Epilogue: The Ascension of Jesus Christ (Luke 24: 50-53; Acts 1: 1-11)

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An Easter Series -- Part 7 of 7

Introduction

Jesus taught them, showing them in the Scriptures the things concerning Himself:
   A. “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ must suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day.” (Luke 24:46)
   B. “… and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” (v. 47)
   C. They are witnesses (v. 48)
   D. The promise of power of the Holy Spirit (v. 49)
   E. “He led them out as far as Bethany…” (on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives)(v. 50)

I. He Ascended into Heaven

   A. He Lifted Up His Hands and Blessed Them (v. 50)

      1. The usual posture of blessing
      2. His blessing was for all Christians
      3. This ended his earthly ministry. He had appeared to them over a period of 40 days after his resurrection, but would not be doing so any longer until His return.

   B. While He Was Blessing Them, He Departed from Them (v. 51)
      (this emphasizes the blessing)

      1. He rose up from them bodily, and a cloud received Him (Acts 1:9)
      2. He rose up slowly.
      3. They saw everything clearly. (Acts 1:9-11)
      4. They were assured by two angels that He would return in the same manner.
(Acts 1:11)
      5. Several people saw this happen (the Emmaus disciples, the eleven, and those who were with them) (Luke 24:33)
      6. The blessing was their last sight of him.
      7. They could see the wounds in His hands.
      8. This represents the ascension of Christ's humanity into heaven

   C. He Was Received Into Heaven

      1. Demonstrated God’s acceptance of His sacrifice.
      2. It was necessary for Him to return to heaven to complete His mission.
      3. He was received into heaven not only to dwell but to reign.
      4. He is seated at the right hand of God the Father.

   D. The Disciples Returned to Jerusalem with Great Joy (v. 52)

      1. Because of His blessing
      2. Because of His assurance that they would receive power
      3. Because of the angels' assurance concerning His return
      4. Because of the exciting challenge that lay before them
      5. Because of their strong sense of fellowship

   E. They Were Continually in the Temple, Praising God (v. 53)

      1. God-given joy is the real and lasting joy
      2. This joy leads to greater faith
      3. This joy leads to worship
      4. This joy leads to praise
      5. This joy leads to action

“...Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah. 8:10

Afterwards, they received the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost and witnessed a miraculous demonstration of God's love and power. They received power to accomplish their task. As Christians, we have this same Holy Spirit. And we have an assigned task, and the power to complete it!


II. Jesus’ Work Since His Resurrection Is Vitally Important
(Consider the time element: years on earth vs. years afterward)

   A. He is Co-Regent with God the Father.
  
   B. He is our Intercessor
      He defends us (believers) against any accusation Satan might make. He helps us as we pray in His Name
   
   C. He is our High Priest
      He hears our prayers and prays for us. He represents us before the Father.

   D. He sends the Holy Spirit (John 15:26, 16:7) and thus is present with us.

   E. He is preparing a place for us (John 14:3).

   F. He is coming again (John 14:3).

   G. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords (I Timothy 6:15)
      1. He will end the tribulation period (Matthew 24:22)
      2. He will defeat those who fight against Him
      3. He will establish His Kingdom on earth
      4. He will rule for eternity, and we (believers) will be with Him

   H. He is Head of the Church (Colossians 1:18)
      1. He rules in the church.
      2. He gives spiritual gifts
         “...When He ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men..” (Ephesians 4:8, quoting Psalm 68:18) “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry..." (Ephesians 4:11-12)
      3. He gives guidance and power.
      4. He deserves obedience
      5. He is the One the world needs.

Direct Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version.
Illustration: Ascension of Christ by Garofalo, c.1510-1520. Public domain.

RESURRECTION! (John 3:14, John 12:32, I Corinthians 15)

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An Easter Series -- Part 6 of 7



I. Basic Facts About the Resurrection of Jesus

   A. Jesus predicted His own death and resurrection.
      Matthew 26:31-32: “Then Jesus said to them, ‘You will all fall away because of Me this night, for it is written, “I will strike down the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered.” [Quoting from Zechariah 13:7] But after I have been raised, I will go before you into Galilee.’” (He said this just before going to the Garden of Gethsemane.)

   B. It is a historical event.
      1. It happened - literal, physical, bodily.
         Without the bodily resurrection, you do not have biblical Christianity, but something else.
      2. It is attested -
         a. Tomb was empty
         b. Theories don't hold up - At the time everyone apparently agreed that the empty tomb was an incontestable fact.
            Swoon - How could he appear later in no need of medical attention?
            Jews stole body - would have created the rumor they wanted to stop
            Disciples stole body - Why would they be willing to die for such a hoax?
            Legend created by the church - reaction to early preaching was not denial of the resurrection as an event. Evangelists do not claim to have seen Jesus' resurrection. Preaching always connected the spiritual victory of the resurrection with the bodily resurrection of Jesus.
      3. Post-resurrection appearances over a period of 40 days (Acts 1:3)
         People saw Him with their physical eyes, while they were awake, One they recognized as Jesus of Nazareth. (Sometimes delayed recognition)

         To Mary Magdalene -- John 20
         To the other women -- Matt. 28
         To Cephas -- Luke 24
         To the Twelve (Thomas absent) -- John 20
         To the Emmaus disciples - Luke 24
         To more than 500 at one time -- I Corinthians 15:6
         To James, the Lord’s half brother -- I Corinthians 15:7
         To Paul (Saul) - Acts 9

II. The importance of the resurrection

O.T. Scriptures - Isaiah 53, Psalm 22, Zechariah 12:10, for example
   A. Christian faith rests upon this fact!
   B. It validates the gospel - It is an essential part of the gospel.
      Romans 10:9 Confess Jesus as Lord, believe God raised him from the dead....
   C. Vindicates Jesus' messiahship
   D. Vindicates Jesus' sonship
   E. Vindicates Jesus' work
   F. Further shows Jesus' humanity
   G. It demonstrates our own resurrection - OUR HOPE!
      “And just as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.” (I Corinthians 15:49)

      1. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. v. 50
      2. We shall not all sleep, but we will all be changed. v. 51
      3. Final victory over death, vv. 54-57
      4. Our body shall be like His.
         a. perfectly responsive to the Spirit
         b. retains individual identity
         c. No longer bound by material and spatial limitations (Materialize / localize at will)
         d. Not subject to any weakness or indignity
         e. Beautiful, strong and healthy
         f. Not subject to corruption
         g. Having continuity with earthly body / seed - to - tree / sown - raised

