Jan 1 2006 AM
David's charge to Solomon
1 Chronicles 28:9
1)Our Duty
A)-Know God
B)-Serve God
2)Our Motivation
A)-God searches the heart
B)-God knows the intents
3)Our Promise
A)-If we seek Him
B)-If we forsake Him
Building the temple Have a perfect heart and a willing mind
Nothing is more important than knowing God
Jeremiah 9:23-24 - knoweth Me
Hosea 4:1,6 God is displeased when people don't know Him
Romans 1:18-28 their immoratily was due to their rejection of God's knowledge
David tells Solomon the most important thing is to know God
Psalms 19:1-3
Hebrews 1:1-2- through Jesus, we know God
Have you made a serious effort to know God?
It is the most important thing in you life!
Serve with a loyal heart
Matthew 22:36-38 love God with all your heart
Willing mind- cheerfully, gladly, not hypocritical.
Paul taught us to freely give with a willing mind and gladly
2 Corinthians 8:12 and 9:7
What is our Duty?
To Know God
To Serve God with sincerity
Strive to serve God cheerfully, willingly and wholeheartedly in this new year.
We need to know and serve Him because…
He knows our hearts and our intents.
1 Kings 8:39- only You know our hearts
We know He knows our intentions, so we strive to do better.
Jesus knew the hearts of men, searched their minds and hearts,
and says we cannot hide from Him
John 2:24-25
Revelation 2:23
Psalms 139:1-12
All is open to the Lord Hebrews 4:12-13
Since you cannot hide from God, serve Him!
He understands our motives also…
Knows our hearts intentions.
If we seek Him we will find Him
2 Chronicles 15:2
2 Chronicles 16:9 He is looking for us
If we have a loyal heart while seeking Him, and if we seek Him diligently,
He will find us!
BUT
If we forsake Him, He will forsake us.
Isaiah 1:28 He will cast us out
1 Kings 9:6-9 I'll be with you until you forsake me
John 15- if you stop bearing fruit, I'll cut you off.
Isaiah 41:10 I am with thee
1 Chronicles 28:20 Be strong, he will not fail thee.
As long as we do our duty, He will never give up on us.
With God on our side, we can do anything.
Revelation 21:2-22:5
INTRODUCTION
1. It is written that Abraham looked for a city...
a. A city whose builder and maker is God - He 11:8-10
b. A city God had prepared for him - He 11:13-16
2. It is written that we too look for a city...
a. A city which is to come - He 13:14
b. A city promised by Jesus to those who overcome - Re 3:12
[John was shown a vision of a great city, along with words of comfort
and warning (Re 21:2-8). He was then offered a detailed glimpse of this
heavenly city. Let's take a closer look at what he saw...]
I. THE GREAT CITY
A. JOHN IS SHOWN THE HOLY CITY...
1. By one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls of wrath
- Re 21:9-10a
a. Who offered to show John "the bride, the Lamb's wife"
b. Who carried him away in the Spirit to a great and high
mountain
2. He sees the great city, the holy Jerusalem - Re 21:10b-11
a. Descending out of heaven from God - cf. Re 21:2; also 3:12
b. Having the glory of God, with light like a jasper stone,
clear as crystal - cf. Re 4:2-3
-- The imagery is uncertain, but the city may be depicted as
hovering between heaven and the new earth
B. JOHN DESCRIBES THE HOLY CITY...
1. It had a great and high wall - Re 21:12-14
a. With twelve gates, with three gates each on east, north,
south
b. With twelve angels at the gates
c. With the twelve tribes of Israel's names inscribed on the
gates
d. With twelve foundations
e. With the twelve apostles' names inscribed on the foundations
2. The measurement of the city, the gates, and the wall - Re 21:
15-17
a. The angel had a golden reed to measure them
b. The city is laid out as a cube, its length, breadth, and
height are each 12,000 furlongs (1500 hundred miles cubed),
the distance from Orlando to Denver!
c. The wall is one hundred and forty-four cubits (216 feet),
either high or thick
3. The construction of the city, the wall, its foundations, and
the gates - Re 21:18-21
a. The wall was of jasper; the city was pure gold, like clear
glass
b. The twelve foundations of the wall were adorned with
precious stones:
1) Jasper 5) Sardonyx 9) Topaz
2) Sapphire 6) Sardius 10) Chrysoprase
3) Chalcedony 7) Chrysolite 11) Jacinth
4) Emerald 8) Beryl 12) Amethyst
c. The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate one pearl
d. The street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass
-- Imagine the colors, with varying shades of green, red, blue,
gold, and clear crystal!
II. THE GLORIOUS CITY
A. ILLUMINATED BY THE PRESENCE OF GOD AND THE LAMB...
1. Its temple are the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb - Re 21:22
a. There is no temple, unlike there was in heaven described
earlier - Re 7:15
b. For that depicted the blessing of the intermediate state,
but this the eternal state
2. It is illuminated by the glory of God and the Lamb - Re 21:23
a. There was no need of the sun or moon to shine in it - cf.
Isa 60:19-20
b. Of course, the sun and moon as we know it had burned up, and
replaced by a new heaven and a new earth - cf. 2 Pe 3:10-13;
Re 21:1
-- A glorious city, illuminated by a glorious God and Savior!
