Category: Easter

Scripture for Today, 4-16-20: Forty Days - Why?

4/16/2020

Why Did the Lord Jesus Christ Remain on Earth Forty Days in His Resurrected Body?
"Jesus shewed Himself alive after His passion [resurrection] by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: v6 The apostle Paul wrote: “Jesus appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living. v11 Angel said to apostles: Why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven."

Acts 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:6; Acts 1:11

4-16-20, The Lord Jesus arose from the grave and instead of immediately going to heaven ... why? He saw hundreds of people. He ate with His disciples and taught them of their future duties. Christ continued to instruct of His salvation message after His death and resurrection:

Acts 1:2-3 giving His apostles final instructions
Luke 24:27 gave apostles history lesson, beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, explaining what the Scriptures said concerning Himself
Luke 24:32 tells us the disciples’ “hearts burned” as Jesus “opened the Scripture” to them giving them spiritual 'Light.'
Matthew 28:19 Jesus told them: “Go and make disciples of all nations” by sharing with the world the great things that He has done – and the message of the hope of salvation that only the Lord Jesus could bring to all mankind.

AND to demonstrate to His enemies and followers that He truly was alive. The Lord knew the high priests and the Roman authorities who had put Him to death would contrive to keep Him there as He had proclaimed He would rise. [John 2:19-22]

He appeared to the grave guards who fell as if dead. Matthew 28:4
He appeared to Mary Magdalene, Matthew 28:6
He appeared to two men on road to Emmaus: Cleopas and a companion, Luke 24:13-35
He appeared in upper room to ten apostles and ate some boiled fish, Luke 24:42-43
He confronted apostle Thomas - the doubter, Luke 24:39
He helped seven apostles catch fish at the Sea Tiberias then ate breakfast with them of charbroiled fish and bread, John 21:9-14
He was seen of more than 500 at once, 1 Corinthians 15:6
He ascended to heaven while apostles watched Acts 1:11

The Lord also knew His followers, apostles & disciples needed encouragement; so He appeared to hundreds to prove - beyond any doubt - that by the power of God, He did rise from death.

Revelation 1:18 Jesus said, "and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore and I have the keys of death and of Hades." [Romans 6:9]

Excerpt from Billy Graham Archives Here
More from Beliefnet Here

Sunday Comics, 4-12-20: Easter He Arose!

4/12/2020

People Raised From the Dead in the Bible
The promise of Christianity is that all believers will someday be raised from the dead. The Holy Bible reports of the many who were raised and will be raised. Among others, Jairus daughter, Lazarus, Dorcas - but the Lord Jesus WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO RAISED 'HIMSELF' from death and in the future all who are believers in the Lord who are asleep in their graves will arise and all future born again believers who pass from this world will also be raised. Hallelujah!

"From Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and His Father; to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." Revelation 1:5-6

Happy Resurrection Sunday [aka 'Easter']
4-12-20, The Lord & 👑King Jesus Christ came as an innocent baby, lived an austere life doing many miracles preaching His good news of salvation to all who would repent and trust Him for eternal life. Removing the curse of sin for all born again [John 3:3,7] believers when He shed His perfect blood on the cross and rising from the grave. He is alive forevermore and so shall all who are His flock. Praise God He arose!! Luke 24:6; Matthew 28:5-6; Mark 16:6; 2 Corinthians 5:17 🙏🏻

Scripture for Today, 4-11-20: Jesus' Mother

4/11/2020

Where Did Jesus' Mother Go After Jesus Ascended?
"Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, Mary and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw His mother and the disciple standing by, whom He loved [John], He saith unto His mother, 'Woman, behold Thy son!' Then saith He to the disciple, 'Behold thy mother!' And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home."

Matthew 27:55-56; Mark 15:40; John 19:25-27

4-11-20, Apparently Mary's husband, Joseph was no longer alive as we hear nothing of him when the Lord Jesus was crucified, arose and ascended to Heaven [Acts 1:11]. Jesus' mother Mary [1] was present at her Son's crucifixion along with the Apostle John. Can we even imagine Mary’s pain as she watched Jesus’ torturous six hours on the cross? In scripture the Apostle John records that he and Jesus' mother were standing by the cross.

Important points of Jesus final hours in human flesh; He no longer calls Mary His mother but “woman,” which is a term of respect, but also differentiates that Mary is no longer seen as Jesus’ mother, but Jesus is now seen as Mary’s Savior [Luke 1:46-55]. In His agony He thinks and makes provision for His Mom assigning the Apostle John to care her.

The very last mention in Scripture of Mary comes in Acts 1:13-14 where the disciples “went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James” and “these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers” [2] (Acts 1:14).

In conclusion, we just don’t know what happened to Mary after Jesus ascended other than Jesus assigning John to care for her and she joined the new church; nothing more is given.

Whatever happened to Mary is not as important as what will happen to us if we've never repented trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ. [Luke 13:5] If a person has been born again [John 3:3,7] we will enter the kingdom to be with the Lord Jesus forever. The Holy Bible makes it clear what our future holds without placing your trust in Christ (Revelation 20:12-15).