III. Christ Lifted Up

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up.” John 3:14
“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.” John 12:32


   A. On the cross
      John refers to the crucifixion as glorification.
      We must understand what Jesus did for us on the cross.
   B. Lifted up “from the earth”
      1. The cross is “from the earth.”
      2 . The resurrection “from the earth.” He lives forever.
      3. The ascension “from the earth.” He is exalted forever.
      4. Seated at the right hand of God
         a. Mission accomplished
         b. In a position of honor
         c. In a position of authority
         d. In a position not shared

      5. Started his heavenly ministry as
         a. Our Advocate, our High Priest, our Intercessor, our Sustainer
         b. Head of the church -- The church must honor Jesus as Head of the body, manifesting his love and power, reaching out to the world.
         c. Preparing our place
         d. Preparing to return for us

      6. Proclaimed Lord and Christ
      7. Receiving great honor and glory

   C. Lifted up in the believers’ lives -- worshipped as Lord and Christ

    D. Lifted up in the church
      1. Early preaching lifted up Christ and always emphasized his death and resurrection.
      2. We can't give our life to a dead man. We can't expect anything from a dead man.
      3. Without the resurrection, our faith is futile.

   E. Lifted up In the world
      1. By the church, the Bible, and missionary effort
      2. By the Holy Spirit

   F. Lifted up by the power of God
      1. God's power raised Jesus from the dead
      2. God's power draws people to Him
      3. God's power gives us eternal life
      4. God's power is needed for the proclamation of the gospel
      5. God's power is needed to for us to live the Christian life. The same power that raised Jesus Christ is in every believer.

   G. Lifted up for the glory of God
      The resurrection glorifies Christ and God who raised him.
“I am the resurrection…” Jesus is the one who makes possible our own resurrection.
“ ... and the life…” Only through Him can we gain eternal life. He sustains us.
(John 11:25)

IV. For the salvation of man / eternal life, God allowed the crime of the crucifixion to
become the sacrifice to pay for our sin. Jesus bore our sins - He died in our place.
He lifts us up.

   A. Whosoever will may come
   B. Will share with Christ
      1. Eternal life / immortality
      2. Resurrection type bodily existence
      3. Glory and authority
      4. Serving and worshiping God forever

V. The Resurrection Process Starts Now

   A. The believer has eternal life now.
      1. This amounts to a moral and spiritual regeneration and the indwelling Holy Spirit.
   B. The bodily resurrection and exaltation happens later. By the resurrection, death is defeated!
   C. Christian faith governs the believer's a way of life.
      “I have come that they might have LIFE and have it more abundantly.” John 10:10
      “Choose life, that you and your descendents may live.” Deut. 30:19
   D. Christian faith is the way to life.
       “… you must be born again” John 3:7

VI. There Is Another Resurrection -- to Judgment and Condemnation

“He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.” John 3:36

   A. Retribution is not inconsistent with God's character or the Bible's teaching.
   B. Condemnation that is eternal
   C. Condemnation that is irreversible - no appeal to higher authority

VII. What Can We Do?

“There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1

   A. Understand the importance of the Resurrection
      1. Part of the Gospel
      2. Part of the Christian's life now
      3. Part of the Christian's future

   B. Let God help you live the Christian life
   C. Lift up Christ / make Him known
   D. Help your church to lift Him up
   E. Celebrate the Resurrection!

Direct Scripture quotations are from the New American Standard Bible.

Crucified for Us (Matthew 27, Luke 23, John 19)

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An Easter Series -- Part 5 of 7

Introduction -- Clamor for Crucifixion

   A. The religious officials persuaded the crowd to demand the release of Barabbas instead of Jesus.
   B. The were manipulated, but they allowed themselves to be manipulated.
   C. Pontius Pilate, the Roman procurator, after ceremoniously washing his hands said, “I am innocent of this Man’s blood,” (Matthew 27:24) Of course, he wasn’t.
   D. “And all the people answered and said, His blood be on us and on our children.’” (Matthew 27:25)
   E. “Then he released Barabbas for them; but after having Jesus scourged, he delivered Him to be crucified.” (Matthew 27:26)

I. Jesus Crucified

   A. Mockery, Humiliation, and Beating
      Scourged = flogged with a leather whip containing bits of bone or metal imbedded in its thongs (“cat o’ nine tails”). Used by the Romans on murderers and traitors.
He was beaten and spat upon by the soldiers.
They dressed Him in a purple robe and placed a crown of thorns on His head. [“I thank Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow, If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.”*] (See John 19:1-6)
“Jesus therefore came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said, ‘Behold the Man!’ When therefore the chief priests and the officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, ‘Crucify, crucify!’ Pilate said to them, ‘Take Him yourselves, and crucify Him, for I find no guilt in Him.’”(John 19:5-6)

   B. On the Way to Golgotha
      He carried His cross. When He could no longer carry it, a man from Cyrene (North Africa), named Simon, was compelled to carry it.

   C. Jesus on the Cross -- Words** and Events at the Cross
      1. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)
      2. They gave Him wine mixed with gall, but He was unwilling to drink it.
      3. He made provision for His mother.
         “…Woman, behold your son!” (John 19:26)
         “…Behold your mother!..” (John 19:27)
      4. The sign above his head” THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS (written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin -- John 19:20)
      5. Two robbers were crucified with Him, one on either side. (see Isaiah 53:12) One asks Jesus to remember him in His kingdom. “And He said to him, ‘Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
      6. More abuse from the crowd, chief priests, scribes and elders, and the robbers. “He trusts in God; Let Him deliver Him now, if He takes pleasure in Him, for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” (Matthew 27:43, referring to Psalm 22:8)
“If you are the Son of God …” -- same words Satan used in Jesus’ temptation.
      7. The cry of dereliction: “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46, quoting from Psalm 22:1) “This cry may reflect the desertion Jesus felt as He was bearing the sins of the world.” (Charles C. Ryrie)
      8. “I am thirsty.” (John 19:28) He was given a drink from a sponge filled with sour wine.
      9. He cried out, “It is finished!” (John 19:30)
     10. “And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice said, “Father, into Thy hands, I commit My spirit,” And having said this, He breathed His last.” (Luke 23:46) (See Psalm 31:5).
     11. The soldiers did not break His legs because He was already dead. (“not a bone of Him shall be broken,” (Psalm 34:20, quoted at John 19:36))
     12. “…but one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately, there came out blood and water.” (John 19:34) “…They shall look upon Him whom they pierced.” (John 19:37, quoting Zechariah 12:10)

