What More Are You Doing Than Others?

Mt 5:43-47

What a sobering question.  Jesus asked, "What more are you doing than others" while He was teaching a lesson on the high standard of loving our enemies.  He used the practical workings of the Law of Moses when He said, "eye for an eye..." Mt 5:38 In contrast to that He said, "love your enemies..." Mt 5:44  Wow, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.  That makes the question He asked even more sobering!  Remember, Jesus exemplified this teaching when He was on the cross. Lk 23:34  We must follow Jesus and imitate Him.  What should we do more than others, love our enemies and pray for those who persecute you.  This is essential to show our resemblance of our Father who gives to the righteous and unrighteous. Mt 5:45

Some say and think this is impossible for a human to accomplish.  It may be extremely hard, but not impossible.  Jesus makes it possible.  He does so by not just saying it, but by living it.  Paul says a similar thing when he writes the Romans and is instructing them to behave like Christians. Rom 12:17-21

In verse 46, Jesus said that even tax collectors love the ones who love them.  These tax collectors were commonly known for theft.  If a thief can love those who love them what praise is found in this kind of love?  NONE!  Listen to me now, a Christian should have a love that distinguishes them from sinners! Lk 6:32,33  Jesus asked, "What more are you doing than others?"  The answer He is looking for is,  "Loving others like the example you gave, my Lord."  Instead, we are trying to love others, like sinners.  A Christians love should distinguish them from sinners.   I once read about a father teaching his son about being a gentleman and said, "My son, speak kindly to everyone, even those who do not speak kindly to you.  You must remember to show courtesy to others not because they are gentlemen, but because you are one."   Jesus wants us to love, do good for, and lend to our enemies while expecting nothing in return. Lk 6:35  We must love our enemies not because of who they are, but because of who we are, Christians.

This question Jesus asked teaches that Christianity is of little value if it doesn't make us better than those in the world.  At their baptism, a Christian is raised up to walk in the newness of life (Rom 6:3,4) not the oldness of life.  At their baptism, a Christian has buried their old self and put on a new self. Col 3:7-10  This newness of life and new self is harder than memorizing book, chapter, and verse of God's Word.  It is hard to do!  The Pharisees were Law abiding men.  They tithed down to the mustard seed.  All of this wasn't sufficient.  Jesus said, our righteousness must surpass that of the Pharisees. Mt 5:20  If we memorize the entire Bible and give all we got at tithe and offering time but fail to love our enemies we are no different than the world.  

Jesus asked, "what more are you doing than others?"  Jesus is our standard not other people or denominations.  It's a shame that Jehovah's Witnesses circulate literature filled with error, we should circulate more to preach the truth.  If a Mormon can give ten percent to support error, we should give more to support the truth.  If a denomination can meet to worship in error for three hours, we should meet to worship for four hours in truth.  I know, now I have gotten personal.  Jesus asked, "What more are you doing than others?"  

Don't be caught up in the trap of being average!  Most people are satisfied when they have accomplished what is considered average.  Jesus didn't call us to be average!  The average was "eye for an eye" but Jesus demands more.  He demands love and not to resist an person who is evil. Mt 5:39  The average was "thou shall not kill"  but Jesus demands more.   He demands us to love our brothers. 1Jn 3:15; 4:20  The average says that "one faith is as good as another" but Jesus says worship can be in vain. Mt 15:9  One more, the average is "drink but don't get drunk" but God's Word says abstain forms of evil. 1Th 5:22  These examples vividly show that Jesus demands that we excel beyond average.  We were not called to be average.  We were called to be Christians!  We are called to follow Jesus' example even in suffering. 1Pe 2:21  Jesus leads us to the Father.  Jesus leads us home. Jn 14:6  

Jesus asked, "What more are you doing than others?"  May we never measure what we are doing to anyone other than Jesus.  Today, are we willing to love and pray for our enemies?  Are we willing to answer the call to go beyond average?  Are we ready to be a Christian?  Are we ready to follow Jesus?

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

We must hear the Word of God:  Rom 10:17; Acts 4:4

We must believe or have faith:   Heb 11:6; Acts 16:31

We must repent of our sins:  Lk 13:3; Acts 17:30

We must confess Christ before others:  Mt 10:32; Acts 8:37

We must be immersed into Christ (baptized) Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38

We must be faithful:   Rev 2:10; Acts 14:22   

I'm not a "Water Dog", I'm trying to be an "Obedient Dog."

