Partakers Christian Podcasts

Easter 2015 - Part 10

Easter 2015

Part 10 of 10

Today we look at being empowered to be a committed disciple of Jesus Christ. The catalyst of this empowerment is the arrival of the Holy Spirit into the life of the new believer.

Throughout his ministry Jesus had talked about how after he departed, that the Holy Spirit would come (John 15:26). Jesus, Himself, said it would be better for him to go away and send the Holy Spirit to live in us (John 16:7). We know from the other writings in the New Testament who the Holy Spirit is and what his ministry is. The Holy Spirit’s prime role is that he will glorify Jesus Christ the Son of God, who is to be praised and glorified (John 16:13-14). He will testify (John 15:26) and be a witness for , Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8). Another part of His role is to be the paraclete or comforter. He is one called to stand alongside those who are followers of Jesus Christ (John 14:16).

Holy Spirit empowerment!

The Holy Spirit ministers to the Christian Disciple, in the same Jesus would if he were here in person. The Holy Spirit interprets and illuminates God’s Word to people (John 16:12-15; 1 Corinthians 2:10-16)! Moreover, He was sent to convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment (John 16:8). The Holy Spirit lives inside all those who call themselves a follow of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:9; Gal 2:20; Colossians 1:25-27) and He is their seal of assurance that they are now God’s possession (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:3). He enters the moment the person has been born again or become a follower/disciple of Jesus Christ.

All Christian Disciples are commanded to be filled with the Spirit and to keep on being filled with the Spirit! Being filled with the Spirit, in the biblical sense, means allowing the Holy Spirit’s to have control or domination of our lives. The imperative here is that we are to be filled (Ephesians 5:18), and go on being filled. He gives power to enable Christian Disciples to evangelise (Acts 1:8; 4:8, 31). It is he who is transforming the Christian Disciple into the likeness of Christ (2 Corinthians 7-18), as the Christian Disciples walks in, lives in, and are being led by the Spirit (Galatians. 5:16; Romans 8:13). It is he who equips us for service. God is working in you to will and to act accordingly to his purpose (Philippians 2:13) and to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8). It is He who equips Christian Disciples for service through the giving of spiritual gifts. Where people’s lives become more holy and more like Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 12:3; 2 Corinthians 13:7), which is the greatest evidence of the Spirit’s work.

The greatest evidence for the power of the Holy Spirit is not by way of signs and wonders and tongues, healings or other miracles. The greatest evidence that you have the Holy Spirit living inside you, controlling you and of you being submitted to Him is by being continually transformed into the very image of Jesus Christ. Transformed by allowing yourself to be so intimate with Jesus Christ, that people will notice you have changed and will ask you why! Being filled with the Spirit is allowing yourself to be continually controlled by Him and exercising His will, power and authority. That is one of the reasons the early church grew phenomenally and why the church is still here 2000 years later. The Pharisees and Sadducees are long gone. The Roman Empire collapsed. But… But… But… Jesus’ church still stands, is still growing, and will one day be joined with Jesus in eternity, to the praise, honour and glory of Him who will return!

How are Christians empowered by the Holy Spirit?

Paul writing in 1 Corinthians 12:1, 4-7 “Now about spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant. … There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”

When Jesus said to His apostles “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:12), it was through the promised Holy Spirit (John 14:17), and impartation of Spiritual Gifts, that His words were fulfilled.

Part of the empowerment in the life of a Christian is to enable them to serve – serve God and serve others. In order to be enabled to serve, the Holy Spirit gives to all Christian disciples “spiritual gifts.” The term “Spiritual Gift” derives from the Greek word ‘Charismata’. They are also called grace gifts, which may refer to any gift God gives out of the abundance of His grace and are given to all Christians as God sees fit (1 Corinthians 12:11). There are four main passages in the New Testament regarding Spiritual Gifts. These are Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-10, 28-31; Ephesians 4:11-12 and 1 Peter 4:10-11. The lists of gifts, given in the New Testament are representative of spiritual gifts and are not to be taken as a conclusive listing. The gifts quoted in various passages of the New Testament are: “administration, apostle, discernment, evangelism, exhortation giving, faith, healing, helps, knowledge, leadership, mercy, miracles, pastor, prophecy, service, teaching, tongues, tongues interpretation, wisdom.” As Christian Disciples however, Paul commands that we “try to excel in gifts that build up the church.” (1 Corinthians 14:12). When the church is built up, unity will inevitably prevail. The diversity of Spiritual gifts within each local church helps build unity.

All Christian Disciples have Spiritual Gifts, for “in his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.” (Romans 12:6) God the Holy Spirit, through His infinite wisdom, mercy and grace bestows these gifts that belong to Him, upon His servants, Christian Disciples, and these gifts are to be used primarily to bring glory to Jesus Christ! (1 Peter 4:11). They are opportunities for Christian Disciples to serve other people. Some gifts like teaching, helping or leadership quite possibly are enhancements of natural abilities whilst others like faith, healing and miracles are from the Spirit’s empowerment alone.

The reason that the Holy Spirit imparts spiritual gifts to Christian Disciples is so that the body of Christ is built up (Ephesians 4:12), for the common good of the church (1 Corinthians 12:7, 14:12) and “so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 4:12). These three reasons signify that God wants Christian Disciples to be active in service and not still like stagnant water. That is why we have been given gifts. If these gifts are not used for God’s purposes, then they are meaningless. So, what is an appropriate response by Christian Disciples in relation to these gifts?

As the Bible is primary to spiritual growth and understanding, the Christian Disciple needs to study God’s word diligently, enhancing the relationship and building bonds. Then the Christian Disciple needs to pray and ask in deep prayer and cogitation. Thirdly by asking the advice and wisdom of the leaders in the church we attend or from friends who know you well. Lastly, it is also through asking questions of your self. What do I enjoy? What am I good at? If God blesses what you are doing and it is fruitful, you may have discovered an area where your gifting lies!

As Christian Disciples, we are dependent upon each other, just as one part of the human body has dependence on another part. That is why we serve each other and use the gifts generously given by God. As all Christian Disciples have gifts, we have a responsibility to discover and develop them (1 Timothy 4:14)! God has called Christian Disciples and equipped them with spiritual gifts, and they are not to be neglected! We are to discover, discern, develop and put into effect our spiritual gifts, so that God can be glorified and His church built up!

