to remain rooted in God’s Word and in His love, so we will not be caught up in the hype of another prediction, or another impending disaster. We must not give into fear because, like Pastor John MacArthur says, “Our hope is not placed in the Antichrist. Our hope is placed in Jesus Christ.” And that’s not scary at all. Robyn Roste is the Media and Marketing manager at Insight for Living Canada.
by steve johnson
CONNECT THE DOTS What are the reference points for your life? How do you measure truth and meaning? Here are two essential reference points for life and truth, which is the focus of this issue of Insights.
1.
REFERENCE POINT OF REVELATION— God reveals truth in the Bible.
The article, Not Buying Into the Hype says don’t set end-time dates or follow those who do. Don’t believe the hype and give in to fear. Do know your Bible. Do hope in Christ.
delivered you from Satan’s rule. Meanwhile the whole world (those not in Christ) is in the grip of the evil one, Satan. The world is under his rule and authority (1 John 5:18-19). 2. Although you’re no longer under Satan's control, rule, or authority, it’s possible to listen to his lies and sin if you fail to recognize them as lies. Read: Romans 6:1-14; Ephesians 2:1-10; Colossians 2:8-15
Read: Matthew 24
Reflect: Do you know your Bible well enough to use it as a reference point for doctrine and recognizing Satan’s lies?
Off Limits outlines two great truths, which serve as reference points for your spiritual life and victory. 1. When Christ died, was buried, and rose from the dead (spiritually speaking) so did you and every believer. Christ
Respond: The best way to know the Bible is to read it. What are ways you can spend more time in the Word? Celebrate the truth of your own death and resurrection in Christ. Reference these truths help ward off Satan’s attacks and lies.
2.
REFERENCE POINT OF THE RESURRECTION—Jesus’ victory over death is our promise that life is not in vain.
"Do you know your Bible well enough to use it as a reference point for doctrine and recognizing Satan’s lies?"
In What the Resurrection Gives Us Chuck writes, “If Jesus didn’t come back, alive, from the dead or if His resurrection was a hoax, then nothing—absolutely nothing—has any meaning at all.”
Imagine eternity as a line with arrows on both ends:
Now imagine your life as a dot on the line: Read: 1 Corinthians 15:14-19 Reflect: What gives your life meaning? Are you living for the dot or the line? People who think horizontally—referring to life in this world—strive to find meaning through creativity and selfexpression, through interaction with the world and others, and through changing one’s perspective and attitude in the face of unchangeable circumstances. People who think vertically bring God and eternity into the equation. This is where the paradigm shifts. Even those things you pursue in order to find meaning must themselves be reframed in reference to an eternal context.
Because of the Resurrection your life is not a terminal dot. Instead it is a line, beginning in time and continuing forever. Respond: Spend your time by investing in things that will outlast this world, in knowing God, and in loving people. Use your talents for the applause of heaven. Invest in the work of the kingdom. Steve Johnson is the executive director at Insight for Living Canada.
MARCH FEAT U
RED R ESOURCE
Visit insightforliving.ca or view flyer for more details and to order your copy of When Life Isn't Fair.
JOIN US FOR AN
If you’re near Toronto or Ottawa please join us in May for a special dessert night with executive director Steve Johnson. We’ve planned an enjoyable evening of food, friends, and music. Our special guests are The SHIYR Poets headed by renowned singer/songwriter Brian Doerksen.
for details visit insightforliving.ca/ontario