Many people receive nicknames because of something they often did, or do, and thus earn a nickname.  You may have a nickname that was earned that has stuck with you for a very long time.  My mother was never really known for her birth name.  If I told someone I was Roberta's son they had no clue who I was talking about, but if I said I was Binky's son they knew exactly who I was talking about.  I always wanted the nickname "cutie" but that never stuck, and I think I know why.  However, the nickname "chatterbox" did stick for awhile and again, I think I know why.

I am a member of the Lord's Church.  I was added to the Christ's Church several years ago.  One of the many nicknames I have been called since then is "water dog."  Yet, you never hear anyone mention the obedience involved in that statement.  Consider some of the Old Testament and New Testament examples.

NAAMAN THE LEPER   2Ki 5:1-14

We read that Naaman was "captain of the army, highly respected, and a leper."    A young Israelite girl was taken captive and served Naaman's wife.  I want you to notice even though this young girl was was a prisoner of war in a foreign land she was not bitter towards her captors.  As a matter of fact, she was concerned about their welfare.  What a lesson we can learn from that young girl! Isa 11:6  I do not know her exact age but it is abundantly evident that she was taught about God and His prophet.  She was not afraid to tell strangers about them.  The Jews were diligent to teach their children the Law of God. Dt 6:1-8  Oh 21st century church, when we will we learn this lesson?  When we stop allowing the world to teach our children what defines marriage, murder, and morals?  Things will not change until we change that!  

Don't loose sight of the fact that, as often is the case, a correct report was not made in these verses.  The young Israelite servant told Naaman's wife, she told Naaman, and Naaman told his master that a prophet in Israel could cure Naaman.  The king of Israel received a letter that said, "you may cure him of his leprosy."  This was severely wrong.  We often credit man with the abilities that only God can provide.  Man cannot save you, only God can.  Man will fail you, God will not.  Man will break promises, God will not.  Confusion concerning God and His Word, in this instance, almost started a fight.  It is that very thing, confusion concerning God and His Word, that starts denominationalism today!  

So Elisha sets things straight and requests that Naaman be sent to him so the king of Aram would know that a prophet of God was in Israel.  Naaman was told, by a messenger sent be Elisha, to "go and wash" but this made Naaman furious.  He went away mad, still a leper, because he wasn't being healed the way he wanted.  He wanted the prophet to come to him, wave a magic wand, and say something special. Today we want the preacher to lead us in a special prayer and be saved the way we want.  Naaman said, "Are not Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?"  He wanted "Holy Water" to make him clean.  He wanted to be dabbed instead of immersed.  He wanted it  to be poured over him without entering the water.  He wanted to be healed and saved his own way but it doesn't work that way, my friends!  Listen to me, he was unable to see any connection between the act commanded and the result of obedience to the command that would be attained!  He knew there was no cleansing power in the water of the dirty Jordan river, and he was right!  The power that heals was what was behind the water, and that power is God.  The power of our baptism today is not in the water, but what is behind the water, and that is the likeness of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus the Christ.  How many people have their own idea as to how God should save them today?  Many are willing and waiting to be saved as soon as God adopts their method of saving.  Surely, no one thinks the dirty water of the Jordan healed Naaman.  If so, the Jordan would have people of all kinds of diseases in it 24 hours a day!  No, God healed Naaman, but not until he completely obeyed, regardless if he saw the full purpose of immersion into that water! 

I am not crying, "water salvation" by any means.  I am crying, "obedient salvation."  Jesus commanded baptism.  Mt 28:18-19; Mk 16:16  Like Naaman, you may not be able to see how baptism can have any connection with salvation, but if you truly desire salvation, you will obey Jesus' command, trust in God's promise, and rejoice in being immersed.  Take note that Peter says repentance must precede baptism. Acts 2:37-38  Philip says belief must precede baptism. Acts 8:35-38  Luke writes that faithfulness, even in struggles, must follow baptism. Acts 14:21-22

JESUS AND THE BLIND MAN   John 9

This is a man who was born blind.  Jesus spat on the ground, made clay by combining  the two, and applied it to the blind man's eyes.  He the said, "Go and wash in the pool of Siloam."  There is no doubt that this is an almost unheard of procedure.  I am glad because I don't want you making clay with your spit and smearing it on my face!  As far as I can tell, Jesus didn't indicate what the result would be when the blind man washed the clay off his eyes.   Jesus didn't say if anything would even happen.  He simply gave the commands "go" and "wash."  If Jesus did give him a promise it is unrecorded, but all we know is that the blind man had a spirit of obedience!  The blind man obeyed and came back seeing.  I am not crying "water salvation" or "spit and dirt salvation."  I am crying "obedient salvation."  Notice how the man explained what happened, "He applied clay on my eyes, and I washed, and I see."  The Pharisees never for even a second thought the clay or water did the healing. The man who was born blind knew the clay and the water did not do the healing.  The man said, "He opened my eyes."  