As we are not to neglect our gifts, or let other Christian Disciples neglect their gifts, we are to fan the gift into flame (2 Timothy1:6). Much like blowing on embers and stirring them up will restart the flames of a fire! To do this Christian Disciples are to employ the gift faithfully and by asking God to continue their development, strengthening and opportunities to use them! Seek gifts that build up others, commands Paul (1 Corinthians 14:1-12). Ask God faithfully for gifts that give opportunity for service to God and others!

A Warning!

The Holy Spirit can also be grieved or quenched! Mainly this is when the Holy Spirit is not allowed to do the work He wants to do within the life of a follower or disciple of Jesus Christ. But I am also persuaded, that it occurs a lot in churches today, where churches in a town seem to be almost in competition with each other.

One church will say we do this and that’s the Holy Spirit way, and your church can’t possibly be a true church because you aren’t doing things the same way as us. As we have seen, all Christians have spiritual gifts, or charismata, so therefore all Christians and churches are charismatic. That makes a mockery of the labels we place on churches: for example “we are a Charismatic Church”

Oh how the Holy Spirit is limited in our generation and put into boxes and labelled, by those who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit works in quiet ways as well as spectacular ways. We only have to look at the variety of churches in the New Testament letters. The Holy Spirit is working in every church in some capacity, because the Holy Spirit lives within each individual Christian!

So to say a particular church is a Holy Spirit church and that others aren’t, is surely grieving the Spirit and limiting His work. The Holy Spirit works in different people and different churches as the requirements change. The Holy Spirit manifests Himself in different ways, and the way He is working in you, may just be completely different to the way He is working in somebody else. The way the Holy Spirit is working in your church, may well not be the way He is working in another church. Each person and each church has differing needs, outlooks, personality, temperament and desires – the Holy Spirit knows best how to operate within each one. , So let us let Him get on with the job, and we get on with job of showing we can work together as a united body of believers to world that needs the influence of the Holy Spirit.

Be empowered. Be going for Jesus. Be telling others and showing others of the incredible love Jesus Christ has for all people. Remember, Jesus already has all the supremacy and authority – so let us, as His followers and disciples, avail ourselves of Him! Be empowered by the Holy Spirit who lives inside you, changing your heart from a house to a home fit for a king. . Thank you.

Play or download the mp3 to hear more about this fascinating man, Jesus Christ and the events of Easter!

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Way of Wisdom - 7 April 2015

Way of Wisdom

with Regina Sanders

Chesed - Loving Kindness

Welcome! Thank you for being with me today for The Way of Wisdom with Regina Sanders. This week we are going to explore Chesed, or loving kindness.

Love is the single most powerful and necessary component in life. We were created to be connected to others. When God created Adam He said, "It is not good for man to be alone." Love is the origin and foundation of all human interactions..."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. Love is both, giving and receiving. Love allows us to reach above and beyond ourselves. It allows us to experience another person and to allow that person to experience us. It is the tool by which we learn to experience the highest reality, God.

Healthy love must always include an element of discipline. A degree of distance and respect for the other. An assessment of the person's capacity to contain your love. Love must be tempered and directed properly. Ask a parent who in the name of love has spoiled his child; or someone who suffocates their spouse with love and doesn't allow her any space of her own...Love with discretion is necessary to avoid giving to those that don't deserve it.

There is love and there is beautiful love. True love includes empathy and compassion which makes it a beautiful love. Love is often fostered in expectation of reciprocity. Real love is expressed even when one gets nothing in return; even when the other doesn't deserve love. "Tiferet" (Compassion) is giving also to those that have hurt you. It acknowledges the discipline of gevurah and says that, nevertheless, compassionate love calls for helping all.

Is my love enduring? Does it withstand challenges and setbacks? Ups and downs of life? How much am I ready to fight for the love I have? Does my love have spirit and valor?

You can get locked in love and unable to forgive your beloved or to bend or compromise your position. Use humility in love; the ability to rise above yourself and forgive or give in to the one you love just for the sake of love even if you're convinced that you're right. Arrogant love is not love.

For love to be eternal it requires bonding. A sense of togetherness which actualizes the love in a joint effort. An intimate connection, kinship and attachment, benefiting both parties. This bonding bears fruit; the fruit born out of a healthy union.

Mature love comes with and brings personal dignity. An intimate feeling of nobility and regality. Knowing your special place and contribution in this world. Any love that is debilitating and breaks the human spirit is no love at all. For love to be complete it must have the dimension of personal sovereignty.

Today, examine the love aspect of love. The expression of love and its level of intensity. Everyone has the capacity to love in their hearts. The question is if and how we actualize and express it.

Ask yourself questions such as:

• What is my capacity to love another person?
  
• Do I have problems with giving?
  
• Am I stingy or selfish?
  
• it difficult for me to let someone else in my life?
  
• Do I have room for someone else? Do I allow room for someone else?
  
• Am I afraid of my vulnerability, of opening up and getting hurt?
  
• How do I express love?
  
• Am I able to communicate my true feelings?
  
• Do I withhold expressing love out of fear of reaction? Or on the contrary: I often express too much too early. Do others misunderstand my intentions?
  
• Whom do I love?
  
• Do I only love those that I relate to and who relate to me?
  
• Do I have the capacity to love a stranger; to lend a helping hand to someone I don't know?
  
• Do I express love only when it's comfortable?
  
• Why do I have problems with love and what can I do about it?
  
• Does my love include the other aspects of chesed, of loving kindness, without which love will be distorted and unable to be truly realized.?
• Is my love disciplined enough?
  
• Do others take advantage of my giving nature?
  
• Am I hurting anyone by becoming their crutch in the name of love?
  
• Am I hurting my children by forcing upon them my value system because I love them so?
  
• Do I respect the one I love or is it a selfish love?
  
• Am I sensitive to his feelings and attitudes?
  
• Do I see my beloved as an extension of myself and my needs?
  
• In my love, is there as much emphasis on the one I love and his ability to contain my love as there is on me and my giving?
  