B. ENHANCED BY THOSE WHO ENTER IT...
1. The nations of the saved shall walk in its light - Re 21:24a
a. The saved come from different nations - cf. Mt 28:19
b. The imagery is similar to that found in Isaiah - cf. Isa 60:
3-9
2. The kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it - Re
21:24b
a. Perhaps referring to such righteous kings like those of
Judah (David, Hezekiah, Josiah)
b. Or those redeemed by the Lamb, who will reign together with
Him - cf. Re 22:6
3. Its gates shall not be shut at all by day, and there is no
night there - Re 21:25
a. Those twelve gates of pearl shall remain open
b. There is no night, for the glory of God and the Lamb are
ever present
4. The nations shall bring their glory and honor into it - Re
21:26
a. Glory and honor to be added to the glory of God and the Lamb
- cf. Re 21:23
b. Glory and honor they themselves received at the coming of
the Lord - cf. 2 Th 1:10-12
5. Nothing that defiles shall enter it - Re 21:27
a. None that cause an abomination or a lie, shall enter it
- cf. Re 21:8
b. Only those written in the Lamb's book of Life enter it - cf.
Re 3:5; 20:15
-- A glorious city, enhanced by the glorified redeemed of all
nations!
C. PROVISIONED FOR EVERLASTING SERVICE...
1. The water of life - Re 22:1
a. A pure river, clear as crystal
b. Proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb
c. Promised to those who thirst (for righteousness) - Re 21:6;
22:17; cf. Mt 5:6
2. The tree of life - Re 22:2
a. In the middle of the street (was in the garden of Eden, now
in the city of God!)
b. Straddling the river of the water of life (from which it
gets its nourishment?)
c. Bearing twelve fruits, yielding fruit every month (perpetual
provisions)
d. With leaves for the healing of the nations (no more
sickness)
3. The reign of His servants - Re 22:3-5
a. The curse which made work difficult is no more - cf. Gen 3:
17-19
b. The throne of God and of the Lamb is present (God's reign
continues!)
c. His servants serve Him (there will be work, but it will not
be laborious)
d. They shall see His face (like the angels, they will enjoy
His presence) - cf. Mt 18:20
e. His name will be on their foreheads (they shall be
designated as His) - cf. Re 3:12
f. There shall be no night, no need of lamp nor light of the
sun (for God is the light)
g. They shall reign forever and ever (the exalted nature of our
service!) - cf. Mt 25:21
-- A glorious city, with provisions to enable glorious service for
eternity!
CONCLUSION
1. Granted, we are dealing with a highly figurative passage...
a. John was shown that which is to come in symbols - cf. Re 1:1
b. We must be careful not to strain the figures beyond their intended
purpose
2. But how shall we envision the hope that we have in Christ...?
a. With images of our own imagination, with those from other
uninspired sources?
b. Or with those provided by Jesus Himself, to comfort and encourage
His servants?
3. As we look for the city to come (cf. He 13:14)...
a. A city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God - cf.
He 11:10
b. A city prepared by God who is not ashamed to be called our God
- cf. He 11:16
...may we who are disciples of Jesus Christ allow the vision seen by
John to excite and encourage us to remain faithful until we walk through
those pearly gates! Listen, then, to these words:
January 8, 2006 AM
Support Your Local Church
1) Membership in the church-
Universal and local
2) Responsibilities to the church-
A) Attitudes to maintain
B) Action steps to take
Conclusion
Hebrews 6:10
For god is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love,
which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
There are 4 types of church goers
The faithful few that attend every service and are highly involved
The fairly faithful that attend but are not involved
The C & E group that attend on Christmas and Easter only
The FPO group- Funeral Purposes only
We all have responsibilities in and at the church
Ephesians 5:25
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
What are our responsibilities?
As a member?
What are our duties to one another?
What does the Bible teach on membership?
Universal-body made up of saved people.
Matthew 16:18- upon this rock I will build my church
Acts 2:41- added by the Lord when baptized
Acts 2:47- added to the church
Based on you obedience to the word.
You are a part of the body of Christ
Local- individual congregations
Romans 16:16- the churches of Christ greet you
1 Corinthians 1:2- to the church at Corinth
Acts 9:26-28- Paul wanted to join the local church
Membership = mutual agreement between members
Is membership necessary?
There is diving purpose for local churches,
Provisions were made, they existed in the Bible
Membership comes with responsibilities
Attitude- 1 Corinthians 12:25-26 care for one another- concern & care
Phillipians 2:3 esteem the other- humility
Romans 14:17-19 peaceable spirit- promote peace
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 appreciate others- give thanks without ceasing
1 Corinthians 12:21 willingness to cooperate-I'm not better than you
Philemon 1:7 friendly- has warmth
Galatians 6:1 gentleness- patience & self control
Colossians 3:12-13 humbleness- forgiveness
John 13:34-35 Love one another
How can we do this?
By placing membership
But you can still be a passive member, otherwise know as a permanent visito
You need to be an actual functioning member
If you lose your arm and someone says I can attach this arm to you,
but you can't move it, what would be the purpose of the arm?
