West Side Church of Christ

God Can Raise the Dead
Our Sunday Morning Class

Can God Raise the Dead

[This list of cases of resurrection in the Bible does not include the strange event where “and the tombs were opened, and many bodies of the holy-ones who had fallen-asleep were raised. And coming forth out of the tombs after his (Jesus) awakening they entered into the holy city and appeared to many.” (Matthew 27:52-53) Neither does it include Ezekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones and their resurrection--- a symbol of the restoration of Israel from Babylon (Ezekiel 37:1-14) and not a literal bodily resurrection.]

William Jennings Bryan once delivered a lecture and confirmed his faith in immortality in their words:

“If the Father designs to touch with divine power the cold and pulseless heart of the buried acorn and to make it burst forth from its prison walls, will He leave neglected in the earth the soul of man, made in the image of his Creator? If he stoops to give to the rose-bush, whose blossoms float upon the autumn breeze, the sweet assurance of another springtime, will He refuse the words of hope to the sons of men when the frosts of winter come? If matter, mute and inanimate, though changed by the forces of nature into a multitude of forms, can never die, will the imperial spirit of man suffer annihilation when it has paid a brief visit like a royal quest to this tenement of clay? No, He who, notwithstanding His apparent prodigality, created nothing without a purpose, and wasted not a single atom in all His creation, has bade provision for a future life in which man’s universal longing for immorality will find its realization.”

Although there have been many who have believed in the resurrection of the dead, others have denied it. For example, when Paul addressed the Athenians on Mars’ Hill, he had an attentive audience until he spoke of the resurrection of the dead. This was too much; the sermon ended abruptly (Acts 17:22-32). Since denial of the resurrection was largely the belief of the Greeks, and since the resurrection had been denied by some at Corinth, Paul was concerned; he did not want the early Christians influenced by the heathen philosophers to doubt the possibility of a future bodily resurrection. As unbelievers in the resurrection, the heathen asked two questions: “But someone will say, (1) how are the dead raised up? (2) And with what manner of body do they come?” (1 Corinthians 15:35)

God is Good, Love you all
Kevin J.

Can God Raise the Dead

Resurrection is not impossible, for Divine power is able to raise the body from the grave. The resurrection is both reasonable and possible. If one has been raised from the dead by the power of God to die no more, then all can be.

That Jehovah God has the power to resurrect the body has been clearly demonstrated. Those mentioned in the Bible, in both the Old Testament and the New (besides Christ), as having been brought from the dead, are:

1. The widow’s son at Zarephath, Elijah the prophet (1Kings 17:17-22);
2. The Shunamite’s son, by the prophet Elisha (2 Kings 4:18-37).
3. The unnamed man whose body when being buried touched the bones of Elisha (2 Kings 13:20-21).
4. Jairus’ daughter by Christ (Matthew 9:18-26; Mark 5:35-42; Luke 8:49-56).
5. The widow’s son at Nain, by Christ (Luke 7:11-15).
6. Lazarus, the brother of Martha and Mary, by Christ (John 11:17-44).
7. Dorcas (Tabitha), a Christian woman who lived in Joppa, by Peter (Acts 9:36-41).
8. Eutychus, the man at Troas who fell out the window, by Paul (Acts 20:5,9-10).

None of these instances of miraculous resurrections, however, were a resurrection to an immortal or incorruptible body, for they all later died again and saw corruption. They were restored to their natural bodies. These cases do, however, show that there is a power superior to death. Those eight persons, along with the remainder of mankind, will be the subjects of that final resurrection by the power of the Lord at the last day which shall completely swallow up death in victory; for this same infinite God shall awaken to life all the dead in “the resurrection at the last day.” This will be a display of almighty power. Indeed, God is able to clothe the spirits of the righteous with celestial bodies, suitable for the eternal abode in heaven. If one accepts the personal existence of an omnipotent God, why not the possibility of raising the dead by a miracle of power? If in the long-ago Abraham believed in the possibility of a bodily resurrection (Hebrews 11:19), it should be much easier for one who now lives under a much fuller revelation of God’s will be believe the doctrine of the resurrection. The resurrection of the body is not incredible.

God Is Good, Love You All, Kevin J.

Christ Is the "First fruits" of the Resurrection

Paul also affirmed that Christ rose as "he became the first-fruit of those who have fallen asleep." (1Corithians 15:20). If Christ rose from the dead, all His people must. In this language, the apostle used a striking metaphor. Under the old law, the first sheaf of the harvest was carried into the temple on the day following the Paschal Sabbath and consecrated to God; it was the pledge of prophecy of the reaping in due season of all the miles of golden grain that waved in the sunshine (Leviticus 23:10-12). Likewise, Christ, the Antitype, has been raised before Christians; He is the first to rise from the dead to die no more and is declared to be "he became the first-fruit of those who have fallen asleep." (Colossians 1:18; cf. Acts 26:23).

