We know that the Biblical details of Christâs death and resurrection are central components of the gospel message. The early New Testament Church kept the Passover as a remembrance of Christ's death. The details surrounding His death and resurrection are also an anchor of our faith. To rehearse some of the timing around the events of the week of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, we need to begin with statements Christ gave us and the prophecies in the Old Testament that say He would be … [Read more...] about Time of Christ’s Death and Resurrection
Passover
The Passover Effect
The world is thrashing around in a leaderless confusion, leaving masses of people to lead meaningless lives. The world doesnât understand the purpose for our being on this planet. Few people know why they exist. Most donât know why they are here or where their lives are supposed to be leading them. They may know what they want and what they donât want from their leaders, but they donât even know what good leadership looks like. âAs for My people, children are their oppressors, and women rule … [Read more...] about The Passover Effect
The Master Potter
In Isaiah 64: 8 God reveals Himself as a âpotterâ: âBut now, O Lord, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand.â The Hebrew word for clay is âchomerâ which means as bubbling up. That is of water, a wave, of earth, mire, or clay, like cement or mortar. Moses wrote that God formed man out of the dust of the ground (Genesis 2.7) The Hebrew word for dust means clay, earth, mud, ashes, dust, ground, mortar, powder and, rubbish. Water is a … [Read more...] about The Master Potter
Squander Not This Opportunity
Some years ago, featured on a 60 Minutes program was a musical performance, âAlive & Kickinââ. The cast was all over fifty-five. Their stories were deeply compelling; overcoming drug addiction, renewing life after a criminal past, and family tragedy. These were individuals who, due to the vagaries of life, missed opportunities to sing and perform. They were castaways being given a second chance to find their voice. In a sense, God has given each of us a second chance to live a radically … [Read more...] about Squander Not This Opportunity
Lessons of the Days of Unleavened Bread
The observance of the seven Days of Unleavened Bread are intended to increase the understanding of Godâs way and His plan of salvation. Interestingly, there were monumental events that occurred on the seventh day during the history of the ancient nation of Israel. Paul recites two major events in the book of Hebrews: âBy faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians attempting to do so were drowned. By faith, the walls of Jericho fell after they were encircled … [Read more...] about Lessons of the Days of Unleavened Bread
Self-Examination: Are We in the Faith
We are subjected to all kinds of tests throughout our lifetime. Some are routine, but others are unavoidable, deeply personal tests: peer pressure, emotional suffering, financial upheaval, and temptation. With a fear of failure, we usually donât consider these as positive experiences. However, with good preparation we can face self-examination confidently. âTest yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is … [Read more...] about Self-Examination: Are We in the Faith
The Impact of the Passover
We can know from careful Bible study the actual Passover is an annual event, not weekly. Itâs a much more serious occasion. It is the beginning of Godâs plan. Without it, we could go no further. For ancient Israel, the Passover made possible their release from bondage. Later, when God delivered the Ten Commandments at Mt. Sinai, after a tremendous audio-visual show, He reminded Israel that it was He who brought them out of Egypt (Exodus 19:17-19, 20:1-2). This event was just a physical … [Read more...] about The Impact of the Passover