Week of Easter - C - 03/27 - 04/02/2016

Week of Easter - C

This is a Three-Year Lectionary based on the Lutheran Book of Worship 3-year Lectionary (for public worship), "Prayers of the Day..." (Propers), p. 13-41, Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis, 1978. It is based, with only minor variations, on the Revised Common Lectionary, used by many denominations, including the Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, and Methodist churches:

http://www.commontexts.org/

and:

http://www.commontexts.org/rcl/usage.html

The daily readings are the Propers (Lections) for the following Sunday, so that the daily devotions can prepare us for worship. Additional Lections are from Common Service Book of the Lutheran Church, "Scripture lessons for Matins and Vespers," United Lutheran Church of America, General Rubrics VIII. Scripture lessons for Matins and Vespers, p. 299 - 304, Philadelphia, 1918.

The previous 2- year Bible Study based on the Lutheran Book of Worship, Daily Lectionary for personal devotions p.179-192, Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis, 1978, is available at:

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To get the most from these studies, it is suggested that you first read the scripture texts for the entry, and then the paraphrase and commentary. It is also recommended that you look up the scripture references, unless you recognize and recall them from memory.

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Podcast Download: Week of Easter - C 
Sunday Easter - C 
First posted  04/04/2010;
Podcast: Sunday Easter - C 

Exodus 15:1-11 – Song of Moses;
Psalm 118:1-2, 15-24 – The Right Hand of the Lord;
1 Corinthians 15:1-11 – Paul's Gospel;
Luke 24:1-11 – The First Easter;
or John 20:1-9 (10-18) – The Resurrection;

Exodus Background:

The Song of Moses begins by quoting the Song of Miriam (Exodus 15:21), one of the oldest poetic texts in the Bible, and which is attributed to Moses' sister, Miriam. It is believed to have been composed by an eyewitness of the crossing of the Red Sea.

Exodus 15:1-11 Paraphrase:

Moses and the people celebrated unto the Lord, declaring the Lord's glorious triumph over the Egyptians. The Lord had cast horse and rider (or chariot) into the sea. The Lord is the strength and song of Israel and has become their salvation. He is the God of Israel and of their forefathers; they will praise and exalt him. The Lord is a great warrior and his name is the Lord.

Pharaoh's army and his chariots have been cast into the Red Sea and sunk. They are covered by the flood; they sank like a stone. The right hand of the Lord is glorious in power; his right hand shatters the enemy. By God's great majesty he overthrows his adversaries; his anger goes forth and they are consumed like stubble. By the breath of his nostrils the waters were heaped up and the depths were congealed.

The enemy decided to pursue Israel through the sea, thinking that they would overtake Israel, plunder them, and destroy them by the sword. Then the Lord blew with his wind, and the waters returned and covered the Egyptian army; they sank like lead. “Who is like thee, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like thee, majestic in holiness, terrible in glorious deeds, doing wonders (Exodus 15:11)?

Psalm 118:1-2, 15-24 Paraphrase:

Let us give thanks to the Lord for his goodness; his steadfast love is eternal. Let Israel (God's people; the Church) declare that the Lord's love is steadfast and eternal.

Listen! Hear glad songs in the houses of the righteous: “The right hand of the Lord does valiantly!” The right hand of the Lord is exalted, the right hand of the Lord does valiantly” (Psalm 118:15)! We shall not die, but live and recount the Lord's deeds. The Lord chastens us strongly, but will not abandon us to eternal death.

The Lord opens to us the gates of righteousness so that we may enter and give him thanks.

“This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter through it” (Psalm 118:20).

Let us give thanks to the Lord for answering our prayer and becoming our salvation. “The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner. This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes (quoted in Matthew 21:42; Acts 4:11; 1 Peter 2:7). This is the day (Sunday; the day of Jesus' resurrection; all of our days) which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24)!

1 Corinthians Background:

Paul had founded the Church at Corinth by his preaching of the Gospel (“Good News”) of Jesus Christ, and he was continuing to disciple the believers by letter from Ephesus (1 Corinthians 16:8). There were some false teachings arising in the congregation and Paul was writing to correct them.

1 Corinthians 15:1-11 Paraphrase:

Remember the key beliefs of the Gospel set forth by Paul, which the Corinthians had received, by which they are firmly established and by which they are saved, if they hold firmly to them. Otherwise their faith would be in vain. Paul had received the Gospel, and was transmitting it faithfully and accurately. Christ died for our sins in agreement with the Bible scriptures. He was buried and arose from physical death on the third day, as the scriptures had said. Then he appeared to over five hundred eyewitnesses, including Cephas (meaning “rock” the Aramaic equivalent of the Greek word “Petros: i. e. Simon Peter), the remainder of the Twelve original Apostles (minus Judas Iscariot, Jesus' betrayer), James the brother (or cousin) of Jesus, and lastly to Paul (Saul of Tarsus; Acts 9:3-6).

Paul felt unworthy to be included among the Apostles because he had formerly persecuted the Church. But he was an Apostle by the grace (unmerited favor; free gift) of God, and he didn't waste the opportunity that grace provided. In fact Paul worked harder at his Apostleship, although it was not by his work but by the grace of God within him. So regardless of who preached the Gospel, the Apostles proclaimed it and so the Corinthian Christians had believed.