If you are not an active member of the church,
what is your purpose for being a member in the body of Christ?
Hebrews 10:24-25
Attending and participating
We can study at home with our families,
but collective worship and study is a vital part of our lives.
Praying and worshiping as a group and singing.
There are 3 levels of involvement for members
1)Providing for the assembly
cleaning, preparing the Lord's supper, building maintenance etc.
2)Attendance at the assembly- every service-grow individually by attending
3)Participate in the assembly- not a spectator activity,
not there to see how well the preacher can preach or how well the song leader can sing.
It uplifts and encourages the preacher when we attend.
Acts 17:11 respect for God's word
Not just a routine, but a provision for our souls.
It's an opportunity to come together as children of God.
When we attend, we uplift each other.
When we don't show up, it discourages other members.
What we can do…
Work of the congregation
Contribute financially so we can continue
Pray for each other
Help to maintain unity
Participate in discipline-correction if needed
Extend courtesy and hospitality
Find a role and fulfill it
Submit to elders if you have them
Do you really love your church?
Let's fulfill our responsibilities,
Bless others and ourselves,
Hebrews 6:10
God will remember what we do and bless us for it.,
The Witnesses Of The Resurrection (28:1-10)
INTRODUCTION
1. If the resurrection of Jesus Christ really took place, it has great
significance...
a. For those who have yet to believe in Christ
b. For those who are Christians
2. Upon what basis should one believe Jesus actually rose from the
dead?
a. The evidence presented in the New Testament involves eyewitness
testimony
b. Ten distinct resurrection appearances of Christ are recorded in
the New Testament
c. One such case is that found in Mt 28:1-10
3. It is clear from the Scriptures that our faith in Jesus is based
upon such testimony...
a. As Jesus intimated in His prayer, and John in his gospel - Jn 17:
20; 20:30-31
b. Jesus expected His apostles to be His witnesses - Jn 15:27; Ac
1:8
c. Especially concerning His resurrection - Ac 1:22; 2:32; 3:15;
4:33; 10:39-41; 13:31
4. Since our faith rests upon the testimony of these witnesses...
a. Were they credible witnesses, that we should take them seriously?
b. How strong is their testimony?
c. How do we know they did not make it up, or were simply deluded?
I. THE NUMBER OF WITNESSES
A. WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT...
1. The strength or weakness of any testimony is affected by the
number of witnesses
2. The Law of Moses required at least two or three witnesses
- Deu 17:6
3. Today, the number of witnesses also plays a crucial role in
our justice system
The more witnesses you have, the stronger your evidence!
B. THERE WERE MANY WITNESSES OF THE RESURRECTION...
1. Paul lists many of these witnesses in 1 Co 15:3-8
a. Jesus was seen by Cephas (Simon Peter) - Lk 24:34
b. Jesus was seen by the twelve (apostles) - Lk 24:36-43; Ac
1:2-3
c. He was seen by five hundred people at one time (probably in
Galilee) - cf. Mt 28:10,16-17
d. He was seen by James, the Lord's brother
e. He was seen by Paul, on the road to Damascus - Ac 22:6-10
2. Other appearances are recorded in the Scriptures
a. To Mary Magdalene - Mk 16:9; Jn 20:14
b. To other women returning from the tomb - Mt 28:9,10
c. To two disciples on the road to Emmaus - Lk 24:13-33
d. To the apostles, Thomas absent - Jn 20:19-24
e. To the apostles, Thomas present - Jn 20:26-29
f. To seven disciples by the Lake of Tiberias (Sea of Galilee)
- Jn 21:1-23
g. To the apostles at the ascension - Ac 1:3-12
II. THE CHARACTER OF THE WITNESSES
A. SOME HAD NOT BELIEVED IN JESUS...
1. Like His brothers in the flesh - Jn 7:3-5
2. They even thought Him crazy - Mk 3:21
But seeing Him after His resurrection, they became His
disciples! - Ac 1:14
B. SOME WERE SKEPTICAL AFTER JESUS' DEATH...
1. Thomas would not accept the words of others - Jn 20:24-25
2. Not until he had empirical evidence would he believe - Jn 20:
26-28
3. This demonstrates witnesses who were not gullible or easily
deceived
a. Which is why the Lord appeared to select witnesses - Ac 10:
40-41
b. Witnesses qualified to know if it really were Jesus
C. ONE WAS EVEN A FORMER ENEMY...
1. Saul of Tarsus, who later became known as Paul the apostle
- Ac 9:1-2
2. Until he saw Jesus raised from the dead, he believed it to be
God's will to oppose Jesus and His followers - Ac 26:9-11
III. THE STRENGTH OF THEIR WITNESS
A. DEMONSTRATED BY THE NATURE OF THEIR TESTIMONY...
1. Their testimony appealed to empirical evidence
a. Evidence derived from experiment and observation rather
than theory
b. For forty days they were given infallible proofs - Ac 1:3
c. They ate and drank with Jesus - Ac 10:41
d. They saw, heard, and touched Him - Jn 20:24-28; 1 Jn 1:1-2
2. There is no way they could have been deceived or deluded
a. If all they had were individual dreams, visions, or
hallucinations...perhaps
b. But they testified that Jesus appeared to them in groups as
well as to individuals
B. DEMONSTRATED BY THEIR TRANSFORMATION...
1. Prior to the resurrection, Jesus' disciples were afraid and
without hope
a. They fled at his arrest - Mk 14:50
b. Peter cowardly denied Him three times - Mk 14:66-72
c. The women mourned His crucifixion - Lk 23:27
d. After His death, the disciples were sad - Lk 24:13-17
e. After His death, the disciples hid behind closed doors, for
fear of the Jews - Jn 20:19
2. But after the resurrection, they fearlessly praised God and
proclaimed Jesus!
