Victorious Living

Meekness and Kingdom Living

Last week we explored the blessedness in “mourning and comforting”.  Mourning was the sincere sorrow believers experience when they realize the impact of sin in their life.  Comfort develops in knowing that Jesus Christ has delivered us not only from the penalty (death) of sin but also provided the means for ongoing cleansing through confession to our merciful Father (1 John 1:9).  The Beatitudes illustrate the behaviors and resulting “blessedness” that belongs to believers living by “kingdom rules”.  These behaviors were truly “counter culture” for not only those living in the first century but even more so for believers living in the twenty-first.

Meekness (praus) is typically used to describe one whose disposition is gentle or mild. It has also been described as “power under control”.  Jesus described Himself as “gentle and lowly” (Matt. 11:29) yet He was the Creator of the universe.  John Killinger in his classic, Letting God Bless You describes how Jesus life truly depicted “power under control”.

When folks got the idea of starting a movement that would make Him an earthly king, Jesus slipped away to be alone and to pray. While he commended the use of riches to help the poor, he himself never had much in the way of earthly goods-apparently not even a home to call his own or an extra change of raiment. When he was preparing to leave his closest friends, he took a bowl of water and a towel and got down on his knees to wash their feet, insisting that they learn to live through serving one another, not by sitting in the places of honor. Betrayed by a follower who led the police to his prayer spot in Gethsemane, he kissed the follower and bade his friends not to raise their swords. Brought before Pilate and Caiaphas, he saw the uselessness of protest and fell into creative silence. Crucified between two criminals, he spoke kindly to the one with an open heart and forgave the soldiers who had followed orders in carrying out his execution. He didn’t have to be this way. He didn’t have to submit to such mistreatment.

Jesus stated that meekness would result in inheriting the earth.  All through the Bible this was the promise to the people of Israel—a land.  What earth or land was to be inherited? Some scholars believe the land refers to the Promised Land originally promised to the patriarchs of the Old Testaments (Gen. 12:7; 24:7; 26:3; 28:13); others say it is the future Millennial Kingdom (Rev. 20:1-10).  But possessing the land signified much more than a possession; it signified a sense of place, security, an inheritance from God.  These promises will be realized with the second coming of the Messiah when there will be a new heaven and a new earth (Rev. 21:1). The promise is for believers who are in the New Covenant. And the promise will be fulfilled in a far more glorious way than anyone could imagine. The new creation will not be possessed by the powerful despots, the ruthless tyrants, or the manipulative schemers. It will be possessed by the meek. This is our living hope for today (1 Tim. 4:10; Titus 2:13).

How does one become meek? The answer to this comes from other passages of the Bible that describe how the spiritual life works. Meekness and gentleness and goodness are part of the fruit of the Spirit—they are produced in the Christian by the Holy Spirit. So the direction people should follow to cultivate a spirit of meekness would be to walk by the Spirit (Gal. 5:24-25), or be controlled by the Spirit of God so that the qualities of Christ can be produced in and through them.

The Gospel writer’s narratives of Jesus’ life shared what meekness in action looks like. Jesus could have called down angels to take his side in Gethsemane (Matt. 26:53). But, for all of this, he was a meek man, a man after the heart of God, a man from the heart of God. Let us follow Jesus’ glorious example.

Victorious Living

Do You Wanna Be Happy? Comforted Mourners

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 (NRS)

The reward in studying the Beatitudes is not simply in acquiring knowledge that will improve our spiritual or moral character but it is an opportunity to gain insight into the nature of God and the extraordinary kingdom God has designed for our lives.  The “blessedness” described in the Beatitudes affirms a quality of life that is already present with more to be fully realized in eternity future.  In exploring the key propositions set forth within the Beatitudes, we discover the blessedness of “kingdom living”.

