FEAST OF PASSOVER ISSUE

FILIPINO FEATURE
‘Ang Pagkabuhay
na Muli—Ito Ba
ay TOTOO?’
See page 11

Vol. 2 No. 3 March-April 2009

Could you recognize "another Jesus"? ...

GOD–
OD In
Person
Is God everywhere? Is he in every
Who
is
leaf of every tree? Does he
permeate the cosmos with his
being? Is he in every blade of
grass?

Well, yes and no. God is in every

blade of grass in the same way I am

Jesus?
in a transceiver I built years ago and
later sold. You might even find
some of my DNA in that radio,
because I got a little careless with
my tools. But I am not there. I am
here.

God is in every blade of grass in the

same way my wife is in the little
painting she did years ago when we
were playing with oils. But if you
think you can put your foot on God
when you walk across the grass,
you are badly mistaken.
I don’t know when it happened, I
don’t know where it happened. It
has probably happened over and
over again in history, but somehow,
we have been sold a bill of goods
about what Andree Seu calls "A
lower case, upper story god who
was the ‘ground of being.’"
Whatever in the world that means.
God is not everywhere. He is where
he wants to be when he wants to be
there.
(Continued on page 4)
The Bible mentions "another Jesus".
Is the one you worship the Jesus of salvation?
Possibly one in three of earth's population would claim to be `Christian'. They
believe, of course, that their faith was founded by Jesus Christ just under two
thousand years ago. It's generally believed that one mid-winter day he was born in a
stable and lived some thirty years in Palestine before beginning a ministry during
which he laid the principles of a brand new faith - Christianity.
He was `framed' by the Jewish religious authorities and handed to the secular
Romans - who crucified him one morning. He died that afternoon. Death, however,
didn't hold him, for he was resurrected three days and three nights later, and is alive
today.
Fact or Fiction? The whole concept of a historical Jesus has been debunked as
myth. It's a way to convey some profound truths - but Jesus himself never existed,
goes the story. Never mind that this flies in the face of inconvertible testimony from
ancient sources. (Continued on page 2)

1

From page 1…Let's examine, though, some of the real
myths that surround this most historical of those who
inhabit history's hall of fame.
Depending on culture, Jesus has been portrayed by a variety
of physical racial stereotypes. He's `like one of us' - black,
or white or yellow or brown. And with 'our features'. But
whatever our perception of him, Jesus was born of a woman
of Judah in Palestine, and there's no Biblical indication that
he differed from those around him. However the Jews of the
time may have physically looked at that moment of history -
Jesus was one of them! His physical characteristics are
irrelevant to his mission.
Much of the story - as peddled in Christian circles - is
indeed fiction. He was not, for example, born in December.
He did not die on a Friday, nor was he resurrected on
Sunday. Nor did Jesus introduce a brand-new religion!
The Bible does, though, give us a
rounded picture of an individual born
into a law-abiding religious family. He
grew up in a Jewish family with several
brothers and sisters. He looked like his
fellow countrymen, ate like his fellows,
worshipped like them. In general he was
part of the local culture.
Worship. Take the way Jesus
worshipped. Like all his co-religionists
he attended synagogue on the seventh-
day Sabbath and observed the divinely-
appointed annual festivals passover and
Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, Trumpets, Atonement and
Tabernacles. The Bible traces his attendance at and support
for these `holy convocations' or services.
Nor did his death change his attitude to these holy days.
Even in those tumultuous last days of his life Jesus made
provision for the disciples to observe the festival of
Unleavened Bread after his death. He rose from the dead as
the `Firstfruits' at the very time when the Jews celebrated
the cutting of the firstfruits grain harvest. He then marked
the beginning of his church by sending his Spirit on the
traditional `Day of Pentecost'. These days, in other words,
were shadows - faint images of the reality which was
fulfilled in him.
Christian Practice. And what of the first Christians? Had
Jesus left special instructions secret instructions - that all
this should change? Secret - for nowhere do we find in the
entirety of Scripture that his disciples should now abandon
these age-old holy days and substitute Christmas, Easter,
All Souls, saints days etc!
The New Testament (e.g., Acts 17:2) record clearly
evidences the disciples observing the `Jewish' Sabbath -
actually God's Sabbath, the festival of Unleavened Bread (I
Corinthians 5), Pentecost (or feast of Firstfruits (I Cor.
16:8), Atonement - the `fast' (Acts 27:9).
The apostle Paul sums it up this way, speaking to the Jewish
leaders in Rome near the end of his life: "I have committed
nothing against the people or customs of our fathers" (Acts
28:17). Earlier he had in a court of law refuted his accusers
saying: "Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against
the temple nor against Caesar have I offended anything at
all" (Acts 25:8).
Old Time Religion. Paul was simply reflecting the teaching
of Jesus. Our Savior did not overturn the `old time religion'
the faith of the Scriptures. He built on it. The New
Testament is his final testimony, until his return, to the
Father's revelation.
Constantly Jesus would refer to the writings
of Moses and the prophets. The divine Law,
he said, was now to be `written on the heart'
- inward. Jesus magnified the Law of God
insisting that not only should we submit to
it in practice but even in our thoughts
(Matthew 5-7). It's not just sin to murder
but it is sin to even hate, for example. If we
are to be his disciples we must abandon our
own humanly devised traditional
observances.
In contrast to modern Christianity, Jesus -
and his first disciples positively upheld the
teachings of the Old Testament. There is no `immortal soul'.
The divine Law is at the heart of true religion. There is no
heavenly reward and no fire that will endlessly consume the
unrepentant. And, as we have seen, there is in the religion of
the Bible no Christmas, no Easter, no 'saints days'.
Most, indeed, of modern Christianity's cherished beliefs are
totally absent - often condemned - in the teaching of Jesus
and the apostles! Observed objectively the Bible and
modern Christianity appear as two totally different
religions. The terminology is the same. The lead characters
are the same. But the substance is different with only
occasional overlap.
Paul warned of 'a different gospel which is not another'
(Galatians 1:6-7). It sounded similar, it used the same
words, it included similar concepts - but it was 'another'. A
devilish deception.
False prophets abounded then - as now. 'Deceitful workers'
Paul called them to the Corinthian brethren. They pretended
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to be true Christians - yet preached 'another Jesus' (2
Corinthians 11:4). And no wonder, says Paul "for Satan
himself transforms himself into an 'angel of light'. Therefore
it is no great thing if his ministers transform themselves as
ministers of righteousness" (2 Cor. 11:13-15).
Is the Jesus you know the real Jesus? Could you possibly
have received 'a different spirit', a 'different gospel' (v.4)?
According to the Scriptures that's a possibility! Paul
elsewhere urges his readers to 'examine yourself whether
you are in the faith'.
Dramatic Struggle. So - how did the primitive faith
change? Why does modern Christianity differ so vastly
from the life-style and the teaching of Jesus?
have learned, and that from childhood you have known the
Holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for
salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus".
What were the `Holy Scriptures'? None other than the books
we know as the Old Testament, for the New was not yet
written.
Beguiled by the false notion that Christians had no need for
the divine Law, the majority rejected God's Sabbath, the
annual holy days, the ethical code of Scripture leaving an
open door for a host of `pagan' practices. The apostles
battled against this slippery path into lawlessness to no
avail. It opened the way for the great Babylonian mystery
religion to take over the church of God.

Christianity was born into a world in religious turmoil. In
the eastern Mediterranean countries the ferment was
dominated by Greek thought - a philosophy that had been
hammered out over several centuries. The ancient - and
Biblical - concepts of the nature of man were replaced by a
universal notion of inborn immortality. First century
religion was deeply influenced by those ascetic practices
forcefully condemned by the apostle Paul in his letter to the
Colossian Christians.
Because the religious foundation of the Old Testament was
rejected the floodgates opened to any and every practice
under the guise of `being led afresh by the Spirit'.
But as Paul wrote to the young evangelist Timothy (2
Timothy 3:14-17): "...you must continue in the things you
have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you
It was a different Jesus, a different Gospel, a different spirit.
Christians embraced a lawless spirit - powerfully
condemned by Jesus and his apostles.
Jesus warned that his way was tough. It would divide
families. It would invite persecution and death for many
who followed him. And in our day it is a minority religion.
Not a couple of billion but a tiny handful of believers
struggling against a tide of lawlessness in and out of the
Christian church.
The late first century churches (Revelation 2 & 3) had sunk
into this spiritual mire. As then, so too now, Jesus' call to
the vast majority of those who profess to know him is
`change now' - abandon lawlessness. To those who obey,
his message is `stay faithful'. /James McBride, Churches of
God, UK.

God—In Person… (from page 1) It may be a new Deism, an idea that

God created all this, but left
Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise? immediately and has no further interest
He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not in what he made. It is a silly idea on its
see?" (Psalms 94:8-9). face, but what lies behind it? I think
there is a simple fear of acknowledging
the reality of a personal God, because
We know that we can’t hide from God, but if he doesn’t want to see or to hear,
a personal God will have ideas. He will
no power in the universe can make him. God does not have to watch every sex
have preferences. He may even have
crime, every foul murder of a child perpetrated on his world below. It is not a
demands. He may expect things of us
question of divine ability or presence, but of divine will.
that we don’t want to do. He may have
standards we don’t want to live up to.
Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear
heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and
But hiding your face from God won’t
your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear" (Isaiah
make him go away. God, knew what
59:1-2).
would happen when men were finally
forced to admit that they can’t explain
Increasingly, even skeptics are being forced to admit that evolution simply can’t intelligent design without a
account for everything that is. But even admitting the irreducible complexity of designer.God knew that they would
the cell, many are still not ready to admit to the idea of God. So they are left with then invent a god for themselves who
design without a designer. is an impersonal, cosmic force. A God
who is everywhere and nowhere at the
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same time. Because an impersonal god, would not make any demands on how poet. That life equals light. The light
we live our lives. shines in darkness and the darkness
just doesn’t get it.
Knowing this would happen, God took steps to ensure that men could know that
he is personal. He came in the flesh. It is a poetic way of saying that light
penetrates darkness while darkness
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was cannot penetrate light. Light and
God. The same was in the beginning with God. (John 1:1-15 KJV) darkness are complete opposites. This
is an important idea, called in
philosophy, antithesis. Modern thought
This strange construction is only an introduction to an idea. It is not the idea
does not like antithesis. We prefer to
itself. It presents a paradox, a favored approach to an idea in Jewish thought.
How can something be God and be with God at the same time. I know, in think that nothing is really black or
English we speak of a man being beside himself, but this is not English, it is white, darkness or light. Nothing is
Greek, and that is not what is going on. either all good or all bad. John wants
us to get this straight, right from the
start.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was
God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him;
and without him was not any thing made that was made. There was a man sent from God,
whose name was John. The same
came for a witness, to bear witness of
Now we have a small problem. What is the antecedent of "him." Is it God, or the the Light, that all men through him
one who was with God? But then, isn’t the one who was with God, also God? might believe. He was not that Light,
but was sent to bear witness of that
In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in Light./ Ronald L Dart, Born to Win (CEM)
darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

I can’t help wondering if John doesn’t intend this as a kind of poetry. It certainly
reads that way. To say, "In him was life," is rather more than saying "he is alive."
I am alive, but I don’t have what this one has. In him was life, says John the

Did Jesus Christ exist prior to his

human birth?
Was and is Jesus God? Did Jesus not exist prior to his birth as a human being? Or was and is Jesus God and
did he exist prior to his human birth as the Apostle Paul seems to indicate in his writings?