a. Praising God in the temple - Lk 24:52-53
b. Proclaiming Christ, despite persecution - Ac 5:28-32,41-42
3. This transformation in their lives is strong evidence for the
resurrection, as admitted by one Orthodox Jewish scholar:
a. "If the disciples were totally disappointed and on the
verge of desperate flight because of the very real reason
of the crucifixion, it took another very real reason in
order to transform them from a band of disheartened and
dejected Jews into the most self-confident missionary
society in world history." - Pinchas Lapide, former
Chairman of the Applied Linguistics Department at Israel's
Bar-Iland University (TIME, May 7, 1979)
b. He concluded that a bodily resurrection could possibly have
been that reason!
C. DEMONSTRATED BY THEIR HIGH MORAL STANDARD...
1. They taught others to live holy lives - 1 Th 4:1-7; Ep 4:25
2. They lived their own lives in unimpeachable way - 1 Th 2:3-12
Does this sound like people who propagate lies when they know
better?
D. DEMONSTRATED BY THE PRICE THEY PAID...
1. The apostles endured much suffering because of their testimony
- 1 Co 4:9-13
2. All but one died a martyr's death because of their testimony
3. Even Jesus' brother, James, was thrown off the temple and then
clubbed to death for his testimony
There was no motive for them to persistently lie about Jesus'
resurrection!
CONCLUSION
1. The nature of their witness does not allow for the option that they
were simply deceived or deluded...
a. Again, they professed empirical evidence
b. They claimed to eat and drink with Him, touch Him, see Him
2. If Jesus was not raised from the dead, there is only one
alternative...
a. These witnesses were liars, deceivers
b. Even Paul admits this is the only alternative - 1 Co 15:14-15
3. Is it reasonable to believe they successfully propagated a lie?
a. Too many people attested to the same fact
b. They were not the kind of people to fabricate such a falsehood
c. They lived noble lives, and were ALL willing to suffer and die
for their testimony!
When we carefully examine the lives and testimony of "The Witnesses Of
The Resurrection", the only reasonable conclusion to draw is that
they really saw what they claimed: Jesus is risen!
And His resurrection from the dead is assurance from God that Judgment
is coming and we must repent:
"Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands
all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on
which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He
has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising
Him from the dead." - Ac 17:30-31
Are you ready for that Day?
January 15, 2006 AM
Are You Ready For Your Journey Into Eternity?
1) Need of Grace
2) Solution of Grace
3) Reception of Grace
Conclusion: Acts 22:16
1 John 5:13 Know for certain that you have eternal life.
Romans 6:23 Gift of eternal life through Jesus
Our problem with sin is why eternal life has to be a gift
We do not deserve it.
1)We are in need of grace
1 John 3:4 Sin is a transgression
James 4:17 failing to do what is right
Each of us has failed at sometime.
Romans 3:23 all have fallen short
Romans 6:23 consequences are death
Revelation 21:8 second death-spiritual death
James 2:10-11 only offend one point, still guilty of sin
Everyone of us has committed at least one sin.
God gives us grace, hope.
2) Romans 6:23 offers gift of eternal life
Romans 5:8 through Jesus
We can take advantage of His gift through His death
1 John 4:9-10 only few will gain access to Heaven
Matthew 7:13-14 narrow is the path
Only few will look for and accept this path
Matthew 7:21-23 He that does the will of my Father.
Many will name their works.
They did not do what God said.
They will not merit eternal life.
Just because you haven't done anything bad doesn't mean you have done all
That you should have done.
Things that we should do, but neglect to do are sins too.
How can we receive this grace?
John 6:28-29
John 6:40 must believe
John 12:42-43 would not confess their belief, we must confess
James 2:26 Faith, without works is dead
Luke 13:3 repent
Luke 24:46-47 repentance
2 Corinthians 7:9-11 sorry to get caugt, not Godly sorrow.
We need to be sorry we've sinned and change from it.
Romans 10:9-10 willing to confess our faith
Matthew 10:32-33 Jesus said He's not willing to confess us to the Father if
We do not confess Him to others.
We receive Christ through baptism.
Ephesians 1:3 All blessings are in Christ
2 Timothy 2:10 Salvation is in Christ
Romans 8:1 No condemnation to those in Christ
1 John 5:11 Eternal life is found with those who are in Christ
How does a person get "in" Christ?
Put him on!
Galatians 3:26-27
Baptized into Christ have put Him on.
Not been baptized, you have not put on Christ, you are not in Christ
Acts 8 Ethiopian Eunich- into the water
Acts 2 Repent and be baptiszed
Administered to someone who has repented and wants to change their lives.