   D. Other Events
      1. They divided His garments and cast lots for His seamless tunic. (John 19:23-24, Psalm 22:18)
      2. Three hours of darkness. Just as His birth had been an occasion for special light, His death was an occasion for special darkness. (Matthew 27:45)
      3. “And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom, and the earth shook; and the rocks were split…” (Matthew 27:51)
      4. “and the tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the tombs after His resurrection they entered the holy city and appeared to many.” (Matthew 27:52-53)
      5. The centurion and his men were frightened by the earthquake and other events, and the centurion said, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54)
      6. The body of Jesus was claimed and buried by Joseph of Arimathea, a rich man who had become a disciple of Jesus. (Matthew 27:57-60. See Isaiah 53:9)

II. The Meaning of the Death of Jesus

   A. His death fulfilled God’s plan from eternity past. “ … the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” (Revelation 13:8, KJV)

   B. Jesus went to the cross voluntarily. (John 10:18)

   C. The suffering Jesus endured is described as follows by Bill Lobbs:

I suggest to you that it was knowing that this was what awaited him on the cross (the loss of the Father’s presence) that prompted Jesus to ask the Father three times in Gethsemane’s Garden, “If it be possible, let this cup be taken from me.” I don’t believe Jesus feared the beatings he would suffer. He wasn’t afraid of scourging whip that would soon cut across his back. He wasn’t trying to avoid the pain of the nails that would pierce his hands and feet, nor the crown of thorns on his head. It was none of these things that caused Jesus to cry out to the Father. It was knowing that on the cross he would have to take our God forsakenness upon himself. The ultimate penalty is to be “God forsaken,” Jesus suffered this when he became the sin offering for the world. He suffered the most agonizing sorrow and pain anyone could ever suffer.

   D. He Died as Our Substitute.

      “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21, KJV)

   E. His Cross Was a Victory over Satan, Sin, and Death.

   F. The Cross Was the Message of Early Preaching.
      “The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God.”(I Corinthians 1:18, KJV)

   G. God Used the Murder of His Own Son as the Payment for All Sin of Those Who Would Believe.
      His righteousness demands punishment for sin, and this was fulfilled at the cross. The death of Jesus is the full, final, and only payment for your sin.

   H. The Cross Shows the Greatness of God’s Love for Us.
      God has always shown His love and great patience, but the cross is the greatest expression of them.

   I. Christ Is Our Example of Patience in Suffering.
      In I Peter, the Apostle exhorts his readers to bear patiently with suffering, pointing to Christ as the great Example:

… since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, neither was any deceit found in His mouth, and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds, you were healed. (I Peter 2:21-24. Also see Isaiah 53:9)

   J. The Resurrection
      Jesus didn’t stay on the cross. He didn’t stay in the tomb. He was raised from the dead. He is the Son of God. His Sacrifice was accepted in behalf of all believers. Because He rose again, we can also. His resurrection is the pattern for our own. (See I Corinthians 15)

   K. He Ascended and Is at the Right Hand of the Father, Interceding for Us.
      He is preparing a place for us. He sends His Holy Spirit. He is the Head of the Church.

Conclusion: Christ’s Work Demands a Response -- a Decision.

   A. Make the decision God wants you to make.
      1. To receive, through faith, Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, on the basis of His death, burial, and resurrection.
      2. If you have already received Him, be strengthened and encouraged in you faith.

   B. Failure to make a decision is actually a decision.

   C. Time for deciding to receive Christ in very limited.




Direct Scripture quotations are from the New American Standard Bible, except as otherwise noted.

*From the hymn, “My Jesus, I Love Thee,” words by William R. Featherston (1846-1873)

**Order of Jesus’ sayings based on A.T. Robertson, A Harmony of the Gospels, Harper and Row, pp. 228-234.

Illustration: Jesus helped by Simon of Cyrene, part of a series depicting the stations of the Cross. Unknown painter, 19th century. 

The Arrest and Trials of Jesus (John 18:1 - 19:16, Matthew 26:24 - 27:26)

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An Easter Series - Part 4 of 7

I. Betrayal of Jesus
Judas Iscariot, in exchange for 30 pieces of silver, led a large group, sent from the priests, to Jesus.
-- In the Garden of Gethsemane. He “knew the place.” (John 18:2-12)
-- Betrayed with a kiss. (Matthew 26:48-49)
-- Later, Judas’ remorse and suicide.

“The Son of Man is to go, just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” (Matthew 26:24)


II. Arrest of Jesus
A multitude of soldiers and officers from the chief priests, scribes, and elders took Jesus into custody after initially falling back (John 18:6) when He identified Himself. Peter put up some resistance, but Jesus would not allow it. “…the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?” (18:11). They arrested and bound Jesus (v. 12).

III. Denial of Jesus
Peter, after trying to defend Jesus with the sword, later denied him three times. Later, Jesus looked upon him, he went out and wept bitterly.

IV. Rejection of Jesus as Messiah
Jesus is taken to the house of Annas, former high priest and father-in-law of Caiaphas, where he is mistreated and questioned. He is then taken to the Sanhedrin and further abused.
“…And the high priest answered and said unto him, “I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.”
Jesus said unto him, “Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.” (Matthew 26:63-64)

Then they sentenced Him to death. they spat upon Him and struck Him with their hands.

The Sanhedrin formally condemned Jesus after dawn, in an attempt to make the condemnation legal (Matthew 27:1). A.T. Robertson points out, “But no ratification of a wrong can make it right.” (A Harmony of the Gospels, p. 215, footnote).

V. Delivery of Jesus To Be Put to Death
The Jewish religious leaders took Jesus to Pontius Pilate, the Roman procurator, where they demanded Jesus’ death. Pilate sent Jesus to Herod Antipas, ruler of Galilee, who mistreated him and sent him back to Pilate. Pilate, under great pressure from the Jewish leaders and the crowd, and in spite of a plea from his (Pilate’s) wife, and his own opinion that Jesus had done nothing wrong, delivered him to be crucified.

Pilate asked Jesus if he were a king. Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world …. Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.” (John 18:36, 37). Pilate said, “What is truth?” (v. 38)

     A. Pilate’s reluctance: “I find no fault I him.” (John 19:6)
          1. Pilate did not think Jesus was guilty of anything
          2. Pilate had been warned by his wife not to do anything against Jesus.