Jesus says "...he that believes and is baptized shall be saved..."  Every who knows as much as the Pharisees and the blind man knows that the saving agent is not the water but the power comes from the power and authority behind the one giving the commands "go" and "wash."  

We show our confidence in our doctor be following his directions, even if we don't understand how the treatment will work.  Jesus is our physician. Mt 9:10-12

We show our confidence in Him when we follow His directions to heal us from sin, even if we don't understand how the treatment will work.  When we decide to set aside some of His directions as "unnecessary" and only follow those that we choose we show more confidence in ourselves than is our physician, Jesus the Christ.  We are trying to take our healing in our own hands.  A person shows confidence in his leader by his unquestioning obedience.  God requires whole hearted compliance with His will. Heb 5:8-9   No one questions that Jesus is the author of salvation.  The previous verses show that salvation is offered to those who are obedient.  You may ask, "Who are the obedient?"  Those who do God's will! Mt 7:21; 12:50   

Today, are you ready to be obedient to God's will, even if you do not see the connection of the command to the promise?  Are you ready to obey even if you don't know that a promise is attached to the command?  Are you ready to be an obedient disciple? 

How The Blood Of Christ Saves

I often like to make comparisons.  Personally, I learn easier when I can compare A to B.  Then it seems to make things easier to comprehend.  I truly believe Satan's focused attack is on the blood of Christ today.  I want to make a comparison to show how the blood of Christ and baptism are related.  

It actually all starts with Christ's death.  Christ shed or poured out His blood in His death. Lk 22:20  We are commanded to be baptized (Mt 28:19,20) into His death. Rom 6:3   The baptism into Christ's death is by immersion only.  Have you ever sprinkled dirt on a person at a funeral and called them buried?  Have you ever rubbed dirt on their head and called them buried?  NO!  You call them buried when they are completely covered with dirt.  Thus, we must be completely covered by water in our baptism into Christ's death.  The close connection between baptism and the blood of Christ has begun. Let us compare A to B, or A (the blood of Christ) to B (baptism).  

      A                                         What we Receive                                    B

Mt 26:28                   New Covenant/Added to the Church           Acts 2:37-47

1Jn 1:7                                             Cleansed                                 Heb 10:19-22

Eph 1:7                                      Remission of Sin                               Acts 2:38

Rev 1:5 KJV                            Sins Washed Away                           Acts 22:16

Heb 9:13,14                            Conscience Cleansed                           1Pe 3:21

Heb 13:12                                     Sanctification                                Rom 6:3,4

The true Christian walks in the light with Christ and the blood of Christ continually cleanses them.  Now, there is nothing automatic about this.  It takes work to walk in the light of Christ.  We can't claim to be baptized into His death and washed by His blood and not walk in His light.  We must be seeking a "way of escape" from temptations. (1Co 10:13)  When we do stumble into sin after being blood bought and washed, we merely have to confess our sin and ask for forgiveness. (1Jn 1:9) Walking in the light of Christ, being blood washed, confessing our sins, and asking for forgiveness is how we know we are redeemed by the precious blood of Christ. (1Pe 1:18,19) 

Bible baptisms have always been done this way in the New Testament.  Baptism must be preceded by faith in Christ and repentance from all sin.  This should help everyone see that baptism is definitely linked to the blood of Christ.  

Satan does not want people coming into contact with the saving blood of Christ.  That is why he has created the fierce opposition to baptism into Christ's death for the remission of sin.  DO YOU OPPOSE?

We are no doubt saved by the gift of grace given by God. (Eph 2:8)  That grace comes through faith.  We are not claiming this as a work that we should boast reception of grace rather, by obedience, we are working to be His workmanship.  That is how God had prepared for us to walk. (Eph 2:8-10)  Baptism into Christ's death for the remission of sin is walking in the light of Christ that God had prepared for us to walk in that way.  Baptism and an obedient lifestyle proves us to be His workmanship, NOT EARNS OUR SALVATION!