Colossians 2:11-13 working with God
Titus 3:5-7 act of faith to receive His grace and mercy.
Revelation 2:10- faithful until death
Confess our sins and He will forgive us.
INTRODUCTION
1. As Christians, we are but pilgrims and sojourners in this world...
a. We have duties regarding our spiritual growth and development
- 1 Pe 2:11
b. Yet we also have a duty toward those who are still of this world
- 1 Pe 2:12
2. One arena where we fulfill our duty to those in the world is "the
workplace"...
a. Places of employment where we work
b. Relationships we maintain with those with whom we work
3. What impact should our faith have as members of the workforce...?
a. What effect should it have on us as laborers or managers?
b. Should the workplace become a place to evangelize the lost?
4. In 1 Th 4:11-12, Paul gave general instructions concerning Christians
living in this world...
a. To lead a quiet life
b. To mind our own business
c. To work with our own hands
d. To walk properly toward those who are outside
I. THE CHRISTIAN AS LABORER
A. SCRIPTURAL PASSAGES FOR LABORERS...
1. From the epistles of Paul - Ep 6:5-8; Co 3:22-25; 1 Ti 6:1-3;
Ti 2:9-10
2. From the epistle of Peter - 1 Pe 2:18-20
Instructions to servants can be easily applied by Christian
laborers today
B. SCRIPTURAL GUIDELINES FOR LABORERS....
1. Obey those who are over you (unless they ask you to do that
which is unethical or illegal)
2. Work with proper respect and good will toward your boss
3. Labor sincerely and heartily, as to the Lord and not to men
4. Do not work only when the boss is watching, or just to please
those over you
5. Demonstrate that you can be trusted with responsibility
6. Offer such service, not just to good employers, but even to
those who are unfair
In so doing, you are adorning the doctrine of God our Savior!
II. THE CHRISTIAN AS MANAGER
A. SCRIPTURAL PASSAGES FOR MANAGERS...
1. From the epistles of Paul - Ep 6:9; Co 4:1
2. From the Old Testament - Deu 24:14-15; Pro 22:16; Jer 22:13-17;
Mal 3:5
From both Testaments there are principles to guide the
Christian manager
B. SCRIPTURAL GUIDELINES FOR MANAGERS....
1. Remember that you have a Boss in heaven!
2. Treat employees with justice and fairness
3. Do not oppress or exploit those who are under you
4. Don't resort to threatening (seek positive motivation instead)
Applying the golden rule (Mt 7:12) will go a long way to
managing properly
III. THE CHRISTIAN AS EVANGELIST
A. CONCERNS TO CONSIDER...
1. As Christians, we are to seek and save the lost - Mk 16:15-16
2. As workers, honorable service demands a proper day's work for a
day's wage
3. Adorning the doctrine of Christ requires that we not pilfer
(including time) - Ti 2:10
The challenge is to properly balance our efforts to save and
our duty to work
B. GUIDELINES TO GOVERN...
1. Don't forget the power of a good example - 1 Pe 2:12; 3:1-2
2. Don't let your speech betray your profession as a Christian
- cf. Ep 4:29; 5:4; Co 4:6
3. Wisely consider the best use of one's time on the job - cf. Co
4:5
a. Circumstances at work are rarely conducive to substantive
spiritual discussions
b. Seek to turn casual conversations related to spiritual
subjects into opportunities for home Bible studies
Spiritual zeal is no excuse for cheating those who have hired
us
CONCLUSION
1. Involvement in the workplace is a wonderful opportunity...
a. To be able to provide for one's self and family
b. To be able to serve the Lord through making a positive impact on
others
2. Let your faith in the workplace be an opportunity...
a. To demonstrate the value of a vibrant faith in Christ!
b. To reach others for Jesus Christ!
What kind of laborers and managers are we? Do we encourage others to
glorify God...?
January 22 AM
Alternatives to the Resurrection
Matthew 28:11-15
Theories that disciples stole the body.
Non-believers try to discredit witnesses testimony.
1 Peter 3:15
we need to be ready to prove
1)"official" theory- stolen body
this defies logic.
It states that the soldiers fell asleep, if that were true, then how do they
Know that the body was stolen? They did not see anyone take the body.
How could they steal the body without the soldiers knowledge?
The heavy stone, it would have been a noisy process.
Plus soldiers falling asleep was an automatic death penalty.
Were all of the witnesses willing to lie?
2) women went to the wrong tomb
Matthew 27:61- they had been to the correct tomb, they knew where to go.
The authorities would have proven by showing the correct tomb with the body.
3) Jesus didn't die, but swooned- fainted.
He suffered from shock from the pain and loss of blood.
The coolness of the tomb revived Him.
He would have had to break through the burial garments
John 19:38-40 included 100 lbs of spices.
Rolled away the stone, from the inside
Fought off the guards
Walked 7 miles where the two witnesses saw him
Walked back to Jerusalem all in the same day.
John 19:31-34 Pierced side, bled water and blood,
Assurance that He was dead.
Mark 15:43-45
Confirmed by centurion that He was indeed dead.