     B. The Jews’ demands: “And from thenceforth, Pilate sought to release him; but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar’s friend: whoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar.” (John 19:12)

“When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just man: see ye to it.” (Matthew 27:24)

     C. The Jews’ acceptance of responsibility: “Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.” (Matthew 27:25)

     D. Pilate’s capitulation: “Then released he Barabbas unto them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.” (Matthew 27:26)
          1. He lacked the courage to stand up to the Jews, fearing he would lose his position.
          2. He gave Jesus over to be crucified. Though Pilate had declared Jesus innocent, he shared in the guilt of Jesus‘ crucifixion.

Conclusion
Even as Christians, are we guilty of denying the Lord? If you haven’t become a Christian, do you continue rejecting the Lord? Do you desire to please someone else by rejecting Jesus? Are you willing to bear your own guilt to eternity rather than trust Jesus?
Are you more accepting of sin than the forgiveness of Jesus, as the crowd that desired the release of Barabbas rather than Jesus?

Remember, we have delivered Him to death by our sin. Jesus voluntarily went to the cross. This was the only way for mankind to receive salvation. God used the great crime against His Son as the payment for our sin. God wants everyone who believes to receive, through faith, the benefit of Jesus’ sacrifice.

Direct Scripture quotations are from the King James Version.
Illustration: Antonio Ciseri's (1821-1891) depiction of Pontius Pilate presenting a scourged Christ to the people, Ecce homo! (Behold the man!). Painted in 1871. Public domain.

Jesus in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-45; Luke 22:43-44)

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 An Easter Series -- Part 3 of 7


Introduction

(Just after the Last Supper and the discourse and prayer recorded in John’s Gospel and just before Judas points out Jesus to the group which then takes Jesus into custody)

The Garden of Gethsemane (olive press) was frequented by Jesus and well known to His disciples, including Judas Iscariot. Located on the Mount of Olives. From the upper room, they crossed the Kidron valley, a dry creek bed.

I. Jesus’ Sorrow and Agony


   A. Agony over His imminent suffering
   B. Exceedingly sorrowful even unto death
   C. Agony over the fact of the Father turning away from Him as the sin of the world would be laid upon Him.
      Frederick W. Farrar (1831-1903), author of a well-known two-volume work, The Life of Christ, said the Lord’s  “agonized failing of heart, this horror of great darkness, this passion which almost brought Him down to the grave before a single pang had been inflicted by Him” was not the dread of death.

No, it was something infinitely more than this … It was something far deadlier than death. It was the burden and the mystery of the world’s sin which lay heavy on his heart; it was the tasting, in the divine humanity of a sinless life, the bitter cup which sin had poisoned.
It was the dread of that moment when He would cry, “My God, My God, Why hast thou forsaken Me?” -- from One who had known only perfect harmony and acceptance with the Father.

   D. Agony over knowing that His sacrifice would be rejected by many.
   E. Could there be another way to accomplish His mission?
      1. This can be thought of as His human will becoming submissive to the Father’s.
      2. This finally resolves any possible question about what is the Father’s will.

II. Jesus’ Disciples

   A. They were invited to participate, but were hindered by sleep.
   B. Could you not watch with me one hour?
   C. Can we pray in fellowship with Jesus, even for a short period of time?

“Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation….” (Matt. 26:41) -- they subsequently were scattered.

III. Jesus’ Prayer

“…Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Matt. 26:39)
   A. He prays three times
   B. He checks on His disciples and warns them but excuses them.
       “…the Spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matt. 26:41)
   C. His prayers become more intense.
      Luke 22:43-44 -- “And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony, he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground..”

IV. Jesus’ Victory and Resolve

Dietrich Bonhoffer, a German minister who was hanged by the Nazis after being imprisoned for two years in connection with the smuggling of some Jews, wrote in his book, The Cost of Discipleship:

“Jesus prays to his Father that the cup may pass from him, and His Father hears his prayer; for the cup of suffering will indeed pass from him -- but only by his drinking it. This is the assurance he receives as he kneels for the second time in the garden of Gethsemane that suffering will indeed pass as he accepts it. That is the only path to victory. The cross is his triumph over suffering.”

His prayer the second and third time, was, “ O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.” (Matt. 26:42. See vv. 43-46.)

-- He fully accepted the will of the Father and affirmed it as His own.

   A. There was no disharmony.
   B. There was no further hesitation.
   C. Jesus was firmly in control -- prepared for the greater suffering of His death on the cross.
   D. There was no doubt about the outcome.
   E. The disciples would be reassured and strengthened after His death and resurrection.

Conclusion

Jesus’ victory on the cross is, through His grace, our victory.



Scripture quotations are from the King James Version.

Illustration:  Andrea Mantegna (1431-1506), Agony in the Garden, c.1460. Public domain.

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The Last Supper (Luke 22:1-34)

Image via WikipediaBEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD
An Easter Series -- Part 2 of 7

Introduction
The Passover - The most important part of the Feast of Unleavened Bread
     - All male Jews within 15 miles of Jerusalem were required to observe it in Jerusalem.
     - The city was very crowded. Josephus: 256,500 lambs were to be sacrificed. Minimum of 10 people represented for each.
     - “Next year in Jerusalem”
     - Roman authorities took special precautions

Jesus planned it carefully
     - arranged to have the upper room at a time when space was at a premium. It was not unusual for rabbis to use such rooms as a place to gather with their students.
     - sent His disciples to carry out His well-made plan; they found everything just as He had said. They made preparation.

I. It Was an Occasion of Jesus Sharing Fellowship with His Disciples

     A.“I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I say to you, I shall never again eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 22:15-16, NASB)
(Also see Matt. 26:29)

     B. He wanted them with Him as He faced His suffering.
          1. They shared the Jewish religion.
          2 They shared the task of building the church.
          3. They were His personal friends.
          4. They were His disciples who would carry on His work.