As a recap, “blessed” literally means “happy”.  As we discovered earlier in this series, this “happiness” is not the same happiness that is offered by the world.  Worldly happiness is dependent on circumstances or material possessions; kingdom happiness is authentic joy that accrues to a believer who shares in the salvation of the kingdom of heaven.  The intent of this study series is to rediscover the fact that the believer’s “happiness” transcends the world’s definition and is anchored to our belief and trust in God (Heb. 6:19).  “Blessed” implies an inner satisfaction and sufficiency that is not dependent on outward circumstances; it is not a function of positive psychology or a product of positive thinking.  It is the reality of living in God’s presence, under God’s protection, and appreciating God’s provision.  This allows believers to be “blessed” even while living in a fallen world.  Today’s beatitude is a prime example of this reality of kingdom living.

Mourning is not the usual activity we associate with happiness.  Why did Jesus choose to use mourning as a topic to include in this beatitude?  Who can know the mind of God? (Rom. 11:34) But we do know that Jesus included it in His teaching on the kingdom of heaven and the Holy Spirit called it to the apostle’s “remembrance” (John 14:26) so that it would be chronicled in Holy Scripture for our reading today.  Therefore, it is important for our learning.  Mourning, usually associated with death or loss, is a universal expression of deep sorrow and grief.  However, like “poor in spirit” has nothing to do with finances, “mourning and comforting”, in this beatitude, has nothing to do with death or loss.  The major belief put forth by Bible scholars is that this mourning is “mourning over sin”.  Paul spoke of this as “godly sorrow” that produces repentance leading to salvation without regret (2 Cor. 7:10).  Much too often believers are burdened by unconfessed sin in their life resulting in emotional and spiritual scaring.  Satan then uses guilt and shame to further enslave our lives.  Once we truly comprehend the impact of sin on our lives and on our relationship with God, there is much reason to mourn.

Where is the blessedness in mourning?  The “happiness” comes in the “comfort” which God provides through His forgiveness and salvation. Mourning our sinful state drives us into the arms of Jesus Christ, Who is the source of our forgiveness and salvation (Is. 40:1, 2).  This occurs initially when we accept Jesus as our Savior and continues daily as we confess new sins that we have committed (Matt. 6:12; 1 John 1:9).  There is comfort in knowing that our sins are forgiven and we are in right relationship with the Lord (Eph. 2:11-13).  Mourning leads to comfort—forgiveness, salvation, and restoration. We thank God for the comfort He has provided us through Jesus Christ. 

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.   (Isaiah 61:3) 

Good to the Last Byte…

Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) gives us an excellent model of “godly sorrow”.  The prodigal mourned his disobedience that led to his “sinful state”:  “I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee” (v. 18).  His “godly sorrow” and confession (v. 21) then led to reconciliation with and “comfort” from his father:  “Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:  And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry” (vv. 22, 23).   Jesus is the way to the blessed comfort promised to those who mourn over their sins.

Victorious Living

Do You Wanna Be Happy? Reality Living in God’s Kingdom

   “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  Matthew 5:3 (NRS)

If the television industry is to be remembered for anything, it will be the birth of “reality” programming.  Since its entrance into our entertainment schedule, the number of reality shows and spin offs have grown exponentially compared with other television venues.  When I first read the preview of many reality shows, they read like a bad skit from Saturday Night Live.  But as much as these programs are marketed as “reality”, the truth of the matter is that their plots are carefully staged to insure their continued popularity.  Their view of reality was no more than “staged possibility”.

However, when Jesus spoke of the poor in spirit being blessed with the kingdom of heaven, He was presenting to the disciples a new reality that was both available and possible to those who accepted Him as their Lord and Savior.  Upon accepting Christ’s invitation, believers entered into His kingdom—a new reality for living as citizens of God’s kingdom on earth and heaven.