As the devout Israelite farmer brought the first of his harvest to present before the Lord, so Jesus has now presented Himself before God as the first fruits of the great harvest the people of God. To the Christians of Corinth, Paul said concerning the resurrection: "But each in his own order: Christ the first-fruit; thereafter those who are Christ's at his presence." (1 Corinthians 15:23). Christ rose first, then those who are His disciples shall rise at His second coming. This whole chapter deals with the resurrection of believers, not unbelievers. Other passages of Scripture teach that the wicked too will be raised at the last day, for example John 5:28-29. Hence, just as the first fruits and the first ripe sheaf were offered to the Lord, Christ's resurrection is the pledge and promise of a coming harvest. Every reader of this fifteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians must see how much depends of the fact that Jesus Christ rose again from the dead.

God is Good! Love you all.
Kevin J.

Paul Discussed the Resurrection Based on Christ's Resurrection

(continued)

Christ was seen alive by trustworthy witnesses. Man's faith, therefore, in life in the hereafter is based upon that glorious event. Reason may lead to one to hope, but revelation produces faith (Romans 10:17). Christ's resurrection demonstrates His deity and the existence of life beyond the grace, proving His claim to be the Son of God (Romans 1:3-4). Christ's resurrection is the guarantee that the day will come when all bodies will be raised as was His. This is the foundation of the Christian's faith in a future life.

Atheists deny the resurrection of Christ and, in effect, affirm that no amount of evidence can prove that a supernatural event ever occurred. For one to make such an affirmation is ridiculous. Christianity is at stake in this controversy, for if Christ did not arise, His deity cannot be upheld, and Christianity cannot be maintained. Nevertheless, if Christ be risen, how can one deny the resurrection of the dead?

How grateful all should be that the fact of Christ's resurrection serves as a pledge and proof of man's resurrection, and that one day all shall come forth from their graves to live forever and ever. Christ's resurrection, as fact, demonstrates the certainty of life after death. As Christ lives, so shall all live again. Immortality is made absolutely sure by the resurrection of Christ. The Savior suffered and died and rose again from the dead, and in His triumph over death is the assurance of man's resurrection at the last day. As surely as

God Is Good! Love You All
— Kevin J.

Historical Types Are Examples - Examples For Our Learning, More Wednesday Class

Paul recalls some of Israel's early history to the Corinthians to instruct them on their behavior. He calls the historical events of Israel: examples (Grk: tupos, ie types). As we are learning, the Bible uses type and antitype relationships for the purpose of placing the type against the antitype to make comparisons.

Paul is identifying in this passage specific Israelite historical events as types. He is telling the Corinthian church not to behave like the types. So he's telling them to compare themselves to the Israelite historical types. Therefore, we, the church today, represented here by the Corinthian church, are the antitypes.

What does Paul tell us about our historical types in 1 Cor 10?

• vs5 With most of them, God was not pleased.
• vs7 Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play."
• vs8 We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day.
• vs9 We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them DID and were destroyed by serpents,
• vs10 nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer.

He then gives us a warning, a promise, and an instruction
1 Corinthians 10:12-14 (ESV)

• The Warning
• vs12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.
• The Promise
• vs13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
• The Instruction
• vs14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. (ie Don't put ANYONE or ANYTHING else before God)

Because, our historical examples that typify us, DID all these things. Read and learn how God dealt with them and apply those lessons to us today. — Scott R

1 Corinthians 15 & Christ's Resurrection, Our Sunday Morning Class
Paul Discussed the Resurrection Based on Christ's Resurrection

In the fifteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul furnished the most logical and sublime argument for the resurrection of the dead. Here are given both the fact of the resurrection of Christ and a summary of the evidence or proof by which that doctrine was supported. Some at Corinth denied the resurrection of the dead. But Paul insisted on the resurrection of Christ and the truth of the resurrection of all mankind.

There are two main divisions of this resurrection chapter: (1) the certainty of the resurrection (VV. 1-34), and (2) the nature of the resurrection (vv. 35-54). The first part answers the question of verse 12; how do some among you* say that there is no resurrection of the dead?" The second answers the questions of verse 35; How are the dead raised up? And with what manner of body do they come?"

In first part of the chapter (vv.1-11), the apostle answered their first question: Is there really to be a resurrection from the dead? (cf.v.12) This he did from the basic truth of Christianity--- namely, the resurrection of the Savior from the dead. This had been set forth when he preached the gospel unto them. In this message he declared, and that he was buried, and that he has been raised up on the third day according to the Scriptures." (v. 4)

The resurrection of all men and the whole structure of Christianity are based upon Christ's resurrection. In verses 13-19, the Apostle showed that to deny the resurrection is to deny the entire scheme of redemption, for if there were no resurrection, then Christ did not rise and there is no hope of salvation. On the fact of Christ's resurrection rests man's assurance of being raised from the dead. If the dead do not rise, it follows that Christ has not risen; but if God raised Him, He will also raise all from the dead. If Christ has not been raised from the dead, the apostles are false witnesses, their preaching is vain, man's faith is vain, people are yet in their sins, and those who have fallen asleep have perished. A denial of the resurrection strikes at the very root of the Christian religion.