*Excerpted and adapted full original report from Jack Wellman here

[1] Mother Mary here www.deliveredbygrace.com/why-did-immaculate-mary-need-a-savior/
[2] Jesus' half brothers are mentioned in several Bible verses. Matthew 12:46, Luke 8:19, and Mark 3:31 say that Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see Him. Mary had four sons who were half brother to Jesus: James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas (Matthew 13:55). Jesus had sisters, but they are not named or numbered (Matthew 13:56). More in John 7:1-10, Acts 1:14, His brothers and mother are described as praying with the disciples. Galatians 1:19 mentions that James was Jesus’ brother. The most natural conclusion of these passages is to interpret that Jesus had actual blood half-siblings and clearly - Mary & Joseph had a normal marital relationship; she was not a 'perpetual virgin' as some teach.

Scripture for Today, 4-10-20: Lamb of God

4/10/2020

Behold the "Lamb" of God
"Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us," and John 1:29, "Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world."

1 Corinthians 5:7; John 1:29; Revelation 5:5, 20:11-15

4-10-20, * -- The Passover feast day coincides with the final days of the Lord Jesus Christ, His crucifixion and resurrection [commonly called 'Easter']. It is the picture of Christ being the true Passover Lamb [John 1:29], the sacrifice that liberates all repentant mankind from sin [Luke 13:5], as did God free the Israelites from the bondage in Egypt. [Exodus 12:25]

Christ entered Jerusalem [John 12:13-14] on the 10th of Nisan, which is the day that the devoted Jews were choosing their Passover lambs. This is referenced in Matthew 21:9 where the great multitude spread their garments and branches on the way saying, "Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest."

Jesus went to the temple and angrily overturned the money changers' tables, [Mark 11:15] His authority was questioned by the religious leaders, and He gave the great commandments, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind...and the second one is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." He also sat with His disciples and taught the chronology of what would happen in the end of days; called the 'Olivet Discourse.' [Matthew 24:1-25:46; Mark 13:1-37; Luke 21:5-36]

The Lord Jesus stated to His disciples in Matthew 26:2, "Ye know that after two days is the feast of the Passover and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified." He then held an early Seder in which he spoke of the wine as His blood and the bread as His body.

The events of the evening followed where Christ was taken in the garden, brought before the priests who sought a false witness to put Him to death, but as Matthew 26:60 says, "But found none." He was taken before Pilate who also could find no fault in Him, but allowed the people to decide if He should be crucified. These events follow the examination of the Passover Lamb Who had no blemish. [Exodus 12:5; Leviticus 22:20-21]

The crucifixion of Christ took place as the Passover [John 11:55] lambs were being sacrificed in the Jerusalem temple. The Hebrew calendar starts its days from sundown to sundown, making its timing far different than the Gregorian calendar that we follow in both the day of the week, and when the weekends/beginnings occur to the Gregorian calendar.

The Pesach sacrifice (sacrifice of the Passover lambs) needed to be completed before sundown on Nisan 14 (which is Wednesday on the Hebrew calendar this year). The Messiah was nailed to the cross, suffered, and died before sundown on Nisan 14 [Wednesday, Matthew 27:50].

As the Passover lambs were being sacrificed, Christ was crucified. He was buried on Nissan 14 before the beginning of Shabbat and the Passover Feast. He remained in the grave until sometime after sundown (end of Nissan 16), the beginning of Nissan 17 and the dawn of the first day of the week, Sunday. "In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher." Matthew 28:1

Christ is the true Passover Lamb.
John 1:29; Revelation 4:10

*Adapted original message from Bill Wilson, Daily Jot here

Scripture for Today, 4-8-20: Jesus' Agony

4/8/2020

His Agony and Our Access
Jesus and some disciples went to a place called Gethsemane for Jesus to pray before His crucifixion; He said to them: "Stay here and watch with Me."

Matthew 26:36, 38; Luke 22:43-44

4-5-20, Archives of Oswald Chambers -- We cannot learn about Gethsemane through our own personal experiences. We can never fully comprehend Christ’s agony when He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. It is the agony of God and man in one Person, coming face to face with sin - not His sin ... the sin of the entire world for all generations. [2 Corinthians 5:21]

It was not over His pending death that Jesus agonized. In fact, He stated very emphatically that He came with the purpose of dying. He was confident of getting through it as the Son of God but agonized over all that sin — Satan could not touch Him. (Hebrews 9:11-15; Luke 4:13).

The agony in Gethsemane was the agony of the Son of God in fulfilling His destiny as the Savior of the world. The veil is pulled back here to reveal all that it cost Him to make it possible for us to become sons of God. Gethsemane and Calvary are the gateway to forgiveness of our sin and eternal life with God. [John 3:16] The Cross of Christ was not only a sign that our Lord had triumphed over sin and the grave; but that He had triumphed to save all repentant humans from punishment and separation from God. Because of what the Lord Jesus Christ went through, every human being has been provided with a way of access into the very presence of God. Source

1 John 4:10, "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." [Romans 8:3-4]

Sunday Worship Hymns, 4-5-20: Palm Sunday

4/5/2020

Happy Palm Sunday

Collection of beautiful songs of praise for the celebration of the week of the Lord Jesus sacrifice, crucifiction and resurrection.