Pastor Chuck Smith’s video last week informed us that the promises (the blessedness) of the Beatitudes are available to believers only.  In fact, to unbelievers the propositions put forth in the eight (8) declarations, appear illogical and irrational.  This should not surprise us in that the preaching of Christ (and His teachings) is “to them that are perishing foolishness” (1 Cor. 1:18) because the world’s wisdom is based on the standards of a world system of a different king—Satan (2 Cor. 4:4).     But the believer’s reality is not based on “the words which man’s wisdom teaches, but that which the Holy Ghost teaches.  The natural man (unbeliever) cannot understand these things because they are spiritually discerned”.  The privilege of the poor in spirit and the possession of the kingdom of heaven are reserved only for those who believe (1 Cor. 2:12-14).

The privilege of being poor in spirit comes in understanding the need for not only salvation but also for a Savior.  It is in recognizing one’s sinfulness, depravity and disobedience, that poverty of spirit is exposed.  We cry out like Paul, “Oh wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?”  (Rom. 7:24)  The reality of our personal brokenness should not drive us to increased darkness but to the life-giving light of Jesus where true forgiveness is possible and spiritual transformation can begin (Col. 1:20-22).

The possession of the kingdom of heaven can only be properly understood in knowing the King.  As believers, our reality acknowledges that our Lord and King is Jesus Christ.   In Him, we live and move and have our meaning in Him (Acts 17:28).  God is transcendent (beyond or above the range of human experience) and omniscient (everywhere all the time); we live continually in His presence.  While Jesus reigns exalted with God in heavenly places (Ep. 1:20), His rule still extends to us as we physically live in this fallen world.   As subjects of God’s kingdom, we are to live faithfully for Him and for the purpose He has determined for our lives (Ep. 2:10).   It is this reality that incents us to live holy and soberly within His kingdom (Titus 2:12).  Our allegiance and loyalty is to our king, Jesus Christ.

Why then are believers blessed or happy?  First, because they know their sins have been forgiven (Ep. 1:7).  They no longer need to hide in the shame and the fear of their past lives.  Jesus has made it possible for them to become part of the citizenship of heaven (1 Pet. 2:9).  This position comes with both privilege and power that exceed any temporary position we might hold on earth.  Second, believers not only enjoy benefits as citizens of God’s kingdom now but look forward to even more blessings in eternity (Ep. 2:12, 18,19).   Finally, the believer’s position in God’s kingdom can never be withdrawn or loss.  Nothing can separate them from God’s presence; their present and future are secure because it has been secured by the blood of Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:18).

The reality of living in God’s kingdom results in peace that passes all understanding, indescribable joy, and love that covers a multitude of sins and offenses.  In the Beatitudes, Matthew captures only a sampling of the extraordinary gifts that awaits those who believe and trust in Jesus Christ.

The kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:

Who, when he had found one pearl of great price,

went and sold all that he had, and bought it.  Matthew 13:45-46

Victorious Living

Do You Wanna Be Happy? Blessedness

“Blessed…” Matthew 5:2 (NRS)

The Beatitudes are found in both Matthew (5:1-12) and Luke (6:20-26).  In Matthew, they are placed thoughtfully before the Sermon on the Mount, the first and longest message of Jesus that we have in the gospel.  The Beatitudes are different to study than other biblical narratives; each saying is proverb-like:  cryptic, precise and full of meaning.  Contrary to popular belief, the Beatitudes were not initially shared with the masses, as presented to us in bible illustrations and movie productions.   Jesus taught them exclusively to His disciples. Luke makes this distinction clear:  “Then He (Jesus) lifted up His eyes toward the disciples and said…” (Luke 6:20).  The disciples as new citizens of “kingdom of heaven” would need to understand the uniqueness of this kingdom and their role in proclaiming the arrival of its King.  In this initial teaching by Jesus, the Disciples would be the first to be “blessed.”

Blessed or makarios {mak-ar’-ee-os} is translated as “happy.” But “happy” doesn’t seem to capture all that is intended in the Beatitudes because modern usage of this word tends to devalue its true meaning. We use the word happy to describe everything from getting a new car to finding a parking space at the mall.   “Blessed” or happy in this text is an exclamation of the inner joy and peace that comes with being right with God.  Happiness may indeed be a part of it, but it is a happiness that transcends what happens in the world around us—a happiness that comes to the soul from being favored by God. That is why one can feel blessed even during intense persecution (Matt. 5:10; 1 Pet. 3:14).