However, in verses 20-28, Paul asserted emphatically that Christ had risen. But now Christ has been raised up from the dead," Jesus conquered death. In verses 29-34, Paul showed that to obey Christ and to sacrifice for His church would be nothing short of foolishness if there is no resurrection.

Everyone, therefore, who believes that Christ was raised from the dead should believe that all who sleep in the dust of earth will likewise be raised; and, conversely, everyone who denies the certainty of the resurrection must, if consistent, deny the resurrection of Christ.

The Scriptures supply evidence of the certainty of Christ's resurrection. After His death, Jesus showed Himself alive to His apostles by many proofs (Acts 1:2-3). Indeed, there is no other fact in history sustained by such an array of evidence as the miraculous resurrection of Christ. As a fact in history, this fundamental tenet of Christianity is attested by evidence more certain than can be produced in favor of any accepted facts ancient or modern.

Christ was seen alive by trustworthy witnesses. Man's faith therefore, in life in the hereafter is based upon that glorious event. Reason may lead to one to hope, but revelation produces faith (Romans 10:17). Christ's resurrection demonstrates His deity and the existence of life beyond the grace, proving His claim to be the Son of God (Romans 1:3-4). Christ's resurrection is the guarantee that the day will come when all bodies will be raised as was His. This, is the foundation of the Christian's faith in a future life.

Atheists deny the resurrection of Christ and, in effect, affirm that no amount of evidence can prove that a supernatural event ever occurred. For one to make such an affirmation is ridiculous. Christianity is at stake in this controversy, for if Christ did not arise, His deity cannot be upheld and Christianity cannot be maintained. Nevertheless, if Christ be risen, how can one deny the resurrection of the dead?

How grateful all should be that the fact of Christ's resurrection serves as a pledge and proof of man's resurrection, and that one day all shall come forth from their graves to live forever and ever. Christ's resurrection, as fact, demonstrates the certainty of life after death. As Christ lives, so shall all live again. Immortality is made absolutely sure by the resurrection of Christ. The Savior suffered and died and rose again from the dead, and in His triumph over death is the assurance of man's resurrection at the last day. As surely as For just-as all die in Adam, so all will also be given life in Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:22).

God Is Good! Love You all
— Kevin J.

Christ's Resurrection Is Pledge and Proof of Man's Resurrection

Christ's resurrection from the dead carries with it the certainty of the resurrection of all mankind. As Christ arose, so also, He guarantees the resurrection of all bodies. Although the belief of some kind of future life has been with all peoples of earth since their earliest existence, all now have in the New Testament a much clearer revelation of that future life. Consequently, since Christ arose and since God has definitely promised the resurrection, all may be sure that the general resurrection of all mankind will occur in due time. Even though the resurrection is definitely promised, this act is not yet consummated. Nevertheless, the barriers of death have been broken, and ultimately death itself will be completely destroyed. Definitely, death's actual and total abolition is foretold and certain.

Christ said to His disciples, "because I am living, you will also live. (John 14:19b). Suppose Christ had not been raised from the dead—how terrible to be without hope! But He was raised! He lives! And this is evidence that all shall live again.

Job's question waited long for a definite answer, but at last Christ's all sufficient answer came. Jesus gave it by the grave of Lazarus in His words of calm assurance to all the world: "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, even if he dies, he will live; (John 11:25). These precious words have brought hope to millions, but they would be worthless of Christ had not confirmed them by fact.

Man's hope, therefore, of a resurrected, immortal body is guaranteed to him by Christ's own resurrection and life in glory. Paul affirmed that Jesus has "abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel" (2 Timothy 1:10). Christ did this in His own resurrection. This event brought the doctrine of the resurrection to the front and greatly enlarged man's hope of being resurrected. Jesus lifted the old concept out of possibility and brought it into the realm of reality. Christ's resurrection flashed an unusual light on the subject of existence beyond the grave. The ancient world had not the positive assurance of a future life; it was not so clearly revealed and proved to them as it is to people who now live under the teaching of Christianity. The wisest and best of men among the ancient heathen world, though they had some hopes and longings for a future life, were never able to reach the truth about life beyond the grave. It was not definite then as now, So Christ established the fact of immortal life, and in this sense brought life and immortality to light. With the resurrection of Christ and the teaching of the New Testament being revealed, the doctrine of immortality was completed.