Defining Arguments Once an argument is defined it is half
won. Those who believe that the Godhead is composed of
only one person (known as the “One God” theory) state the
following simple argument:
1) God cannot die.
2) Therefore, since Jesus died, He cannot be God (part of the
Godhead).
Another tactic used by those who believe this theory is that it
is first assumed that what we call 'God' is one -- meaning only
one person. Using this definition it is therefore concluded that
only the “Father” can be God and Jesus cannot be.
It is also asserted by those believing God is one person that
Jesus did not call himself God and if he were God why didn’t
he tell people that he was God? This argument (which uses
flawed logic known as arguing from silence) is not valid
because it could also be argued that in the gospels (especially
Luke) Jesus doesn't refer to himself as “Lord” either. In fact,
Jesus tended to avoid referring to himself as the Messiah and
mostly used the title “son of man.”
Can mere humans be sinless? The New Testament is very
cautious to avoid any hint of polytheism (which is the belief in
and/or worship of more than one god or in many gods). There
is only one God – the Old Testaments says so, and Jesus said
so (Mark 12:29-30). But, the man Jesus is a unique man. He
was a sinless man according to the New Testament (1Peter
2:22-24; 1John 3:5; 2Corinthians 5:21). But, according the
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both Old and New Testament passages, no human person can
be sinless (Ecclesiastes 7:20; Psalm 130:3; Proverbs 20:9). The
Bible clearly states:
“All have sinned and come short of the glory of God "
(Romans 5:12).
Also note:
“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves,
and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8).
Was Jesus GOOD? Here is an interesting passage that
opponents to the deity of Jesus quote. A man came to Jesus
and said,
“Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may
have eternal life? And he said unto him, 'Why callest
thou me good? There is none good but one, that is,
God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the
commandments.' ” (Matthew 19:16-17)
Great weight is placed on the fact that Jesus wouldn’t even call
himself “good”. But was He good? Of course he was and
many New Testament passages show that Jesus used the same
Greek word for “good” to refer to other men and things.
Those who quote this passage to say that Jesus rebuked a man
for calling him “good” pass right over the statement of Thomas
in the Gospel of John when he said to Jesus, “My Lord and
my God.” John records no comment from Jesus. Now, why
not rebuke Thomas right there and then? “Hey, Thomas, don’t
call me God. I don’t even let men call me “good” let alone call
me “God.” You’ve just committed blasphemy!” In the Book
of Revelation on two occasions when John was overwhelmed
with what he saw and bowed before an angel, he was told to
worship God only (See Revelation 19:10 and 22:9).
The New Testament definitely shows a much greater
reverence, exaltation and praise for the risen Christ than for the
flesh and blood Christ. Jesus did not want anyone to look on
flesh and blood as “God.”
Can't use Elohim Proponents of the “one God” theory are
correct when they assert that the Hebrew word “Elohim” used
for God (Strong's Concordance #H430, used in verses such as
Genesis 1:1-31, etc.) cannot be used to prove that God is more
than one person. While it is used in the plural for false gods,
angels, and judges, it is mostly used with singular verbs when
speaking of God. However, there a number of passages where
it is used with a plural verb as well. These, however, are in the
minority and cannot be used to PROVE that "Elohim" means a
plural of persons. But at the same time, one cannot state with
certainty that Elohim cannot be more than one.
For further study, some passages discussing the deity of Jesus
which are explained away by those who believe in "one God"
include John 1:1-14, 18, 30; 3:13; 6:62: 8:58; 10:30; 17:5.
The Time Leading Up To Christ Ideas of pre-existence
flourished among the Jews during the intertestamental period
(the time period between the old and new testaments). There
was the idea of the existence of the “Son of God”. Many, but
particularly Philo’s speculations on God’s eternal wisdom,
fostered it. There were many apocalyptic ideas about the
coming of the “Son of Man” who was considered already
existing and hidden with God. There were many rabbinic
ideas even of the pre-existence of the Torah – God’s law – that
they believed already existed before it was given. Other ideas
of pre-existence were of “paradise” and even the Messiah’s
name.
Satan usually counterfeits God’s truth. So, when John wrote
the “prologue” to his gospel, he brought the truth of the pre-
existing Word by stating: “And the Word (Greek: logos)
was God.” No such statement was ever made about any of the
other “pre-existing” people or things.
The Son of God Those who believe that God can only be one
person say that Jesus was the “son” of God but so are we.
They point out that angels were called “sons of God” as well
as the nation of Israel and its king. They quote James Brady,
“The title Son of God undoubtedly stems from Old Testament
texts such as 2Samuel 7:14f and Psalm 2:7, in its association
with the Davidic King.”
In other words, they imply that the title “Son of God” as
applied to Jesus is no more than applied to angels, Israelites or
the king of Israel. Please note that when the Bible talks about
Jesus it calls Him “THE” Son of God with the definite article.
The rest of us are referred to as “sons of God” or “a son of
God” or merely as “sons”. So, what does the New Testament
say about “the Son of God”?
Consider the following New Testament passages:
“Who is he that overcomes the world, but he that
believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1John 5:5).
“He that believes on the Son of God has the witness in
himself: he that believes not God has made him a liar;
because he believes not the record that God gave his
Son” (1John 5:10).
Do these passages make you think that being the Son of God is
light or trivial? You can’t be saved unless you believe Jesus is
the Son of God. But some would say that we are all “sons of
God” and that this designation does not elevate Christ to any
major exalted position and certainly not to deity itself!
Really? Read this:
“He that has the Son has life; and he that has not the
Son of God has not life” (1John 5:12).
How important is the Son of God?
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“These things I have written to you that believe on the
name of the Son of God; that you may know that you have
eternal life, and that you may believe on the name of the
Son of God” (1John 5:13).
Speaking of converted Christians we read:
“If they shall fall away, it is impossible to renew them
again to repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves
the Son of God afresh and put him to an open shame”
(Hebrews 6:6).
“Of how much sorer punishment, do you suppose, shall
he be thought worthy, who has trodden under foot the
Son of God, and has counted the blood of the covenant,
wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and has
done despite to the Spirit of grace?” (Hebrews 10:29).
“And because you are sons, God has sent forth the
Spirit of His Son into your hearts crying, Abba, (which
means) Father” (Galatians 4:6).
Notice that it is the Spirit of Christ in us that allows us to call
God our Father! Our sonship depends upon Jesus’ unique
sonship!
“God is faithful, by who you were called into the
fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord”
(1Corinthians 1:9).
Conversion and coming to God is really being called into the
fellowship of our Lord Jesus Christ!
“As the Son, He is the image of God from the
beginning…” (Colossians 1:15-18).
And we are predestined to be conformed to the image of the
Son (Romans 8:29).
“And when all things shall be subdued to him, then
shall the Son also himself be subject to him that put all
things under him that God may be all and in all”
(1Corinthians 15:28).
Herein lies the key to all the New Testament. It is only
meaningful to speak of the Son in view of God’s revelatory
action. For this reason Father and Son are really one in this
activity.
God and Lord The New Testament (especially Paul’s writings)
refers to “God the Father” and to “the Lord Jesus Christ.” In
many Old Testament passages we find the words “LORD
God” or “Lord GOD”, but Paul does not use these two words
together. Almost always, “God” is God the Father and “Lord”
is the Lord Jesus Christ. Some have insisted that 1Corinthians
8:6 is proof that Jesus is not God.
"But to us [there is but] one God, the Father, of whom
[are] all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus
Christ, by whom [are] all things, and we by him."
(1Corinthians 8:6, KJV)
Now, if Jesus is not “God” then the Father is not “Lord.” In
some of my sermons I show how the New Testament gradually
brings the Father and Son together and blurs the distinction
between them.
The Worship of Jesus Evidence shows worship of Jesus began
in early Palestinian Jewish Christianity . In the earliest
Christian community Jesus was already understood to be at
God’s right hand in heaven, risen from the dead, and active in
the Church by His Spirit, and coming in the future as king,
ruler and judge of the world.
He was God’s end time revelation and the source of our final
salvation as well as the source of the enthusiasm of the Spirit
that was present in the Christian worship services. He was and
is the focus of all Christian relationship, through Him, to God.
Psalms and hymns celebrating His exaltation by God and
God’s work of salvation through Him were sung and
composed from the earliest times. Acclamations and prayers
addressed to Jesus go back also to the earliest times. For
instance we have the Aramaic cry: Marantha (Our Lord,
come!) (1Corinthians 16:22; Revelation 22:20). This was
preserved in Aramaic in the Greek speaking churches, which
indicates its very early origin and shows the expectation of His
appearing as well as our present religious relationship with the
one who is to come.
The New Testament evidence for personal prayer to Jesus as a
regular feature of early Christianity has been very much
UNDERESTIMATED and virtually neglected by those who
believe God can only be one person.
Paul Prayed To Jesus Here are a few examples of such
prayers:
“Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my
power is made perfect in weakness’ " (2Corinthians 12:8-9
NIV).
Note that in most all of Paul’s writings, “Lord” refers to Jesus
Christ and “God” refers to our Father in heaven. For Paul and .
..
“for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all
things came and for whom we live; and there is but one
Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and
through whom we live” (1Corinthians 8:6, NIV).
“Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord
Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. May the
Lord make your love increase and overflow for each
other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.
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May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be
blameless and holy in the presence of our God and
Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy
ones” (1Thessalonians 3:11-13 NIV).
Note how Paul separates God and Lord. But they overlap in
functions.
“May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our
Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal
encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts
and strengthen you in every good deed and word”
(2Thessalonians 2:16-17, NIV).
Note here that “our Lord Jesus Christ” and “God our Father”
are both asked to strengthen us in every good deed and word.
“May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and
Christ's perseverance” (2Thessalonians 3:5 NIV).
Note that the Lord here is probably the Lord Jesus. But He is
to direct our hearts into God’s love and Christ’s endurance.
Note how these functions become very indistinguishable.
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at
all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you”
(2Thessalonians 3:16 NIV).
“The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” (Romans
16:20).
Jesus is the Lord of peace. Is that Jesus or the Father. When
Paul says, “The Lord be with all of you” is he excluding the
Father? Do you see how many problems we get into when we
try to be too technical in separating Christ and the Father?
Stephen prayed to Jesus “And they stoned Stephen, calling
upon, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he
kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this
sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep”
(Acts 7:59-60).
To call on the name of the Lord Jesus is what it means to be a
Christian.
“ . . . called to be saints, with all that in every place call
upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs
and ours” (1Corinthians 1:2).
YHWH and the Lord Jesus "For the scripture saith,
Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed" (Romans
10:11).
This appears to be a quote from Isaiah 49:23 that refers to
those who wait on YHWH will not be put to shame. Is Paul
applying a YHWH passage to Jesus Christ the risen Lord? It
appears he is.
Paul writes,
“For there is no difference between the Jew and the
Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that
call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name
of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:12-13).
This passage is quoted in Acts 2:21 referring to the Lord Jesus
and belief in Him. But it is a quote from Joel 2:32 which
reads,
“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on
the name of the LORD (YHWH) shall be delivered: for in
mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as
the LORD (YHWH) hath said, and in the remnant whom
the LORD (YHWH) shall call.”
Both Paul and Luke took this passage referring to YHWH and
applied it to Jesus! In the Old Testament people called on
YHWH. See Psalm 17:1. But the New Testament talks of
calling upon the Lord (Jesus). See Acts 9:14,21; 22:16; 2 Tim.
2:22.
Who can be worshipped but God? He does not share His glory
with another. Jesus has to be equal with God in order to accept
the worship and praise given to Him (Philippians 2:6-9).
In the Form of God Philippians 2:6-9 is a most powerful
passage:
"Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery
to be equal with God: But made himself of no
reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant,
and was made in the likeness of men: And being found
in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became
obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given
him a name which is above every name: . . ." (Philippians
2:6-9, KJV)
Most scholars believe that Paul was quoting a hymn already
sung in the early church. The phrase “being in the form of
God” has been explained away by those who believe God can
only be one person. They say, “The text does not say he was
God.” In other words he was in the form of God but not God.
But, to be fair, we have to consider the rest of the passage. We
see that he emptied himself and took the “form of a servant
(slave).” Now, was Jesus the “servant” of God or was he just
in the form of a servant but not really a servant? On the night
he was betrayed he said, “I am among you as he that
serves.” The book of Acts refers to Jesus as “servant.” If “in
the form of God” does not mean he was equal with God, then
“in the form of a servant” does not mean he was a servant!
The Greek words, “in the form of,” are the same! Written by:
David L. Antion / BibleStudy.org
7