The Beatitudes are more than characteristics of what believers are to strive for in their spiritual walk.  The qualities outlined in the Beatitudes give a picture of the character of the true people of God who are already part of His kingdom and who have the full blessings of the kingdom—now and in the future (1 John 3:2).  Jesus’ declaration of “blessed” to the disciples is a “pledge of divine reward” for the inner spiritual character of the righteous.  When we accept Christ as our Savior, we become part of the “blessed”.  In Christ we were rescued from the power of darkness and spiritually “transferred” into the kingdom of heaven (Col. 1:12-14).  As we grow in Christ[1], we can better understand and embrace the “blessings” described in the Beatitudes.   God knew the true way to “happiness” and from the foundation of the world prepared the way for us to be “blessed” (Ep. 1:4).

Good to the Last Byte…

Last week we ended our study on the pursuit of happiness by offering a surer path to well-being and contentment that men seek.  That offer was and will always be Jesus the Christ.  It would be Jesus the Christ who would save man from sin, reconcile man to God, and make it possible for men to live in peace.  It is in Christ’s arrival that “eternal blessedness” would replace “temporary happiness.”

[1]  We grow in Christ or spiritual maturity through practicing the disciplines of prayer, fasting, reading the Bible and fellowship with other believers.  Spiritual maturity also requires relinquishing control of our lives to the leading and guidance of Holy Spirit.

Victorious Living

Do You Wanna Be Happy? The Pursuit of Happiness

“Then He (Jesus) began to speak, and taught them.” Matthew 5:2 (NRS)

This short question was introduced to me through the latest song by the gospel extraordinaire, Kirk Franklin.  I think Brother Kirk’s popularity comes from being able to capture in his songs the key questions people may ask as they live out this Christian walk.  In this particular song, there is ongoing dialog with an individual who appears to be frustrated with life after unsuccessful attempts to find happiness.  Exasperated with their situation, they sadly cry out, “I just wanna be happy.”

Happiness is defined as a state of well-being and contentment.  Happiness is truly a function of one’s personal perception, circumstance, and desire.  For the person who is lonely, happiness may be experiencing true friendship and community.  For the individual who feels powerless, happiness may be wealth and influence.  Regardless of the need behind the pursuit of happiness, the quest to find it has been and continues to be man’s greatest quest.  “We just wanna be happy!”

During the mid-20th century, the pursuit of happiness was found in the discovery of self.  “Self” became the surrogate for happiness—self-gratification, self-satisfaction, self-actualization.  I admit my part as a Baby Boomer in opening the door to our current fixation on “if it feels good do it” and “you can have it all”.  Our pursuit of personal happiness (versus God) did much to accelerate secularism, hedonism, and materialism.  “Sorry, we just wanted to be happy!”

With the dawn of the 21st century, man has now “turned his ear” (2 Tim. 4:4) to the sciences to help him find happiness.   One method currently under examination is positive psychology which is the study of happiness. Psychology has traditionally focused on dysfunction—people with mental illness or other psychological problems—and how to treat it. Positive psychology, in contrast, is a relatively new field that examines how ordinary people can become happier and more fulfilled.  “Yes Dr. Phil, we wanna be happy!”

In examining the different paths to happiness, there is one obvious way that is missing.  This way satisfies the earlier description given for happiness—the state of well-being and contentment.  That way is Jesus Christ—He is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6).  Well-being includes security, safety, and health.  In Psalm 18:2, David describes the source of his well-being as he is delivered from King Saul and his enemies:  “The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”  Contentment encompasses serenity, satisfaction, and gladness.  The Apostle Paul exchanged his earthly power and position for great suffering and pain (2 Cor. 11:23-27) yet he proudly boasted in Phil. 4:11-13 (NRS):  “I have learned to be content with whatever I have.  I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need.  I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”  That sounds like happiness to me.