Unbelievers question the resurrection. They say it is contrary to their experience. However, to doubt the resurrection because one has never seen a resurrection from the dead is like a man in a tropical climate saying it has never snowed on earth. He has never seen it snow; he has never talked to anyone who has seen snow and ice; therefore, he says it has never snowed and such is impossible. This, nevertheless, does not prove that it has never snowed. Similarly, people today have never seen the dead raised or beheld one raised from the dead, but some saw the miraculous resurrections of Christ's personal ministry. Furthermore, many today believe the testimony of the eyewitnesses of the risen Christ—and they believe the words of the Lord Jesus that one day all shall be raised from the dead.

God Is Good, Love you all — Kevin J.

The Holy Spirit — Ever Present

If we look at the personal ministry of Jesus Christ, we see the activity of the Holy Spirit is more evident than at His birth. At his immersion the Spirit was present, and active. When Jesus came up out of the water, the spirit came upon Him in the form as of a dove. (Luke 3:21-22). The result of this is seen in Luke 4:1-2:

The imperfect tense is used here, showing us that the Holy Spirit of God is always a continuing presence with Jesus. We also see this in Luke 4:14, after the completion of His temptation.

We need always remember that the Holy Spirit is in constant contact with you and I at all times, and is powerful in us today to carry us through all temptations that come our way.

God is Good, Love you all in Jesus name Amen.

— Kevin's 2 cents

How Does a Christian Deal With Sin? —Here's a Clue

Romans 4:7-8
Psalms 32:1-5

Who Determines What's Moral?

Who determines what is right or wrong? Is there such a thing as morality? If so, who determines what is moral and what isn't? Any one individual? A family of individuals? A group of individuals? A nation of individuals? The consensus of all individuals? A majority of individuals? From a naturalistic point of view, concerning the electro-chemical reactions that are living things, whose electro-chemical processes are any better or worthy of making a moralistic determination than any other individual's processes?

However, from God's point of view, God the Creator reserves that right for Himself,

Isaiah 45:18-19

The solution to how we deal with sin, (as outsiders or as Christians), begins with God... more to follow.

—Scott R

The Resurrection of the Body; The Apostles Taught the Resurrection

The doctrine of the resurrection of the dead constitutes a large portion of apostolic teaching, as clearly seen from a number of statements.

The apostle Paul asserted God would raise the dead:

and

In fact, all the apostles, beginning with Peter on Pentecost (Acts 2:24-36), gave witness to the resurrection of Christ with great power (Acts 3:13,26; 4:10,33; 5:30), and the consequent resurrection of all Luke wrote that they proclaimed in Jesus the resurrection from the dead (Acts 4:2). Indeed, Christ was proclaimed to be the Prince of life (Acts 3:15), who was raised to a glorified life and is capable of imparting life to others.

Peter preached the resurrection of Christ to Cornelius and his household (Acts 10:40); Paul, in his first sermon at Antioch in Pisidia, preached that God raised Christ from the dead (Acts 13:26-41). Later, as he continued his first missionary journey, he taught the same thing at Thessalonica and Athens (Acts 17:3,18,31,32). While on trial before King Agrippa, Paul proclaimed Christ's resurrection (Acts 26:8,23).

God is good. Love you all, Kevin J.

Jesus Taught the Resurrection of the Body

Jesus taught as one of His cardinal truths the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead. One direct affirmation is:

At Capernaum, Christ repeatedly stated That the righteous would be raised at the end of time:

At the home of Martha and Mary in Bethany, Jesus said to Martha,

Martha then expressed a common belief when she said of her dead brother:

Then Christ informed her,

In effect, Jesus said to Martha,

Then following this statement, Jesus went with Martha and Mary to the tomb of Lazarus and called him forth from the dead.
(john11:38-44).

God is good. Love you all, —Kevin J.

Will All the Dead Be Raised?
Kevin's 2 cent's:
Moreover, God in His Word declared it!

That the Scriptures teach a general resurrection of all the dead is admitted by all. The evidence for the resurrection of the dead, wholly Biblical, is certainly ample, clearly taught, and divinely demonstrated. And this is the excellent ground of one's faith in immortality. Hence, the expression, "I believe in the resurrection of the dead," has been the language of faith in all ages of Christianity.

God is good, love you all.
—Kevin Cleary

Will the Body Be Raised?
Continued from Sunday July 5th;

Then, too, life here is so incomplete, even the longest is insufficient for the fulfillment of half of man's capabilities. He is often cut off when he is just ready to make some greater advance. A future life is needed for completeness. Life on Earth is short. All of man's plans are made with the knowledge that he may not live to carry them out

What is your life?

Is this yearning then, after perfection of fullness the souls prophecy of its own immortality? Of course, man can believe that it is and say with Addison:

—Kevin

Will The Body Be Raised?
Kevin's 2 cents, (continued from June 28th)

Is man not justified in concluding that the faith in life after death is evidence of the fact? Why this sentiment, this universal longing for existence beyond the grave? Was it as surely implanted in man by his Creator as instincts were implanted in animals? Can one believe that these deep desires are to be frustrated at death? Does a good and wise God plant a hope in the soul for mockery? Where in all of nature can one find instinct falsified? The wings of the bird mean that it was meant to fly: the fins of the fish mean that it was made to swim. Surely, then, this instinct, which infidels and atheists have never been able to up root from man's mind, is prophetic of its own fulfillment in eternity. God will not disappoint man in this respect.