II. It Was an Occasion of Jesus Teaching His Disciples
-- He wanted them to ….

     A. Learn the necessity and joy of fellowship.

     B. Learn humility and servanthood.
          1. He washed their feet (John 13: 2-20).
          2. He taught them that to be great, they must be servants. Their conduct regarding who should receive the greatest honor was unseemly, yet the Lord was very patient and gracious toward them.
          3. He assured them of a place of honor in His Kingdom
               a. At His table
               b. On thrones, ruling over the tribes of Israel

     C. He wanted them to remember Him (“Do this in remembrance of Me.” - Luke 22:19)
          1. His example
          2 His teaching
          3. His death (I Cor. 11:26)
          4. His coming again -- “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” (I Cor. 11:26, NASB)

III. It Was An Occasion of Jesus Preparing His Disciples.

     A. He would be betrayed - He showed which one would betray Him (Matt. 26: 24-25).

     B. He would be killed ( …My body, v. 19).

     C. He would establish the New Covenant by His blood (v. 20).

     D. He would be remembered (v. 19).

     E. He prays for us (Peter, v. 32).

Conclusion: The Lord’s Supper is

     A. A fellowship meal.
     B. An occasion of self-examination (I Cor. 11:28).
     C. A covenant meal.
     D. A means of remembrance
          1. Of what we know of Him, especially His sacrificial death.
          2. Of the responsibility we have taken on as Christians -- witnessing, serving, forgiving, etc.
          3. Of our love for one another.
          4. That He is coming again.
          5. That we will share in His Kingdom.

Illustration: "The Jews' Passover." Public domain.

Prologue: The Triumphal Entry (Luke 19:29-44; Matt. 21:1-17)

Image via WikipediaBEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD
An Easter Series -- Part 1 of 7

Introduction

After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, the religious authorities began to intensify and focus their efforts to have Jesus put to death. During the days leading up to His crucifixion, the crowds poured out their praise for Him, ready to make Him king, then later at the prompting of the religious authorities, joined in calling for His death. But there were still a good many believers and most of the people’s praise was sincere even though the later actions were misguided. Still, the result was the necessary death and payment for sin. I want to call your attention to and remind you of some of the things this great event means for us today.

I. Jesus Must Be Received as the Messiah and King

It is right that there should have been a great outpouring of praise for Jesus. He received very little praise on this earth; He could not be denied this moment or the stones would cry out (Luke 19:40). He who had been praised in heaven from all eternity would know only a little praise during His life on earth, considering who He was.

   A. They had sincere praise for His works that they had seen, including the raising of Lazarus.
   B. Some thought Jesus would free them from the Romans
   C. Prophecy Had To Be Fulfilled (Matt. 21:5, John 12:15). This event fulfilled the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9 (NASB):

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your king is coming to you;
He is just and endowed with salvation,
Humble, and mounted on a donkey,
Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

   D. His entry, though humble, demonstrated His royalty.

   E. He was met as the Messiah and King.

II. Jesus Demonstrated His Spiritual Kingship

   A. As King of a spiritual kingdom, He went to the spiritual rather than government “palace,” that is, the Temple.

   B. Jerusalem is the city of the great King, the beloved city. His own city, from which He in His millennial kingdom will rule.

   C. He wept over the city, knowing her fate because of rejection of God’s message.

   D. Further demonstrating His spiritual kingship, He later went to the temple and healed the blind and the lame. 
People, including children, were saying, “Hosanna to the son of David.” [ Mt 21:16 “…out of the mouths of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise…” ] The authorities were indignant, mostly because of envy.

   E. He left the city and lodged in Bethany, probably at the home of Lazarus and his sisters.

   F. All this contrasts greatly to the later events of the week!

III. His Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem Was Stirring for the People.

It is believed that there were at least 3,000 people witnessing it. No one was unaffected. The whole city took notice of it, even those who didn’t see it.

   A. He stirred praise and worship.
Some were already wholehearted believers. Many who witnessed the raising of Lazarus thought Jesus must be the Messiah. Jesus’ acceptance of their praise as Son of David confirmed this for them. They placed their garments in His path, and cut tree branches for it.

   B. He stirred admiration and expectation.
Some who had no spiritual worship for Him had admired Him and hoped He would free them from the Romans. When He did not take on this task, their disappointment turned them many of them against Him.

   C. He stirred hate and opposition. He asserted spiritual authority.
      1. He cursed the barren fig tree. This shows His authority over nature, and by this symbol, His wrath against an impressive appearance not supported by good works (fruit). This seems to picture the Pharisees, whom He soon denounced directly.
      2. By His second cleansing of the temple, He again asserted His authority over it. He was challenged by the authorities, but they would not answer His question about the authority of John the Baptist, and dared not question Him further.
         a. He drove out those who were making unjust profit from religion.
         b. He drove out those who hindered worship
         c. He drove out those had become a hindrance to prayer and worship for others.

   D. He strongly denounced the scribes and Pharisees. 
Their hypocrisy was so obvious to Him and any serious observer, yet they held sway over and commanded respect from the people. Jesus acknowledged their authority to teach, but strongly criticized their lack of concern, their unbearable pride, and their rejection of God’s Son. Beyond the direct denunciation of them, His parables illustrate His points.

   E. He is opposed by many today, including religious and political leaders.
      1. Some who want to merge Christian beliefs with those of other religions
      2. Unbelieving “ministers.” A man who does not believe the gospel has no business being in the ministry.
      3. Some who profess to be Christians, but deny or distort the basic teachings of the Bible.
      4. Some who are so concerned about offending people of other religions, they don’t want to have their own supposed faith proclaimed.
      5. Some appear much more interested in making money and gaining a following than in ministering to the needs of the people.

   F. Some who praised Him were later persuaded to call for His crucifixion.
Not everyone who starts to follow Him is a true believer. Some are looking for an opportunity to criticize, deny, and betray. They do religious things without the Spirit of God. Many who called for His crucifixion had second thoughts and probably became true Christians. There is still hope if a person is willing to accept God‘s terms. But there comes a time when it’s too late.

   G. Proclamation of the Gospel Will Stir Up Many, and will Affect Everyone.
      1. If there is no response, the Gospel has not been preached.
      2. Our response to Him must go beyond momentary praise to a life-changing decision.
      3. Our decision leads to a life lived in a manner worthy of the gospel.
      4. We are secure in our salvation once we receive it by faith.
      5. We should be only too happy to tell others about it.

IV. He Showed the Spiritual Character of His Kingdom

His statement the next day, about being lifted up (John 12:32), which for some was not consistent with their idea of the Messiah. He said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” He was about to be lifted up on the cross, then at the Ascension, then in the gospel message.

Conclusion


We Need To Have Him Make a Triumphal Entry into Our Heart, Life, Church and Nation.
His triumphal entry was prepared for, celebrated, and well-deserved. He deserves the praise of all, always. Unlike the people in Jerusalem that day, we should not simply praise Him then abandon Him, but let Him into our hearts, whatever anyone says about it.



Scripture quotations are from the King James Version except as noted.
Photo: Entry into Jerusalem; Christ (played by Anton Lang) and John, with donkey; at the Oberammergau passion play, Bavaria, Germany, 1900. Public domain.