Jesus Christ's
Last
Sermon
Jesus Christ spent his final hours of
human life nailed to a cross. Despised
and rejected by the world he came to
save, history's only perfect person took
upon himself the consequences of our
sins. The Bible records that on that
spring day, from a hill outside
Jerusalem, Jesus spoke several times.
No one Gospel writer records all his
sayings. Matthew and Mark describe
one. Luke and John each give us three.
Together, these sayings constitute a
powerful message from our Savior's
heart during the hours of his greatest
personal agony. They reveal Jesus'
innermost feelings as he poured out his
life for us.
1) "Father, forgive them" Only Luke
tells us that Jesus, shortly after he was
crucified, prayed, "Father, forgive
them, for they do not know what they
are doing" (Luke 23:34).
Nearby were Roman soldiers
gambling for his clothes, common
people whipped to frenzy by the
religious leaders, and gawkers who
came for the hideous spectacle. The
Jewish elders mockingly said they
would believe in him if he saved
himself (Matthew 27:42-43). On his
left and right were two criminals
condemned to die with him.
Not everyone at the foot of the cross
was hostile to Jesus. Women who had
followed him during his ministry and
some of his disciples now came
forward. His mother, Mary, was
mourning the Son whom God had
miraculously given her.
Innocent of any crime against God or
humanity, Jesus had been betrayed,
arrested, scourged and condemned.
Now, from the cross, Jesus' thoughts
reached above his pain and rejection.
Instead of being consumed with his
own pain and misery, Jesus asked
forgiveness for those responsible for
the evil done to him — by extension,
all who ignorantly go the way of sin
and death.
2) "You will be with me in paradise"
Jesus next spoke to encourage one of
the criminals crucified with him. Both
criminals, likely thieves or murderers,
Seven Sayings of Jesus on the Cross
Jesus shared in our humanity. He set
an example for us, suffered for us and
was victorious over sin and death in
his work on the cross. His victory, both
in his death and his resurrection,
enables us to be reconciled to God
and restored to fellowship with him.
While hanging on the cross, Jesus
spoke of:
1. Forgiveness (Luke 23:32-34)
2. Hope (Luke 23:39-43)
3. Care (John 19:25-27)
4. Loneliness (Mark 15:33-34;
Matthew 27:45-46)
5. Suffering (John 19:28-29)
6. Triumph (John 19:30)
7. Reunion (Luke 23:44-46)
early on joined bystanders in reviling
Jesus (Mark 15:32). Luke tells us, "One
of the criminals who hung there hurled
insults at him: `Aren't you the Christ?
Save yourself and us!'" (Luke 23:39).
This man wanted only escape from his
pain. The gulf between them
remained, because this faithless
criminal had no desire to know his
Savior and repent of his sins.
But a miraculous change occurred in
the other criminal. He came to believe.
This man was just as guilty as the first.
He admitted he deserved to die
(verses 40-41). He, too, had mocked
Jesus earlier, but now he rebuked the
other criminal.
We are not told of any other
conversation between this second
criminal and Jesus. Perhaps only Jesus'
example and prayer, which he
overheard, moved him so deeply. He
said, "Jesus, remember me when you
come into your kingdom" (verse 42).
Jesus replied by offering him hope for
the future: "I ten you the truth, today
you will be with me in paradise" (verse
43).
Like the first criminal did, most people
reject Jesus Christ. Their petitions to
God thus go unanswered. However, all
who surrender to Jesus receive not
only strength to face the present, but
also lasting hope for the future. There
is a future beyond the grave. Eternal
life in God's kingdom awaits those
who will embrace Jesus as Lord and
Savior.
3) "Woman, behold your son!" Jesus
honored and showed concern for his
mother. When it seemed impossible for
him to help anyone, he provided for
Mary's care through his trusted friend
John.
"When Jesus saw his mother there, and
the disciple whom he loved standing
nearby, he said to his mother, `Dear
woman, here is your son,' and to the
disciple, `Here is your mother.' From
that time on, this disciple took her into
his home" (John 19:26-27).
4) "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"For the
first time, Jesus' thoughts were on
himself. He cried out, "'Eloi, Eloi, lama
sabachthani?'- which means, `My God,
my God, why have you forsaken me?"'
(Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34).
Many have puzzled over Jesus'
seeming doubt. Was Jesus afraid?
Had his Father deserted him in his
greatest need? Jesus was quoting the
first portion of Psalm 22:1, a prophecy
8
of the Messiah's suffering and
exaltation.
We sometimes forget that Jesus was
fully human. Yes, he was God in the
flesh, but he was also subject to all the
feelings of mind and body that any of
us feel. Jesus spoke these words after
three hours of darkness had covered
the land (Matthew 27:45). Jesus hung
on the cross alone, where he took our
place to feel the pain and anguish that
sin causes.
There, in the darkness and pain,
bearing the burden of our sins, Jesus
fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy: "Surely he
took up our infirmities and carried our
sorrows, yet we considered him
stricken by God, smitten by him, and
afflicted. But he was pierced for our
transgressions, he was crushed for our
iniquities; the punishment that brought
us peace was upon him, and by his
wounds we are healed. We all, like
sheep, have gone astray, each of us
has turned to his own way; and the
Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us
all" (Isaiah 53:4-6).
Soon Christ would savor the sweetness
of eternal victory over sin and death.
His final three statements came in
rapid succession.
5) "I am thirsty" Death drew near.
The time of final sacrifice was close.
Jesus had endured — and overcome
— the heat, pain, rejection and
loneliness. He could have suffered and
died in silence. Instead, unexpectedly,
he asked for help. "Knowing that all
was now completed, and so that the
Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said,
`I am thirsty"' (John 19:28).
Jesus asked for a drink and received
vinegar, fulfilling David's 1,000-year-
old prophecy (Psalm 69:21).
"Immediately one of them ran and got
a sponge. He filled it with wine
vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered
it to Jesus to drink" (Matthew 27:48).
The man who had hurried to answer
Jesus' request said: "Now leave him
alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to take
him down" (Mark 15:36).
6) "It is finished" Jesus had finished
his work on earth. His sixth message
was one of triumph: "When he had
received the drink, Jesus said, `It is
finished.' With that, he bowed his
head and gave up his spirit" (John
19:30).
Jesus' humility rings in his words. His
was not a vain, I-showed-you attitude.
He did not even say, "I did it." He
claimed no credit. He asked no pity.
To the end, Jesus' mind was on the
work he came to do. He announced,
for all to hear, "It is finished."
7) Jesus' final words Matthew tells us,
"And when Jesus had cried out again
in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit"
(Matthew 27:50; see also Mark
15:37). Only Luke preserves Jesus'
words: "Jesus called out with a loud
voice, `Father, into your hands I commit
my spirit.' When he had said this, he
breathed his last" (Luke 23:46).
God is love, and Jesus' ministry
showed what love is. He gave himself
for us. He preached his last sermon
most effectively, by both word and
example. In his last seven statements,
he affirmed God's greatness and
glory.
God's work goes on Jesus' example
and words on the cross bore fruit even
before his death, when the repentant
robber acknowledged him as Lord
and appealed for his mercy.
On that Passover so long ago, Jesus
finished his own mission as a human on
earth. But his work goes on now in his
church. Christ's followers today preach
his gospel of salvation. They show his
love for fellow humans. And they look
for his return as King of kings and Lord
of lords.
This is the wonderful message of good
news that Jesus Christ preached the
day he died for all.