During the month of May, we will explore happiness from Jesus’ teaching of the Beatitudes (Matt. 5:1-12).   We will be providing special resources and teaching materials that will allow you to dig deep into what true happiness looks like from Jesus perspective. Join us next week as we begin our series, “Do You Wanna Be Happy?”

Good to the Last Byte…

Based on the world’s standard for happiness, Solomon, the greatest kings in the history of Israel, should have been the poster child for happiness.  He had it all—riches, power, and fame.  Yet he was not happy.  His discontent led to the writing of the book of Ecclesiastes, in which he called all that he pursued as “vanity” (hebel) which is interpreted as “meaningless”.  “Poor Solomon, he had it all yet he still wanted to be happy!”

Eastertide

Can I Get A Witness? The Reality of the Resurrection

“If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.” 1 Corinthians 15:19 (NKJ)

Christ has risen! (Matt. 28:6) What now? I’m sure Christ’s disciples had the same question. They had received the resurrection proclamation from the women who visited the empty tomb early Easter morning (Matt. 28). They had personally seen the glorified Christ “behind shut doors” (John 20:19-30). Even after this, the Disciples did not fully comprehend the implications of the resurrection and how it would change their lives forever. The Disciples and the New Testament Church would now face persecution and even death for their belief in Jesus Christ. If they were to continue the work that Jesus began, they would now need to demonstrate the reality of the resurrection.

The Apostle Paul knew the importance of the resurrection and passionately defended its reality. He shared the magnitude of the resurrection with the church at Corinth by highlighting the risk that would occur if they did not accept it as “fact” and demonstrate its impact in their lives (1 Corinthians 15). This danger still exists for believers in the 21st century. In verse 14 Paul begins to expound the casualty to Christianity if “Christ is not raised.”

First and foremost, our faith is in vain (v.14). Imagine awakening to the news that Christ’s resurrection did not occur? How would your belief system be affected? In what or who would you place your hope and trust? Second, if Christ is not raised, we as believers have falsely represented God (v.15). Jesus’ resurrection is the cornerstone of God’s plan of eternal salvation for man (Hebrew 5:9). Only God could supernaturally raise Christ from the dead (Acts 2:24; Ep. 1:20). To deny the resurrection would also be denying the power of God. Third and most disturbing, Paul concludes if Christ is not raised, we are “still in our sins” AND our family and friends who have died “have perished” (v. 17). It was for sin that Jesus was manifested (1 John 3:5) and through His resurrection that the power of death was destroyed (Heb. 2:14). “The resurrection of Jesus showed that Christ’s oblation as the sacrificial lamb was accepted by God, which is the basis for the giving of the Spirit to believers and the forgiveness of sins.” Finally, our text for today (v. 19) sums up the dilemma that Christians and the world in general would face if there were no resurrection: “If we have hope in Christ only for this life, we are the most miserable people in the world” (NLT). If this life is the total sum of our existence, then Christ would have died in vain and our future prospects would be consigned to the dust from which we were created. Continuity of our existence would be halted with our last breathe.

I question whether we, as believers, fully understand the implications of Christ’s resurrection in the 21st century. Year after year we proclaim, “Christ is risen!” on Easter Sunday often relegating it to a “social phenomenon” that occurred thousands of years ago. Yes, we’re willing to accept Jesus’ atoning sacrifice and the gift of His Holy Spirit, but at the end of the day, what changes have we implemented in our lives to reflect the “supernatural manifestation” that took place on Resurrection Sunday? The reality of Jesus’ resurrection should make a difference in how we live! Are we living our life as Christ had hoped when He sacrificed His life for ours? Are we doing “greater works” than Christ did, as He stated in John 14:12? Are we living each day joyfully expecting His return? (2 Pet. 3:11-12) NOW is the right time to rededicate our life to Christ and boldly demonstrate the reality of His resurrection. Hallelujah, Christ is raised!  Learn more about “The Resurrection in the New Testament” in our “RESOURCES.”