When Jesus Wept -- (John 11)

Image via WikipediaIntroduction

“Jesus wept.” (v. 35)

This is the shortest verse in the Bible, yet one of the most important and meaningful.

He was ready to demonstrate His own words, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.” (John 5:25)



Instances of Jesus weeping, being deeply moved, with strong emotion

At the tomb of Lazarus

At Gethsemane

Over Jerusalem


Emotional life of Jesus

Jesus is not an impersonal force, or One too far removed from us or unlike us to understand our feelings. He has experienced them and He created them.



Weeping at the tomb of Lazarus

Jesus had a special relationship with Lazarus and his sisters. They were His close friends.

“Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.” (v. 5) Yet He delayed His coming to their home after Lazarus died, because He was preparing a significant sign designed to glorify God the Father and Himself. Jesus came with His disciples to the home of Lazarus.


“…This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.” (v. 4b)


I. Where and in What Circumstances Jesus Wept

Bethany, a village about two miles from Jerusalem.

Upon the death of His friend Lazarus
At Lazarus’ tomb. Before Mary, Martha, His disciples, and the other mourners.

     A. Although He had purposely delayed His coming

     B. Knowing Lazarus would rise again

     C. Knowing God would be glorified

     D. Knowing people would be moved to believe in Him


II. How Jesus Wept


     A. Openly
     B. Unashamedly
     C. Out of strong emotion
     D. In such a manner as to impress the people with His love for Lazarus
     E. As He prayed.


III. Why Jesus Wept (John 11:20-35)


     A. The Exchange Between Jesus and Martha: His statement and her confession
When Jesus arrived, He was met by Martha.

“…Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. Even now, I know that  whatever You ask of God, God will give you..” (vv. 21-22) She expressed faith.

 “Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother shall rise again.” (v 23).
 Martha: “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.”


“Jesus said unto her, ‘I am the resurrection, and the life. He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest
thou this?’” (vv.25-26, KJV)


Jesus is the one with final power over death.


“She said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord, I Have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world.’” (v. 27)


This was to be a miraculous sign.


     B. The Exchange Between Jesus and Mary
She rose up quickly to meet Jesus - some distance from the house, where Martha had been.         She fell at His feet. “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” (v.32)

“When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit, and was troubled. (v.33)  ‘…Where have you laid him?’ They said to Him, ‘Lord, come and see.’” (v.34)



     C. Jesus wept. (v. 35)


     D. He prepared Himself for this important encounter. He was deeply moved --
Deep sorrow and sympathy for Mary and Martha, and by extension, all who would have to suffer as they did over the loss of their beloved brother. Sorrow over the fact of sin and death -- He had come into the world to abolish them. “The last enemy that will be abolished is death.”(I Corinthians 15:26) He was sorrowful over the state of mankind and the destruction caused by sin.


“And so the Jews were saying, ‘Behold how he loved him!’” (v. 36)

“But some said, ‘Could not this man who opened the eyes of him who was blind, have kept this man

also from dying?’” (v. 37)



“Jesus therefore again being deeply moved within, came to the tomb...” (v.38)



     E. He Had Indignation Over Death, and the Power of Satan
He came to abolish death and destroy the works of Satan. This event was a sign pointing to the greater reality of His own resurrection (and ours)   It was more convincing than raising someone from a deathbed.


Conclusion and Applications:


Jesus raised Lazarus, who had been in the tomb for four days, from death.

“… He cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come forth.’ He who had died came forth, bound hand and foot with wrappings; and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, ‘Unbind him and let him go.’” (vv. 43b-44)


1. Jesus demonstrates His humanity. He experienced human temptations and sufferings. He had human
friendships and human grief. The Bible says, “…weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15b)

2. Jesus’ work on our behalf is out of love. He wept for others. He shared their grief.


3. Jesus shows that it is appropriate and acceptable to weep over the death of a loved one, a believer,
even though we know that the person is with the Lord, in a better place. We weep over the unwanted separation, and over the unfulfilled hopes. Jesus understands our sorrow, and has experienced it Himself. But He provides the final remedy.


4. We can be thankful to God for Jesus’ example, and thankful in all situations. “Father, I thank thee…,” He prayed.


5. Jesus is our true comforter. He is our fellow sufferer. We can give and receive this kind of comfort

with others, knowing that Jesus is the Source.


“For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters; and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” Rev. 7:17 (KJV)



Scripture quotations are from the New American Standard Bible except as otherwise noted.

KJV = King James, or Authorized Version.


Illustration: Giuseppe Salviati, The Raising of Lazarus. Oil on canvas. Fondazione Querini Stampalia, Venice, Unknown date. Public domain.

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“I Am the Light of the World.” (John 8:12)

John 1: 4-5, 9 “In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.. . . There was the true light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.”

John 8:12: “Again therefore Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.’”

John 9:5: “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

John 12:46: “I have come as light into the world, that everyone who believes in Me may not remain in darkness.”

“… [B]elievers are called ‘sons of light,’ Luke 16:8, not merely because they have received a revelation from God, but because in the new birth they have received the spiritual capacity for it.” (W. E. Vines)

I. PHYSICAL LIGHT

Allows us to see objects and people, to see beauty, danger, etc.

   A. Natural
Creation - “…‘Let there be light.’…” Gen. 1:3
Sun, moon, stars

   B. Artificial
Lamps, candles, light bulbs (night baseball, Thomas Edison, light bulb symbolizes an idea)

   C. Miraculous
Israelites had light in their dwellings, while the Egyptians had thick darkness (Ex. 10:23)
Pillar of fire (Ex. 13:21)
Transfiguration (Matt. 17:2)
Saul’s conversion (Acts 9:3, 22:6, 26:13)

II. SPIRITUAL LIGHT

Even if a person cannot see physical light, he or she can experience brilliant spiritual light. An extreme example is Samson, who only after he was blinded really opened his spiritual eyes and wanted to glorify God instead of gratify himself. May God open all of our eyes spiritually without our needing that kind of discipline!

The word light is used metaphorically to describe or represent spiritual things.

   A. Light represents the nature of God.
God is light (I John 1:5)
God is “the father of lights” (James 1:7)
God “dwells in unapproachable light. . .” (I Tim. 6:16)
Heaven is a place of great light: Light is an important part of the nature of heaven. And God
Himself is the source of that light.
Isa. 60:19, God’s Kingdom, Col. 1: 12-14 (vs. darkness), Rev. 21:23-24, 22:5, God illuminates.