4) Disciples hallucinated- supposed appearances
not just one person at a time saw him, this discredits the hallucination theory
2 travelers
10 apostles
500 people 1 Corinthians
only high strung-paranoid schitzophrenics have hallucinations
not large groups of people
high anticipation can bring about hallucinations
they were not anticipating, they thought it was truly over.
5) someone was impersonating Jesus
it wasn't really Him at all.
Some say this because He wasn't recognized at first
They were doubtful
It would be very hard to impersonate His wounds
Hard to impersonate to John who spent 3 years with Him
He preformed miracles
The modern day theory is it was only a spiritual resurraction.
Well, what happened to the body?
No one ever produced a body.
The apostles ate and drank with Him
1 Corinthians 15
Paul tells us He was bodily resurrected and we will be too.
People cannot explain away the resurrection
It is the most important event that has ever occurred in history.
Died
Burried
Ressurescted
Ascended
Alternatives To The Resurrection (28:11-15)
INTRODUCTION
1. There are certain facts of history that no one can deny...
a. Many people testified they saw Jesus raised from the dead
b. These same people suffered greatly because of their testimony
Such facts support the actual resurrection of Jesus from the dead
2. From the beginning, there have been alternative theories to explain
the empty tomb...
a. Matthew records the earliest theory: the disciples stole the body
- Mt 28:11-15
b. Other theories have been raised as well
3. Because of the significance of the resurrection a. Those opposed to the gospel know this event must be discredited
b. We who believe in Jesus must always be ready to provide a defense
- 1 Pe 3:15
1) Not only why we accept the testimony of the witnesses 2) But why we find alternative explanations impossible to accept
I. THE DISCIPLES STOLE THE BODY
A. ELEMENTS OF THIS THEORY...
1. The disciples stole the body, then claimed He rose from the
dead
2. This was the "official" theory offered from the very beginning
- Mt 28:11-15
B. PROBLEMS WITH THIS THEORY...
1. The explanation defies logic
a. If the soldiers were asleep...
1) How did they know it was the disciples who took the
body?
2) How could the large stone guarding the entrance be
rolled away without awakening the soldiers?
b. The soldiers guarding the tomb were Romans - Mt 27:62-66
1) They were professional soldiers
2) Charged to guard the tomb with their lives
3) The punishment for falling asleep on duty was death
2. This would make those who testified they saw Jesus liars and
frauds
a. As we saw in the previous lesson, they claimed empirical
evidence
b. Suppose just a few disciples stole the body, unbeknown by
others...
1) Such as Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea, or the women
2) Others still say they saw Jesus, ate and drank with Him
c. You have to explain why they were willing to lie and die
knowing it was a lie
II. THEY WENT TO THE WRONG TOMB
A. ELEMENTS OF THIS THEORY...
1. The women went to the wrong tomb, and found it empty
2. They erroneously concluded that Jesus had risen, and their
story spread
B. PROBLEMS WITH THIS THEORY...
1. The women had been to the tomb before - Mt 27:61
2. The religious and political leaders could have easily silenced
the apostles' claim
a. If the women went to the wrong tomb, then the right tomb
was still sealed and guarded by the Roman soldiers
b. When the apostles' created an uproar with their story of
the resurrection of Jesus (cf. Ac 4:1-2; 5:27-33), the
Jewish leaders could have directed people to the right tomb
and presented the body of Jesus!
3. You still have the testimony of the apostles to contend with
III. JESUS SWOONED AND LATER REVIVED
A. ELEMENTS OF THIS THEORY...
1. Jesus did not actually die on the cross, He only swooned
a. Suffering from shock, pain, and loss of blood, He fainted
(swooned) from exhaustion
b. Thinking that He was dead, the Roman soldiers took Him down
and buried Him in the tomb
2. In the coolness of the tomb, Jesus revived
a. Somehow He left the tomb
b. Appeared to His disciples, then lived in obscurity to die
years later
B. PROBLEMS WITH THIS THEORY...
1. Jesus would have had to revive sufficiently enough to:
a. Break through the burial garments that bound Him, including
a hundred pounds of spices used in preparing His body for
burial - Jn 19:38-40
b. Role away the large stone that sealed the tomb
c. Fight off the Roman guards protecting the tomb
d. Walk the seven miles to Emmaus where He was seen by the two
disciples
e. Walk back to Jerusalem where He was seen by the apostles
All within the same day!
2. Every effort was made to prove He was dead
a. The Roman soldiers at the cross pierced His side - Jn 19:
31-34
1) Out of which flowed blood and water
2) An indication He was already dead, having died of a
ruptured heart
b. Pilate made sure He was dead - Mk 15:43-45
1) When Joseph of Arimathea wanted the body
2) The Roman centurion confirmed that Jesus was dead
3. Not only would this make the apostles liars and frauds, but
Jesus also for allowing a lie to spread for years!