Good to the Last Byte…
After the resurrection, the disciples went back to their daily routines. Peter invited his cohorts to “go fishing” while they awaited their new orders from Jesus. We miss the reality of the resurrection of Christ by assigning it to one day a year and then returning to “business as usual”. Live out the reality of the resurrection everyday by boldly pursuing the good work God has begun in you (Phil. 1:6).

Eastertide

Can I Get A Witness? The Power to Witness

And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”  John 20:22 (NKJ)

I remember as a child being cramped in the back seat of my parent’s car with my siblings and cousins. We would spend a large percentage of the journey pushing and elbowing each other in retaliation for being in such close quarters.  As part of our protest, one or more of the children would tattle on the other, crying out, “He (or she) breathed on me!”  The hidden message in that shriek was that someone’s personal space had been violated.  Imagine the risen Christ breathing on you.  What would your reaction be?  Why would Jesus do such a thing?  It would be in the “breathing” that the power to witness would be commissioned.

Christ’s crucifixion, death, and resurrection are recorded in all the Gospel writings, however, our study text of Jesus breathing on the Disciples is found only in John. This passage (John 20:19-23) has been debated by many theologians as to its meaning in the formation of the Early Church and its relevance to the Church today.  Was this breathing the promised Holy Spirit Jesus had spoken of earlier?  (John 14:16-17; 16:17-18)

After much analysis and examination, theologians generally agree that “the breathing” is best understood as a pledge by Jesus that the Holy Spirit would be given later in Jerusalem at Pentecost (Luke 24:49).  One expositor describes this event as a “prophetic breathing” that revealed to the Disciples “the secret power” that would enable them to continue the work of Christ.

Christ’s resurrection and the promised coming of the Holy Spirit emboldened Jesus’ disciples to continue the work Jesus had begun:   “That he that believed shall be saved” (Mark 16:15, 16).  This same group that hid themselves in a room for fear of the Jews (John 20:19), would later stand with Peter at Pentecost as he proclaimed, “This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses” (Acts 2:32).  It would be the Holy Spirit that would provide the power and boldness needed to share that witness with the world.

What is the relevance of “the breathing” for believers in the 21st century?  That same Holy Spirit that enabled the disciples now resides within every believer today and has empowered us to faithfully witness for Jesus Christ.  Our Resurrection witness is as critical today as it was in the formation of the Early Church.   Sinful behavior has become commonplace as it goes unchallenged. Adoption of worldview lifestyles continues to lead to spiritual deception, wanton depravity, and dismissal of holy living. The world is in desperate need of witnesses.  Let us walk in the power which now resides within us.   Receive the breathe of the Savior and witness boldly through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Good to the Last Byte…

Biblical scholar, G. Campbell Morgan, adds insight to the Disciples’ future commissioning by noting the use of two different verbs, “sent and send” in John 20:21.  Jesus states, “As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.”  Sent (apostello) stands for delegated authority; one set apart and therefore sent.  Send (pempo) means to be dispatched under authority.  God sent Jesus with His delegated authority—Jesus was sending the Disciples under the authority of the Holy Spirit.  The clause, “And when He had said this” (John 20:22) ties the “sending commission” with the ability to do it—the future giving of the Holy Spirit.

Eastertide

Can I Get A Witness? Our Resurrection Witness

“And you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NRS)

“Somebody, somewhere…can I get a witness? Let me hear you…can I get a witness?  I want a witness!  Just a little bit louder…can I get a witness?”  These pleas aren’t coming from a person falsely accused or someone currently incarcerated, but are the lyrics from Marvin Gaye’s 1963 hit recording, “Can I Get a Witness?” (I was still in junior high school)

You would think that living in an age of IPhones and Instagram that personal witnessing would no longer be needed.  However, witnesses to Christ’s resurrection are still necessary to address an unbelieving and lost world (1 Cor. 1:23).  With this thought in mind, we’ve chosen to focus April’s teachings on the importance of our Christian witness and why we believe what we do.  Can I get a witness?