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

We must hear the Word of God:  Rom 10:17; Acts 4:4

We must believe or have faith:   Heb 11:6; Acts 16:31

We must repent of our sins:  Lk 13:3; Acts 17:30

We must confess Christ before others:  Mt 10:32; Acts 8:37

We must be immersed into Christ (baptized) Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38

We must be faithful:   Rev 2:10; Acts 14:22   

Back To The Basics: Sin

Sometimes it is necessary to revisit basic principles.  We get so involved in being deep thinkers and speakers that we leave out some basic things.  When I coach sports I always hammer basic fundamentals.  Today, we are trying to avoid the basics of sin by changing the name of it.  We avoid calling it sin, so we call it "freedom of choice" or "alternate lifestyle" or "convenience" and in doing that we change the word grace to fit our new look at sin.  We change the word grace to "free pass."  That leaves us with a free pass to a freedom of choice or an alternate lifestyle or to live conveniently.  Today, I want to point out that we can change the names of many terms but we are doing that because we do not understand the basics of sin, like where sin started, what it is, etc..  I read a quote and I thought it was very relevant to this subject and it goes like this, "I covet no phraseology that lends respectability to sin.  The sorest injury we can do a man is to lighten his conception of the enormity of sin."~J.H. Howet  I must add here that we can't sugar coat sin, but we can and should expose it as loving as possible!  Remember, a liar is as evil as a raping murderer in the eyes of God.  You don't have to burn down the place the congregation gathers to be a sinner.

Sin started in the Garden of Eden.  Mankind became a sinner because they heard, believed, and obeyed a lie that was preached to them by Satan through the serpent. Gen 3:1-8  Eve was deceived because the lies that were preached to her was mixed with some truth.  That is happening today as well.  Except Satan is using well dressed, articulate, and intelligent men and women to preach his lies mixed with truth.  Adam and Eve were given a simple and plain command that they chose to disobey.  That disobedience brought sin into the world.  Which brought death, or separation from God, into the world. Gen 2:17   

Let's look at a few words that are translated sin to understand what sin is.  First, sin is lawlessness.  One word translated lawlessness means to break, violate, or reject God's law. Sin is to be in opposition of and disregard God's law. 1Jn 3:4  This is exactly what we see in the actions of Adam and Eve.  Remember there was only one tree forbidden tree in that entire garden.  The command was simple and clear "you shall not eat."  You have to hire someone to help you misunderstand that!  God provided a way for them to be saved forever in the tree of life, but He also allowed Adam and Eve to have the freedom of choice: loyalty or disloyalty, obedience or disobedience, life or death.  He is doing the same today.  He has provided a way for us to be saved forever through Jesus Christ, but He is allowing us to choose from the same choices.  This test of loyalty definitely didn't cause the disloyalty.  This test of obedience didn't cause the disobedience.  The disloyalty and disobedience came from a rebellion of Adam and Eve that started in their hearts!  The eating of that fruit, or disloyalty and disobedience, was just a display  of what is their hearts.  

Second, sin is a transgression of God's law.  This word that is translated transgression means to go over or beyond God's law. It is disregarding the boundaries between right and wrong.  This is the word that the elder brother of the prodigal son uses when he is voicing his complaint to his father. Lk 15:29  This is what we do when we try to change the meaning of the grace.  

Third, sin is missing the mark.  The word translated sin literally means a missing of the mark.  Vine's says this word sin is an inward element producing acts.  That is why I say Adam and Eve's sin started in their hearts.  The mark that is missed is God's mark.  All mankind has missed the mark and fallen short of the glory of God. Rom 3:23  

I read one time, I believe it was Barclay, and he was discussing the difference between sins of commission and sins of omission.  I want you to know that sin is not just avoiding the wrong, but it is also not doing the right!  We can avoid all the bad and never do any good!  That is just as sinful as doing the bad and wrong in God's eyes!  James says as much in Jas 4:17  

Sin is selfish and that is its essential principle.  The chief characteristic of love is giving.  No matter what it cost ourselves.  The chief characteristic of sin is the exact opposite.  It is getting, no matter what it costs others.  Sin is very alluring.  It has an appealing characteristic to it.  It is very charming and fascinating because it is filled with pleasure.  Often times sin can feel great.  That pleasure may be short lived but is still alluring.  It makes me think of a bug zapper.  I can never figure out how so many bugs fly into that light to their death.  That light is so alluring to bugs that just can't resist.  I would look around see all my dead buddies and say, "Forget this.  I'm outta here!"  Really...   I look around and see my buddies now filled with sin and far too often I fail to say, "Forget this.  I'm outta here."  The biggest reason is because sin is also deceitful.  Sin shows off all its pleasure but disguises its pain, shame, and consequences.  That is exactly what Satan did to Eve!  He listed all the advantages but disguised the consequences and pain of sin.  Satan is a barter, who bargains with things he doesn't have!  That is what he tried with Jesus. Mt 4:1-11  Satan wants us to think of sin as something beautiful and pleasureful.  The beer commercials do the same thing today.  Their product will cause you to do dumb and costly things.  It will make you extremely sick.  It will cause to loose memories of what you did.  It could even kill you.  Yet, their commercials never communicate that.  All we see is fun, pleasure, and beautiful people. If we are not careful sin will make us its slave.  Rom 6:16  