Rain is a blessing only because it falls in drops that don't flood the fields. Help someone on their terms not on yours. Apply yourself to their specific needs even if fit takes effort. Offer a helping hand to a stranger. Do something that takes fight for a loved one.


Does love humble me? Am I arrogant notwithstanding - or sometimes, because I have the capacity to love? Do I realize that the ability to love comes from a greater, higher place; from God? And knowing that shouldn't I enter into any love with total humility, recognizing the great privilege of being able to love. Do I realize that through love I receive more than I give? Do I appreciate the one I love for this? Swallow your pride and reconcile with a loved one you have quarreled with.

Start building something constructive together with a loved one. Highlight an aspect in your love that has bolstered your spirit and enriched your life - and celebrate.

To hear how Regina is helping you today from these Scriptures, please do download the mp3 using the links below or play the audio file! Come on in! Then please do make a comment to Regina using the comments section below...


Please join me next week for The Way of Wisdom with Regina Sanders. God bless you!

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Easter 2015 - Part 9

Easter 2015

Part 9 of 10

Hallmarks of Following Jesus

Today we are going to look briefly at what a Christian Disciple is and then look briefly at what the goal of being a Christian Disciple should be!

1. What is a Disciple?

Before He ascended, Jesus commanded ”God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:18-20).

In these verses Jesus commanded his Disciples to go and make other disciples. In order to fulfil this command, He assigned the three tasks of going, baptizing and teaching as obligatory activities of daily life. Baptism was symbolic of coming under the Lordship of the Trinitarian Godhead – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Baptism leads to teaching, which is a core part of disciple making. Teaching was not just to be an oral activity, but an activity of helping everyone, particularly the weakest. These instructions to Jesus’ Disciples are just as applicatory to us today. Some people today think that going to church makes them a Christian Disciple! But going to church doesn’t make you a Christian Disciple, than going to Kentucky Fried Chicken once a week makes you a Christian Disciple!

The word ‘Christian’ means ‘a little Christ’. As Christians we are to be ‘little Jesus’, as it were. Key to our being as Jesus, is to be actively engaged in discipleship. Discipleship of Jesus means that Christians are to train, be trained, instruct and be instructed in the way of life Jesus showed. To listen to some Churches today, it is all about just believing and nothing to do with training, instruction and following Jesus’ way in life.  They have fallen into the belief, that belief is enough. They are being taught that church is all about having a high entertainment value. A disciple of Jesus Christ is not just somebody who believes in Him. Rather it is following Him and letting Him permeate every aspect of life. Church is not about entertainment as its primary goal, but rather it is about worshipping God with awe and majesty and learning how to follow Jesus more closely. That is why Jesus commands us to take up our cross daily.

The word Disciple derives from the Latin word discipulus, which itself is formed from the Greek word for pupil or learner, mathētēs. The New Testament uses this word not only of Jesus’ followers but also of those who followed Moses (John 9:28); the Pharisees (Mark 2:18); John the Baptist (Mark 11:2) and of Paul (Acts 9:25). Therefore a Christian Disciple in its base form is a follower of Jesus, or a learner of Jesus. A learner is a person who is undergoing constant life change and being transformed increasingly like Christ. A Disciple is somebody learning to be like Jesus in every facet of life, practising His presence with him or her and so engaging their life with Him so that He truly lives through them.

What is the primary mark of being a Disciple of Jesus Christ? It is that the Christian Disciple loving God totally and is loving people openly (Matthew 22:37-40). As Christian Disciples, we are called to remain in this world, and to be growing and maturing. Being a Disciple is not about how much you have of God, but rather how much of you, God has. That is a another mark of being a Christian Disciple – handing control of all aspects of life to Jesus, because in all things He has the supremacy and the authority! This is partly why the New Testament churches were seen as radical communities. They were places filled with people dedicated in every aspect of life to Jesus Christ and His total supremacy, authority and will. That is to be exhibited in the goal of all those who claim to be a follower and disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

2. The Goal!

I wonder what you think the goal of being a Disciple of Jesus Christ is? Praying a lot? Perhaps it is reading and memorizing the whole Bible? Doing lots of evangelism or doing lots of work for the church? As admirable as those things are, they are not the goal for a Disciple of Jesus Christ.

The Apostle John wrote in 1 John 2:3-6 “We know that we have come to know Jesus if we obey his commands. The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.”

The ultimate goal for any Christian Disciple is to be as John wrote in the passage I read earlier: to walk and live as Jesus did. That doesn’t mean walking around in sandals, wearing white clothes and traversing the terrain where Jesus Himself walked. The Apostle John means for us to be radical and holy, living lives worthy of that of Jesus, and in complete obedience to Him.

How can we be radical, obedient and holy? Jean Calvin said that denying oneself and relying on God for all things is the goal of the Christian life. This can only be attained by total submission to the Holy Spirit and living a life of constantly “dealing with God” in all matters and letting Jesus permeate every thought, attitude and action. Jesus already has all the authority and supremacy over every conceivable situation the Christian Disciple finds them selves in!

So as a Christian Disciple, you may as well allow Jesus to take control of the situation instead of worrying and trying to do it in your own strength! That is how Christian Disciples are to be radical and holy. That is how a Christian Disciple endeavours to reach the goal of being Jesus to others! This is done by a constant renewing of the mind (Ephesians 4:23), with a heart willing to be transformed by the Holy Spirit. It is by loving others in such a way, that the end of a Disciple’s generosity is only when the resources have expired. A Disciple must live and walk as Jesus did (1 John 2:6). There is no better way for a Disciple of Jesus Christ to fulfil this goal, than by imitating Jesus and obeying his command to “…take up your cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23). This is seen as a higher challenge for the mind! Dietrich Bonhoeffer extrapolates this further when he comments on Discipleship as a leading to death for all who follow Christ; either as a physical death or in being ostracized from the wider community.

For the first century Christians, just as in some parts of today’s world, systematic persecution and martyrdom was a reality, as evident in the story of Stephen (Acts 7:59). Yet it also means enduring suffering, for this is how a Christian Disciple maintains a “communion with Christ”. For it is through suffering, that we share with the crucified Jesus. The bitterness of our cross is made sweeter, the more we dwell on the sufferings of Jesus and our enabled fellowship with Him.