Non stop playlist here

Scripture for Today, 4-3-20: Peter Wept

4/3/2020

Apostle Peter Denied the Lord Jesus Christ Three Times and Wept
As the Lord Jesus was being abused and spit on in the interrogation before His crucifixion, the Apostle Peter was asked by some young girls: ‘Thou also wast with Jesus of Nazareth.’ But he denied, saying, ‘I know not, neither understand I what thou sayest.’ V69 later the girl saw him again and said: ‘This is one of them.’ Peter denied it again. Others said to him, ‘Surely thou art one of them: for thou art a Galilaean, and thy speech agreeth thereto.’ But he cursed & swearing said: ‘I know not this Man of Whom ye speak!’ Then he remembered Jesus said he’d deny him and wept.

Mark 14:66- 72; Matthew 26:69–74, Luke 22:55–62, John 18:15–18, 25–27

4-3-20, Surely human weakness and fear caused the Apostle Peter to deny associating with the Lord Jesus Christ; even knowing Him! [Mark 14:66-72] He watched Jesus being falsely accused, beaten, spit upon and insulted (Mark 14:57–66). To Peter’s credit, he didn’t flee the scene as the others did and he repented as he wept (Mark 14:50, 72).

Earlier, Jesus warned His disciples as well as us today, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first.” (John 15:18; Matthew 24:9) Peter quickly found he wasn’t nearly as bold and courageous as he had proclaimed. [Mark 14:30-31]

Jesus revealed to Peter that Satan had asked for permission to sift Peter like wheat (Luke 22:31). Jesus could have easily protected Peter not allowing Satan to sift him, but Jesus had a higher goal. He was equipping Peter to strengthen all disciples (Luke 22:32).

Perhaps because of Peter’s shame of denying the Lord bolstered and encouraged him to do so much better. He then strengthened other disciples, becoming a pillar of the early church in Jerusalem, exhorting and training others to follow and obey the Lord Jesus (Acts 2:1). And an example for all. Acts 2:7-38

Peter’s life gives us all hope for our temporary lapses; that even when our will is contrary to that of God, when we repent - as Peter did - God forgives us. Today, when the Lord Jesus is blasphemed and His name is used in cursing - we can have confidence to speak up:

"Please don't use the name of the Lord Jesus as a curse." (Romans 5:8-10; 1 John 1:9)

Scripture for Today, 4-2-20: Passover & Firstfruits

4/2/2020

PASSOVER One of Two of the Most Important of God’s Feast Days
In 2020 it at sundown on Wednesday, April 8 ending at nightfall on Thursday, April 16, 2020
“And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying… when I see the blood, I will pass over you and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you when I smite the land of Egypt. And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your generations; ye shall keep it forever.” v1 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.”
***
FIRSTFRUITS is the Second Most Important of God's Feast Days
When the Lord Jesus, the Messiah Arose from the Dead
Many call it Resurrection Sunday or 'Easter'

Exodus 12:2-14; Leviticus 23:4-34; John 13:1; 1 Corinthians 15:23

3-28-20, *-- The Lord’s Holy Day of PASSOVER is one of two MOST important Holy day of all the Lord’s annual holy days. This study is to explain the parallels of the first PASSOVER in 1528 BC [1], the Lord Jesus dying, resurrecting and ascending in 30 AD and the end time events of 2020 AD. Prior to that first Passover, there was no Jewish nation. The Hebrews were slaves to cruel Egyptian taskmasters who cried out to the one true God for help. God’s ears are always open to the cries and prayers of “the righteous” [Psalm 34:15] He listened and set in place a new calendar year [Exodus 12:1-2] for the Jewish people with the first of His “holy days” being PASSOVER. Almighty God sent Moses to Pharaoh demanding the release the Hebrew slaves and he refused; the chronology of events of the rescue of the Hebrews with the future ‘rescue’ of sinners when the Lord Jesus was God’s lamb:

On the 10th of Abib, every Hebrew family was to select a lamb for a sacrifice to God to be without “spot or blemish;” a perfect specimen. [Exodus 12:3-5; Joshua 1:11, 4:19] It is the same day the Messiah Jesus Christ triumphantly rode on a donkey into Jerusalem. [Mark 11:9-11]
The lambs were examined for three days to be certain it had no defects. [Exodus 12:6] For three days Jesus was examined in six trials resulting in Pilate declaring His innocence. [John 18:12-14; Matthew 26:57; Luke 22:63, 23:4]
On the evening of Abib 14 each household was to kill their lamb as a sacrifice to God, and they were not to break the lamb’s bones [Exodus 12:6, 9]. When Jesus was crucified no bones were broken. [John 1:29, 19:36]
The 10th and final Egyptian plague was that every first born man & beast in Egypt would die, but not the Hebrews. They were told to spread the blood of the lamb to their door posts and death would ‘passover’ them. [Exodus 12:7, 13] The Lord Jesus as mankind’s ‘passover lamb’ Who shed HIS blood so all who repent trusting in Him will never die spending eternity with God. [John 11:26]
After Pharaoh’s first born son died [Exodus 12:30] he demanded the Hebrews leave Egypt [Exodus 12:31-33]; they were set FREE from their bondage and lived. On 14th of Abib, Israel’s Hebrews left Egypt; crossed the Red Sea rejoicing as they were a FREE people having a NATION.