The ABC’s of Victory

Although things are not perfect No weapon that is known
Because of trial or pain On earth can yield the power
Continue in thanksgiving Praise can do alone
Do not begin to blame Quit looking at the future
Even when the times are hard Redeem the time at hand
Fierce winds are bound to blow Start every day with worship
God is forever able To "thank" is a command
Hold on to what you know Until we see Him coming
Imagine life without His love Victorious in the sky
Joy would cease to be We'll run the race with gratitude
Keep thanking Him for all the things X alting God most high
Love imparts to thee Yes, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...
Move out of "Camp Complaining" Zion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!
9
 The Meaning of Sincerity
"Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither
with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the
unleavened bread of sincerity and truth," I Corinthians 5:8
What does it mean to be "sincere"?
Are we sincere in our relationship with
our God and His Son? In making the
point of sincerity, many have given the
analogy of ancient pottery makers in
Corinth.
As the stories go, there were many
fine pottery makers in the Roman
world, and it turned out to be a
lucrative business. The pottery would
be formed, then placed into an oven
to cure. The well-respected potter
would inspect his pottery after firing,
and if any cracks were found, the
vessel would be discarded and he
would start over. Naturally, this would
increase the overall price and value of
fine pottery.
Given the same situation, other less
reputable potters would take the
blemished vessel and rub wax into the
crack, perhaps melting it somewhat,
then paint over the imperfection and
sell it as if it were pristine. These
individuals could sell their pottery for
cheaper prices, thus undercutting the
sincere pottery makers.
This prompted the honorable pottery
makers to hang a sign over the
entrance to their stores: sincerus ...
meaning this store has pottery without
wax. The actual definition of the Latin
word means to be pure or clean.
Whether the stories of the ancient
pottery makers are true is debatable --
but the idea of being "without wax" in
our personal lives with Jesus is valid.
Imperfections
Paul tells us that we should strive
to be "sincere and without
offence" in his first address to the
Corinthians. Could Paul have
been thinking along these lines?
Notice:
"Therefore let us keep the feast,
not with old leaven, neither with the
leaven of malice and wickedness;
but with the unleavened bread of
sincerity and truth," 1Corinthians
5:8.
The Greek word for sincerity,
, is number 1505 in
Strong’s and is defined as: clearness,
i.e. (by implication) purity
(figuratively):--sincerity. The root
meaning is to be 'genuine', 'unmixed',
'without deceit'. Are we as believers
being genuine and sincere in our
mission to serve the Most High God,
or are we apt to cover the
imperfections that are inherent to
humans?
God knows all things, and it is in vain
to attempt to cover up deceitful ways.
Judged by Sunlight
Another Greek word for sincere is
number 1506, and is found in
Philippians 1:10: , judged by
sunlight, i.e. tested as genuine
(figuratively):--pure, sincere. By some
accounts of the Corinthian potters, a
person could check the purity of the
vessel by adding hot water (if wax is
present, it will melt) or by holding it up
to the sunlight and observing it with a
critical eye.
Jesus the Messiah is the "Light of the
World" (John 9:5). If we are held to
the light and brightness of His
countenance, will the cracks and flaws
in us be open to scrutiny and
correction, or will we be found in
contempt, being vainly covered for
outward appearances?
If there be any "wax" in our lives, let
us repent and remove it while there is
still time.
A Living Sermon
I'd rather see a Christian than hear one
any day,
I'd rather have one walk with me than
simply show the way,
The eye's a better pupil and more willing
than the ear,
Fine counsel is confusing but example is
always clear,
And the best of all the preachers are the
ones who live their creed,
For to see the good in action – that's what
everybody needs.
I can soon learn how to do it if you'll let me
see it done,
I can watch your hand in action but your
tongue too fast might run.
And the sermons you deliver may be very
wise and true,
But I'd rather get my lessons by observing
what you do,
For I may misunderstand you and the high
advice you give,
But there's no misunderstanding how you
act and how you live.
I'd rather see a Christian than hear one
any day!
10
 Ang Muling Pagkabuhay
Ni JesuKristo

Ito Ba Ay Totoo?
Gaano kahalaga ang pagkabuhay muli ni JesuKristo sa Kristiyanismo?
Gaano kahalaga ang muling pagkabuhay ni JesuKristo sa iyo?

Para kay Apostol Pablo, sa pagkabuhay na muli ni

JesuKristo umiikot ang doktrina ng Iglesia noong unang
siglo. Pansinin ang kaniyang isinulat sa I Corinto 15:14,
“At kung si Kristo’y hindi muling binuhay, ay walang
kabuluhan nga ang aming pangangaral, wala rin naming
kabuluhan ang inyong pananampalataya.”
Sa mga Gawa 1:3, mababasa nating: “Na sa kanila
(mga apostol) nama’y napakita rin siyang buhay, sa
pamamagitan ng maraming mga katunayan, pagkatapos
na siya’y makapaghirap, na napakikita sa kanila sa loob ng
apatnapung araw, at nagpahayag ng mga bagay tungkol sa
kaharian ng Diyos.”

Ang mga ito’y mabibigat na salita, mahalaga sa Ang mga apostol ay saksi sa buhay, kamatayan at
ating pananampalataya bilang isang Kristiyano. Gayun pa pagkabuhay na muli ni JesuKristo. Subalit hindi lamang sila.
man, ang mga ibang “pantas” sa ngayon maging ng ibang Maging si Apostol Pablo ay sumulat sa 500 katao na
“naliliwanagang kaluluwa” ay hinahamon ang kredibilidad nakasaksi sa nabuhay na muli na si JesuKristo. (I Corinto
ng pagkabuhay na muli ni JesuKristo. Tayo ay tunay na 15:3-8). Sa ating kapanahunan ngayon, ang isang bagay ay
nabubuhay sa isang panahong mapag-alinlangan. napagtitibay sa pamamagitan ng dalawa o tatlong saksi,
gaya na rin ng nagsasaad sa Biblia (Mateo 18:16). Subalit
Para sa nakararami, ang Biblia ay napakabigat dito, sa usaping pagkabuhay na muli ni JesuKristo, mahigit
tanggapin o napakahirap intindihin. Di ba ang Biblia ay sa 500 saksi ang nakatala sa salita ng Panginoong Diyos!
naglalaman ng mga kuwentong
patungkol sa makapangyarihang Ang mga apostol ay saksi sa buhay,
paglalang; isang malakihang kamatayan at pagkabuhay namuli ng Bakit napakaraming saksi?
pagbaha sa ibabaw ng lupa; ang buhay ni JesuKristo. Maging si Bakit ito isang mahalagang usapin?
pagkahati ng dagat; ang Apostol Pablo ay sumulat sa 500 Simple lamang: kung hindi natin
mahimalang mga pagpapagaling; katao na nakasaksi sa nabuhay na mapagtitibay na si JesuKristo na
ang mga makapangyarihang muli si JesuKristo. I Corinto 15:3-8 anak ng Panginoong Diyos ay
pagtugon sa mga panalangin; ang nabuhay sa mga patay, paano natin
pagkabuhay na muli ni JesuKristo at marami pang iba? pagtitibayin ang ating pananampalataya na tayo at ang mga
Marami rin ang umaaming sila ay Kristiyano ngunit hindi sila mahal natin sa buhay ay mabubuhay ring muli sa mga
lubos na naniniwala rito. patay? (I Corinto 15:12).

Alam din ng mga apostol ang pagdududa ng mga
taong nakapag-aral. Tunghayan ang 2 Timoteo 3:7, bilang
halimbawa. Sa makabagong panahon, sa kabila ng
pagdududa ng maraming nakapag-aral at walang
kinikilingang mga mananaliksik ay tinanggap nila ang
pagkabuhay na muli ni JesuKristo. Ito ay dahil sa maraming
pagpapatunay ng mga taong nakasaksi sa mga pangyayari.
Maraming Mga Katunayan
Ang mga salitang “maraming mga katunayan” ay
hiniram at ginamit sa ibang mga paksa, gaya ng patunay sa
paglalang. Subalit ang mga salitang ito kung ating iintindihin
ay tumutukoy rin sa pagkabuhay na muli ni JesuKristo.
Ang pagkabuhay na muli sa mga patay ay
mahalaga sa Simbahang Kristiyano at sa darating na
kaharian ng Panginoong Diyos sa lupa – kasama ang isang
buhay na JesuKristo bilang Hari ng mga hari at Panginoon
ng mga Panginoon.
Kaya paano tayo makatitiyak na si JesuKristo ay
nabuhay sa mga patay? Ang atin bang pananampalataya
ay kailangang walang basehan o may mga patunay para sa
isang muling nabuhay na JesuKristo? Ang Pagkabuhay na
muli ay bahagi ng pundasyon ng Kristiyanismo at
mapatutunayan ito. Subalit suriin muna natin kung ano ang
sinasabi ng mga pumupuna at nag-aalinlangan.
11

Ang Pagkabuhay Bang Muli Ay Isang Kathang-isip
Lamang?
May tatlong basikong kaisipang ipinapanukala ang
mga pumupuna, na makapagpapaliwanag sa muling
pagkabuhay ni JesuKristo. Kung tutuusin, ang pangyayaring
maraming kaisipang ibinibigay ang mga tao upang
magpaliwanag ay isa lamang indikasyon na mayroong
kabuluhan ang pagkabuhay na muli.
Ang unang kaisipan ay tinatawag sa ingles na
“swoon theory,” na nagsasaad na nagkunwari si JesuKristo
sa kaniyang kamatayan. Kung hindi siya totoong namatay
sa krus, hindi siya magbabangon sa mga patay sa libingan.
Ang kaisipang pagkukunwari sa iyong kamatayan na may
nakatarak na tabak ng isang sundalong Romana sa iyong
tagiliran ay tila baga mahirap
paniwalaan.
Nakipagsabwatan ba si
JesuKristo sa sundalong Romano
para lamang magkunwaring
magtarak ng tabak sa kaniyang
tagiliran para maging makabag-
damdamin ang kaniyang pag-
arte? Alam ng mga taong military
kung ano ang kamatayan;
sapagkat bahagi ito ng kanilang
gawain. Ang sundalo ay maaaring
ipinakikita sa karamihan ng tao na ayaw maniwalang si
JesuKristo ay patay na, na siya ay tunay ngang patay (
Juan 19:34). Ang detalyeng ito ng kaniyang pagkamatay ay
pinagtibay bilang isang tunay na patotoo (Juan 19:35).
Ang pangatlong posibilidad ay ang “hallucination
theory.” Ang mga alagad ni
JesuKristo ay biktima ng …kung di natin mapagtitibay na si JesuKristo na
isang klaseng malawakang anak ng Diyos ay nabuhay sa mga patay, di natin
“hysteria” o pagkatuliro ng mapagtitibay ang ating pananampalataya na tayo patotoo sa Matandang Tipan:
isip. Bakas pa lamang ng at ang mga mahal natin sa buhay ay mabubuhay Isinulat ito sa loob ng daang
kaniyang kamatayan ay ring muli sa mga patay. I Corinto 15:12
umaapaw na sa kanila. Kung
iyan ay totoo, mahigit 500 ang biktima ng malaking
“hysteria” at paglalaro sa isip; kasama na rito ang mga
opisyal na Romano, mga opisyal na military, mga bantay sa
templo, mga lider na Hudyo at iba pang kahalintulad nito.
Kahit na yaong mga pumatay sa Kaniya ay maaaring
naglalaro rin ang isip dahil tinangka nilang hadlangan ang
mga nakasaksi sa pagsasalaysay ng mga tunay na
pangyayari tungkol sa pagkabuhay na muli, kaysa ipakita
na lamang ang katawan at patunayang ito’y di totoo (Mga
Gawa 4:32-33:5:28).
Ang mga nag-aral at mga naliwanagang mga tao ay
kailangang habaan ang kanilang pisi para asahang
tanggapin ng mga taong may sapat na pag-iisip ang
teoryang ito.
Alalahanin, sa 2 Timoteo 4:3-4 ay sinasabing
darating ang panahong ang mga pumupuna, nag-
aalinlangan at kahit na ang mga nananampalataya ay
babaling sa mga kathang kuwento. Makikita nating ang
tatlong teoryong ito at ang kanilang uri ay talagang ganoon
– mga teoryo, opinion at pagbabakasakali, subalit hindi
totoong nangyari o patunay.
Kulang Ba Sa Katotohanan Ang Biblia?
Marahil ang iba ay tinatanong ang
pagkamakatotohanan ng muling pagkabuhay ni JesuKristo.
Maraming tao ang nagpapalagay na ang Biblia ay isa
lamang sa mga ito. Ito ay isang lehitimong pagpuna.
Ang Biblia ay isang aklat na ngayon. Noong una,
ang Bagong Tipan – kung saan nakapaloob ang mga
patotoo sa pagkabuhay na muli – ay kinapapalooban ng 27
magkakahiwalay na aklat at liham o sulat. Ito ay isinulat ng
di bababa sa walong may-akda at may iba pang nagbigay
ng kanilang mga salaysay na di
malaman kung ilan pa ang mga ito.
Daang taon ang ginugol
para pagsamasamahin ang mga
magkakahiwalay na patotoong ito
bago nabuo sa isang aklat na
madaling basahin. Ginawa ito para
mapadali ang pag-aaral at dahil din
sa inspirasyong ibinigay sa mga
taong nagpatotoo nito.
Ang Matandang Tipan, na
naglalaman ng mga propesiya at mga basehan na si
JesuKristo ay mamamatay, ay kinapapalooban ng 39 na
magkakahiwalay na aklat na iniakda ng iba’t-ibang
manunulat at mga nag-ambag. Si Moises halimbawa ay
isinulat ang unang limang aklat. Subalit kapansin-pansin na
iba ang tumapos ng huling kabanata habang itinatala nito
ang pagkamatay ni Moises.
Ang mga iba pang
taon ng mga taong may iba-
ibang pananaw, subalit
naglalaman ng karapatang katunayan, tunay na pangyayari
at kasaysayan.
Kaya ang Biblia ay hindi mawawalan ng
katotohanannn dahil sa sinasabi ng iba na “isa lamang itong
panggagalingan ng impormasyon.” Ang katotohanan, ito ay
isang koleksiyon ng maraming aklat at sulat galing sa
maraming mga manunulat, na naglalaman ng katakut-takot
na mapapatunayang mga kasaysayan, mga pangyayari,
mga patotoo ng mga nakasaksi at mga detalye.
Pagdating sa pagkabuhay na muli ni JesuKristo,
ang katunayan ay inilahad at sinupotahan ng maraming
manunulat na nakasaksi, na ang bawat isa ay sumulat ng
magisa. Base ito sa mga patotoo ng mahigit na 500 na
kataong nakasaksi, kasama na rito ang mga Romano, mga
Hudyo, ang mga relihiyon, mga pinunong sibil at military.
Tunay na isang kapanipaniwala kaso ang inilahad at
sinuportahan, kung pipiliin nating tingnan ang katunayan.
12