Sin separates us from God. Isa 59:2  It brings suffering.  Eve suffered in childbearing, Adam suffered in labor, the earth suffered in what it produced, and Satan suffered with his head being crushed.  Everything and anything suffers when sin enters the picture!  Sin also brings death, both physical and spiritual.  It may have took over 900 years for Adam's resulting death from sin to catch him, but it did.  Cemeteries all over the place are a reminder that sin resulted in a physical death.  Paul reminds us of the spiritual death that sin produces.  2Th 1:7-9  

Thank you Lord for providing a cure from this sin in Jesus Christ! Rom 5:8-12

He died for our sins, by His wounds we are healed, and He destroyed death and brought life! 1Co 15:3; 1Pe 2:24; 2Ti 1:10  Thank you Jesus!  His blood provides our redemption and forgiveness in accordance with God's grace. Eph 1:7

The cure is provided all we must do is partake.  Antibiotics can't help you if you do not take them.  Christ can't help if you do not obey Him.  Obedience to the Gospel is a must.  God did His part and now we must do ours.  Those at Pentecost understood this and asked, "What should we do?"  Saul understood this and said, "What will you have me do?"  Today, are you ready to let go of sin in your life that is separating you from God and ask the same question as Saul and those at Pentecost?  Sin is not an alternate lifestyle or permissible due to convenience.  It is separating you from God and eternity with Him.

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

We must hear the Word of God:  Rom 10:17; Acts 4:4

We must believe or have faith:   Heb 11:6; Acts 16:31

We must repent of our sins:  Lk 13:3; Acts 17:30

We must confess Christ before others:  Mt 10:32; Acts 8:37

We must be immersed into Christ (baptized) Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38

We must be faithful:   Rev 2:10; Acts 14:22   

What do you think of the Christ?

Mt 22:41-46

This is the most important questions ever asked.  No man can ever be saved if he fails this test.  To recognize and hail Christ as God come in the flesh is the beginning of the salvation process that leads to eternal life.  Christ is the "cornerstone." Eph 2:20  Honestly, without that perception, man will remain guilt ridden, roam as a lost sheep without a shepherd, and condemned forever.  What a person thinks of Christ determines the destiny of their soul. Jn 8:24  Every person must think something about the Christ.  No one can be indifferent, or sitting on the fence.  Mt 12:30  A person who denies Christ is often stimulated by the mention of His name.  The mention of Buddha or Muhammad doesn't upset them, but the very sound of Christ gets them up in arms and brings forth fierce opposition, why?  It is my opinion, that people have no fear of Muhammad or Buddha.  Now Christ, on the other hand, is a different story because the thought that Christ just may be all that He said He is can be very alarming and disturbing.  They can not let the thought of Christ alone because the thought of Christ can not let them alone!   So, what do you think of the Christ, whose son is He?

The Pharisees said He was "the son of David."  Jesus was the son of David according to the flesh. Rom 1:3  His mother was human, which made Him the son of man. With a portion of His nature as human as His mother, Christ "became flesh and dwelt among us." Jn 1:14  His dual nature of human and divine made Him qualified to be the only redeemer and mediator of mankind. 1Ti 2:5,6  Christ was tempted, He felt hunger and thirst, He suffered agony, and he felt the need for prayer like any other person on this earth.

 The only problem with the Pharisees response is that is only half true!  Remember this, "A half truth is a whole lie."  Christ formed an argument (Mt 22:43-46) from Ps 110:1 saying since He existed before David, He is more than the son of David. Christ has always existed! Jn 1:1-3  Christ is the only begotten Son of God, born of a virgin, begotten of the Holy Spirit. Lk 1:26-35; Jn 1:14  He is called Immanuel Mt 1:23 

Jesus' teachings testified to His divinity.  Mt 7:29  His authoritative teachings distinguished Him from other men.  He spoke of the future so positively that you would have thought it had already happened!  Have you ever realized that Jesus said He would return in the day and night? Lk 17:31,34 Today, we understand the possibility of that because we know the earth is round.  It is day on one part of the earth and night on another.  How can you account for this teaching hundreds of years before mankind ever even dreamed of the earth being round?  Because Christ was divine and more than the son of man!