PASSOVER was the time the Lord Jesus Christ became “the Lamb of God,” Who was the sacrifice for the sins of the entire world and He was the 'Firstfruit' of the Resurrection from the dead

The parallel between the killing of the Hebrew passover lamb to free the Jews from Egypt and the crucifixion of the Messiah Lord Jesus Christ the Savior to free all mankind from the slavery of sin is unmistakable and undeniable.

The Lord Jesus arose from the dead and is the ‘Firstfruit’ of resurrections of the dead. In Leviticus 23:10-11 we see that a Jewish priest was to take a “sheaf” [not one, but many] “of the firstfruits of your harvest lift it into the air and wave it.” Surely that ‘sheaf’ typifies the resurrection of all true believers who will resurrect in the likeness of Christ’s resurrection [1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Romans 6:5]. The inspired Word twice explicitly refers to the Lord as the “firstfruits” of the resurrection. [1 Corinthians 15:20-23] It would be grammatically and scripturally incorrect to label anything as “firstfruit” unless there are more “fruits” to be gathered. This is the third spring feast also know as 'Easter.'

The current world’s tribulations mirror the Lord Jesus’ prophecy of end time events. [Luke 21:11] Scoffers and scorners say, ‘Oh but there’s been wars and rumors of wars for centuries, plagues of locusts, earthquakes and pestilences. All things go on as before!’ [2 Peter 3:4] Not like the current horrors of the world including the panic and hysteria of the pestilence of Corona virus; this is a new phenomenon. The increase of locust [2]; earthquakes [3] and pestilence [4] cannot be denied. The Lord Jesus said that all of these things would be “the beginning of sorrow.” [Mark 13:8] Not the end… “beginning”… and they are here – now.

This year’s anniversary of the Lord Jesus’ resurrection is Sunday, April 12, 2020. Is it just one more “coincidence” that the days of the week for this Passover and Firstfruit [Easter Resurrection Sunday, 4-12-20] come in the ‘likeness’ [ exact same order] as they did the week Christ was crucified and arose in 30 A.D.?

I believe this Passover season 2020 that begins at sundown on Wednesday, April 8 ending at nightfall on Thursday, April 16, 2020 may finally be the appointed time for the resurrection of believers who are ‘asleep’ and the rapture of those of us who are alive and remain [The Rapture of the Church]. [Acts 1:11]

Many faithful believers are now obediently and faithfully sounding the trumpet of warning [Ezekiel 33:6], please add me to the list.

*Excerpted and adapted from emailed Bible Study from Pastor F. M. Riley, francismriley34@gmail.com

[1] First Passover date: https://www.biblicalcalendarproof.com/Timeline/PassoverDate
[2] Locusts 2020: https://www.businessinsider.com/desert-locust-plague-devastates-africa-photos-history-2020-2?op=1
[3] Earthquakes: https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/why-are-we-having-so-many-earthquakes-has-naturally-occurring-earthquake-activity-been?qt-news_science_products=0#qt-news_science_products
[4] Plague of Covid-19: https://mysteriousuniverse.org/2020/02/coronavirus-plague-predicted-in-2020-by-buddhist-monk-100-years-ago/
https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-chancellors-extraordinary-moves-with-uk-in-middle-of-economic-heart-attack-11961186

Scripture for Today, 4-21-19: Pictorial of Jesus' Resurrection

4/21/2019

Happy Resurrection Sunday - 'Easter'

Psalm 16:1-11; Psalm 49:1-20; Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12

Mark 16:9-11; Luke 24:10; John 20:4-9

Luke 24:13-25; John 20:27

Risen Christ in glorified body ate food: Luke 24:41-43; John 21:12

Christ in the 40 days He walked the earth after He arose from death He was seen by over five hundred people: 1 Corinthians 15:6-8.
His apostles watched as He was taken up into heaven the same way He'll return to earth: Acts 1:3, 9-11

Scripture for Today, 4-20-19: Pictorial "Easter" Week

4/20/2019

Matthew 21:1; Mark 11:1; Luke 19:28; John 12:12

Messiah Savior Jesus Christ
Triumphantly is Greeted on "Palm Sunday'
As He Entered Jerusalem ...
With God's Approval They Killed Him ...
Then He Arose From Death
***
From the beginning God made it clear that sin will lead to death and only a perfect sinless sacrifice can save mankind from their sin. Christ was made in the likeness of the flesh of sin yet He was without spot or blemish; He gave Himself to save mankind from their sin.

2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 4:15, Romans 8:3; 1 Peter 1:19

In the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot and was arrested ... John 13:1-5

While the Lord Jesus was at the mock 'trial,' His apostle Peter denied Him three times, Luke 22:7-10

The Lord Jesus was buried in a borrowed tomb that was sealed and guarded by soldiers, Mark 15:1-5

The tomb or the soldiers couldn't hold the Lord God Jesus Christ Who Arose from Death as He promised, Matthew 28:1-13

Happy Resurrection Sunday: Jesus Arose!

4/1/2018

Ancient Paintings of Jesus Christ Resurrection
Jesus Ascended to Heaven While Apostles Watched

Acts 1:11

2012, * -- Christ's Resurrection is one of the basic beliefs of the Christian faith; His triumph over death is fundamental and all the paintings depict the empty tomb. Christ remained here on earth until the Ascension. Christ is shown unclothed, since the shroud covered Him was left in the tomb.