   B. Light symbolizes spiritual illumination.
2 Cor. 4:3-6: “And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness,’ is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”

The Holy Spirit works in us to help us understand spiritual things.
First, we understand the gospel. Then we grow in a relationship with Christ.
We understand Him more because we spend time with Him in His Word and prayer, and His church. We become His disciples: followers and learners. Then we help others.

   C. Light symbolizes holiness and purity.
Romans 13:12 : “ … lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”
I John 1:6-7): “If we say we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.”
We strive to stay in God’s light and out of the darkness of sin.
I John 2:9-11: Love vs. hate for one’s brother = light vs. darkness.

   D. Light symbolizes the Word of God.
Ps. 119:105 (KJV): “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet,
And a light unto my path.”

   E. Light represents the spiritual work of the believer.
Believers: “You are the light of the world ….” (Matt. 5:14)

“I am the light of the world.”
“You are the light of the world.”

III. DARKNESS

   A. Light shines in darkness
The darkness does not overcome it.

   B. Even so, most of the world chooses darkness
Those who reject Christ choose darkness, lest their evil deeds should be exposed.

John 3:19-21: “And this is the judgment, that the light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than the light, for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who practices the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.”

   C. Christians can walk in darkness.
Indistinguishable from the world
Overcome by sin
Immorality
Gossip
Murmuring and complaining
Unrestrained Anger
Cheating
Lying
Hating one another

IV. CHRISTIANS MUST WALK IN THE LIGHT.

As Christians, we must overcome these things. We must be willing to ask for help from God, and others if needed, and be ready to help others who ask us. (Not taking the place of professional counseling, but with prayer and spiritual support, and practical help that is within our ability.)

If you are God’s child, He will discipline you. If we discipline ourselves, He may not need to do it for us. He will not leave us comfortable in sin.

Hebrews 5:12: “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God….”

Maturing as a Christian involves increasing in knowledge and understanding of God’s Word, and discernment between good and evil, based on its teachings.

We often need to be reminded of the primary things, and to hear the gospel, but we ought to also move on to learning and applying more of the Word, such as discovering and using spiritual gifts, avoiding and overcoming temptations, and helping others.

We are the light of the world.
God will cleanse us from sin if we follow Him
We can live victoriously.
We can live in a way that pleases God, even though we’re not perfect.
We ought to correct ourselves before correcting others. Even then, avoid a judgmental attitude and try to be helpful.


Direct quotations from Scripture are from the New American Standard Bible unless otherwise noted.

Illustration: Christ in the House of Martha and Mary by Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675). National Gallery of Scotland. Via Wikipedia. Public domain. 

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Victorious Faith

Image via WikipediaI. THE NATURE OF FAITH

   A. What faith is ...
“the substance of things hoped for” Heb. 11:1 (KJV)
implies hope - enables the believer to understand that the things hoped for are a present spiritual reality.
“the evidence of things not seen” (KJV)
having faith, in itself, provides evidence of the reality of the unseen things and faith enables the believer to understand that these things are real.

     1. Faith is the opposite of unbelief.
      “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” Rom. 14:23 (KJV)
      Unbelief is really the worst sin, since it results in ultimate separation from God.
     2. Faith is equated with righteousness: “Abraham believed God and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” Rom. 4:3 (NASB) (quoting from Gen. 15:6)
     3. Belief / Assent - involves knowledge
     4. Trust - entrusting yourself to Christ

   B. Christian faith is not blind faith,
 but is rooted in historical events and a real person who lived on earth at a specific time and place. It is based on the assurances of God's Word, which is accepted as His supernatural revelation of Himself, and thus is entirely trustworthy and reliable.

Faith is not an attempt to believe something reason tells us is untrue. The early disciples knew they had good grounds for their belief.

   C. Where faith comes from: God, through the Holy Spirit
     1. You have enough faith to be saved.
     2. You need to act upon your God-given faith (“seeking” faith that drives one to prayer)
      Examples: Jacob - Gen.32:26 “….I will not let you go unless you bless me.”(NASB)
        Nobleman - John 4:49-52 “…Sir, come down before my child dies.”
        “…Go your way. Your son lives.”
        “….Yesterday at the seventh hour, the fever left him.”

     3. Faith grows from prayer, fellowship with God, hearing God's Word.
      Example: Samuel “Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth.” (I Sam. 3:9, KJV)
     4. Faith leads to obedience: Example: Abraham
     5. Faith leads to victorious accomplishments for God: Examples: Paul, Samson, Gideon

   D. Faith is not understood or accepted by the world.
It is misunderstood, identified variously as superstition or misguided idealism.
The “scientific” or secularist world view which gives rise to this misunderstanding is essentially a failure to understand the nature and reality of God. God doesn't think like they do! But God created out of nothing the things the materialists know.

Heb. 11: 3 - “By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.” (NASB)

II. THE TESTING AND RESULTS OF FAITH

   A. Faith leads to
     1. Salvation
     2. Obedience
     3. Good works
     4. Power to live the Christian life
      "Walk with God" - Enoch
     5. Final victory in Christ

   B. Faith is tested and proven.
     1. Without adversity, there is no test of faith.
     2. Faith does not demand signs and wonders, but instead is what there is when the miracle doesn't come.
     3. The faith of the Christian will be tested.
      Examples: Job, Stephen, Paul

   C. Faith is the victory which overcomes the world. (I John 5:4)
    Overcoming = not compromising
    Example: Noah

   D. Hindrances to faith
     1. Lack of prayer
     2. Lack of participation in church
     3. Demand to see signs and wonders
“An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign…” (Mt. 12:39, NASB) Presumably, if no sign is given, there is an excuse for unbelief.