His works testified to His divinity.  His miracles were evidence to support His claim of divinity. Jn 3:2  He had power over nature.  He walked on water.  He had authority over diseases.  People who had long term diseases that couldn't be cured by doctors were healed just by touching Christ's garments.  Even death submitted to Jesus.  A man, Lazarus, was dead for four days and Jesus raised him from the grave!  Why do we read of these miracles in the Bible?  So Jesus can be lifted up as one cool cat and a powerful cat at that!  NO!  These are recorded so we can have believe in Jesus today (Jn 20:30,31) and understand He is more than the son of David, He is deity!    Because that belief is the start of a salvation process that leads to eternal life.  The question that arises is this, are the Biblical accounts trustworthy?  Yes, because I said so and that's good enough.  Just playin'! don't ever take a man's word on Scripture.  Let the Bible commentate on its self!  

These signs and miracles we read about are not hearsay.  The writers had seen, heard, and touched Christ. 1Jn 1:1  The writers definitely believed what they wrote and testified to as they died for what they taught.  Not many people will die for what they know to be false!  The letters they wrote passed the "acid test."  The acid test is basically a time proven thing.  I heard Ed Wharton use this illustration one time.  "If I wrote a book today about a man named Ed Wharton that did all these miracles, signs, and wonders in Lubbock, TX people would read it and call me a phony.  They would say I live in Lubbock, TX and I have never seen hide nor hair of this fella.  This book is garbage and it is not true.  They would be correct in that assumption.  This never happened to the letters that are in our Bible because they were written and circulated in a time that everyone knew Jesus did these things."  That is the acid test.  

History testifies to His divinity.  Today is A.D. 2012.  That means in the year of our Lord two thousand and twelve.  Our calendar is based on the advent of Christ!   That calender is recognized by the most powerful nations in the world today.  That is a true testimony of Christ's divinity.  Beware my friends there are attempts to change our calendar.  Satan will never stop attacking.  

Think about the vast amounts of people that gathered yesterday, the Lord's Day, or Sunday, or the first day of the week to worship.  What great event happened to make this day special?  The resurrection of Christ!  For this reason it is called the Lord's Day. Rev 1:10  Did these two things happen accidentally?   NO!  They are powerful testimonies that Jesus is more than the son of man.  He is the Son of God!

Today, tell someone about the Son of God and the love He had for mankind.  That agape love that sent Him to the cross so that we can have eternal life with our Father in heaven.  He has provided a way for us to be saved, but will we choose, or partake of, the path he lays out in His teachings?  Will you partake of what Jesus provided?

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

We must hear the Word of God:  Rom 10:17; Acts 4:4

We must believe or have faith:   Heb 11:6; Acts 16:31

We must repent of our sins:  Lk 13:3; Acts 17:30

We must confess Christ before others:  Mt 10:32; Acts 8:37

We must be immersed into Christ (baptized) Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38

We must be faithful:   Rev 2:10; Acts 14:22    

     

  

A Case For The Resurrection Pt 2

Evidence From The Empty Tomb

I feel the resurrection is the supreme sign of Christianity.  If Jesus was risen from the dead then he truly was the son of God and the Bible is the Word of God.  Many men died on this planet, but only one has risen from the grave to become a savior to those who submit to him.  Before we consider the empty tomb we will consider the above statement.

The resurrection proves that Jesus is the son of God.  The resurrection is an obvious sign of deity.  Mere men can not raise themselves from the dead.  Jesus himself said the resurrection is a divine sign. Jn 2:18-21  Paul referred to the resurrection as a sign of Jesus' divine power.  Rom 1:4  If Jesus was raised from the dead he is absolutely trustworthy and all his claims are to be held in the same manner.

The resurrection proves the Bible as the Word of God.  Jesus told the apostles would be taught and guided by the Holy Spirit (Jn 14:26) This makes their writings the very words of God.  2Ti 3:16  Understanding that the resurrection proves the Bible to be the Word of God and Jesus to be deity will allow us to consider the empty tomb.  We will try to figure out what happened to the body of Jesus.  If someone can prove that Jesus never resurrected from the dead, he can be called a liar and the Bible will not be the infallible Word of God.  However, if someone can not disprove the resurrection, Jesus must be considered Lord and the Bible as infallible.  So what happened to the body of Jesus that was put into the tomb?