God is good, Love you all, In Jesus name amen
—Kevin

Will The Body Be Raised?
There Shall Be a Resurrection

All of mankind will die except those who will be living at the time of Christ's return. Christ is no respecter of persons. It comes everyday to someone and someday to everyone. So the ancient and ever-returning question, expressed by Job, is, "If man die, shall be live again?" This question is universal.

There is an ever-constant longing in the heart of man for life beyond. The earliest histories of man indicate man's desire of a future life. In every person there is a conviction he was not made to die, that the grave is not the end, and that the Maker's plan for him is not annihilation. He believes he was made to live in a higher and nobler existence than this earth-life. Immortality has been the belief of all people of all nations of all ages. Truly, man wants to live after death.

God is good, Love you all. —Kevin J.

A Study of Peter
Our Wednesday Night Class

When the angel Gabriel appeared to Zachariah in the temple, he announced God's plan for he and his son in the scheme of redemption. The angel made seven points to him that we can see become fulfilled as we read the gospel story.

The points are:

1. God answers his prayer- Elizabeth would bear him a son
2. His son is to be called John (God has shown favor)
3. The son would bring joy to them and many will rejoice
4. His son would be great in the sight of God
5. He is to take no alcohol (the Nazarite vow? Num.6 e.g. Sampson & Samuel)
6. The son would be filled by the spirit from the womb
7. He will bring back many to the Lord and he will go before the Lord in the "spirit" of Elijah, making the people ready for the Lord, fulfilling Malachi's prophecy

Likewise the angel told the details of God's plan of salvation as revealed to Mary and Joseph with these points:

• Mary was favored by God and God was with her
• She'll have a son and will call him Yeshua (Jehoshua/Jesus)
• He will be Son of the Most High conceived by Holy Spirit fulfilling Is. 7:14 God with us, Immanuel
• He'll sit on his father David's throne fulfilling Micah 5:2
• His kingdom will have no end fulfilling Daniels prophecy
• Nothing is impossible for God

As we go through our study, look for these points and make note of them; this will show you God's invisible hand at work, exercising his providence and will to fulfill his word.

— Jim

A Study of Peter, The Gospel Period

As we enter the gospel period of time in our Wednesday study, we are introduced to two families; Zachariah and his wife Elizabeth and Mary and her betrothed Joseph. It is a very wonderful time to say the least because we read of supernatural events taking place which causes great excitement in these families and their communities. God sends an angel; Gabriel, to Zachariah and to Mary, to announce to them that God would bless them with a child. To Zachariah, his wife who was barren would be blessed with a child that would be the 'Elijah' that was to come and make straight paths for the Messiah and to Mary he told her that she would bear the Son of the Most High and that God would give him the throne of his father David and that his kingdom would have no end. It may have even been the angel Gabriel who came to Joseph in a dream after he had contemplated divorcing his wife quietly and explained to him that the baby conceived in her was from the Holy Spirit and that the child would save his people from their sins. The lives of these four people would be changed forever as well as the lives of the people of the whole world. I would highly encourage you to read these particular stories from the gospel because they are an excellent revealing of our Christian history, they can be found in; Luke 1:5-56 and Mat.1:18-25. They aren't only just a lesson in history for us but there are lessons we too can apply in our lives. One such lesson is about belief. In Zachariah's case he doubted when Gabriel told him God's plan, he said to Gabriel, "How will I know this for certain? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years." He was immediately punished for his disbelief by being struck mute. Mary had an attitude that should be emulated by all believers, her response was, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word." And Joseph too was faithful in his due dilligence and took Mary as his wife. Let's have good and positive attitudes in our lives and service to our Lord as we seek to serve him too. For his glory! Jim

Beyond Remedy

God's people in the Old Testament went through many trials that tested their faith and allegiance to God. Exodus 20:20 (NASB) Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin." God knows that man is prone to sin. God loves us and knows that sin can enslave us and be our 'master'. He is a jealous God and wants all of our devotional focus on him, not idols. We are to have no other gods except him, today we may not bow before an image made of wood or stone, but we create idols of other types in our lives that are sinful. Paul tells the Philippians, 3:18-19,"For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things." The phrase "whose god is their belly" means; our carnal appetites can become our gods or idols in this life and that makes us enemies of Jesus. If unrepented of, our idol worship can cause us to be eternally lost.

