In Luke’s Gospel account of the crucifixion of Jesus, he records some of the conversation between the "two thieves" who were crucified along with Jesus. One blasphemes and mocks Jesus (Luke 23:39) while the other comes to believe in Him. (Luke 23:40)
Two thieves, aware of their crimes and their guilt and just as aware of His innocences. (Luke 23:41) Two thieves, in the same proximity of Jesus - at the same time - hearing and observing the same things - arrived at two different conclusions. One thief verbally rejects Jesus for what He would not do, give into Satan and save himself and them; the other thief comes to a belief in Jesus for what He did do, die willingly a sacrificial death for all who would believe. (Luke 23:42) These two thieves represent the struggle for mans heart and soul still today. One willing to believe while the other, denies Jesus right up to his last breath on the cross.
Luke goes on to record the salvation of the thief who believed at death’s door. “Lord remember me when you come into Your kingdom." To which Jesus responded, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in “Paradise.” (Luke 23:42-43) Confirming there is life after death in Heaven (paradise) for all who believe. Which now begs the question, "What if I don't believe?" Well, just assuredly as there is a heaven, there is also a hell. (Matthew 13:42) And if all one has to do to go to heaven is believe in Jesus - then all one has to do to spend eternity in hell is not believe in Jesus. (John 3:36)
End your fear of death today and be ready to move on with peace in your heart. How? The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans, "if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)
The Truth
"He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (John 3:18)
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Monday, March 25, 2013
Christ - The First Fruits
The death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ are fundamental to Christianity. If Christ did not rise from the dead, then there is no victory over sin - no victory over the grave - no hope in life after dead - the Bible itself then is a lie - and our faith is in vain. However, the scriptures not only predict and record the death of Jesus but, they also predict and record His burial and resurrection.
The death of Jesus Christ was predicted in the OT in Isaiah 53:5-6 in about 500‘s B.C., and recorded in the NT gospels. (Matt.27:35; Mark 15:24; Luke 23:33; John 19:18) His crime was, He claimed to be the Son of God. An accusation He did not recount even after a very brutal scourging. Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins, to pay the penalty that our sins deserved.
The burial of Jesus Christ was prophesied in Isaiah 53:9 and recorded (among others) in the gospel of Matthew 27:57-61 - His resurrection prophesied in Psalm 16:9-10, recorded in the gospels and again in 1 Corinthians 15:5-8. In these verses, the Apostle Paul records a list of the eyewitnesses of the resurrection - Peter, the twelve disciples, over 500 brethren in Galilee, James (the half brother of Jesus), all the Apostles and then Paul himself. These all remained united in their testimony as to the resurrection, even unto death. (violent)
Therefore, since Christ is risen from the dead, He has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. It was by man that death first came into the world, through Adam to all men. But, praise be to God, who sent His Son into the world as a Man, in order to undo the work of the first man. (John 3:16) Thus, by the Man Christ Jesus, came the resurrection from the dead and the hope of eternal life.
This is not however, a universal salvation to all men from death. Adam and Jesus Christ are presented as federal heads, this means they acted for other people. All who are descended from Adam die, so in Christ all shall be made alive. (1 Corinthians 15:23) Meaning, only believers in Jesus Christ will be raised from the dead to dwell forever with Him.
So how then are we to live? The apostle Paul says, “If the dead do not rise, let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” (1 Corinthians 15:32) He testifies here that - if there is no resurrection - we all would be better off by making the most out of life. However, since Christ has risen, Paul suggests we should not spend our lives on passing interests. We must live for “then” (resurrection) not for “now.” (pleasures)
The Truth
"Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh will also rest in hope. For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption." (Psalm 16:9-10)
The death of Jesus Christ was predicted in the OT in Isaiah 53:5-6 in about 500‘s B.C., and recorded in the NT gospels. (Matt.27:35; Mark 15:24; Luke 23:33; John 19:18) His crime was, He claimed to be the Son of God. An accusation He did not recount even after a very brutal scourging. Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins, to pay the penalty that our sins deserved.
The burial of Jesus Christ was prophesied in Isaiah 53:9 and recorded (among others) in the gospel of Matthew 27:57-61 - His resurrection prophesied in Psalm 16:9-10, recorded in the gospels and again in 1 Corinthians 15:5-8. In these verses, the Apostle Paul records a list of the eyewitnesses of the resurrection - Peter, the twelve disciples, over 500 brethren in Galilee, James (the half brother of Jesus), all the Apostles and then Paul himself. These all remained united in their testimony as to the resurrection, even unto death. (violent)
Therefore, since Christ is risen from the dead, He has become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. It was by man that death first came into the world, through Adam to all men. But, praise be to God, who sent His Son into the world as a Man, in order to undo the work of the first man. (John 3:16) Thus, by the Man Christ Jesus, came the resurrection from the dead and the hope of eternal life.