Since we know the body of Jesus was not in the tomb when people had arrived there, and we are attempting to reason with a person who is suspect of the resurrection, we will consider it to be stolen.  So, who stole the body?  If we cannot produce an acceptable culprit it must be believed that Jesus has resurrected from the dead.  

Did the Jews take the body?  Remember, they are the people who wanted to crucify Jesus.  Why would they want anyone to think Jesus had resurrected?  The fear Jesus would resurrect was the entire reason the tomb was guarded and sealed.  Mt 27:62-66  Also, if the Jews had stolen the body, don't you think they would have silenced Peter in his sermon on Pentecost by producing the body?  Therefore, it is reasonable to think the Jews did not take the body.  They were, however, afraid Jesus disciples would take it.

Did the disciples take the body?  The first question that arises is, how did they get past the guards?  Remember, they were hiding from the Jews at this point. Jn 20:19  I ask another question, if the disciples did take the body would they die proclaiming a lie?  Maybe one or even two might have that kind of characteristic, but all of them?  Well, it must be added here that John is the only one to die not as a martyr.  Would ten men be tortured and killed for a lie?  If Jesus had not resurrected and the disciples had stolen the body it is reasonable to think one of the ten men would have spilled the beans under such extreme persecution of a lie!  Therefore, it reasonable to believe they did not steal the body.

Did the Roman Government steal the body?  It would seem that if they did steal the body they would have produced the dead body of Jesus to stop the friction between the Jews and the Christians.  The reason they didn't do that is because they didn't have the body.  If the Roman government had stolen the body there would have been a complete different response by Felix (Acts 24) and Agrippa (Acts 26).  If the Roman government had stolen the body Agrippa would never had asked Paul if he was trying to persuade him to be a Christian.  Acts 26:28   He would have told Paul he was a fool because the Roman government had taken the body from the tomb.  That being said, it is reasonable to say the Roman government did not steal the body of Jesus.

Did the Roman guards steal the body?  If they did the above scenario with Felix and Agrippa would come into play.  If they did steal the body how would they explain it to their superiors who told them to watch the tomb in order to prevent someone from stealing the body?  History says that if a prisoner escaped while under the guard of a Roman soldier that soldier was sentenced to death.  That is why the jailer was going to kill himself in Acts 16:27   Can you bribe a man when his life is on the line?  I don't think so!  What guard really admits they fell asleep?  What motive would the Roman guards have to steal the body?  It would be against their orders and then sentenced to death.  It is reasonable to think that the Roman guards did not steal the body.

Did a group of separate individuals steal the body?  Again, what motive would a separate group of people have to steal the body? How would they get past the guards at the tomb entrance?  It wold be reasonable to believe that if this group of people did such a thing they would have eventually produced the body to silence the many people who claimed to witness the resurrected Jesus. 1Co 15:5-8  Therefore, it is reasonable to think a group of separate people did not steal the body.

Maybe, no one stole the body and Jesus didn't really die on the cross.  Considering the condition he would have been in after the beating he took, carrying the cross,  then having his hands and feet pierced, and then hanging several hours on a cross by those pierced hands and feet.  Would that man be strong enough to open a sealed tomb, fight off the guards, and walk away?  NO WAY!  Keep in mind, the disciples must not know about Jesus' escape because they died believing Jesus had resurrected.  The Roman government could not have known about it, or either Felix or Agrippa would have told Paul about it.  Therefore, it is reasonable to think that Jesus did die on the cross and he did not escape from the tomb. 

The only logical reason to think why Jesus' body was not in that tomb is because he had risen!  So what does this do for us?  Well, the resurrection conditionally gives us hope of eternal life.  1Co 15:1-4  It allows us to live without fear.  The bible says, "as I walk through the valley of death, I shall fear no evil."  The wages of sin are death and the resurrection removes that fear of death!  Jesus came to put to end the works of the devil (1Jn 3:8) and the resurrection tells us he did that very thing.  The resurrection brings about change.  It changed Peter fearful and following at a distance to a courageous preacher.  It changed Saul the persecutor to Paul the preacher.  It changed the Jewish remnant into the Church.  It changed the Sabbath into the Lord's Day.  Finally, it changed Thomas from an unbeliever to a believer.  It can change people today just like it did in the past.

Today, share the life changing story of our risen savior, Jesus Christ.  He is not in the tomb.  He is preparing a place for those who are prepared to go with him.  I have adopted this saying, "Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people."  I tell you it is a fact that Jesus' body was not stolen from that tomb, rather he has risen from the dead.  Now I ask you, are you prepared to go with him to the prepared place?  