As Christian individuals, we are linked together in a Christian community through rebirth, and our relationship exists only through our relationship with Christ. There is no such thing as an individual member of the radical Christian community. Members are interdependent upon one another, bound by a corporate and inclusive personality. The church community is to be dynamic by nature, and individualism is oxymoronic and not coherent with New Testament teaching.

As we saw earlier, serving others, as Jesus did throughout his ministry, is to be part of the life of anybody who would call himself or herself a follower of Jesus Christ. It is one of the hallmarks of being a Christian. Another hallmark is that of allowing others to serve us, just as Peter had to allow Jesus to wash his feet. By both serving and being served, we reflect the life of Jesus Christ. When serving and being served are out of balance, then usually it is our own innate pride that is at fault.

But how were the early church and the first Christian Disciples so dynamic and effective? The answer in our final Podcast released tomorrow. Thank you!

Play or download the mp3 to hear more about this fascinating man, Jesus Christ and the events of Easter!

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Easter 2015 - Part 8

Easter 2015

Part 8 of 10

Jesus Ascends!

The Story continues

Last time we looked at the resurrection and how Jesus Christ was raised to life by God Father in the power of God the Holy Spirit! Before that, Jesus was forsaken on the cross as he bore the sins of the world – the sins of all history – past, present and future. God had to turn his back, and forsake His son, because God is holy and the Father couldn’t bear to look upon sin. So He had to forsake Him, abandon Jesus if you like. But it was never going to be a permanent forsaking or abandonment! Only a temporary abandonment and this was shown in the resurrection when Jesus came to life again! Think of when you were taken to your first day of school, and your parents left you behind. You were forsaken and abandoned by your parents then. But that was always also going to be a temporary abandonment as they came to collect you later on in that day.

So, as we have seen, the good news is that Jesus is still living. The rest of the four Gospels and the beginning of the book of Acts tell us a little more of what Jesus did before He ascended into the heavens.

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God. Luke 24:45-53

Jesus’ resurrection is the catalyst for the mission of the church, beginning with the disciples and throughout history. Jesus’ mission to earth is coming to an end and shortly He will be returning to the right hand of the Father. Before He does so though, He has some more words to say to His disciples.

Jesus’ Authority

Throughout the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus’ authority is a major theme. Let me read from Matthew 28:16-20

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Where Matthew records Jesus doing miracles, this is to highlight Jesus authority in action and not just merely in words. Matthew records Jesus’ authority to forgive sins (Matthew 9:6) and he imparted authority to his disciples for a short time when they went on a mission in Matthew 10. Jesus has authority (Matthew 28:18) over all things, all people, all circumstances and happenings. Jesus has authority over all spiritual beings, whether angels or demons. Jesus has authority over all nations, governments and rulers. Jesus has authority over all earthly and spiritual authorities. Jesus has the authority. This means regardless of what ever the Christian Disciple faces, Jesus is in control. Therefore, as Christian Disciples, we can obey him without fear of retribution from those who would seek to harm us. We can obey him regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in. It is a great comfort to know, that he is in control of everything!! Through his death on the cross and his rising from the dead, Jesus has conquered all enemies.

Now people sometimes confuse authority with authoritarian. Authoritarian means severe, rigidity and a dictator. None of these things apply to Jesus. We have been given a free will, but as his Disciples, we should choose to exercise our free will to obey him and live a life worthy of him. As the Christian depends on Jesus’ authority, the Christian Disciple gains wisdom, guidance, and power.

But the story does not stop there!

Jesus walks with us, wherever we go and in particular in the darkest periods of our life. Just as he did with the two people on the road to Emmaus, he walks with those who proclaim to follow Him (Mark 16:12-13, Luke 24:13-32). Jesus speaks whenever the Bible is faithfully preached and read from, just as He opened the eyes of those on the Emmaus road when He explained the Scriptures (Luke 24:27). Jesus meets us in the Communion or Lord’s Supper, with the bread and wine, which symbolise His flesh and blood as an act of remembrance of what He did for humanity.

One of those people is Elizabeth. Here is her story of how Jesus meets with her!

Easter is a time of reflection and promise for me. It is a time to be one with Christ. I have gone through many trials and tribulations in my life. It is because of the Promise that Christ gave us when, He died and then resurrected that I know I am able to overcome any obstacle placed before me. I can rise above in faith knowing that I have been given divine inheritance to move forward as a soldier marching to war for God and reaching towards victory in his name.

Jesus is my light, my love, my essence in life. I live to be close to him and to serve him well with all my heart and soul. I Celebrate the Christ that lives in me through the Holy Spirit and that empowers me to keep going on even in the midst of chaos or turmoil. He leads me to greener pastures, He restores my soul, He shows me unconditional love, He leads me to his heart forevermore. I am filled with the Christ like spirit and I receive God's joy, love, hope, and wisdom to know what is right in my life.

You Go

If Jesus had not risen from the dead, then the Disciples would not have had a story to tell. But Jesus had indeed risen from the dead, and the early church exploded numerically as the twelve Disciples exercised Jesus’ authority and His power. We read about the growth of the early church in the Book of Acts and we read about the early church in the letters of the New Testament.

In these verses from Matthew 28, which I read earlier, Jesus commanded his Disciples to go make other disciples. In order to fulfil this command, He assigned the three tasks of going, baptizing and teaching as obligatory activities of daily life. Baptism was symbolic of coming under the Lordship of the Trinitarian Godhead. Baptism leads to teaching, which is a core part of disciple making. Teaching was not just to be an oral activity, but an active of helping everyone, including the weakest. These instructions to Jesus’ Apostles are just as applicatory to us today. If we are following Jesus Christ, we are the product of the original disciples and early church following Jesus’ words abundantly.