Easter or Resurrection Sunday is unlike any other day in the history of mankind.  On that day Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Luke 1:32, 35) resolved the issue of sin (Mat. 1:21).  As a result of Jesus Christ’s resurrection, man, who was spiritually dead, lived again (1 Cor. 15:21-22). The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is more that an event; it is the heart of the Good New Message, which believers are commissioned to proclaim:  Jesus Christ came from heaven and died for our sins.  He rose from the dead.  Now we have eternal life.  This is the Resurrection witness.

Witnessing is defined as the presentation of evidence.  The early church’s presentation of and confidence in the gospel was directly proportional to their confidence in the reliability and accuracy of the witness put forth by Jesus’ followers.  Their witness would first serve as a defense of Jesus Himself and the gospel message.  Secondly, their witness would become the vehicle for presenting the gospel.  Jesus’ followers could provide firsthand knowledge about Jesus’ earthly ministry, from John’s baptism to Jesus’ ascension.  Such witness would later provide credible sources for the rich content of the Synoptic Gospels.  Jesus’ followers were Resurrection witnesses.

Resurrection Sunday was not only a historical fact but it is also a holy commissioning.  Witnessing to the resurrection of Jesus Christ is not a practice that was isolated to the first century church but is even more critical as believers are challenged to “give a witness for the hope that lies within them”(1 Pet. 3:15).   Living in this post-modern age, belief in the resurrection is viewed as a fable perpetuated by the Church to justify its existence or for mental weaklings using their faith as a “spiritual crutch”.  It is time that the Church, individually and collectively, begin to take our anointed and appointed position as Resurrection witnesses.  Look for “resources” and other teaching links on our website  each week to support your growth as Resurrection witnesses.

Victorious Living

Our Measure of Faith: A Trilogy of Faith

“Then he touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it will happen.” Matthew 9:29 (NLT)

We live in a world of skepticism—doubt as to the truth of something. Our skepticism is reflected in the phrases we often use to reflect our disbelief: “If it seems too good to be true, it usually is”; “nothing is free—everything comes with price”; “if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s a duck!”

Skepticism is not unique to the twenty-first century. During Jesus ministry, many refused to believe He was the Son of God and the promised Messiah. Doubt about Jesus was expressed in a local colloquium of that day: “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46) Although all His actions supported who He was, there were those with hardened hearts who refused to believe. Skepticism operates on the theory that certain knowledge is impossible. Let’s explore three (3) situations where faith and belief defied both skepticism and the impossible.

Matthew 9:18-29 records the healing of three individuals by Jesus—the ruler Jairus’ daughter, the woman with the issue of blood, and two blind men. Three separate stories—a dying daughter, a decade of disease, and life lived in darkness. Three situations viewed from man’s vantage point as impossible, irreversible, and hopeless. The ruler and the woman, entered into their encounter with Jesus believing He was able to solve their dire situation; the blind men simply requested “mercy”, dependent on the integrity of the promised Messiah—His genuineness (He was who He said He was), His veracity (He could do what He said He would), His faithfulness (He would do what He said)—to make their healing a reality. And how did they make their requests known? The father humbly yet confidently asked Jesus to come. The blind men called out and followed Jesus into the house. The woman, disregarding the risk of discovery by the crowd (death by stoning) simply “reached out and touched”. Jesus’ reaction was predictable, for no one will He ever turn away (John 6:37). In response to Jairus, “He arose and followed Him” (verse 19); later Jesus cautioned Jairus to, “Be not afraid, only believer” (Mark 5:36). To the woman with the issue of blood, Jesus gently spoke, “Thy faith has made thee whole” (verse 22). To the persistent blind men, Jesus touched their eyes and said, “Because of your faith, it (your healing) will happen.” And their eyes were opened (verses 29, 30).