Sin can so consume us it literally can deceive us and blind us to the lost spiritual state we are in. Israel found that out the hard way, they rejected all the prophets who warned them to repent and their sin got so bad that the Assyrian kings killed many of them and carried the rest of them away. Judah too soon found itself in the same predicament years later. 2 Chr.36:16 "but they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and scoffed at his prophets, until Yahweh’s wrath arose against his people, until there was no remedy." No remedy; nothing could fix or heal them, they were in spiritual hospice waiting to die. God had to destroy them to get their attention, most of them were slaughtered and a remnant were exiled to Babylon for 70 years. John tells us that there is sin that leads to death, I believe it is sin that is unrepented of that has become an idol in our life, John then concludes his letter by saying, "Little children, keep yourselves from idols."

— Jim L

Setting Our Minds for Our Study on Peter

As we have stated in our Wednesday evening bible study: The Apostle Peter, we are "setting the table," so to speak, to set up the mood of the day.

I ask you to read 2nd Chronicles 36 and if you have the gumption, the book of Daniel also. These verses from the bible have some rich history we can go over to better help us understand what Israel and Judah in particular just went through that shapes their thinking and attitudes during Peter's day.

If you read the book of Daniel, pay particular attention to the dreams of both the king of Babylon and Daniel himself because they both cover the world empires that will be of interest to us.

Happy reading and I can't wait to discuss these topics in class with you.

See you then. Jim

Yes, Jesus Did That

It may be difficult for some of us to imagine that an all powerful eternal God has walked with mankind on earth through all the ages; but it's not difficult for us to imagine one who reigns from heaven and directs the affairs of man from there. But we do have a God who is a "hands on God", and has interacted with his creation on an intimate level, face to face even.

The apostle John tells us in John 1:18 (NRSV)

So it took the Son of God to actually reveal the Father to us through his life and teachings.

John further tells us, John 14:6-11 (NRSV)

So the oneness of the Godhead is shown to us in Jesus' statement. When we see Jesus, we see the Father, for they are one in purpose and mind. Jesus has interacted with his creation in many different forms.

In the Garden of Eden we see it is in the form of the eternal being, "Jehovah Elohim", which is "LORD God." He was the first law giver, and gave Adam the Law of Sin and Death to follow, yes — Jesus did that. — Jim

Good Lord's Day to everyone! (For Sunday, 9/13)
We are starting a new class at West Side on Wednesday

Having completed a study in the elementary teachings of Christ, we will be examining the life of Simon the son of John whom the Lord gives the nick-name Peter.

Peter is one of my favorite characters in the bible because he is an average working class guy who has many flaws and many wonderful traits. Jesus saw great potential in Peter and mentors him to become the 'Rock' which he saw him as.

This class will be for young teenagers who want a deeper understanding of our faith so that they may have a faith of their own and become a Christian one day, so the 'milk' of God's word will be taught; plus there will be plenty of 'meat' to chew on in this class for the mature audience as well.

My expectaion for this class is that upon its conclusion, we can all be of the same mind that if God can use a person like Peter in his ministry, he can use me too! I hope to see you all this Wednesday.

In his service — Jim

Why Are Types & Antitypes Important?
The Holy Spirit Expressing Spiritual Ideas with Spiritual Words – 1 Corinthians 2:10-16

Lately, in preparation for our future class on the book of Hebrews, we have been exploring the concept of types & antitypes. The idea came as a result of looking at Adam (referred to by Paul as a "type of" Christ) & Jesus in Romans 5:12-21, baptism and the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, in Romans 6:1-11, and Peter, when talking about the flood, mentions that the "antitype" (of the flood), namely baptism, now saves us, 1 Peter 3:20,21. We learned that types & antitypes are for making comparisons. You can hold the type up closely against the antitype for contrasting effect (juxtapose). This is what the Bible does in Romans 5, 6 and 1 Peter 3, as mentioned above.

Last Sunday night, in the PM sermon, we looked at Ephesians 5:21-33, where Paul makes the comparison between the husband, wife relationship and the relationship Christ has with His church. Paul used this comparison to instruct us on how we ought to behave in our marriage relationships, emphasizing that this contrast was intended for us to make the comparison. In fact, he says, "Therefore," and states the law of marriage. Then says, "This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church." (i.e. because God wanted to show man the importance of His relationship with His church, He designed marriage.)

In other words, the marriage relationship AS a type of Christ and His church IS THE reason marriage exists!

Marriage is the ONLY authorized relationship for sexual union because God designed it (marriage) to show the relationship of Christ and His church. That is why all other sexual unions are wrong (because they don't show the relationship Christ has with His church). Not because of some "phobia" we may be accused of having.

Further, Jesus connects the dots for us when He was asked what was proper behavior regarding marriage. He says, "Have you not read that He who created them FROM THE BEGINNING (predating Moses) made them male and female, and said, 'THEREFORE, '" and He states the law of marriage, (i.e. because I made them male & female, they are to be married), Matthew 19:3-6.