Ang Katotohanan Ay Base Sa Totoong Nangyari
Ano ang kapanipaniwala o ang sinasabi sa korte na
“katanggap-tanggap” na katunayan? Paano nga ang mga
patotoo ng mga nakasaksi, gaya ng atin nang nasabi? Ang
batas ba sa korte o hukuman na nagsusumikap na
makakuha ng mga tunay na pangyayari sa isang kaso, ay
tatanggapin ang nakasulat na
patotoo ng nakasaksi? Kung ang Ang apat na Ebangelio – apat na
isang saksi ay hindi makasisipot,
nakasulat na salaysay ng mga saksi sa
ang nakasulat na salaysay ay
bahay, kamatayan at pagkabuhay na
tinatanggap.
muli ni JesuKristo.
Ganito ang apat na ebangelio – apat na nakasulat
na salaysay ng mga saksi sa buhay, kamatayan at
pagkabuhay na muli ni JesuKristo.
Ang mga Kristiyano ay kailangang suriin ang mga
nakasulat sa mga ebangelio – ang mga nakasulat na
salaysay ng mga saksi. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit iniingatan
ang mga ito para sa ating kapanahunan ngayon.
Napakaraming mababaw at mapatutunayang
pananampalataya ang nakabase o umaasa sa kanilang
mga naririnig sa mga makabagong mangangaral. Lalong
mainam na basahin ang salaysay ng mga taong naroon at
nakaalam ng mga tunay na pangyayari.
Isang halimbawa, tingnan ang patotoo ni Lucas –
ang ikatlong aklat ng Bagong Tipan. Para itala ang mga
tunay na pangyayari na kaniyang nasaksihan, isinulat niya
ang sunod-sunod na pangyayari (Lucas 1:1-3). Bakit? Para
ang mga mambabasa, kasama na kayo at ako ay “makilala
ang katunayan tungkol sa mga bagay na itinuro sa iyo.”
(Lucas 1:4).
Si Lucas ay isang doktor o manggagamot
(Colosas 4:14). Isa siyang nakapag-aral na tao na
maaaring nagkaroon ng pagsasanay sa pagharap sa
totoong mga pangyayari. Ang
Ang paghahari ni JesuKristo sa kamatayan
kaniyang isinulat na salaysay
at ang Kaniyang muling pagkabuhay ay
bilang isang saksi samakatuwid,
ay masasabi nating nagbibigay pag-asa.
kapanipaniwala. Dagdag pa sa kaniyang ebangeliong
isinulat, isinulat din ni Lucas ang aklat na Ang Mga Gawa
Ng Mga Apostol. Sa panulat din ni Lucas nanggaling ang
mga salitang “maraming mga katunayan” (Gawa 1:3).
Ang tatlo pang ebangelio ay mga salaysay rin ng
mga nakasaksi, katanggap-tanggap na katunayan.
Samantalang inilalahad nila ang mga katulad na
pangyayari, ang mga ito’y mga aklat na magkakahiwalay na
isinulat – hindi basta kopya ng bawat isa.
Ang paghahari ni JesuKristo sa kamatayan
(Hebreo 2:9,14-15), at ang Kaniyang muling pagkabuhay
ay nagbibigay pag-asa sa Kaniyang tunay na mga taga-
sunod (Filipos 3:10-11). Dahil sa ang pagkabuhay na muli
ay isa sa mga pinakamadaling patunayang pangyayari sa
kasaysayan, maaari tayong manampalataya sa ganitong
pag-asa.
May kaunti pang nalalabing nakasulat na salaysay
ng mga nakasaksi sa pagkakapaslang kay Julius Caesar,
subalit ni wala man lamang nagtatanong sa kuwento ng
kaniyang buhay at di kapanipaniwalang pagkamatay.
Tinanggap ito bilang isang tunay na pangyayari sa
kasaysayan. Kaya bakit ang lahat ng pag-aalinlangan sa
buhay at tila baga di kapanipaniwalang kamatayan ni
JesuKristo samantalang lalong maraming mga nakasulat na
patotoo ang mga nakasaksi.
Kung inyong babasahin at
pag-aaralan ang mga nakasulat na
paglalahad ng mga nakasaksi sa
Mateo, Marcos, Lucas at Juan, at
isaalang-alang ang katunayan, itanong mo sa iyong sarili:
“ Maari bang nagkunwari si JesuKristo sa Kaniyang
sariling Kamatayan?”
“Ang lahat ba ng daan-daang mga saksi, kasama
na ang mga pinuno at opisyal ng gobyerno, ay mga biktima
lamang ng isang malawakang “hysteria” o halusinasyon?”
“Hahayaan ba ng mga apostol at mga alagad ni
JesuKristo na sila’y lait-laitin sa natitira pa nilang buhay at
pagkatapos ay kitlan ng buhay para lang sa isang bagay na
alam nilang hindi totoo?”
Si Apostol Pablo ay nakipagtalo sa isang hari, na
sinasabing “sapagkat ito’y hindi ginawa sa isang sulok”
(Gawa 26:26), na ang ibig sabihin ay hindi maaaring di
mapuna. Ang iba sa mga tumutuligsa kay JesuKristo ay
mga pinakamataas na pinuno ng mga Hudyo (Marcos
15:1). Ang pinakamataas na opisyal ng Roma sa Judae ay
naroon din at kasama sa paghusga kay JesuKristo (Marcos
15:2).
Ang kaharian ng Roma ay napaka-organisado.
Tiyak na si Pilato ay may ulat ng kaganapan at tala ng mga
pangyayari na iniaayos at tiyak na mapapansin ang mga
bagay na ito sa kaniyang mga
isinumiteng tala ng pangyayari sa
Roma. Ang mga opisyal military
at sundalo ng Roma ay naroon
din (Mateo 27:27,54) at maaaring nagbigay ng ulat sa
pangyayari sa mga nakataas sa kanila. Mga mahahalagang
tao sa lipunan ng mga Hudyo ang naglibing sa katawan ni
JesuKristo (Juan 19:38-39).
Sa mga pangyayaring ito, paano masasabi ng mga
taong may sapat na pag-iisip na si JesuKristo ay
nagkunwari sa Kaniyang kamatayan o dili kaya’y ang daan-
daang mga saksi, kasama na rito ang mga opisyal ng
Roma, ay “histerikal” at pinaglalaruan ng isip lamang?
Kapag nabasa na ninyo at isinaalang-alang ang mga
totoong nangyari sa kaso, iisa lamang kahatulan. Si
JesuKristo ay nabuhay, namatay at bumangon sa mga
patay!
Ang Kasinungalingan At Ang Tangkang Pagtatakip
13
 Ang pinakamatandang kaisipang ginagamit para di na isasaalang-alang ang patotoo ng mga nakasaksi, na
paniwalaan ang salaysay ng mga saksi sa muling maingat atpinaghirapang mapanatitli at mapangalagaan ng
pagkabuhay ni JesuKristo ay ginawa ng mga taong mga eskriba atmga pantas sa loob ng 1900 na taon, o
pumatay sa kanya (Mateo 28:11-15). Kabilang dako, agad-agad na tatanggapin ang mga walang kabuluhang
isinulat ni Apostol Pablo na mahigit 500 saksi ang nakakita teorya ng mga nagdududa sa makabagong panahon?
na si JesuKristo ay buhay
pagkaraan ng pagkapako Ang pinakamatandang kaisipang ginagamit para di Kayo ang mamili.
niya sa krus. Alin ang higit paniwalaan ang salaysay ng mga saksi sa muling Kung wala ang nabuhay na
na kapanipaniwala? pagkabuhay ni JesuKristo ay ginawa ng mga muli si JesuKristo ay wala
taong pumatay sa kanya. Mateo 28:11 tayong tunay na pag-asa sa
muli nating pagkabuhay at
Ngunit may 500 saksi ang nakakita na si
Ang mga ganoon din ang ating mga
masasamang pinuno at mga
JesuKristo ay buhay pagkaraan ng pagkapako mahal sa buhay (I Corinto
kasama nito ay lagging niya sa krus. Alin ang higit na kapanipaniwala? 15:12-23). Kung wala ang
nagsusumikap na magsinungaling at pagtakpan ang nabuhay na muling si JesuKristo ang bawat isa sa atin at ng
masasama nilang gawa. Ang teoryang ninakaw ng mga ating mga anak, kasama ng buong sangkatauhan, ay
alagad ni JesuKristo ang kaniyang katawan ay mananatili pa ring nakalugmok sa kasalukuyang panahon
ipinalalaganap pa rin hanggang ngayon. Ang mga ayaw ng krimen, gutom, utang, digmaan, droga, sakit, pagpatay
maniwala sa mga totoong nangyari sa kabila ng mga at mga kahalintulad nito. Kung ngayon lamang ang ating
nakasulat ng mga nakasaksi ay biktima ng buhay, ang buhay natin bilang Kristiyanismo ang siyang
kasinungalingang ito at pagtatakip. Maliban na lang kung pinakakahabag-habag sa lahat ng mga nilalang ng
sila’y magbago, hindi sila aariing-ganap ng pagkamatay ng Panginoong Diyos (I Corinto 15:19). Wala na tayong pag-
kanilang manunubos. asa sa darating na maluwalhating kaharian ng Panginoong
Diyos sa lupa kung saan ang buhay at mapagmahal na si
Ano Ang Gagawin Mo? JesuKristo ang siyang Hari ng mga Hari at Panginoon ng
mga Panginoon.
Ano ang gagawin mo? Tatanggapin mo ba ang
mahihina , walang basehahang mga teoriya, opinion at Ang mga nakasulat na salaysay ng mga nakasaksi
espekulasyon ng mga nagdududa sa ating makabagong ay patibay ng katotohanan. Si JesuKristo ay nabuhay,
panahon o ang mga nakasulat na patotoo ngmga nakasaksi namatay at nabuhay na muli. Ano ang gagawin mo sa
sa mga pangyayaring iyon? pagaaralan mo ba at maingat kaniyang patotoo?