Some paintings show Him floating in the air however the predominant originating in the later Middle Ages and followed by the Renaissance, shows the Savior firmly on the ground, holding the banner of the Resurrection with its red cross, either standing upright in the open sarcophagus or in the act of stepping out of it.

Testimony of the Apostle John of the Resurrection Events:

“The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. 2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid Him. 3 Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. 4 So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. 5 And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. 6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, 7 And the napkin, that was about His head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. 8 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. 9 For as yet they knew not the scripture, that He must rise again from the dead.

In the Holy Bible Gospel of Matthew, it alone mentions the soldiers that Pilate put to guard the tomb that refutes the claim that the disciples secretly removed the body. [Matthew 27:62-66]. In the paintings, the soldiers are generally recumbent around the tomb, either in attitudes of sleep, or awake and shading their eyes from fear or the dazzling light that surrounds Christ.
___________

10 Then the disciples went away again unto their own home. 11 But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, 12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 And they say unto her, “Woman, why weepest thou?” She saith unto them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid Him.” 14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus saith unto her, “Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou?” She, supposing Him to be the gardener, saith unto Him, “Sir, if thou have borne Him hence, tell me where thou hast laid Him, and I will take Him away.” 16 Jesus saith unto her, “Mary.” She turned herself, and saith unto Him,” Rabboni.” Which is to say, “Master.” 17 Jesus saith unto her, “Touch Me not; for I am not yet ascended to My Father: but go to My brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God, and your God.”
John 20:1-17; Matthew 16:1-15; Mark 16:1-11; Luke 24:1-12

More paintings and information here from Elizabeth Fletcher, http://jesus-story.net/painting_resurrection.htm

Comics, 4-1-18: Easter

4/1/2018

Sunday Worship Hymns, 4-1-18: Hallelujah!

3/31/2018

Handel's Messiah Chorus Was Composed for Resurrection of Jesus - Not His Birth
***
Messiah is an English-language oratorio composed in 1741 by George Frederic Handel, with a scriptural text compiled by Charles Jennens from the King James Bible, and from the version of the Psalms included with the Book of Common Prayer.

It was first performed in Dublin on 13 April 1742 and received its London premiere nearly a year later.

The text begins in Part I with prophecies by Isaiah and others, and moves to the annunciation to the shepherds, the only "scene" taken from the Gospels.

In Part II, Handel concentrates on the Passion of Jesus crucifixion and ends with the "Hallelujah" chorus of His resurrection.

In Part III the chorus he covers the resurrection of the dead Christ and His glorification in heaven.

Fabulous 4 minute video here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUZEtVbJT5c

Scripture for Today, 3-31-18: Resurrection of Christ Brings Hope For All

3/31/2018

The Anniversary of Jesus' Resurrection
[aka Easter] Gives Us Hope
***
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live."

John 11:25

3-31-18, * -- We celebrate the anniversary of Resurrection of our Lord Jesus on Sunday [aka Easter] on a different date every year; very weird. It is not about brightly bunnies, colored eggs, wearing pastels, or enjoying a big meal, although it could include these. Easter is about the death and Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

For some, Easter will be a great day, spent surrounded by family and friends. But for others, it will be a sad day, because Easter is a reminder of a loved one who has died and is now desperately missed.

Death seems so cruel, so harsh, and so final. That is what the disciples were feeling when they saw their Lord, whom they had left everything to follow, hanging on the cross. They were devastated. Death had crushed them. But if they would have gone back in their memories, they would have recalled an important event and statement Jesus had made.

They would have remembered Jesus standing at the tomb of His close friend, Lazarus; that Jesus did something completely unexpected: He wept (John 11:35). Jesus wept, because He knew that death was not part of God’s original plan. Humanity was not meant to grow old, to suffer with disease, or to die. But because of the sin of Adam and Eve, sin entered the human race, and death followed with it. And death spread to all of us.

Standing there at Lazarus’ tomb, Jesus delivered these hope-filled words: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” (John 11:25) If you have put your faith in Christ, then Easter means that you will live forever in the presence of God. Jesus resurrection brings hope to the person who has been devastated by death and makes us fearless of our own earthly death. Death is not the end; and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ proves it. Thank You, Lord!

* Excerpted and adapted full original message from Greg Laurie here:
www.facebook.com/harvest.greglaurie/posts/10153964444106698

Matthew 16:1-15, 28:2-4; Mark 16:1-11; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-17

Comics, 3-31-18: Easter Eggs & Jesus' Empty Tomb

3/31/2018

Matthew 28:11-15; Mark 16:9; John 20:31

Scripture for Today: 4-16-17, Jesus Christ is Not Dead HE AROSE!

4/15/2017

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection, and the life:
he that believeth in Me, though he were dead,
yet shall he live:" John 11:25
***

Series: Resurrection of Jesus #7 [final]
HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY!
Jesus Christ Arose from the Dead!

4-16-17, If Jesus Christ had stayed dead, like all other people, that'd been the end of it. Few people past and present reject that Jesus Christ is a real person who walked this earth about 2000 years ago. However, there are many who reject the fact that He arose from death disregarding that His physical resurrected body was witnessed by over five hundred people.