Simply stated:
THE REASON why God made us male and female is to be married and our marriage was DESIGNED to show the relationship of Christ and His church. And that IS WHY marriage between a man and a woman is the ONLY relationship that is RIGHT for sexual union and ALL OTHER relationships are NOT. See 1 Corinthians 6:13b-20.

— Scott R (The power of the type and antitype)

Hebrews — Beyond the Basics
There's a Reason for Mature Instruction

One of the things Hebrews reveals is a series of comparisons between Angels and Jesus, Moses and Jesus, Jesus and Melchizedek, and the Levitical High Priest and Jesus our High Priest, all showing the superiority of Jesus. Not to mention comparisons between the Tabernacle and Heaven, the old and new covenants, and between animal sacrifices and Jesus' sacrifice.

But, there are other things mentioned too. In the passage of Hebrews that identifies and contrasts the elementary teachings to teachings for the mature Christian we find a context that is the book of Hebrews in miniature. The Hebrew writer is in the middle of a deep discussion when he stops to give a criticism, a list of elementary teachings, and a warning to his audience. After the warning he returns to his discussion right where he left off. We see this cycle of instructing & warning repeated over several times.

The instruction is aimed to address the warnings the writer presents to his audience to help them maintain their walk with Christ. Some warnings are listed.

Take time to read Hebrews and see for yourself how the writer tailors his instruction to the warnings he presents. Give careful thought to his message. It is as pertinent today as it was 2,000 years ago.

— Scott R

The Elementary Teachings Class Concluded

Thanks to Jim Lokenbauer for an excellent study on “the elementary teachings about Christ” from Hebrews 6:1,2.

Jim plans on taking us through a study on the Apostle Peter next. We’re looking forward to his class.

Following that, I would like to present a class on the book of Hebrews. It is in the context of discussing difficult Biblical ideas that the Hebrew writer tells us what the elementary teachings about Christ are. This Biblical definition of what constitutes the basic/elementary principles/doctrine that are foundational to the Gospel appears almost incidentally. Without this list we would be left to our own opinion/understanding of what forms the basics of the oracles of God (Hebrews 5:12).

The book of Hebrews is a case study of the “meat” of the gospel. In our Hebrews class we will take a look at the arguments the author makes with a mind of trying to understand what he is saying and for what purpose.

While Jim is on vacation, I plan on presenting, over the next Wednesday or two, a brief overview of the book of Hebrews. We will identify the structure, outline, and some arguments of the book and look for clues to what was motivating the writer to pen the book. Hopefully this will stimulate interest for everyone to read & study the book of Hebrews in preparation for the future class.

See you Wednesday Evening —Scott R

Time is Drawing Near — Are You Ready?

By the power of Jesus' word he created the heavens and the earth and holds everything together by it (Ps.33:6, Heb.1:3) Creation was the start of time, year zero. In that same year, he established his law to Adam and Eve, the law of sin and death. Through the twisting of God's word Satan deceived the first couple and got them to break that law. Mankind chose to listen to Satan and therefore has been under his influence ever since. God has a plan to redeem mankind and save them from the power of Satan and his fate.

Two thousand years later, God Jesus established a people who would be God's chosen people. He appeared to Abraham and gave him three great promises; a family, a land, and a Savior Messiah from his bloodline that would bless the world.

Two thousand years after that, the Savior was born in Bethlehem through the lineage of King David, the fulfillment of the third promise to Abraham. He taught the people the gospel of the kingdom of God; repentance and obedience and love and peace are the core of those teachings.

These are some of the reasons as to why Jesus came down from heaven.

• "I must preach the good news of God's kingdom." (Luke 4:43)

• Jesus came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets. (Mat.5:17)

• Jesus was born King of the Jews and came to testify to the truth. (John 18:37)

• Jesus came to die on the cross to redeem mankind. (John 3:16, 12:27-33)

John tells us in his first letter 1 Jn.3:8,

• "He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil."

It has been nearly two thousand years since Jesus died on the cross and rose again to redeem mankind back to himself and destroy the works of Satan. It seems like these two thousand year periods are marked with significant religious events, the only promise yet to be fulfilled is Jesus second coming which will bring about the destruction of creation and the end of time. It's also when the resurrection and Judgment Day occurs and the unbelievers and Satan and his army of demons will be thrown into the lake of fire, and the redeemed will enter heaven for eternity.

And you know what? Two thousand years passing is upon us, are you ready? —Jim

What Manner of Spirit are You?

Jesus our master and savior knows how to mold and shape each of his disciples into his image.

In Paul, James and John, and Peter we have men who had the spirit of the sons of thunder. Their thought processes were worldly and carnal and not on the things of God. Saul (Paul) delivered on his murderous threats, James and John seriously wanted to rain down fire on the Samaritans and incinerate them and were jealous over others calling on the name of the Lord besides them and Peter forcefully took Jesus aside and rebuked the Son of God for revealing that he was going to Jerusalem to be killed by the gentiles.