This is not however, a universal salvation to all men from death. Adam and Jesus Christ are presented as federal heads, this means they acted for other people. All who are descended from Adam die, so in Christ all shall be made alive. (1 Corinthians 15:23) Meaning, only believers in Jesus Christ will be raised from the dead to dwell forever with Him.
So how then are we to live? The apostle Paul says, “If the dead do not rise, let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” (1 Corinthians 15:32) He testifies here that - if there is no resurrection - we all would be better off by making the most out of life. However, since Christ has risen, Paul suggests we should not spend our lives on passing interests. We must live for “then” (resurrection) not for “now.” (pleasures)
The Truth
"Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh will also rest in hope. For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption." (Psalm 16:9-10)
Thursday, March 21, 2013
"Crucify Him"
“So he (Pilate) delivered Him (Jesus) to them (the chief priests) to be crucified. So they took Jesus and led Him away.” (John 19:16)
Death by Roman crucifixion was a result of the whole body weight being supported by the stretched arms of the victim. When nailed to the cross, there was a massive strain put on the wrists, arms and shoulders often resulting in a dislocation of the shoulder and elbow joints. The rib cage was constrained in a fixed position, which made it extremely difficult to exhale, and impossible to take a full breath. The victim would continually try to draw himself up by his feet to allow for inflation of the lungs enduring terrible pain in his feet and legs. The pain in the feet and legs would become so unbearable, that the victim was forced to trade breathing for pain and eventually die of suffocation. The length of time required to die from crucifixion could range from hours to a number of days.
The punishment of Roman crucifixion was chiefly inflicted on slaves and the worst kind of criminals. Crucifixion was considered a most shameful and disgraceful way to die and condemned Roman citizens were usually exempt from crucifixion. The manner and process of crucifixion was that after the criminal had been scourged and sentence had been pronounced, he carried his cross to the place of execution, which was just outside the city. (John 19:17) The criminal was next stripped of his clothes and nailed or bound to the cross. Before the nailing to the cross took place, a medicated cup of vinegar mixed with gall and myrrh (the sopor) was given, for the purpose of deadening the pangs of the sufferer. (Mark 15:23)
Roman Crucifixion was typically carried out by specialized teams, consisting of a commanding centurion and four soldiers. It was common to leave the body on the cross after death. However, it sometimes became necessary to break the legs of the criminal (as mentioned of the thieves in the Gospels) because Jewish law expressly forbid bodies to remain on the cross during the Sabbath-day.
Jesus died this death for you and for me, that we might have forgiveness of sin - through His atonement. But the best is yet to come - He Is Risen.
The Truth
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
Death by Roman crucifixion was a result of the whole body weight being supported by the stretched arms of the victim. When nailed to the cross, there was a massive strain put on the wrists, arms and shoulders often resulting in a dislocation of the shoulder and elbow joints. The rib cage was constrained in a fixed position, which made it extremely difficult to exhale, and impossible to take a full breath. The victim would continually try to draw himself up by his feet to allow for inflation of the lungs enduring terrible pain in his feet and legs. The pain in the feet and legs would become so unbearable, that the victim was forced to trade breathing for pain and eventually die of suffocation. The length of time required to die from crucifixion could range from hours to a number of days.
The punishment of Roman crucifixion was chiefly inflicted on slaves and the worst kind of criminals. Crucifixion was considered a most shameful and disgraceful way to die and condemned Roman citizens were usually exempt from crucifixion. The manner and process of crucifixion was that after the criminal had been scourged and sentence had been pronounced, he carried his cross to the place of execution, which was just outside the city. (John 19:17) The criminal was next stripped of his clothes and nailed or bound to the cross. Before the nailing to the cross took place, a medicated cup of vinegar mixed with gall and myrrh (the sopor) was given, for the purpose of deadening the pangs of the sufferer. (Mark 15:23)
Roman Crucifixion was typically carried out by specialized teams, consisting of a commanding centurion and four soldiers. It was common to leave the body on the cross after death. However, it sometimes became necessary to break the legs of the criminal (as mentioned of the thieves in the Gospels) because Jewish law expressly forbid bodies to remain on the cross during the Sabbath-day.
Jesus died this death for you and for me, that we might have forgiveness of sin - through His atonement. But the best is yet to come - He Is Risen.
The Truth
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
By His Stripes - We Are Healed
"So, Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released to them Barabbas; but Jesus he scourged and delivered to be crucified." - Mark 15:15
The Romans would, according to custom, scourge a condemned criminal before he was put to death. The Roman scourge, also called the "flagrum" or "flagellum" was a short whip made of two or three leather (ox-hide) thongs or ropes connected to a handle. The leather thongs were knotted with a number of small pieces of metal, zinc, iron or heavy indented pieces of bronze. Bone was often added to help rip off the skin. Sometimes the Roman scourge contained a hook at the end and was given the terrifying name "scorpion."