Christianity is a faith whereby all Christian Disciples are to show and tell others of the goodness of God. Indeed God Himself is a missionary God. Ever since Genesis 3 and the fall of man, God has been on a mission to bring and call people back to himself. That was the purpose of the nation of Israel, to be a light to all nations of the goodness and glory of God! That was purpose when God, who is outside of time and space, entered human history taking on human flesh and restricted himself in a human body as the man we know as Jesus Christ. Jesus’ whole mission was one of calling people back to life in God. As followers of Jesus Christ, all Christian Disciples are to evangelize. Evangelism is showing and telling others of God’s message of reconciliation to all people of all time. It is not forcing people to adopt Church standards (1 Corinthians 5:12) and nor is it simply a message of join the church as a symbol of good works (Ephesians 2:v8-10).

Tell Others!

Telling others about Jesus is evangelism. Talking about Him, letting him permeate conversations. Revealing how He has changed your life! Showing the Gospel by living a constantly transformed life, reveals that Jesus Christ still lives today. The prime motivation for evangelism is out of gratitude for what God has done, in that we love because he loved us first. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:14, “For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.” As his servants we are to tell and live out God’s reconciling message

We are all to do the work of an evangelist (2 Timothy 4:5), telling and showing people the love of God. In the last words of Matthew’s Gospel, all Christian Disciples are to make disciples throughout the whole earth! Making disciples is not just evangelism but ensuring that guidance and care is given to new believers. How is this achieved? How can the Christian Disciple exhibit Jesus’ authority and power in evangelism? Who gives the impetus for Christian Disciples once Jesus had ascended back to the right hand of God the Father?

It’s not easy! Nobody said that it would be! The message= Christians tell others is called the Gospel. It is anathema and unpopular with people. The Gospel is never popular, and if it is, then it is not a truly Biblically Gospel. There is a false Gospel being preached where financial prosperity is the central claim. There is a false Gospel where Jesus is a cure-all being the central claim. There is a false Gospel, which says Jesus when laden with the sins of the world, was not forsaken by God the Holy Father, who cannot stand to look at sin. For Paul, and for all true Christian Disciples, the true and legitimate Gospel is “Jesus and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2).

Finally, part of Evangelism is verbally identifying with Jesus Christ. Never apologize for what you know and believe to be a superior way of life. However, that does not mean to be smug and arrogant about it because we are commanded to walk humbly and meekly. It means to just be natural about it. As a college principle told me a long time ago and I still remember the words “Let your spiritual life be natural and your natural life be spiritual.” One way to do this is to project the idea that you are not your own boss - Jesus is your Lord and allow him to take both the strain of life issues and also the glory and majesty. Remember that those who reject you also reject Jesus.

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Easter 2015 - Part 7

Easter 2015

Part 7 of 10

Today we look at the resurrection and its significance not only for Christianity but for the whole world. We start not in the Gospels, but from the writings of the Apostle Paul who gives a summary of the Gospel resurrection record in 1 Corinthians 15:1-8.

Now I declare to you, brothers, the Good News which I preached to you, which also you received, in which you also stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold firmly the word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers at once, most of whom remain until now, but some have also fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all, as to the child born at the wrong time, he appeared to me also.

That was the Apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthian church about the crucified Jesus having been raised from the dead – physically! All four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, tell us that Jesus was crucified, had died and was buried in an empty tomb. What do these four Gospels say about Jesus’ resurrection or rising from the dead?

Let us first look at the sequence of events over the period of time after Jesus death till He ascended. Now remember, the Gospels are documents which have recorded historical events.

The tomb is empty

• Two Marys watch the burial: (Matthew27:61, Mark 15:47, Luke23:54-55)
• Roman soldiers guard the tomb and place an official Roman seal upon it: (Matthew 27:62-66)
• Women prepare burial spices then rest: (Luke 23:56)
• An angel rolls the stone away: (Matthew 28:2-4)
• Women arrive at dawn with spices: (Matthew 28:1, Mark 16:1-4, Luke 24:1-3, John 20:1)
• Angels appear to women: (Matthew 28:5-7, Mark 16:5-7, Luke 24:4-8)
• Women dart back to tell disciples: (Matthew 28:8, Mark 16:8, Luke 24:9-11, John 20:2)
• Peter and John investigate the empty tomb: (Luke 24:12, John 20:3-9)
• Peter and John go home: (Luke 24:12, John 20:10)
• Mary Magdalene weeps by the tomb: (John 20:11)
• Mary sees two angels: (John 20:12-13)

Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances

• Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene: (Mark 16:9, John 20:14-17)
• Jesus appears to the other women: (Matthew 28:9-10)
• Women report to the disciples: (Mark 16:10-11, John 20:18)
• Guards testify to the priests: (Matthew 28:11-15)
• Jesus meets two people on the Emmaus Road: (Mark 16:12-13, Luke 24:13-32)
• Jesus appears to Simon Peter: (1 Corinthians 15:5, Luke 24:34)
• 2 report to disciples in Jerusalem: (Luke 24:33-35)
• Jesus appears to the Disciples less Thomas: (Luke 24:36-43, John 20:19-24)
• Disciples report to Thomas: (John 20:25)
• Jesus appears to the Disciples and Thomas: (Mark 16:14, John 20:26-29)
• Jesus appears to seven people: (John 21:1-14)
• Jesus questions Peter 3 times: (John 21:15-23)
• Jesus appears to 500 people: (1 Corinthians 15:6)
• Jesus appears to James: (1 Corinthians 15:7)

Evidences for the resurrection

These facts remain for the resurrection. Look at them and study them.

Notice the changed attitude of the disciples after seeing the risen Jesus. They changed from defeated, cowardly people to victorious, brave people. Nobody who could have produced the dead body of Jesus did so. Their silence is as significant as the preaching of the Apostles. Or take the multiple appearances of Jesus to various numbers of individuals and groups of people at, various times of the day and in differing circumstances. This shows that Jesus’ resurrection was physical in nature! Some people say Jesus’ resurrection was spiritual in nature but not physical. But the amount of people that saw Him physically afterwards dispels that particular myth. What about the current tangible evidence - the survival and inordinate growth and impact of the early church and that the church is still growing 2000 years later. If there was no bodily resurrection of Jesus, would people really have risked persecution and death for knowing a lie? One or two people maybe, but not hundreds and thousands! The very existence of the church today, 2000 years after the event, is perhaps the greatest tangible proof of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. He did not merely faint – He died on the cross. If he weren’t dead on that cross, they would have broken his legs to ensure that He had died. No! Jesus was dead.