Isinalin sa Tagalog mula sa “The Resurrection of Jesus Christ – Is It A Fact?” na isinulat ni Donald L. Hudgel ng Bible Education
Services. Ipinamamahagi bilang babasahin ng Shelter In The Word, email: info@ShelterInTheWord.com; P.O. Box 197, Perry, Mchigan,
48872-0107, USA.

HUMILITY: The precious gem of the

Christian Crown
Paul was led to prophesy nearly two thousand years ago, that in our age, the last
days before the return of Christ and the new age of the Kingdom of God on earth,
HUMILITY would be a rare gem. "For people will be.....PROUD, ARROGANT AND
CONTEMPTUOUS BOASTERS.....INFLATED WITH SELFCONCEIT....." (2 Timothy
3:1-4; Amplified Bible).

We have had, and still have, those who lead nations of
various political groups, who do nothing but boast of their
greatness. These are individuals who are inflated with
conceit about what they would do IF in a position of power.
On the other hand, those that already are in powerful
positions brag of the great things they and their party have
done for the benefit of their nation and mankind.
We have had, in the past, those who shout and
threaten to annihilate others in war. Unfortunately, these
individuals are still with us.
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 We have those with earthly riches who are arrogant
and domineering toward those with few earthly riches. Then
we have those that are poor in material goods being proud
and contemptuous of the rich.
There have been, and no doubt will be again, those in
the world of sports who claim "I'm the greatest" and time
proves they were not so great after all! Yes, and even in the
place that you would least expect to find it - RELIGION -
there's PRIDE and CONCEIT RAISING its INFLATED HEAD.
Some religious leaders of different denominations feel they
must always be in the limelight of their church papers,
magazines, news letters, etc. Many individuals think they are
indispensable, no matter how old they are and there is no
one else that can preach, teach, or broadcast like
themselves! We could go on relating examples to the
opposite of HUMILITY, which is
evident in our society today.
Truly the genuine gem of
HUMILITY is a rare jewel.
In the WORLD BOOK
DICTIONARY the word HUMBLE
is defined as "...having or
showing a feeling that one is
unimportant, weak, poor,
etc...modest in spirit, not proud,
deeply or courteously
respectful...without wrongful
pride in oneself or in
accomplishments..."
EXAMPLES OF HUMILITY
There was a man who had great wealth, notoriety and
prestige. He treated his servants very well. He helped the
poor and needy. He gave to widows and orphans In his
realm. He was not obsessed with his wealth or position and
he was true to his wife in body and mind. Idolatry was not a
part of his worship. This man had no hatred for anyone,
including his enemies. He shared his home with travellers and
was known for his hospitality. All of these accomplishments
and more were this man's badge, and if any man deserved
to be proud and boastful, it was this man. And that was his
weakness. He was CONCEITED and SELF-RIGHTEOUS. His
name was Job. Read the narrative in Job chapter 31 and
32:1.
Finally, the Lord spoke to Job and brought him to see
that even with all his abilities and good deeds, he was
nothing compared to the Almighty. (Read Job 38 through
41). Humility became a part of Job's character when he
uttered these words, "Therefore (I now see) I have (rashly)
uttered what I did not know...I had heard of you (only) by
the hearing of the ear; but now my (spiritual) eye sees you.
Therefore I loathe (my words) and abhor myself, and repent
in sackcloth and ashes" (Job 42:3-6).
It took some drastic measures on God's part (by
allowing Satan to do some painful things to Job) to bring
Job to true REPENTANCE and HUMILITY. I guess God could
have used another method, but for whatever reason He
chose the ones He did). Human nature is such that many, it
seems, have to be brought low before HUMILITY is their own
experience. With many who are brought low, we find PRIDE
and CONCEIT a big part of their personality too. So the
proverb, "PRIDE GOES BEFORE DESTRUCTION, AND A HTY
SPIRIT BEFORE A FALL" (Proverbs 16:18) becomes a reality.
On the other hand, true honor usually comes only to
those who have exhibited a humble spirit. For example, the
great statesman, Sr. Churchill (who inspired the Allies during
World War 2) found himself ridiculed, derided and made a
political exile In his own country. All because he dared to
warn his country that Hitler was out to conquer the world. It
was not until war broke out that Mr.
Churchill was honored by being called
to lead the British nation against Hitler.
The proverb says, "...before honer is
HUMILITY" (Proverbs 18:12).
A person with true humility will
exhibit the quality of character that
acknowledges areas of weakness in
his/her own abilities. When Moses was
called of God from the burning bush to
lead Israel out of Egypt, he did not
answer by saying he was great and
that the Lord had made a wise choice
in choosing him. No, Moses humbly
came before his Creator, confessing
the weak areas of his character; public speaking with
eloquence was not one of his gifts! (See Exodus 3:10-11 &
Exodus 4:10). Moses went down in history as one of the
greatest men, and it Is recorded of him In Numbers 12:3,
"Now the man Moses was very meek (humble) above all the
men which were upon the face of the earth."
The great prophet Isaiah when called to prophesy
against Israel and other nations, immediately saw his sins
and weakness of character and confessed them (Isa. 6:1-7).
Jeremiah also humbly said he was too young, to
immature to speak (Jer. 1:6).
The man God used to write more of the New
Testament than any other author was Paul. He wrote, "For I
am less than the least of all saints..." (I Cor. 15:9; Eph. 3:8).
Paul's weakness and sins (though under the blood of Jesus)
kept him constantly HUMBLE as he reflected on his life.
How many of those that God has used to speak and
do his work still remain humble, even though they have
experienced success, at least as the world defines success? (It
is difficult to remain humble and not become proud and
egotistical when men give you acclaim). Only the resurrection
and history will tell.
15
 When John the Baptist (whom Jesus said was fulfilling
the prophecy of Elijah to come, Mt. 17:11-13, and that none
among men had risen who was greater Mt. 11:11) was
asked if he was Elijah, or the Christ, or a great prophet, he
answered, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness.
Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet
Esaias..." (Jn. 1:19-27). Although John must have been told
of the manifestations of God to his parents concerning his
birth; although he must have known as a boy and a young
man that he was destined for a great commission to Israel,
still he remained humble. His is one of the greatest examples
of true HUMILITY in the entire Bible.
HUMILITY IS TEACHABLE
Another characteristic that exhibits itself in those that
have the gem of humility in their crown, is the ability to
accept and to seek counsel from others. Humility knows the
wise truth of the proverb that says, "in the multitude of
counsellors there Is safety" (Prov. 11 :14).
Notice how the meek man Moses was able to accept
the wise counsel of his father-in-law (Exodus 18:13-27). He
not only accepted it, he acted on it.
This example brings us to the realization that no one
man is an island unto himself. It is a true saying that there is
strength in numbers. A truly humble person will acknowledge
that he is not the sum total of all wisdom, knowledge and
understanding. That he can only do so much, spread himself
just so thin, before he becomes a shattered physical wreck.
A meek and humble person will realize that others
have God given talents and abilltles, and will be delighted
to use these attributes to enhance the whole. He will be glad
to delegate responsibility and share the betterment of the
whole. He will show trust and confidence in them (not forever
looking over their shoulder) but always there to strengthen
and assist when needed. Again, read Moses' example in
Exodus 18, where he chose able men to help him govern
Israel.
HUMILITY'S GREATEST TEST
Perhaps the greatest test for anyone in exhibiting
humility (a test that many, who have enjoyed the acclaim of
others while in a position of authority, fail) is to humbly step
aside in favor of another person or group. This is the crucial
test.
Many gifted and talented people in various walks of
life have humbled themselves in all facets of physical living
except this one area - a willingness to relinquish power and
control. They always must be in control and make the final
decision or veto the decisions of others, thus keeping
themselves as the supreme and only authority. The failure of
not passing this final test means they have not been able to
achieve total or GODLY HUMILITY.
Elijah was a man powerfully used by the Lord, not only
in preaching and warning, but also In performing great
physical miracles (I Kings 17:18; 21:17-29 and 11 Kings
1:1-17). But the day came when God decided that Elijah's
work should be given to another. It was time for him to step
aside, to no longer be in the forefront of fame and glory.
He was to relinquish his hold of power and authority. Elijah
was given the ultimate test and he passed with flying colors
(II Kings 2:1-18). This is one of the reasons Elijah and Moses
(two of the most humble men in history) were in vision at the
transfiguration of Christ (Mt. 17:1-13).
Those individuals that will be in the first resurrection, at
the return of Christ, will also exhibit like Moses, Elijah and
others, a humble God-like spirit. They will be the ones who
will be willing to follow the greatest example of humility to
ever be exhibited, our LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.
He, who had all perfection, glory and power, was, next to
the Father in GREATNESS. He of whom it is written, "...He,
who had always been God by nature, did not cling to his
privileges as God's equal, but stripped himself of every
advantage by consenting to be a slave and to be born a
man. And plainly seen as a human being, he HUMBLED
himself by living a life of utter obedience, to the point of
death. And the death he died was a death of a common
criminal. That is why God has now lifted him to heights, and
has given him the name beyond all names. So that at the
name of JESUS 'every knee shall bow', whether in heaven or
earth or under the earth. And that is why every tongue shall
confess that JESUS CHRIST is LORD, to the glory of God the
FATHER" (Phil. 2:6-11, Phililps translation, emphasis mine).
Truly, before praise must come HUMILITY!
HUMILITY IN SERVICE
If there is anyone who is reading these words and is
seeking for personal greatness in the eyes of mankind,
whether it be in the field of politics, finance, economics,
science, sports, or even religion, let him take to heart the
admonition of Jesus in Matt. 20:25-28, "You know that the
rulers of the Gentiles rule it over them, and their great men
hold them in subjection, tyrannizing over them. Not so shall it