The events of Jesus life are recorded by men who walked with Him and the Apostle Paul who had a miraculous visitation after He ascended back to Heaven. Then we have the historians Ignatius, Polycarp and Clement. Polycarp was born around 69 AD and was martyred in 155 AD. no disputing his existence. From his writings and of others about Polycarp we learn that he, along with a man named Ignatius, studied under the Apostle John who was an eye witness to the resurrected Christ.

To claim Jesus did not exist, we must also declare a bunch of other people — who we know existed by their own writings and the writings of others — did not exist either. To deny Jesus existence and or His resurrection, you have to believe in some truly farfetched conspiracy.

Without the miraculous resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ - we have no hope of eternal life; but He did arise and lives forevermore! He's coming again and maybe soon. Hallelujah!

Scripture for Today, 4-15-17

4/14/2017

Series: Resurrection of Jesus Christ
#6 Jesus Was Born to Die

“For even the Son of man came not to be
ministered unto, but to minister and to give
His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

4-14-17, John D. Morris, Ph.D. -- Especially as noted in the Gospel of John, Christ identified many reasons why He had been born. Consider the following sampling of verses and references. First and foremost, Christ came to redeem those who would repent and believe,

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

But under that umbrella of redemption come many other aspects.

God’s will was paramount even in judgment (John 5:30) as well as resurrection “this is the will of Him that sent Me, that everyone which seeth the Son, and believeth on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:40).

Many aspects of Christ’s work are to be realized in this life, for He said: “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

However, the primary goal was to bring to climax His redemptive strategy. He knew that none of the other aspects of His work had any effect without atonement for sin, which was only possible if a blood sacrifice was made for that sin.

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd
giveth His life for the sheep” (John 10:11).

This was the reason Jesus came; to die for His sheep.

Excerpted full original message here: http://www.icr.org/article/18044

Scripture for Today, 4-14-17

4/13/2017

Series: Resurrection of Jesus Christ
#5 Music Written to Proclaim He Arose!

Glorious Music "Messiah" Oratorio
'Handel's Messiah' Was Composed Commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ - Not His Birth

4-13-17, In England during the Lent spring season of 1742, the preeminent composer, German born George Frederic Handel, composed THE MESSIAH ORATORIO. Although this music has become a piece to worship the Lord Jesus at His birth; that was not the event for which it was composed. A close friend and collaborator of Handel, Charles Jennens used Biblical text of Jesus for the oratorio's text/lyric:

- Only the first portion of the work was about the birth of Jesus
- The second act covers Jesus crucifixion and death
- The third focused on His resurrection

Therefore, the piece was originally conceived as a work for Easter.

Hear the 'Chorus' Here

By the 19th century, "Messiah" became a regular Christmas custom and December staple particularly in the United States apparently out of necessity. Laurence Cummings, conductor of the London Handel Orchestra, told Smithsonian Magazine: "There is so much fine Easter music — Bach's St. Matthew Passion, most especially — and so little great sacral music written for Christmas."

Bach's 'PASSION' Here

Scripture for Today, 4-13-17

4/12/2017

Series: Resurrection of Jesus Christ
#4 Proof Jesus Was Crucified on Thursday

The Jewish day begins at sundown
SOLVING THE THREE DAY THREE NIGHT MYSTERY

2003, Jack Kelly [Excerpted] -- The crucifixion and burial of the Lord Jesus Christ has a controversy about what day He was crucified. Friday has been the traditional day of choice. However, looking backward from His resurrection we see He couldn't have died on Friday.

Two of the Lord's disciples [one Cleopas] who met the resurrected Lord [not recognizing Him] on the road to Emmaus [Luke 24:13-35] thought He was a stranger because He asked why they were sad. In their conversation the disciples indicated it was the third day [vs 21] since Jesus' crucifixion; it being a Sunday, the previous day Saturday would have been the second day since it happened and Friday would have been the first day since it happened making the day it happened when He was crucified ... Thursday.

Some may argue that this view doesn't permit three full days and three full nights in the tomb; but that's not what scripture says. It simply says 3 days and 3 nights. Trying to move His death to Wednesday to allow three full days, we violate the Passover Lamb prophecy. The women wouldn't have waited until Sunday morning to prepare the Lord's body, because they could have done it on Friday.

Full original message here: https://gracethrufaith.com/topical-studies/holidays-and-holy-days/solving-the-three-day-three-night-mystery/

Scripture for Today, 4-12-17

4/11/2017

Series: Resurrection of Jesus Christ
#3 Proof Jesus Arose from Death

4-11-17, Dr Morris -- All through the ages mankind has struggled wanting their own way to eternal life in heaven. Many refuse to believe that Jesus Christ is THE ONLY WAY to forgiveness and eternity with God. The apostle Paul speaking to the philosophers in Athens said:

"Ye men of Athens. . . . in all things ye are too superstitious" (Acts 17:22). "God that made the world and all things therein . . . is Lord of heaven and earth. . . . He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead" (Acts 17:24,31).

There is no doubt that Jesus really did die on that cross. Pilate was given assurance of this by the centurion (Mark 15:43-45). The savage spear thrust into His side by the soldier (John 19:34) made certain of His death, "and forthwith came there out blood and water," evidencing complete collapse of the heart cavity.