Dealing with Doubters

Yet people still doubt. Let us say Jesus didn’t rise from the dead. Surely the authorities, both Jewish and Roman, would have produced his dead body in order to quench this new movement! But they didn’t, and the reason they didn’t is because there was no body to produce! Would the disciples have really risked death for telling and maintaining a lie about the risen Jesus? They were beaten, confused, defeated and dispersed men until they saw Jesus truly did rise from the dead. After seeing Him, they were transformed and victorious people.

I have had people say to me that somebody (even the disciples) stole the body. Hardly likely, and if that had occurred, for what reason? How would they have got past the Roman Guard and moved the stone a great distance from the tomb? This very reason is what the Jewish authorities tried to perpetuate by way of a bribe, in Matthew 28:11-15 “Now while the disciples of Jesus were going, behold, some of the guards came into the city, and told the chief priests all the things that had happened. When they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave a large amount of silver to the soldiers, saying, “Say that his disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. If this comes to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him and make you free of worry.” So they took the money and did as they were told. This saying was spread abroad among the Jews, and continues until this day.”

Then we have the swoon theory. Jesus didn’t die but merely fainted and recovered consciousness in the tomb. Even the sceptics disagree with this theory, one of whom said “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”.

Or perhaps, they all went to the wrong tomb. That’s it – they went to the wrong tomb. Whilst one person may have gone to a wrong tomb, not everyone would have done. Besides, the gospel accounts tell us that people were waiting outside the tomb where Jesus was buried! Surely Joseph would know which tomb Jesus was buried in, seeing as Joseph owned it!

Lastly, Jesus didn’t die on the cross but somebody was substituted for him. This is certainly untenable, given the rigidity and strict record keeping of Roman rule and with the eyes of the Jewish hierarchy watching. This conjecture is a lie of satan, because he knows the significance of Jesus having risen physically from the dead. Satan knows that at the cross when Jesus died, that he lost, lost heavily and is destruction imminent.

Significance of the Resurrection

The resurrection of Jesus Christ provided the central theme for the sermons and teaching in the early church (Acts 1:22; Acts 4:33, Acts 17:18) and certainly within Paul-ine theology. But what significance is there in Jesus’ resurrection?

The resurrection proved and vindicated all of Jesus’ teaching and claims as the suffering Servant and attested to His being fully God, fully human and the last Judge of all mankind (Isaiah 53:10-12; Acts 2:36; Acts 3:13-15; Romans 1:4). The resurrection, declared God’s approval of Jesus’ obedient service and the fulfilment of all the Old Testament promises, resulting in forgiveness of sins and salvation being only found in and through Jesus Christ, which was the prime motive for evangelism in the early church (Acts 2:32, Romans 4:24-25). Jesus’ resurrection is a sign of the bodily resurrection for all believers in Him, giving a new attitude to death and transforming hopes (1 Corinthians 15:12-58, Romans 8:10, 2 Corinthians 4:14; 1 Peter 1:3 & 21). As the resurrected King, Jesus now intercedes for us and has perfected the redemption of all those who choose to follow Him (Romans 5:10; Hebrews 6:20, 1 Peter 1:21).

Finally the resurrection of Jesus’ physical body is a sure victory over satan, sin and death. All three are conquered and squashed. Satan is a defeated creature and will do anything to drag people into defeat with him. The power of sin is conquered, and sin’s grip is overcome if you are a believer in Jesus Christ. Finally, as I said earlier, death has been beaten, because those who believe and trust in Jesus Christ will live forever with him – death is not the end but a beginning.

If Jesus Christ did not physically rise from the dead then as Paul states in 1 Corinthians 15:12-19 “Now if Christ is preached, that he has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, neither has Christ been raised. If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain, and your faith also is in vain. Yes, we are found false witnesses of God, because we testified about God that he raised up Christ, whom he didn’t raise up, if it is so that the dead are not raised. For if the dead aren’t raised, neither has Christ been raised. If Christ has not been raised, your faith is vain; you are still in your sins. Then they also who are fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If we have only hoped in Christ in this life, we are of all people most pitiable.”

Or let me put it in my own words - if Jesus Christ did not physically rise from the dead, we as Christians are the product of the greatest delusional lie and are the most foolish of all people. Because of Jesus’ resurrection, we also will be raised from dead spiritually… Amazing love…

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Easter 2015 - Part 6

Easter 2015

Part 6 of 10

Today we look again at the cross and ask some fundamental questions about it: what is the cross about, why is the cross important and also an imperative of historical and biblical Christianity.

1 Corinthians 1:18-31 (The Message) The Message that points to Christ on the Cross seems like sheer silliness to those hell-bent on destruction, but for those on the way of salvation it makes perfect sense. This is the way God works, and most powerfully as it turns out.

It's written,
I'll turn conventional wisdom on its head,
I'll expose so-called experts as crackpots.

So where can you find someone truly wise, truly educated, truly intelligent in this day and age? Hasn't God exposed it all as pretentious nonsense? Since the world in all its fancy wisdom never had a clue when it came to knowing God, God in his wisdom took delight in using what the world considered dumb—preaching, of all things!—to bring those who trust him into the way of salvation.

While Jews clamour for miraculous demonstrations and Greeks go in for philosophical wisdom, we go right on proclaiming Christ, the Crucified. Jews treat this like an anti-miracle—and Greeks pass it off as absurd. But to us who are personally called by God himself—both Jews and Greeks—Christ is God's ultimate miracle and wisdom all wrapped up in one. Human wisdom is so tinny, so impotent, next to the seeming absurdity of God. Human strength can't begin to compete with God's "weakness." 

Take a good look, friends, at who you were when you got called into this life. I don't see many of "the brightest and the best" among you, not many influential, not many from high-society families. Isn't it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women that the culture overlooks and exploits and abuses, chose these "nobodies" to expose the hollow pretensions of the "somebodies"? That makes it quite clear that none of you can get by with blowing your own horn before God. Everything that we have—right thinking and right living, a clean slate and a fresh start—comes from God by way of Jesus Christ. That's why we have the saying, "If you're going to blow a horn, blow a trumpet for God."