As believers it is important that when we approach God we come with an expectation of belief that He is the solution for whatever our impossible situation. He will never turn us away. “He who comes to Him must believe He is (God, the Great I AM) and is a rewarder of those who diligently (sincerely) seek Him “(Heb. 11:6b). These desperate characters in Matthew’s trilogy of faith earnestly sought Jesus knowing He would reward their belief with healing.

As believers let us enter every personal encounter with God believing He can do the impossible. Because of the integrity of God, we need never doubt nor fear. Because of the love of God—His benevolence, grace, mercy and persistence—our faith in Him will enable us to stand fast in the most difficult of circumstances. The characters in Matthew’s trilogy of faith exchanged their impossible situation for the God of possible (Mark 10:27). That exchange is available to each of us who believe. For with God nothing shall be impossible Luke 1:37).

Victorious Living

Our Measure of Faith: Breakthrough Belief

“Then Elijah said to Ahab, ‘Go up, eat and drink; for there is the sound of abundance of rain.’” 1 King 18: 41 (NKJ)

“Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.” James 5:17-18 (NKJ)

Breakthrough belief goes beyond believing God for our salvation and deliverance but believes that God will move heaven and earth on our behalf. Breakthrough belief goes beyond hopeful expectation but believes that God is more than able and will do “exceeding and abundantly above all that we ask and think according to the power that works in us” (Ephesians 3:20).

Elijah’s arrival has been described by some commentaries as “a meteor flashing across the dark, midnight sky into the darkness of Israel’s spiritual night.” God had ceased to talk directly to man (direct revelation) since the days of Joshua. But now, He called upon Elijah the Tishbite to help Him restore Israel, who foolishly exchanged worship of the Living God Jehovah for Baal worship. God needed someone with breakthrough belief.

Israel’s apostasy was accelerated by the arrival of King Ahab to the throne. “There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the LORD like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited” (1 Kings 21:25). Ahab and the people had turned to the gods of Baalim, the gods of the fertility cult. They needed to be reminded that Jehovah was the God of all Creation. All things were made by Him and apart from Him, nothing existed, in heaven, on earth and under the earth—this included fertility and life.

For their sin, Israel would receive neither dew nor rain except by Elijah word (1 Kings 17:1). That punishment was to be in the form of a drought lasting three and one-half years. So that the people would know that the drought was a disciplinary act from God Himself, it now ended as it had begun—at the command of a man of God (James 5:18). Elijah would demonstrate breakthrough belief.

How can we demonstrate breakthrough belief in our Christian walk?

By how we wait. We must continue to do those things which God has purposed for us until God orchestrates a change in our situation. Elijah did not sit idly waiting to hear something new from God but he obediently followed what he did hear. He followed the instructions God shared and attended to the needs of people God set in his path such as the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:9-24).

By how we pray. We pray in expectation that God has heard our prayer and is in the process of answering that prayer—even before we can see it. Elijah first told Ahab that he could break his fast. He told him, “Go up, eat and drink” (1 King 18:41). Elijah then informed Ahab of the coming change in the weather—“I hear the sound of rain.” (my paraphrase) He didn’t see it physically but he believed it. Finally, Elijah prayed. He then sent his servant (seven times) to watch and to tell him to tell him, not if but when he saw the rain clouds approaching. That’s breakthrough belief.

How did Elijah acquire breakthrough belief? His belief was not based on his ability. It was based on WHO he believed—Jehovah God. Elijah believed in the character of God—His goodness, His greatness, and His faithfulness. Like the people of Israel, we need to be reminded that the God we serve is the God of all Creation. Elijah’s name is translated “my God is Jahweh or Jehovah.” When you have God as your God breakthrough belief is easy. Elijah was a man with a nature just like us (James 5:17). Do what he did! Practice waiting and start praying. Then listen for the “sound of abundance.”

Prayer: Father God, give me more breakthrough belief. Help me to place my complete trust in who You are—the Creator and Sustainer of all things. Increase my expectation to the point that I prepare myself to receive all that You will richly provide. Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You. (Jeremiah 32:17)