The first evidence the disciples had for the resurrection was that of the empty tomb. As Peter and John entered the tomb, they saw an amazing thing. The heavy wrappings of linen clothes which Joseph and Nicodemus had wound around the body of Jesus (John 19:39-40) were still there, just as they had been, but the body had vanished out of them and the grave clothes had, as it were, collapsed inward on themselves. No wonder the record says that when John entered the tomb, "he saw, and believed!" (John 20:8). Christ had returned to life, in such a remarkable form that it could simply pass through the linen wrappings and enter henceforth into the power of an endless life!

After Jesus Resurrection from the Dead
His appearances:

Not only was the tomb empty, but the disciples and more than five hundred others actually saw the resurrected Lord. On at least ten separate occasions after He left the tomb He was seen in the following order:

To Mary Magdalene (John 20:11-18; Mark 16:9)
To the other women (Matthew 28:8-10)
To Peter (Luke 24:34; 1 Corinthians 15:5)
To the two on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35; Mark 16:12)
To ten of the disciples (Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-29)
To all eleven disciples, eight days later (John 20:24-29)
To seven disciples by the Sea of Tiberias (John 21:1-23)
To five hundred followers (1 Corinthians 15:6)
To James (1 Corinthians 15:7)
To the eleven, at the ascension (Acts 1:3-12)

THE WITNESS OF THE APOSTLES
The Foundation of Christianity
Without the resurrection [1], it is quite certain there could be no Christian church. We realize that there is no possibility that the apostles could have continued as teachers of the Messiah Jesus Christ's doctrines and precepts without the death of and bodily resurrection of their Master. Clearly, others could not have been persuaded to follow them, without their assurance that Christ was alive. They went forth everywhere proclaiming His resurrection, regardless of their persecution & martyrdom, causing multitudes to become believers in their Living Lord.

Until that day, when He "[makes] all things new" (Revelation 21:5), His promise of forgiveness, salvation, resurrection and eternal life is available on an individual basis to every person who repents of their sin, believes and accept Him as their Lord.

"For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled
to God by the death of His Son, much more, being
reconciled, we shall be saved by His life" (Romans 5:10).

[1] Acts 2:22-36; 3:13-18; 4:10-12, 33; 5:29-32; 10:37-43; 13:27-37; 17:23, 30-32; 23:6; 24:14-16; 25:19; 26:68, 22-23

Excerpted and adapted full original article here

References:

Arnold, T. 1854. Sermons on Christian Life, Its Fears and Its Close , 6th ed. London, UK: 324.
Greenleaf, S. 1874. The Testimony of the Evangelists. New York, NY: 28.

This booklet is adapted from a section of one of his books on scientific Christian evidences, Many Infallible Proofs (San Diego: Master Books, 1974, 381 pp.).

Download The Ultimate Proof of Christianity (The Resurrection of Jesus) PDF

Scripture for Today, 4-11-17

4/10/2017

Series: Resurrection of Jesus Christ
#2 Passover

Behold the Lamb
Jesus is OUR 'Passover' Lamb
John the Baptist said as Jesus approached,
"Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the
sins of the world!" John 1:29;1:36

February 2013, Dr Henry M. Morris Ph.D. Evidence for Creation -- As he spoke to two of His followers, John the Baptist was, in effect, telling them that they should henceforth leave him to follow Jesus.

"And the two disciples heard him speak,
and they followed Jesus" (John 1:37).

On the previous day, when John had first seen Jesus coming, his comments in John 1:29 is the first use of the word "lamb" in the New Testament and it is significant that it refers to the Lord Jesus as the One great sacrifice for our sins.

He is called "the Lamb" 30 more times in the New Testament, the final time no longer viewing Him on the altar, but on His eternal throne (Revelation 22:3). Yet, even on His throne as our King, He is still the Lamb, and we can never ever forget that He once died for us that we might live with Him.

Today: Passover, April 10, 2017

In ancient Egypt, what was the first Jewish 'Passover' God told the Israelites to place the shed blood of a spotless lamb on the doorpost of each home and said, "When I see the blood, I will pass over you" (Exodus 12:13). And all the Jews were spared.

In fulfillment of the ancient sacrifices and types, the once-for-all Lamb of God came.

"Christ our Passover is sacrificed
even for us." I Corinthians 5:7

Scripture for Today, 4-10-17

4/9/2017

We will celebrate the second MOST important Christian holiday,
the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday, April 16, 2017

Series: Resurrection of Jesus Christ
#1, Palm Sunday

The Irony of Another Attack Against Christians on Palm Sunday

4-9-17, Palm Sunday in Egypt -- Today millions of Christians in Egypt gathered in their ancient churches to celebrate Palm Sunday. This Christian holiday is the commemoration of the triumphal entrance of the Lord Jesus into Jerusalem before His crucifixion and resurrection that Christian's celebrate on what's traditionally called 'EASTER.'

Jesus Triumphal Entry
Zechariah 9:9-13; Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-40
Jesus commanded to be given a colt [donkey]; and as He rode into Jerusalem the people cast their garments on Him and in the path with palm branches. They who followed, cried, saying, "Hosanna; Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord: Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that comes in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest." Mark 11:6-11

John 12-16

The Muslims martyring Christians in Egypt today is ironic because Jesus was killed by Pharisees; both for the same reason. Their faith is/was not allowed. The Lord Jesus never told Christians to retaliate; although He did say:

“They will kill you, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name” …“an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering service to God.” Matthew 24:9; John 16:2.