1. The problem!

The problem is sin or disobedience (active or passive) of and towards God. Sin is what separates humans from God and as a consequence leads to both a spiritual and physical death (Isaiah 59:2, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23,). In the Old Testament, sins were dealt with by blood sacrifices of atonement as coverings for sin (Leviticus 17:11), for without the shedding of blood there can be no remission of sin (Hebrews 9:22). A blood sacrifice is God's way of dealing with sin. 

These blood sacrifices of the Old Testament signified several things: • They provided a covering for sin.

• They showed the great cost of sin.
• They were an exchange or substitution.
• They were only always going to be a temporary measure as they pointed forward to Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross.

2. The Solution!

The ultimate solution to sin lies not in continual animal sacrifice of the Old Testament because as Hebrews 10:4 reminds us the blood of animals cannot take away sin but was only a veneer or covering. That was why it was necessary to repeat time and time again! But they also pointed toward a time when animal sacrifices would no longer be necessary! That is the cross of Jesus Christ! It is only through the death of Jesus Christ on that cross, that sin is taken away (Hebrews 9: 11-15, 26-28), because Jesus is the permanent and ultimate sacrificial substitute!

2a. Substitution

Jesus was our substitute. Jesus died for our sin, the just for the unjust (1 Peter 3:18). That is how God is both just and the Justifier of sinners. That is why Jesus needed to be both fully God and fully human! If he lacked either, it would not be the full substitutionary sacrifice that was necessary to bear the permanent consequences of sin! When Jesus died on the cross, in our place, he bore the consequences of all sin, of all the earth over all periods of time – past, present and future. He therefore became sin for humanity (2 Corinthians 5:21) and it was His precious blood as a lamb without spot or blemish (1Peter 1:18-19) that finally fulfils God’s righteous requirements permanently as the substitute.

2b. Propitiation

And more than that, we know that towards sin and sinful behaviour, God has great fury, anger and wrath (Jeremiah 21:5). Yet as Micah 7:18 “He is slow to anger and quick to forgive”. Propitiation basically means the turning aside of God's anger by the offering of the sacrifice of Christ. God's anger and judgment of sin falls on Christ, instead of us. We need to approach God to appease His anger, in order to accept it (Romans 3:25; Isaiah 53:5; John 2:2, 5:6). If Jesus’ death on the cross was not an atoning sacrifice, then the Old Testament Law would not be fulfilled, animal sacrifices still necessary to cover sins and God would be made out to be a liar.

• 1 John 2:2: He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
• 1 John 4:10: This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice (or propitiation) to take away our sins.

Jesus, through His atoning sacrificial death on the cross, is our peace offering to God. Amazing.

2c. Redemption (Ransom) Mark 10:45

Even further! Not only was it propitiation, but also an act of redemption! In the time of the New Testament, this word was used to refer to the buying back of a slave - the price paid to buy the slave’s freedom. God paid redemption so that humans can be freed from the slavery to sin (John 8:35 Romans 7:14). The price was paid (1 Peter 1:18-19) and so we are redeemed with the precious blood of Christ (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). But it is our responsibility to choose that way! God does not coerce forcefully – He leaves it as a choice for humans to make as individuals.

What is our response to this to be? Sacrifice, substitution, propitiation and redemption can be summed up in one word: love. For 1 John 3:16 states: “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.” Jesus told us to take up our cross if we are to follow Him as His Disciple (Luke 9:23). Are you as a Christian Disciple willing to take up your cross and do all you can do to love others? 

There is a price to pay for those seeking to be followers of Jesus Christ! They must surrender completely to Him, be prepared to identify with Him in suffering and death and be willing to follow Him obediently, wherever He leads.

2d. Victory over Satan, death and sin.

And yet again, the cross is even more! As we look back through the Gospel accounts, we see Jesus being tempted and taunted by satan. We see the temptations in the wilderness, satan using the Apostle Peter to try and deflect Jesus away from the cross and satan using Judas to betray him. If Jesus had ever succumbed to temptation, and sinned in thought, word, action or inaction, then He Himself would have needed a Saviour. That is why Jesus is the perfect sacrifice – because he never sinned and always did what He saw God the Father wanting Him to do. Jesus’ death on the cross is the centrepiece of all human history and the focal point of eternity. On the cross and through the cross alone, satan, death and sin have all lost their sting. WOW!

3. The Cross is a choice

As we have seen, the cross is God’s solution to the suffering and sin of the world. Only by Jesus Christ going to cross have sin, suffering and satan been dealt mortal blows. The cross provides the solution as it provides a substitution, propitiation, redemption and a victory. The cross is not a symbol to be merely placed around the neck on a chain, to be worn as a lapel pin, or as a item statement of fashion. The cross is not meant to portray Jesus as some form of sadomasochistic ‘tragi-hero’ as some people try to make it out to be. The cross is God’s solution to the problem of sin, suffering and pain, as much as the wise of this world would love to think that it is not.

The cross is a choice. You can choose to deny the cross and say it doesn’t matter. You can say that it is an irrelevance and that is your right. God will not force you to accept the cross and love him. If He did, He would have created Adam so that Adam would automatically love him and not given him free will to rebel. That way the cross would not have been needed. But such is the enormity of the love of God, that each person, including you and I, have a choice to make – follow Jesus and take up your own cross and be an overcomer for Him. God will not force you to accept it, but he will keep on calling you back to the cross. Calling sometimes in quiet ways and at other times, much more loudly. You can deny the cross and its meaning and when Jesus Christ comes again in judgment, you will find that He denies you entrance into His glorious kingdom. When Jesus comes again, everyone will know who He is and bow down to Him. But only those whom He knows, will be granted access into everlasting life.

