Tuesday, December 17, 2013

The Gospel of the Resurrection - Part 14

A WORD FROM THE HOMELAND
10-20 minute messages concerning the world to come, the Christ that will bring us there and the glorious inheritance of the saints
The Gospel of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Part 14
"If There Be No Resurrection, All is Vain"

But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen. And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching in vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raise up Christ; Whom He raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised; and if Christ be not raised, your faith in vain, ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 
(1 Corinthians 15:13-19)

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Mountain Top Magazine #5



Jesus' Works Testify of His Person

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver
And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, "Art Thou He that should come? or look we for another?"...And in that same hour He cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits, and unto many that were blind He gave sight. Then Jesus answering said unto them, "Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard..." (Luke 7:19-22)

In a time when John need a sustaining word from the Lord, and when his disciples did as well, Jesus confirmed His identity to them by what He did. His works testified of His Person. Works are a greater witness than words when it comes to identifying a person. So, while John spent his entire life preparing the way of the Lord and testifying that Jesus was the Son of God, the works of Christ were a greater witness. Jesus said, "I have a greater witness than that of John" [that is, a witness that is greater than John's testimony of Jesus,] "for the works which the Father hath given Me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of Me, that the Father hath sent Me" (Jn 5:36). Truly, whether while in the earth or now from the right hand of God, Jesus' works are still testifying of who He is.

The Purpose of God. Jesus' works are always in accord with God's eternal purpose. In fact, it is by Jesus' works that God's eternal purpose is being carried out. God has purposed to bless mankind through Jesus. He has purposed to destroy the works of the devil through His Christ. In a demonstration of accomplishing these things Jesus cured men of their infirmities and plagues. He casted out evil spirits - a satanic hoard that once shackled men. He made blind men to see and the gospel was being preached to the poor. In other words, Jesus was blessing men and overthrowing the powers of darkness.

Upon hearing about these things, John's heart would be comforted and his faith confirmed as he neared his death on account of his ministry. What his disciples had seen and heard would always confirm to them that Jesus has indeed increased as John has decreased. They would readily follow Jesus in accord with John's constant exhortations. For John did no miracle but Jesus did many. The forerunner, though the greatest of the prophets, had pointed them to a better One - One that could save them from their sins.

The Scriptures. Furthermore, Jesus' works are always in accord with the Scripture. John was no doubt familiar with the Word of God. He knew that the One to come after him would "baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire." He knew that what the Lord's Christ would do would be more powerful than what any other prophet could do. The Messiah's work would reach to the very depths of man. He would "finish the transgression" and "make an end of sins." He would "make reconciliation for iniquity" and "bring in everlasting righteousness." He would "seal up the vision and prophecy" and "anoint the most holy" (Dan 9:24). The Messiah would do all these things and would be greater than any other. John knew this and asked a valid question seeking to know the manner of Jesus' works. In other words, he was asking if Jesus was performing works appropriate to the Word being made flesh? Thus, Jesus showed His power and told the disciples to report back to John in resounding affirmation of His person.

Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is still testifying to men that He is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. From the right hand of the Majesty on high, Jesus is mediating the New Covenant. He is purifying for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good works. He is making men see Him who is invisible. He is forgiving sin, iniquity and transgression. He is making intercession for the saints. He is declaring the name of the Father in the midst of the congregation. He is making men stand in the evil day and keeping them undefiled, spotless and unblameable in the midst of a present evil world. He is bringing many sons to glory and showing Himself to be the very Way to the Father. He is shepherding all the sheep while leading them beside still waters and green pastures. He is nourishing His church.

Is He the One that should come? or should we look for another? Allow all of these works to testify and go and report the things that you see and hear!

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

The Gospel of the Resurrection - Part 13

A WORD FROM THE HOMELAND
10-20 minute messages concerning the world to come, the Christ that will bring us there, and the glorious inheritance of the saints
The Gospel of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Part 13
"The Foolishness of Denying the Resurrection of the Dead"


Now if Christ be preached that He rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
(1 Corinthians 15:12)

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

The Gospel of the Resurrection - Part 12

A WORD FROM THE HOMELAND
10-20 minute messages concerning the world to come, the Christ that will bring us there, and the glorious inheritance of the saints
The Gospel of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Part 12
"Preaching Christ - that He Rose from the Dead"


Now if Christ be preached that He rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
(1 Corinthians 15:12)