However, God knows of His children's suffering and we know that all of His prophecies and promises will be fulfilled. The persecuted are strengthened, encouraged and their faith is increased despite affliction. Every time wicked Islamic terrorist martyrs a Christian, people watching the forgiveness and testimony of his or her family brings dozens more converts to Christ.

We know that someday, soon and very soon, the Blessed Hope of the Lord Jesus will avenge and rescue the perishing.

Coincidence? Two Mardi Gras Parades Two Cars Plow into People

2/28/2017

Mardi Gras Originally is a Christian Celebration of the Coming of Resurrection Sunday [aka Easter]

2-28-17, Two awful events ... so far I can't get to the bottom of it - I am so suspicious that the truth is being withheld.

On Feb 25, 2017 in New Orleans a 25 yr Neilson Rizzuto was driving a pickup truck hitting two cars before plowing into the Mardi Gras parade marchers injuring 25 - the youngest a three year old child. Authorities say he was drunk; photo and arrest given.
Three days later another Mardi Gras Parade: On Feb 28, 2017 in Gulf Shores Alabama an unidentified 73 yr old man ran over a bunch of marchers. Twelve students in the band were injured - three critical. Report by Pensacola News here | CBS News video here

This is very troubling especially - when again - before ANY real investigation claims made not terror related. Both were Mardi Gras events - and what does 'Mardi Gras' represent? CHRISTIANS celebrating the risen Savior Jesus. Perfect for Muslims who hate Jesus and His faithful: Mardi Gras per the Catholic Church refers to events of celebrations, beginning on the Christian feasts "Lent" and of the Epiphany and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday.

(Psalm 16:1-11; Psalm 49:1-20; Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-8; John 20:1-9)

2017 "Lent" begins March 1st | What is Lent?
Catholics and many Protestant Christians Celebrate what's called 'Lent' the beginning of the annual Easter Season: Lent begins on what's called "Ash Wednesday" the Christian religious celebration of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ on what's called "Easter." It's a 40-day fast, so will run up until the Thursday before Easter Sunday, this year April 16, 2017.

I'm not saying it's Islamic terror; I'm just suspicious because of the way the reports are being handled and the facts of events as we know them. -- Annette

Behold the "Lamb" of God"Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us," and John 1:29, "Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world."

​His Agony and Our AccessJesus and some disciples went to a place called Gethsemane for Jesus to pray before His crucifixion; He said to them: "Stay here and watch with Me."

Happy Palm SundayCollection of beautiful songs of praise for the celebration of the week of the Lord Jesus sacrifice, crucifiction and resurrection.Non stop playlist here

Happy Resurrection Sunday - 'Easter'

Ancient Paintings of Jesus Christ ResurrectionJesus Ascended to Heaven While Apostles Watched

The Anniversary of Jesus' Resurrection[aka Easter] Gives Us Hope***Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live."

Series: Resurrection of Jesus #7 [final]​HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY!​Jesus Christ Arose from the Dead!

Series: Resurrection of Jesus Christ#6 Jesus Was Born to Die

Series: Resurrection of Jesus Christ#5 Music Written to Proclaim He Arose!

Glorious Music "Messiah" Oratorio'Handel's Messiah' Was Composed Commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ - Not His Birth

Series: Resurrection of Jesus Christ#4 Proof Jesus Was Crucified on Thursday

Series: Resurrection of Jesus Christ#3 Proof Jesus Arose from Death

Series: Resurrection of Jesus Christ#2 Passover

Series: Resurrection of Jesus Christ#1, Palm Sunday

Mardi Gras Originally is a Christian Celebration of the Coming of Resurrection Sunday [aka Easter]

Index

Archives

Behold the "Lamb" of God
"Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us," and John 1:29, "Behold the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world."

His Agony and Our Access
Jesus and some disciples went to a place called Gethsemane for Jesus to pray before His crucifixion; He said to them: "Stay here and watch with Me."

Happy Palm Sunday

Collection of beautiful songs of praise for the celebration of the week of the Lord Jesus sacrifice, crucifiction and resurrection.

Non stop playlist here

Ancient Paintings of Jesus Christ Resurrection
Jesus Ascended to Heaven While Apostles Watched

The Anniversary of Jesus' Resurrection
[aka Easter] Gives Us Hope
***
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live."

Series: Resurrection of Jesus #7 [final]
HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY!
Jesus Christ Arose from the Dead!

Series: Resurrection of Jesus Christ
#6 Jesus Was Born to Die

Series: Resurrection of Jesus Christ
#5 Music Written to Proclaim He Arose!

Glorious Music "Messiah" Oratorio
'Handel's Messiah' Was Composed Commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ - Not His Birth

Series: Resurrection of Jesus Christ
#4 Proof Jesus Was Crucified on Thursday

Series: Resurrection of Jesus Christ
#3 Proof Jesus Arose from Death

Series: Resurrection of Jesus Christ
#2 Passover

Series: Resurrection of Jesus Christ
#1, Palm Sunday