be among you; but whoever wishes to be GREAT among you
must be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among
you must be your slave, just as the Son of man came not to
be waited on but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom
for many..." (Amplified Bible, emphasis mine).
One of the main ingredients in HUMILITY is service to
others. This calibre of humility comes at great cost. It is the
epitome of a laid-down life, poured out, lived out on behalf
of others. Yes, it costs a great deal to experience and know
true humility. For most people it's a price that is prohibitive;
they simply will not pay it!
THE MEEK ARE NOT WEAK
16
 The humble person is a gracious, congenial individual
who is easy to get along with. These good natured souls win
friends on every side because they refuse to shove, push,
and throw their weight around, they don't win their wars with
brutal battles and fierce fights. They win their way into
hundreds of hearts and homes with the passport of a lovely,
loving spirit. But this quality of life does not come from a
position of feeble impotence but rather from a tremendous
inner strength and serenity. Only the strong, stable spirit can
afford to be gentle. Moses was, in many ways, a powerful,
strong man, yet he was the humblest of all men during his
day.
Jesus Christ was the perfection of humility, yet He was
by no means a weak individual. Notice how He dealt with
those who misused the TEMPLE of God (Jn. 2:13-17) and
how, on occasions, He answered the hypocritical religious
leaders of His time (Mt. 23). Jesus is the center of Christianity
- He set us the complete example (I Peter 2:21) for us to
follow. And as Phillip Keller, in his book "A GARDENER
LOOKS AT THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT" so aptly put it on
page 68, "Unless we keep clearly in view the life and the
character of Christ we will succumb to the eternal temptation
of living like our contemporaries, giving tit for tat, insisting
on our rights, demanding our pound of flesh, stepping on
anyone who trespasses against us, while all the time pushing
for PROMINENCE AND RECOGNITION. This is the world's
way; Christ calls us to tread In His footsteps. He tells us to
deny ourselves dally (give up our right to ourselves). He asks
us to take up our cross continuously (that which cuts
diametrically across my selfish interest), crossing out the
great "l" in my life to produce peace. None of this Is very
appealing. It goes against the grain of our old nature. It is
not a bit glamorous or romantic" (emphasis mine).
THE BENEFITS OF HUMBLENESS
Humility has a basic fruitage of three fantastic
benefits. They could not be stated any better than Mr. P.
Keller does in his aforementioned book, I quote from pages
169 and 170:
1) "Humility is the only seedbed from which faith can
spring...ln brokenness and contrition the humble person cries
Q&A: Father, Why Have You
Forsaken Me?
Question: What does it mean when Jesus said "Father, Father
why have you forsaken me?" when he was nailed on the cross?
Matthew 27:46 “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud
voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God,
my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
Mark 15:34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice,
out to God for help. He reaches out to Christ for restoration
and healing. He exercises faith in another because he knows
he must touch someone greater than himself.
2) It is to such souls that God gives Himself gladly, freely. He
draws near to those that draw near to Him. He delights to
dwell with those of a broken and contrite spirit. 'The Lord is
nigh unto them that are of a broken and contrite heart; and
saves such as be of a contrite (meek) spirit' (Ps. 34:18)...ln
vivid and shattering contrast we are warned explicitly that
God actually RESISTS the PROUD. He does not just tolerate
or indulge arrogant souls. He actually opposes them
actively. This is a terrifying truth that should make any self-
centered, hty individual tremble (James 4:4-10).
3) In contrast to this, the third amazing reality about humility
is the impact it makes on our fellowman. It is the genuinely
humble, gentle soul who wins friends and draws around him
a circle of loving associates. This quality of life draws others
as surely as nectar in a blossom draws bees. The gentle
genial person is the recipient of affection. People bestow on
him their blessings. He is lavished with love and surrounded
with compassion. The proud, arrogant, hty person has few
friends, if any. He stands upon his little pedestal of pride in
grim and gaunt loneliness. Others leave him alone. They
ignore him deliberately. If he is so independent, let him live
his own Life; let him go his own way; let him suffer the agony
of his own selfishness."
I will add one more benefit of HUMILITY, in fact. the
greatest benefit of all.
Those who humble themselves now, under the mighty
hand of God, will be exalted in due time and inherit
everlasting GLORY as a child of the Father in His Kingdom.
"By HUMILITY and fear of the Lord are RICHES, AND
HONER, AND LlFE" (Proverbs 22:4). By Keith Hunt
Permission is given to photo copy, e-mail, web site etc. any article by Keith
Hunt and distribute to others. As Christians it is taken for granted that
proper credit will be given not for fame but out of politeness. All praise for
work we do should go to the LORD.
saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted,
My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
Answer: This is a question that has been pondered and debated
unendingly, it seems.
The short answer is, God withdrew His Holy Spirit from Jesus
and turned His back on him because Jesus had taken upon
himself all the sins of mankind, and God (The Father) cannot
and will not look upon sin.
The long answer is more complicated and can become very deep,
so if you have more questions about it after studying this answer
WITH YOUR BIBLE OPEN, then please send me e-mail with your
additional questions about this subject.
17
God, the Father, will NOT look upon sin! He hides His Face
from it. God will not allow one iota of His Character to be changed
by even observing sin.
Isaiah the prophet tells us about that.
Isa 59:2 "But your iniquities (law-breaking) have separated
between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from
you, that he will not hear."
The Word of God (John 1:1) gave up ALL the GLORY,
MAJESTY and POWER to become a human being (verse 14),
live a perfect life as an example to us, and to become that
sacrifice demanded by God's Righteous Law.
When Jesus took upon Himself the fullness of mankind's sins, it
was needful, in order to OBEY God's Law, that He be baptized and
die because of mankind's total sins. They had all been heaped
upon Him.
Although Jesus lived a perfect, sin-free life, the sins of mankind
which He so graciously accepted condemned Him to death.
That death had to picture eternal death, so God The Father, of
necessity had to withdraw His Holy Spirit from Christ as He hung
there on the cross, almost dead.
When Jesus knew the absence of the Holy Spirit, He cried out,
"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" That absence
of God's life-giving, Holy Spirit will be what those unconvertible,
unrepentant, incorrigible people will feel just before their eternal
death at the end! It was also prophesied in Ps. 22 verse 1!
HAD GOD NOT RESURRECTED JESUS (BECAUSE JESUS'
OWN LIFE HAD BEEN SINLESS) THAT DEATH WOULD HAVE
BEEN PERMANENT because of the sins of mankind He had
accepted!
How frightening that is when one understands the whole picture of
salvation!
The Christian Passover each year memorializes all these
things and teaches us once again that we MUST be able to claim
that wonderful, ultimate sacrifice of Jesus when He and God offer
it to us. There ARE conditions that must be met in order to claim
that sacrifice as payment for our sins.
There is much, much more to all this.
If this raises more questions about this subject, please e-mail me
and I will do my best to serve you! Ken Browder, - Seven Times
Newsletter -http://7times.org
NOTE: Thank you for your question. As the Bible is the ULTIMATE WRITTEN AUTHORITY of TRUTH given by God, we encourage you to
check our answers from God's Holy Word. May God truly bless your studies and your efforts to obey Him!
What does the word ‘Easter’ mean in
the Bible?
Question: What is meant by the term Easter in Acts 12:4? Is this
Easter the Jewish Passover or a pagan festival?
Answer:
First, lets take a look at the verse in question along with the few
verses before it:
"Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands
to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother
of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the
Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the
days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended
him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four
quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to
bring him forth to the people. " (Acts 12:1-4, KJV)
The second part of your question needs a bit of clarification and
explanation. Biblically speaking, the Passover was not a "Jewish"
festival although Jews (members of the tribe of Judah or citizens of
the Kingdom of Judah, consisting of the tribes of Judah and
Benjamin and most of the tribe of Levi) certainly celebrated this
festival and still do. The Kingdom of Judah came into being when
the other ten tribes of Israel (the tribe of Joseph became two tribes
– Ephraim and Manasseh) split from those three tribes at the end
of King Solomon's reign. The ten tribe nation was called Israel
from that point forward and the citizens of the Kingdom of Judah
were called Jews. The Passover festival was an Israelite festival
and not just a Jewish festival – it was ordained for all 12 (actually
13) tribes to keep.
The holy day or festival known as Passover was never called
Easter by the first century church. The word Easter is a derivative
of Ishtar, or Astarte or one of other names (such as Venus) given
by various cultures to their goddess of fertility. This is the origin
of Easter eggs and the rabbit (noted for its rapid procreation) as a
symbol of that celebration.
The King James Version Bible was written by scholars whose
orientation was toward Catholic and Anglican church doctrines,
and this caused some of the errors in translation i.e., the
translation of the Greek word pascha, which means "passover", as
"Easter" in Acts 12:4.
The New International Version Bible correctly translates pascha as
"passover":
"After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to
be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod
intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover."
(Acts 12:4, NIV)
Pascha is correctly translated as Passover elsewhere in the KJV
and almost all other reliable translations.
Easter is indeed of pagan origin and was originally celebrated at
the spring solstice as part of the worship of a pagan goddess of
fertility.
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 Jesus on