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

We must hear the Word of God:  Rom 10:17; Acts 4:4

We must believe or have faith:   Heb 11:6; Acts 16:31

We must repent of our sins:  Lk 13:3; Acts 17:30

We must confess Christ before others:  Mt 10:32; Acts 8:37

We must be immersed into Christ (baptized) Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38

We must be faithful:   Rev 2:10; Acts 14:22        

The Christian Call

Titus 2:11-15

When I thought of the "Christian Call" the first thing I thought of was a person sitting in an office making an evangelistic call to another person.  Hey, why not?  We have "Television Evangelists" why can't we have "Telephone Evangelists?" (Sarcasm Included) That is not the "call" I am talking about.  I am talking about the call of showing and living Christianity.  I first want to communicate that our call as Christians is first and foremost to "seek his kingdom and his righteousness." Mt 6:33  Then, we must continue Christ's work of seeking the lost (Lk 19:10) as he commanded. Mt 28:18-20  That being said, now we can look at how we are called to act as Christians.

The first thing that must be noted is that verse 11 says God's grace is for all mankind.  This quickly pulls the carpet out from under the belief that a certain elect group of people will be saved.  You see, God desires all mankind to be saved (1Ti 2:3,4), but not all mankind will desire God to save them.  God's love, mercy, and grace is for all, unfortunately, not all will accept.  God's nature is seen in Christ, beginning with his humble birth in Jerusalem and his final sacrifice of love at Calvary.

The apostle gives a negative and a positive in verse 12.  He says we must "deny ungodliness and worldly desires" while we "live righteously, sensibly, and godly."  This truly makes sense because if we are to remove something useless and do not fill it with something productive we will eventually fill it with useless things again.  For example, if we are to clean out a corner of our garage because it is a cluttered mess and we do not put something there and leave it as an open space, chances are, we will just clutter it up again.  The same goes for a life cluttered with worldly desires and ungodliness.  When we attempt to remove those deeds of clutter and do not fill it with something productive like righteous, sensible, and godly deeds, that old clutter will return!

The question is, how do we fill our lives with righteous, sensible, and godly deeds?  The answer to that my friends, is the "Christian Call."  We are called to the things listed in the first paragraph while we employ verse 13.  We see here two different advents in these few verses.  The first, verse 11, is in the past. It is God's grace that was seen in the earthly life of our Lord Jesus.  The second, verse 13, is in the future.  It is when Jesus returns.  We, Christians, are to be looking for that great moment and living in such a way that says we are in a covenant relationship with God through the blood of his son.  All the rules of living that are listed earlier in this chapter are meaningless without a relationship between Christ and his followers on earth who are to be walking as he commanded and expecting his glorious return.  That is the christian call!  Having a relationship with God through Jesus and anticipating his return.  

Verse 14 emphasizes the need for our salvation and it is tied to the fact that Christ's crucifixion frees us from the guilt of our past sins.  The crucifixion is seen in different aspects in scripture.  It is seen as a sacrifice with Christ as a scapegoat (1Pe 1:18,19), a war with Christ as the mighty warrior who has defeated Satan and his power (1Co 15:54-57), and a ransom paid (1Co 6:20) just to name a few.  What glorious thing God has done for mankind in the form of Jesus Christ and the sacrifice he made on the cross.  Through that sacrifice we are redeemed from every lawless deed and purified as to now be zealous good deeds.  The Christian call is to be zealous for good deeds as we seek first his kingdom and the lost.

Titus is told to "speak, exhort, and reprove."  I love this because I see this as a progressive nature to how we are to preach Christ crucified.  Some people will respond to you speaking to them about Christ.  Others will need exhorted, or to urge, advise, or admonish earnestly and urgently, in order for them to respond to Christ.  Still, some will refuse to respond and they will need to be reproved.  That merely means we must prove to them again God's love through Christ's sacrifice.  Unfortunately, some still will not respond but the Word of God is a seed and it takes time to grow.  Remember, we are looked at according to our efforts and not our successes.  1Co 3:5-9

Today, will you answer the "Christian Call" of seeking first his kingdom and righteousness, the call of seeking the lost, the call of being zealous for good deeds, and the call of sharing Christ crucified?

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

We must hear the Word of God:  Rom 10:17; Acts 4:4

We must believe or have faith:   Heb 11:6; Acts 16:31

We must repent of our sins:  Lk 13:3; Acts 17:30

We must confess Christ before others:  Mt 10:32; Acts 8:37

We must be immersed into Christ (baptized) Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38

We must be faithful:   Rev 2:10; Acts 14:22