In each of these events, the Lord showed his wisdom in dealing with each of them, whether it was a sharp rebuke or blinding light he knew how to get through to them to redirect their thoughts and actions to do his will.

Examine their attitudes in these verses. Act 9:1, Mar 9:38, Mat 16:23, Luke 9:53-55. Their manner of spirit was worldly, thinking only from the human viewpoint, they could've easily been influenced by the evil one while walking according to the flesh (Eph 2:1-3; 6:10-13). That should make us stand up and take notice, they were with the Lord and were still carnal minded and/or influenced by the evil one.

Thankfully the one whom they called "Lord" is stronger than he who is in the world. Unfortunately, Judas Iscariot, who was very carnal minded, never changed spiritually and his faith and life was influenced and destroyed by Satan. We as humans have so many obstacles to overcome to be faithful to Jesus and be led by the Spirit, but God is faithful!

The greatest challenge to our faith is what baggage we carry around with us from our lives prior to becoming Christians. Also our own frailties and weaknesses and lack of biblical knowledge are hindrances too. It is only through prayer, reading and studying God's word, being a part of a body of believers, and keeping God's word at the forefront of our thoughts that can remedy this. We need to carry our cross daily as we go through our lives so as to influence our decisions and actions that we can be the clay that's set apart for noble purpose for the Master Potter to transform us into something special. If we will believe we'll be set free by his words and if we reject him we'll be judged by Jesus' words.

Let us be ready. —Jim

Matthew 25 and the Judgment

Matthew chapter 25 has three parables that depict the Savior being away on a long journey, as He is right now. Upon His return, which will be His second coming, it shows how He deals with His followers, not those who don't believe and reject Him in this life, but His followers.

The first is the Ten Virgins. It shows two types of believers, wise and foolish.

• The wise show their faith by being prepared and waiting.
• The foolish...not.

The second parable is the Talents, three are given talents acording to their abilities.

• The first two immediately get busy and vigorously use their talents for their master.
• The third buried his talent, not using it and did nothing for his master the entire time he was gone.
• Upon the master's return he settles accounts with each servant, the first two he congratualates them for being fruitful with their talents and welcomes them in to his joy.

  (John 15:8 "By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.")

• The third servant made ad hominem excuses and returned the talent back to his master. The master pronounced judgment on him and called him a wicked and lazy servant, he did not enter his masters joy.

The final parable which we will go over in detail this coming Wednesday bible study, is called the Final Judgment, or the Sheep and the goats, and it may surprise you just who exactly are the goats.

—Jim

The Tree of Life

After God created the heavens and the earth and all that was in them, He planted a garden in Eden and placed man there to tend to it. In the middle of the garden God planted two special trees, the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. He told man that he was free to eat from any of the trees except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they were commanded not to eat from that tree or the punishment of death would come upon them.

Presented to mankind was a choice,

• obedience to the command and free access to the tree of life, or
• disobedience to the command earning them condemnation and death.

After time, the two innocent souls were confronted by that age old protagonist Satan, who through trickery and twisting the word of God beguiled Eve and the woman and the man ate of the forbidden fruit, breaking the only command they were given.

After God meted out judgment and punishment on them all, deferring man's death sentence till a latter time at the end of all time, a final judgment day, He instituted temporary systems of atonement using animal sacrifices. He also removed their access to the tree of life.

Because of the original couple's sin and condemnation, a death sentence was presented to all mankind, because all have sinned, all will die. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the only man to have led a sinless life which meant He was righteous in the sight of the law and by Him being willing to be crucified illegally made Him the perfect atoning sacrifice to take away man's sin. By having faith in Jesus Christ, believing that He is the Son of the Holy Living God of Heaven, and that God raised Him from the dead, we receive mercy and grace from that loving God and we have peace with Him.

Since Jesus death burial and resurrection, mankind is now faced with a new choice, believe in Jesus Christ as your personal savior and have future access to the tree of life, or reject the Savior and face eternal condemnation in the lake of fire.

—Jim L

After the resurrection comes judgment

Soon we'll be studying the sixth and final elementary teaching; eternal judgment.

Immediately following the resurrection, judgment on mankind happens and the destruction of creation takes place. According to Peter's account, the heavens and the earth and everything in them will be burned up. The gospel gives us so many warnings of the judgment to come. Even as Jesus was casting out evil spirits, they knew who Jesus was, the Messiah, the Son of God! They actually gave testimony as to who He was! Listen to these testimonials.

Those demons knew Jesus was the Son of God, that salvation was through Him, that there was coming a day of judgment and that they would be tormented for all eternity.

Brothers and sisters! With the belief and knowledge the bible gives us, let us not be out-evangelized by demons! Time may be short and hell is an awful horrible place, we need to tell others about Jesus, God is being patient with us, He doesn't want anyone to suffer this fate, and wants all to repent!

As the hymn goes,

—Jim