IV. THE DISCIPLES HAD HALLUCINATIONS OR VISIONS
A. ELEMENTS OF THIS THEORY...
1. All of Christ's post-resurrection appearances were only
supposed appearances
2. Those who claimed to see Jesus had hallucinations
B. PROBLEMS WITH THIS THEORY...
1. Remember that the appearances were not just to individuals,
one at a time
a. The two disciples on the road to Emmaus claimed to see Him
- Lk 24:13-35
b. Ten apostles claimed to see Him - Jn 20:19-25
c. He appeared to over 500 people at once - 1 Co 15:6
2. The hallucination theory contradicts laws and principles which
psychiatrists say are essential to hallucinations:
a. Only certain kinds of people have hallucinations
1) These are usually high-strung, highly imaginative, and
very nervous people
2) Usually only paranoid or schizophrenic individuals have
hallucinations
3) The appearances were not restricted to people of any
particular psychological make up
b. Hallucinations are linked in an individual's subconscious
1) An individual may have an hallucination
2) But hallucinations do not appear to groups of people
c. They occur in people when there is a spirit of anticipation
or hopeful expectation
1) The disciples had no such anticipation - Lk 24:13-21
2) They were prone to disbelieve even after they were told
of the resurrection - Jn 20:24-25
V. SOMEONE IMPERSONATED JESUS
A. ELEMENTS OF THIS THEORY...
1. The appearances were not really Christ at all, but someone
impersonating Him
2. This is evident because in some cases they did not recognize
Him at first
B. PROBLEMS WITH THIS THEORY...
1. The disciples were reluctant to believe in the resurrection
a. Some were doubtful, such as Thomas - Jn 20:24-25
b. It would have been hard to convince them unless it was
really Him
2. It would have been impossible to impersonate Christ's wounds
a. This was Christ's proof it was really Him - Jn 20:26-27
b. Which convinced doubting Thomas - Jn 20:28-29
3. The apostles traveled with Jesus for three years
a. It is incredible that anyone could have gotten away with an
impersonation
b. Which is why the apostles were witnesses of the
resurrection - Ac 10:39-41
4. The one claiming to be Jesus performed miracles
a. Suddenly appearing in locked rooms - Jn 20:19
b. Directing them how to catch fish - Jn 21:1-7
VI. SOMEONE WAS MISTAKEN FOR JESUS
A. ELEMENTS OF THIS THEORY...
1. The disciples simply mistook for Jesus someone who looked like
Him
2. For example, the women mistook the gardener for Jesus - Jn 20:
14-15
B. PROBLEMS WITH THIS THEORY...
1. The same problems as with the impersonation theory
a. Disciples reluctant to believe in the resurrection
b. Impossible to recreate the wounds of Jesus
c. Ample time with Jesus to verify His identity
2. While Mary may have mistaken Jesus for the gardener, she was
able to look through her grief and recognize who He was
VII. IT WAS ONLY A SPIRITUAL RESURRECTION
A. ELEMENTS OF THIS THEORY...
1. Christ's resurrection was not a real physical resurrection
2. Christ's body remained in the grave and His real resurrection
was spiritual in nature
3. It was only told this way to illustrate the truth of spiritual
resurrection
B. PROBLEMS WITH THIS THEORY...
1. If it was only a spiritual resurrection, what happened to the
body?
a. The enemies of Christ were never able to produce a body
b. Which they would have gladly done to discredit the apostles
2. Again, the nature of the apostles' testimony is empirical:
they ate and drank with Him, touched Him - Lk 24:36-43; Ac 10:
39-41; 1 Jn 1:1-2
3. Paul argued a bodily resurrection of Jesus as evidence for our
own bodily resurrection - 1 Co 15:12-58
CONCLUSION
1. The resurrection of Jesus has been variously interpreted as...
a. A great hoax (the resurrection is false)
b. Mythology (the resurrection is fiction)
Therefore various alternatives have been proposed to explain the
empty tomb
2. But there is only one interpretation worth accepting...
a. It is the supreme event of history (the resurrection is fact)
b. Supported by empirical testimony provided by reliable witnesses
c. With implications of great significance for both unbeliever and
believer alike
When you consider the strength of the apostles' testimony, and contrast
it with the weakness of the alternative explanations that have been
proposed, it leads an honest person in only one direction: to faith in
Jesus Christ as the Son of God...
"And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His
disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are
written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son
of God, and that believing you may have life in His name."
(Jn 20:30-31)
Are you willing to believe in Jesus, that you might have life in His
name?
INTRODUCTION
1. In Ecc 5:10-16, Solomon described the problem with earthly
treasures...
a. Money and abundance do not truly satisfy
b. The abundance of the rich prevent good sleep, and often hurts the
owner
c. Riches perish through misfortune, and cannot be taken with us when
we die
2. In Mt 6:19-21, Jesus commands us to lay up treasure not on earth, but
in heaven...
a. Likely a Hebrew idiom, in which a contrast is made for the sake of
emphasis - cf. Jn 6:27
b. Not that it is wrong have earthly treasures per se, but our focus
should be on laying up treasure in heaven
I. REASONS TO LAY UP TREASURE IN HEAVEN
A. TREASURE ON EARTH IS INSECURE...
1. Moth and rust destroy (material things are perishable)
2. Thieves break in and steal (material things are subject to
theft)
3. There is also loss due to inflation, stock devaluation,
bankruptcies, faulty investments, etc.