The criminal was lashed to a flogging post which would help the "lictors" make deeper cuts into the shoulders, waist and legs. According to Jewish law (discipline of the synagogue) the number of stripes was forty less one (Deut. 25:3) however, scourging among the Romans was a more severe form of punishment and there was no legal limit to the number of blows, as with the Jews.
Deep lacerations, torn flesh, exposed muscles and excessive bleeding would leave the criminal "half-dead." Death was often the result of this cruel form of punishment though it was necessary to keep the criminal alive to be brought to public subjugation on the cross. Therefore, the Centurion in charge would order the "lictors" to halt the flogging when the criminal was near death.
The severe scourging of Jesus (1 Peter 2:24), with its intense pain and appreciable blood loss, most probably left Him in a pre-shock state. The physical and mental abuse meted out by the Jews and the Romans, as well as the lack of food, water, and sleep, also contributed to His generally weakened state. Therefore, even before the actual crucifixion, Jesus' physical condition was at the very least serious and possibly critical. (Isaiah 50:6)
After the scourging, the Roman soldiers began to mock him by placing a robe on his shoulders, a crown of thorns on his head, and a wooden staff as a scepter in his right hand. Next, they spat on Jesus and struck him on the head with the wooden staff which made Him, unrecognizable. (Isaiah 52:14)
This voluntary, loving act was only the beginning of the pain He would endure for us, as the cross still awaits Him.
The Truth
"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all." - (Isaiah 53:5-6)
Friday, March 15, 2013
Speak With Grace
"Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so you will know how you should respond to each person." (Colossians 4:6)
The older I get, the more I see the value of this great truth. That in our speech, we should always come from a position of peace. The Bible tells us that, "a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Proverbs 15:1) There's just something about a person who is filled with grace. Not only does it manifest itself in their continence but, it also comes out in their voice. Conversely, one who is not filled with grace can be just the opposite and very difficult to communicate with.
In the text above, the apostle Paul is also indicating that our speech should have some seasoning (salt) to it. Meaning, what we say is just as important as how we say it. Again, the Bible tells us that, "The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable." (Proverbs 15:2) Therefore, our words should be spoken in knowledge and presented in such a way as to be easily taken in, accepted - more flavorful if you will. In this way, we can create a more harmonious exchange that is less likely to blow out of proportion.
Finally, Paul tells us that if we follow this pattern, we will know how to respond - He doesn't say that we will win the day - just that we will know how to respond. And in the end, that is all we need do....along with praying that our speech creates a thirst to hear more, to seek additional council and a desire for His spirit in those we speak with grace too.
The Truth
"Walk in a manner worthy of the calling which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love." (Ephesians 4:1-2)
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Senior Saints
As a young boy, I spent a great deal of time with my grandparents as they lived just across the street. I can remember spending the night in their home on many occasions. My grandmother was a little Irish woman with a big heart who served others before herself. She was a real prayer warrior and I am sure she prayed for me and my brothers often. I can remember spending time with her playing canasta, dominos, gin rummy and watching wrestling, roller derby and the Price is Right. But mostly, just spending time with her.
There is so much to be said for, patriarchal leadership in the body of Christ. Senior saints have so much to offer younger people, especially in the ways the Lord has worked in their lives. Just spending time together can be beneficial for both and can bring the body of Christ much closer, while knitting the Church together. I recently introduced myself to an elder saint at Church and spent about 20 minutes just talking with him about some of his life experiences. When our conversation was completed, we were both blessed by the experience and a true kinship had attached.
Solomon writes in Proverbs 16:31, "The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness." There is no substitute for experience. Those who are, "full of days in the Lord", have had many victories and times of struggle to share. I think of my own life and how I have matured in Christ - as a result of God's chastening and instruction over the years - and have come to realize,
I have plenty to share as well. How about you? Young or old, I pray our Lord brings someone new into your life. Someone you can pour into or that can mentor you as, "iron sharpens iron."
The Truth
"Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come." (Psalm 71:18)
There is so much to be said for, patriarchal leadership in the body of Christ. Senior saints have so much to offer younger people, especially in the ways the Lord has worked in their lives. Just spending time together can be beneficial for both and can bring the body of Christ much closer, while knitting the Church together. I recently introduced myself to an elder saint at Church and spent about 20 minutes just talking with him about some of his life experiences. When our conversation was completed, we were both blessed by the experience and a true kinship had attached.
Solomon writes in Proverbs 16:31, "The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness." There is no substitute for experience. Those who are, "full of days in the Lord", have had many victories and times of struggle to share. I think of my own life and how I have matured in Christ - as a result of God's chastening and instruction over the years - and have come to realize,
I have plenty to share as well. How about you? Young or old, I pray our Lord brings someone new into your life. Someone you can pour into or that can mentor you as, "iron sharpens iron."
The Truth
"Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come." (Psalm 71:18)
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