Prayer
“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what
I say?” – Luke 6:46
Jesus’ first instructions to his disciples (talmidim) on prayer are
found only in Matthew’s account (Matthew 6:5-8). In context, he
had just finished talking to them about ostentatious almsgiving
(Matthew 6:1-4). God does not reward good deeds done for the sake
of appearances. Acts of almsgiving and philanthropy done for the
praise of men will receive no reward from God. When doing good
deeds, it’s best to keep a low profile.

Spiritual Exhibitionism This context
is important to Jesus’ discussion
prayer because the theme of
ostentation is carried through: “And
when you pray, do not be like the
hypocrites, for they love to pray
standing in the street corners to be
seen of men,” (Matthew 6:5a).
Several things about this verse jump
out at us. First, Jesus doesn’t say “if”
you pray, but “when.” He takes it as a
given that his followers would be a
praying people.
Second, some people, whom Jesus
called “hypocrites,” deliberately
position themselves to be seen by
others as praying. Ostentatiously
giving alms (charity) and praying are
both forms of spiritual exhibitionism
which Jesus condemns. Prayerful
public posing and posturing are ways
of getting others to say, “Oh my, look
how spiritual she is – she’s always
praying.” Those who gain recognition
and praise from men for their gifts of
charity and exhibitionistic praying
have, in that human praise, the full
reward for their “spirituality” (verse
5b).
Jesus then teaches the correct way to
pray: “But whenever you pray, go into
your room and shut the door and pray
to your Father who is in secret, and
your Father who sees in secret will
reward you,” (Matthew 6: 6 RSV).
Note: Jesus is not here
forbidding collective prayer. The early
followers of Rabbi Jesus often
gathered for prayer (Matthew 18:19-
20; Acts 16:13 etc.). Praying in a
group as Christians is not the same as
ill-motivated exhibitionistic praying in
the public square to gain recognition
from men.
Prayerful Long Windedness Once
Jesus had addressed spiritual
exhibitionism in both deeds of charity
and in prayer, he turned his attention
to another dimension of prayer: long
windedness: “When you are praying,
do not heap up empty phrases as the
Gentiles do; for they think that they
will be heard for their many words.
Do not be like them, for your Father
knows what you need before you ask
Him,” (Matthew 6: 7-8).
“Gentiles” were non-Jews – pagans or
heathen. They employed in their
prayers to the gods some peculiar
practices. In this section, the Greek
word used to describe pagan prayers
is battalogeo. It appears no where else
in the New Testament or in
contemporary secular literature.
Robert Mounce, in his commentary on
Matthew, suggests that it is a word
made up from another Greek word:
battarizo, meaning to “stammer or
stutter.” Mounce explains that
“Behind the word is the practice of the
heathen who developed long lists of
divine names, hoping that by endless
repetition they would somehow
invoke the name of the true god and
receive what they wished. To know
and pronounce correctly the name of a
god was thought to provide the power
to manipulate that god,” (New
International Biblical Commentary –
Matthew by Robert H. Mounce, p.
56).
Of course I believe that when Jesus
was originally giving this teaching, he
was speaking in Hebrew, not Greek.
The key thought here is “many
words.” God is not impressed by the
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sheer volume or loudness of our
words. In fact, in Judaism, one of the
highest forms of prayer is silence: “Be
silent, all flesh, for He is aroused from
His holy habitation,” (Zechariah
2:13). Worshipful silence before God
often enables us to hear the “still
small voice” (I Kings 19:12). Silence
can be “listening prayer.”
God heard the silent prayer of
Hannah, Samuel’s devoted mother
though “…Hannah spoke only in her
heart; only her lips moved, but her
voice was not heard,” (I Samuel 1:13).
When we appear worshipfully before
the throne of God, he “hears” the
desires of our hearts and often grants
them, “Delight yourself also in the
Lord, and he shall give you the desires
of your heart,” Psalm 37:4). After a
time of barrenness (I Samuel 1:5), the
Lord granted Hanna a son who
became a great prophet.
Which teaching of Jesus caused the
LARGEST number of his disciples to leave
him?
The answer to your question lies in the
following verses:
"Jesus said to them, 'I tell you the
truth, unless you eat the flesh of the
Son of Man and drink his blood, you
have no life in you. Whoever eats my
flesh and drinks my blood has eternal
life, and I will raise him up at the
last day. For my flesh is real food
and my blood is real drink. Whoever
eats my flesh and drinks my blood
remains in me, and I in him.' . . . On
hearing it, many of his disciples said,
'This is a hard teaching. Who can
accept it?' Aware that his disciples
were grumbling about this, Jesus said
to them, 'Does this offend you?' . .
. From this time many of his disciples
turned back and no longer followed
him." (John 6:53-56, 60-61, 66, NIV)
God Anticipates Any of you who
have been parents have experienced
the phenomenon of knowing what
your children are going to say before
they say it. You know when they are
“on approach” what is coming next:
“Dad, I need some money to buy that
video game,” or, “Mom, I want to stay
up later tonight to watch (whatever).”
God, our loving Father, is the same,
“…your Father knows the things you
need before you ask him,” Matthew
6:8b). God anticipates his children.
In this article we have learned that
God is not impressed with
ostentatious giving or praying. Those
of us who perform acts of piety to “be
seen of men” have, in that human
approbation, all the reward we’re
going to get. It’s best not to be a
spiritual exhibitionist or an
ostentatious giver and prayer. That’s
what it means by “don’t let your right
These words of Jesus were very
confusing to many of His disciples. They
just didn’t get it. Why is that? It’s
because their minds were not opened to
spiritual understanding at that time.
Most of the people who listened to
Jesus Christ’s teachings during His
ministry did not have the understanding
to comprehend what He was talking
about. Notice:
"Then the disciples came and said to
him, "Why do you speak to them in
parables?" And he answered them,
"To you it has been given to know the
secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but
to them it has not been given. For to
him who has will more be given, and
he will have abundance; but from him
who has not, even what he has will be
taken away. This is why I speak to
hand know what your left hand is
doing.”
We also learned that God is
unimpressed with overlong and
overloud prayers. A silent prayer can
be as effective as a noisy one – if not
more so. The rule of thumb is this:
The subject of the prayer dictates the
appropriate length of the prayer. On
occasion, Jesus prayed all night, but
many of his prayers were relatively
short. You can bet there were no
wasted words in those prayers;
everything he said had substance.
Surprisingly, Jesus didn’t always pray
for healing or exorcism – he simply
took authority and cast out the disease
or the demon. Jesus could do this
because the prayer that gave him this
authority had already been done. By
Brian Knowles
them in parables, because seeing they
do not see, and hearing they do not
hear, nor do they understand.
"With them indeed is fulfilled the
prophecy of Isaiah which says: 'You
shall indeed hear but never
understand, and you shall indeed see
but never perceive. For this people's
heart has grown dull, and their ears
are heavy of hearing, and their eyes
they have closed, lest they should
perceive with their eyes, and hear
with their ears, and understand with
their heart, and turn for me to heal
them.'
"But blessed are your eyes, for they
see, and your ears, for they hear.
Truly, I say to you, many prophets
and righteous men longed to see what
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you see, and did not see it, and to had given thanks, he broke it, and one if observing the Passover and these
hear what you hear, and did not hear said, "This is my body which is for annual holy days, they simply can’t
it." (Matthew 13:10-17, RSV) you. Do this in remembrance of me." understand God’s plan of salvation and
what He intends to do in the future.
Just as God through Jesus Christ was "In the same way also the cup, after
not trying to save the world then, He is supper, saying, "This cup is the new Just as in Jesus’ day, the vast majority
not even now trying to save the world, covenant in my blood. Do this, as of humanity over the last two thousand
but He will in His own good time. God often as you drink it, in remembrance years have not understood the REAL
must get mankind’s attention first, but of me." For as often as you eat this spiritual meaning of His teachings and
that will not happen until punishment is bread and drink the cup [annually], have not yet been called to salvation.
executed and man repents of his sins. you proclaim the Lord's death until he One day, however, they will after Jesus
comes. Whoever, therefore, eats the Christ returns to this earth in all power
Getting back to your question, most of bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in and glory to take over the reins of
His disciples thought Jesus was talking an unworthy manner will be guilty of government and to restore this world
"literally" about His flesh and blood. profaning the body and blood of the the way it was meant to be. After Satan
That is why many turned away and did Lord. is bound and mankind repents of
not walk with Him after that. In reality, breaking God’s laws, spiritual
His saying was symbolic of the bread "Let a man examine himself, and so understanding will be opened to
and wine that he would introduce to His eat of the bread and drink of the everyone. Notice:
twelve disciples (apostles) at His final cup. For any one who eats and drinks
Passover before He suffered. without discerning the body eats and "And in this mountain the LORD of
drinks judgment upon himself. That is hosts will make for all people a feast
Then, what was He saying to His why many of you are weak and ill, and of choice pieces, a feast of wines on
disciples who could hear and some have died. But if we judged the lees, of fat things full of
understand? That, in order to have ourselves truly, we should not be marrow, of well-refined wines on the
eternal life, one must observe the judged. But when we are judged by lees. And He will destroy on this
Passover annually and take the symbols the Lord, we are chastened so that mountain the surface of the covering
of bread and wine which represent we may not be condemned along with cast over all people, and the veil
Jesus’ body and blood. The annual the world. So then, my brethren, [Satan’s deception] that is spread over
observance of the Passover is the true when you come together to eat, wait all nations.
Christian’s renewal of His baptismal for one another-- if any one is
contract. Unless one is called to hungry, let him eat at home-- lest "He will swallow up death forever, and
salvation and observes the Passover, he you come together to be condemned. the Lord GOD will wipe away tears
has no eternal life dwelling in him/her. About the other things I will give from all faces; the rebuke of His
Jesus Christ gave His body and blood in directions when I come." (1Corinthians people he will take away from all the
a great sacrifice to cover the sins of 11:23-34, RSV) earth; for the LORD has spoken. And
humanity. Thus, with the observance of it will be said in that day: "Behold,
the "Pass-over", God "passes over" our The observance of the Passover occurs this is our God; we have waited for
sins because they are covered by the in the Spring of the year (the 14th day Him, and He will save us. This is the
sacrifice and blood of Christ. Notice of the first sacred month which in LORD; we have waited for Him; we
what Paul said: Hebrew is called Abib or Nisan) and is will be glad and rejoice in His
the beginning of God’s master plan of salvation." (Isaiah 25:6-9, NKJV)
"For I received from the Lord what I salvation for man. God’s master plan is Written by: Rick / Eileen Beltz/
also delivered to you, that the Lord outlined in the keeping of the seven Biblestudy.org
Jesus on the night when he was annual holy days or Biblical festivals of
betrayed took bread, and when he God. These are outlined in the Old
Testament book of Leviticus 23. Unless
How Pearls are Made:
Made: Pearls are a product of pain. When a grain of sand pierces the shell of an oyster, all the otherwise dormant
resources within the tiny oyster respond to the foreign irritant by caring for that sensitive spot. Over time, the sand particle is
covered by healing fluids, and the wound becomes a pearl. That's true for you, too. When hardships invade your life, allow God's
Spirit to shape your response. Don't be bitter. Don't rush ahead of His plan. Rest in Him. Allow Him time to turn that irritation
into an opportunity for your growth – and watch a beautiful pearl emerge from your set of circumstances.
"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let
patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." – James 1:2-4

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 The next time you feel like God can't use you, just remember...

NOAH was a drunk....

ABRAHAM was too old...
ISAAC was a daydreamer...
JACOB was a liar...
LEAH was ugly...
JOSEPH was abused...
MOSES had a stuttering problem...
GIDEON was afraid...
SAMSON had long hair, and was a womanizer!
RAHAB was a prostitute!
JEREMIAH and TIMOTHY were too young...
DAVID had an affair and was a murderer...
ELIJAH was suicidal...
ISAIAH preached naked...
JONAH ran from God...
NAOMI was a widow...
JOB went bankrupt...
JOHN the Baptist ate bugs...
PETER denied Christ...
The Disciples fell asleep while praying...
MARTHA worried about everything...
MARY MAGDALENE was demon possessed...
The SAMARITAN WOMAN was divorced....more
than once!!
ZACCHEUS was too small...
PAUL was too religious...
TIMOTHY had an ulcer.... AND
LAZARUS WAS DEAD!!!! No more excuses now. God's waiting to use your full potential!

Who Are We?

The Mustard Seed Newsletter is published free by The Mustard Seed Evangelistic Association –an affiliated association
committed to the publishing of the Gospel that Jesus Christ preached and as recorded for us in the Holy Scriptures. This goal
is to be within the framework of the Commission set forth to His believers and followers to "go and make disciples of all
nations ... teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20). It is our hope that the Mustard
Seed and its other publications will become a shared-resource and vehicle for our readers to come to know and understand
the Gospel of Jesus Christ—the Kingdom of God. You are invited to join us in this exciting and marvelous work!

"The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown
it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches."
Matthew 13:31-32

For your question and/or comment, email us at mseedwork@yahoo.com/ peopletowin@gmail.com/ Raul deAsis Hipe/Editor

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