How you think of the cross, ultimately has relevance to you and affects your reality. You can accept the cross as your personal substitution, personal propitiation and personal redemption. That way you have peace with God. The cross of Jesus Christ thoroughly epitomises God’s glory, and if there were any other way that God the Father could restore people into relationship with Himself, then surely He would have done it that way. But there was no other way – Jesus Christ, as the Son of God who was simultaneously fully God and fully human, died on a Roman cross. He took on the sins of the world, paying the greatest price, so that you can be restored into a peaceful relationship with God the Father. That is for all people, of all nations, ages, generations, statuses and gender. The cross is amazing love in action and is ignored at great peril. Let us go forward in hope and faith, choosing deliberately not to boast in anything else, save only of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. The wisdom of God as exhibited on and in the Cross of Jesus Christ, is foolishness but only to those who don’t accept it.

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Easter 2015 - Part 5

Easter 2015

Part 5 of 10

G’day and welcome to Partakers 2015 Easter Series! Today we are going to look together briefly at John 19, and talk a little bit about what happened to Jesus Christ – condemned, crucified, dead and buried.

1. Jesus was Condemned (John 19:1-7)

Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe and went up to him again and again, saying, "Hail, king of the Jews!" And they struck him in the face.
Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews, "Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him." When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, "Here is the man!"
As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, "Crucify! Crucify!" But Pilate answered, "You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him."
The Jews insisted, "We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God."
When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, and he went back inside the palace.

2. Jesus was Crucified (John 19:17-27)

Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). Here they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle. Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read "JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS." Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, "Do not write 'The King of the Jews,' but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews."
Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written."
When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.
"Let's not tear it," they said to one another. "Let's decide by lot who will get it."
This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said,
"They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing."
So this is what the soldiers did.
Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

3. Jesus dies (John 19:28-37).

Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath.
Because the Jews did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down. The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other. But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.
The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be broken," and, as another scripture says, "They will look on the one they have pierced."

4. Jesus was Buried (John 19:38-42)

Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

In the next of our series, Easter Saturday, we will look together at just why Jesus had to die – and the underlying problem. Then we will look at how his death is the solution. We will also look briefly at the themes of substitution, propitiation, redemption and how his death is the complete victory over sin, death and the devil. Then on Sunday, we will look at the Resurrection!

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Easter 2015 - Part 4

Easter 2015

Part 4 of 10

We are on Jesus' last night before He goes to the cross! Let's explore what occurs before that momentous event!

1. The Lord's Supper:

Luke 22:14-24 - When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, ‘I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfilment in the kingdom of God.’
After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, ‘Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.’
And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’
In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed. But woe to that man who betrays him!’ They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this.
A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest.

2. The Lord's Service:

John 13v1-17 - It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love.
The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?"
Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand."
"No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet."
Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me."
"Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!" Jesus answered, "A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you." For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Conclusion:

How are you doing? How is your Christian life of service and allowing others to serve you? Are you somehow like Peter and not wanting to be served? Are you the other extreme and not wanting to serve others? Then please do pray for opportunities whereby you can both serve and be served. When you participate in the Lord’s Supper this Easter, think back on the greatest Servant of all, and how your sins are forgiven because of His service to you!

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Easter 2015 - Part 3

Easter 2015

Part 3 of 10

On Monday, in the first of our series we learnt about Jesus’ mission and identity. Then on Tuesday, we learnt about Jesus’ final teaching – teaching his disciples about the Kingdom and his going back to the Father via the cross.

Now, Jesus quite rightly now turns to prayer. Firstly praying for Himself, then for His twelve disciples and then finally for all disciples of all generations to follow, the church. This prayer is probably the pinnacle of revelation in John’s gospel. Here we see Jesus’ very words, revealing an unparalleled intimacy with His Father.

Jean Calvin said in his commentary on this chapter the following “After having preached to the disciples about bearing the cross, the Lord exhibited to them those consolations, by relying on which they would be enabled to persevere. Having promised the coming of the Spirit, he raised them to a better hope, and discoursed to them about the splendour and glory of his reign. Now he most properly betakes himself to prayer; for doctrine has no power, if efficacy be not imparted to it from above. He, therefore, holds out an example to teachers, not to employ themselves only in sowing the word, but, by mingling their prayers with it, to implore the assistance of God, that his blessing may render their labour fruitful. In short, this passage of the Lord Jesus Christ might be said to be the seal of the preceding doctrine, both that it might be ratified in itself, and that it might obtain full credit with the disciples.”

This scene, as portrayed by John, shows the importance of prayer and how when doing anything for the glory of God, it must be covered in prayer.

Jesus prays for Himself

John 17:1-5: Jesus said these things. Then, raising his eyes in prayer, he said: Father, it's time. Display the bright splendour of your Son So the Son in turn may show your bright splendour. You put him in charge of everything human so he might give real and eternal life to all in his charge. And this is the real and eternal life: That they know you, the one and only true God, And Jesus Christ, whom you sent. I glorified you on earth by completing down to the last detail what you assigned me to do. And now, Father, glorify me with your very own splendour, the very splendour I had in your presence before there was a world.

Jesus prays for His disciples

John 14:6-8: I spelled out your character in detail to the men and women you gave me. They were yours in the first place; then you gave them to me, and they have now done what you said. They know now, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that everything you gave me is firsthand from you, for the message you gave me, I gave them; and they took it, and were convinced that I came from you. They believed that you sent me.

Jesus prays for all disciples to come

John 17:24-26: Father, I want those you gave me To be with me, right where I am, So they can see my glory, the splendour you gave me, Having loved me Long before there ever was a world. Righteous Father, the world has never known you, but I have known you, and these disciples know that you sent me on this mission. I have made your very being known to them — Who you are and what you do — And continue to make it known, So that your love for me Might be in them Exactly as I am in them.

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Easter 2015 - Part 2

Easter 2015

Part 2 of 10

Today, we are going to look at Jesus’ last teaching before He goes to the cross to die.

“But now I am going back to the Father who sent me, and none of you asks me where I am going. You are very sad from hearing all of this. But I tell you that I am going to do what is best for you. That is why I am going away. The Holy Spirit cannot come to help you until I leave. But after I am gone, I will send the Spirit to you.” (John 16:5-7)

1. Disciples must bear fruit for the kingdom! (John 15:1-16)
John 15:1-2 - "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”

2. Disciples will suffer for the kingdom (John 15:18-27)
John 15:18 - "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.”

3. Disciples will have resources in the Kingdom (John 16)

John 16:12-15 - ‘I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.’

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