Example of not requiring a sign: Daniel's friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (Hebrew names), a.k.a. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego (Babylonian names):

Dan. 3:17 -18 - “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” (NASB)

        a. Must see quick results
        b. Must have right feeling
        c. Must be delivered immediately from all troubles

     4. Failure to observe what God has done
        a. Offer of salvation
        b. Blessings of life
        c. Answer to prayer

III. THE REWARDS OF FAITH

   A. Jesus' healings often were acknowledgments of faith.
      Mt. 9:20-22 - Woman with a flow of blood: “….Be of good cheer, daughter. Your faith has made you well…” (NKJV)
      Mt. 9:27-29 Blind men: “….According to your faith let it be to you.” (NKJV)
      Lk. 7:2-9 Centurion's servant: “….I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in  Israel.” (NKJV)

   B. Faith enables a person to find God and to please God.
      Heb. 11:6 - “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God  must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (NKJV)

   C. Eternal rewards listed in Revelation include
      Eat of the tree of life (eternal life) 2:7
      “….Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (2:10, NASB)
      Hidden manna 2:17
      White stone / new name 2:17
      Authority to rule 20:6
      Be a pillar in the temple of God 3:12
      Sit down with Jesus on His throne 3:21

IV. BUILDING YOUR FAITH

   A. Build your faith by practicing it.
     1. Continue in prayer.
     2. Don't give up.  “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” (Job 13:15, KJV)
     3. Practice obedience.
“You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing, but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you." (John 15:14-15, NASB)

   B. Share your faith with others, especially your own household.
      1. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” (Acts 16:31, KJV)
      2. “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially those of his household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.” (I Tim. 5: 8, NASB)

   C. Faith affects all relationships.

   D. Don't spare the effort.  Let your actions demonstrate faith!


Illustration: Title page to the 1611 first edition of the Authorized (King James) Version of the Bible. Public domain.

Saved by Grace (Ephesians 2:8-10)

                  Image via WikipediaIntroduction

How shall a person be saved? People have various theories …
Do your best and you’ll be OK in this world and the next.
Do good works and you will merit the salvation of God.
We’ll all be saved, regardless.
I’m sure I’ll be saved, because of my saintly parents and grandparents.
I’m a church member.
Believe in God, be good, and go to church.
We’re all trying to get to the same place, so the path we choose doesn’t matter. All these ideas are completely wrong.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." -- Eph. 2:8-10, (NASB)


I. Salvation Is Entirely of Grace

What is salvation? Reconciliation with God, eternal life, in God’s favor forever.

By grace - grace alone - are you saved. God will not be in debt to you. He will not be deprived His right to offer you the free gift of salvation.

Because of sin, we are unable to reverse the sentence of eternal death which has been passed upon us. We are unable to throw off the wrath of God which rests upon us. Nothing we can do would make the slightest difference.

Only God can help us. Out of His great love and mercy, He made a way for us to be saved from eternal destruction.

By grace you have been saved. Past tense. Completed process, because of the finished work of Jesus Christ. “It is finished!” (Luke 19:30)

It is NOT by rituals, by works, by feelings, by merit, not by knowledge, wealth, wisdom or power. Only by the grace of God and nothing else, can we be saved.

We cannot be saved by “making a commitment.” A commitment relies upon whom? YOU!
We simply make a DECISION to receive, on God’s terms, what He offers us.

What terms?

II. We Are Saved Through Faith

Faith in Jesus Christ, based on His sacrificial and substitutionary death for us. He died on the cross, shedding His blood as the payment for our sins. He was buried and rose again from the dead. This is His finished work of atonement, paying the price of our salvation. It paid everything that needed to be paid or could be paid. He made the FULL, FINAL, AND ONLY PAYMENT for our salvation.
No other payment is necessary. No other payment is possible.

We accept salvation through faith in Jesus on the basis of His death and resurrection.

This is vitally important. If you don’t believe the gospel, you have no spiritual life or light in you.
This is the very essence and central affirmation of the Christian faith. Without it there is no Christianity. It is essential.

By faith you believe the gospel.
By faith you receive the salvation of the Lord.

III. Not of Yourselves, It Is the Gift of God

Nothing about salvation is from us. The impulse to listen to and respond to the gospel comes from God the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, And I, if I be lifted up will draw all men to myself.” And also, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent me draws him.” So we see the Trinity is involved in this process. It has nothing to do with a person being good enough or smart enough. It simply is an act of the will in response to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit that brings us to Christ. We throw ourselves on His mercy, trusting in what He has done and what He has promised.

“Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other name under heaven, given among men, whereby we must be saved..” Acts 4:12 (KJV)

The blood of Christ seals the covenant.

IV. Not As a Result of Works, That No One Should Boast

You didn’t, couldn’t, can’t and won’t be saved as a result of anything good that you have done.
“…[K]nowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified.” -- Gal. 2:16 (NASB)

Being saved, you have nothing to boast about, as though you are to be praised for getting saved. All the glory belongs to God, who will not share it with another.

In fact, self righteousness often keeps people from being saved. It can be worse than open sin: ...“Truly I say to you that the tax collectors and harlots will get into the kingdom of God before you.” -- Matt. 21:31 (NASB)      Boasting is excluded.

Lost? Or Saved? This is the great dividing line of human existence. This is the great contrast, the eternal separation between two groups:

Lost:                                 Saved:
You were dead.                 Now you are alive.
You were enslaved.          Now you are free.
You were under sin.          Now you have been declared righteous.
You were under wrath.     Now you are in God’s favor.
You were hell-bound.       Now you are seated with Christ in the
                                            heavenly places.

Not of works.

V. Then What About Works? Works Follow Salvation

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (v. 10)

If anyone is in Christ, that person is A NEW CREATURE, (2 Cor, 3:17), with a new motivation and new power. “All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth to such as keep His covenant.”  -- Ps. 25:10  (KJV)

What we do for God, we do out of gratitude for what He has done for us. We can’t repay Him. But He allows us to serve Him, and He empowers and guides us. It’s a privilege He gives to us, and a privilege He expects us to exercise. If we have the Holy Spirit, we have the desire and the power to do God’s will.

VI. Eternal Security

If you are saved, you are saved forever. God keeps you secure. He can’t fail. “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.”

Queen Victoria often visited the poor and humble. In one humble cottage, when she asked what she could do for the resident, the happy Christian told her, “There is nothing I need, I am perfectly content.”

“But I wish to do something for you,” she replied.

“Then promise me one thing.”
“I’ll do what I can.”
“Promise you’ll meet me in heaven.”
The queen replied, “I will surely meet you there, on the merit of the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.” [1]

Are you sure you’ll be there?

Conclusion

How can I be saved?

Acknowledge to God that you are a sinner.
Believe the gospel and place your faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone for your salvation.
Pray and express this to God, repenting (turning away from) your sin, trusting him for guidance.

By faith, simply receive the free gift of eternal life He offers. Then, if you mean business with God, you are eternally saved.

After that, follow Him in baptism and unite with a local church where you can learn about and serve Him, and have fellowship with other believers.

Too simple? It’s the only way.
May God help you in your decision.

[1] From a misplaced book of illustrations.

Illustration: Public domain.

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• Can You Earn Salvation? (lovemeanyway.wordpress.com)
• Ephesians 2 (asorensen.wordpress.com)