“For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him. His mighty arm has done tremendous things! He has scattered the proud and haughty ones. He has brought down princes from their thrones and exalted the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands.” (Like 9:49-53)
Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:15)
Let’s do it! - gene
EVIDENCE THAT JESUS ACTUALLY DIED AND AROSE
From the Life Application Bible
Mark 15:44-47 This evidence demonstrates Jesus’ uniqueness in history and proves that he is God’s Son. No one else was able to predict his own resurrection and then accomplish it.
Proposed Explanations for Empty Tomb: Jesus was only unconscious and later revived.
Evidence against These Explanations: A Roman soldier told Pilate that Jesus was dead. References: Mark 15:44-45
Evidence against These Explanations: The Roman soldiers did not break Jesus’ legs because he had already died, and one of them pierced Jesus’ side with a spear. References: John 19:32-34 Evidence against These Explanations: Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus wrapped Jesus’ body and placed it in the tomb. References: John 19:38-40
Proposed Explanations for Empty Tomb: The women made a mistake and went to the wrong tomb. Evidence against These Explanations: Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw Jesus placed in the tomb. References: Matthew 27:59-61; Mark 15:47; Luke 23:55
Evidence against These Explanations: On Sunday morning Peter and John also went to the same tomb. References: John 20:3-9
Proposed Explanations for Empty Tomb: Unknown thieves stole Jesus’ body. Evidence against These Explanations: The tomb was sealed and guarded by Roman soldiers. References: Matthew 27:65-66
Proposed Explanations for Empty Tomb: The disciples stole Jesus’ body. Evidence against These Explanations: The disciples were ready to die for their faith. Stealing Jesus’ body would have been admitting that their faith was meaningless. References: Acts 12:2
Proposed Explanations for Empty Tomb: The religious leaders stole Jesus’ body to produce it later. Evidence against These Explanations: If the religious leaders had taken Jesus’ body, they would have produced it to stop the rumors of his resurrection. References: None
How many believers in Christ constantly struggle with sin? From pornography to idle gossip, big sins and small sins, it’s all the same. We’re forgiven yet we struggle to live holy. How do we deal with this and overcome? Jesus identified the problem and gave us the answer.
“Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” (Mark 14:38)
If we don’t keep watch over our temptations and pray to overcome, our weakness will prevail. Even though we desire to be obedient, we fail. If the Disciples needed this word from Jesus, then surely we need it as well. - gene
Jesus said, “The coming of the Son of Man can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. When he left home, he gave each of his slaves instructions about the work they were to do, and he told the gatekeeper to watch for his return. You, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know when the master of the household will return—in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak. Don’t let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!” (Mark 13:34-37)
“Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.” (Mark 12:41-44)
Remember that God loves, loves a cheerful giver. When we give from the heart as we are able, it’s a joyous occasion. - gene
“Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.” (Mark 11:22-24)
This is a wonderful encouraging scripture that builds faith…But…we must read the next verse…
“But when you are praying, FIRST, forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” (Mark 11:25)
So friends, our conscience must be clear. If there is anything not dealt like, like a grudge or any sin, our faith, like pure water, has to be filtered through our sin, a dirty filter, which our conscience understands and knows. Then our faith is muddied and our conscience deems us unworthy to receive the miracle.
gene