B. TREASURE IN HEAVEN IS SECURE...
1. Neither moth nor rust destroys (our treasures are imperishable)
- cf. 1 Pe 1:3-4
2. Thieves can not break in and steal (our treasures are securely
guarded) - cf. 1 Pe 3:4-5
C. OUR TREASURE IS WHERE OUR HEART WILL BE...
1. That is, where our affections, our hopes, our dreams will be
2. If our treasure is on earth, our hearts will experience much
disappointment
a. As things for which you have affection decay or are one day
destroyed by fire
b. As things in which you find your primary joy are suddenly
gone through things like theft
3. If our treasure is in heaven, our hearts will not suffer great
disappointments
a. For our treasure is "incorruptible, undefiled, and does not
fade away"
b. Nothing can take our treasure away from us, for it is:
1) "reserved in heaven for you"
2) "kept by the power of God through faith"
4. Whatever happens on earth will not devastate us! - e.g., He 10:
32-34
5. When these words are taken to heart and applied
a. The storms of life will not overwhelm us
b. Because we've built our foundation upon the words of Jesus!
- cf. Mt 7:24-27
D. TO KEEP OUR EYE GOOD...
1. Understanding the metaphor used by Jesus:
a. The "body" likely represents the soul or inner man
b. The "eye" likely represents the gaze of the soul or the
heart of man
c. The word "good" in Greek means "simple, single,
uncomplicated"
d. The word "bad" in Greek means "wicked, evil"
e. In the Scriptures, the expression "evil eye" is used to mean
"envious, covetous" - cf. Pro 23:6; Mt 20:15; Mk 7:22
2. Explaining the metaphor used by Jesus:
a. If the heart or gaze of the soul be "good" ("single" in its
love for the things of God), then one is filled with "light"
(goodness, righteousness, and truth) - cf. Ep 5:8-10
b. If the heart or gaze of the soul be "evil" (full of envy,
covetousness), then one's soul is filled with "darkness"
(selfishness, wickedness, and falsehood)!
3. Thus the need for Jesus' warning:
a. To guard what goes in your eye
1) I.e., what you allow your eyes to dwell upon
2) Remember, there is such a thing as "the lusts of the
eyes" (i.e., materialism)
b. To be rich toward God, free from covetousness - Lk 12:13-21
1) Note Jesus' warning - Lk 12:15
2) Note His conclusion - Lk 12:21
4. Paul likewise warns of the danger of materialism, or
covetousness
a. Those who desire to be rich fall - 1 Ti 6:9
1) Into snares and temptations
2) Into many foolish and harmful lusts
3) To drown in destruction and perdition
b. The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil - 1 Ti 6:10
1) From which some have strayed from the faith in their
greediness
2) From which some have pierced themselves with many sorrows
E. TO MAKE GOD OUR MASTER...
1. No one can serve two masters - Mt 6:24
a. A master by definition demands "total loyalty", and we are
unable to please two masters at the same time
b. Such is certainly true with God - cf. Exo 34:14
c. Mammon (Aramaic for riches) is evidently no different
2. We have to choose between God and mammon
a. When wealth is coveted, and becomes the priority in our
lives, it becomes a god - cf. Ep 5:5; Co 3:5
b. So the choice becomes one as to whether we shall worship the
One True God, or be "idolaters" following after a false god!
3. Choose to serve God!
a. As Jesus would later say, "Seek first the kingdom of God"
- Mt 6:33
b. Do this, and God becomes our Master
c. Since we can't serve two masters, this effectively
eliminates Mammon from being our "god"!
II. HOW TO LAY UP TREASURE IN HEAVEN
A. BY GIVING TO THE POOR...
1. Jesus connected giving to the poor with laying up treasure on
two occasions
a. To His disciples - Lk 12:32-33
b. To a rich ruler - Lk 18:18-27
2. Paul also connected sharing one's wealth with laying up
treasure in heaven - 1 Ti 6:17-19
a. To be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share
b. Storing up a good foundation for the time to come
c. To lay hold on eternal life
B. NOT THAT ETERNAL LIFE CAN BE PURCHASED...
1. Salvation is by grace through faith, not of works - Ep 2:8-9;
Ti 3:5
a. We are redeemed by the precious blood of Christ - 1 Pe 1:
18-19
b. And as children of God we are joint-heirs with Christ,
recipients of every spiritual blessing in Christ - Ro 8:
16-17; Ep 1:3
2. But giving to the poor helps us to lay hold on eternal life
a. By freeing our hearts from covetousness (idolatry) - cf. Ep
5:5
b. By reminding us when our true reward will be received - cf.
Lk 14:12-14
CONCLUSION
1. We are not called to asceticism...
a. God wants us to enjoy what we have - 1 Ti 6:17c; cf. Ecc 5:18-20
b. Yet proper enjoyment requires a heart for giving - cf. Ac 20:35
2. Thus we are to work with our hands...
a. Not just to provide for our families - 1 Tim 5:8
b. But also for others in need - Ep 4:28
3. Are we laying up treasure in heaven...?
a. Jesus told us why
b. Jesus (and Paul) also told us how
Have you given much thought as to how you can be rich in good works,
ready to give, willing to share? Store up a good foundation for the
time to come, and lay hold on eternal life...!