Luke Background:

Jesus had been crucified on what became know by the Church as “Good Friday.” He was placed in a tomb before the beginning of the Jewish Sabbath Friday at sundown.

Luke 24:1-11Paraphrase:

On the first day of the week (Sunday; after the Jewish Sabbath, which ended at sundown on Saturday), the women who had come with Jesus from Galilee (Luke 23:55; Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and the other Mary, the mother of James and Salome and wife of Clopas, and other women; Matthew 28:1; Mark 16:1; Luke 24:10) went to the tomb at the first light of dawn, taking the burial spices they had prepared (Luke 23:56). They found that the stone sealing the door of the tomb had been rolled away, and on entering they could not find Jesus' body.

While struggling to understand, two men in radiant apparel appeared beside them. The frightened women bowed their faces to the ground, but the men asked them why they were seeking the living among the dead. They reminded the women that Jesus had told them, before they left Galilee, that he would be delivered into the authority of sinners and crucified, and rise from the dead on the third day. The women remembered this, and they returned from the tomb and told the Eleven (Apostles) and the other followers of Jesus, but the Apostles and followers didn't believe their story because it seemed like nonsense.

John 20:1-9 (10-18) Paraphrase:

Early on the first day of the week (Sunday), Mary Magdalene arrived at the tomb while it was still dark. She saw that the stone sealing the entrance had been rolled aside, so she ran, returning to Simon Peter and “the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved” (John 20:2; John; a device which allows us to see ourselves as Jesus' beloved disciples), and told them that Jesus' body had been removed and that [the women] didn't know where it was.

Peter and the “other” disciple ran toward the tomb, but the “other” disciple ran faster and reached the tomb first. He stooped and looked in and saw the burial cloths lying there, but he did not enter. Then Simon Peter arrived and went right into the tomb. Peter saw the burial shroud lying there and the “napkin,” used as a burial face covering, rolled up by itself. Then the “other” disciple entered the tomb and saw and believed, because until then they hadn't understood the scripture that Jesus must rise from the dead. Then the two returned to the place where they were staying.

But Mary stayed outside the tomb, weeping. Stooping to look into the tomb, she saw two angels in white, sitting where Jesus' body had lain, one at head, and one at feet. They asked Mary why she was weeping and she told them that the body of her Lord had been removed and she didn't know what had happened to it.

As she said this she turned around and saw Jesus standing nearby, but didn't recognize him. He asked why she was weeping and whom she sought. She supposed that he was the gardener and asked him what had become of Jesus' body, so she could take care of it. Jesus addressed her by name, and she replied in recognition: “Rabboni!” (Rabbi; “Teacher”). Jesus asked her not to hold him, because he had not yet ascended to God the Father. He told Mary to tell his disciples that he was ascending to God his Father and their God and Father. Mary returned to the disciples and told them that she had seen the [risen] Lord, and she told them all these things.

Commentary:

This history of God's dealing with Israel is also deliberately intended by God to be a parable, a metaphor, for life in this world. We are all in slavery to sin and death in the “Egypt” of this world. Satan is the “Pharaoh,” the present ruler of this age. Jesus is the “New Moses,” who leads us out of “Egypt” through the “Sea” of Baptism into Jesus Christ, which separates us from our spiritual enemies, through the wilderness of this present lifetime by the Holy Spirit which is the “Pillar of Cloud and Fire” (Exodus 13:21-22). Jesus is the “New Joshua” ("Jesus" is the Greek equivalent of “Joshua,” or “Jeshua”) who leads us through the “River” of physical death without getting our feet wet (Joshua 3:14-17; physical death will have no effect upon us), and into the eternal Promised Land of God's kingdom restored to paradise in Heaven.

Jesus is the right hand of the Lord, who has defeated our spiritual enemies and has won the victory for us (Exodus 15:6, 12; Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 118:15-16; compare Matthew 22:44; 26:64; 1 Peter 3:22). As the result, we will not die eternally, but will live in his heavenly kingdom, where we will delight in recounting the great deeds the Lord has done for us. Indeed, for those who have come to experience those deeds personally, it is a delight to recount them now.

Jesus is the door to eternal life and fellowship with God our Creator in his heavenly kingdom (John 10:7-9). Jesus is the only way to know divine, eternal truth, the only way to be restored to fellowship with God which was broken by sin, the only way to have true, eternal life in Heaven with the Lord (John 14:6). 

Jesus is the gate of righteousness. It is his righteousness which is attributed to us by faith (obedient trust; see Romans 3:22; Galatians 5:5; Philippians 3:8-9) in Jesus, which makes it possible to enter into God's righteousness in Heaven.

Jesus is the cornerstone which was rejected by the Jews, who were commissioned to build God's house, who has become the foundation of God's Church.

Jesus is the only sacrifice acceptable to God for the entire forgiveness of all our sins. Jesus is God's one and only plan for our salvation from eternal condemnation (Acts 4:12). Jesus has been designed into the world from the very beginning (John 1:1-5, 14).

Jesus prophesied his crucifixion, death and resurrection to his disciples at least three times, beginning in Galilee, before it took place (Matthew 16:21; 17:22-23; 20:17-19; 26:2). The Bible has been progressively revealing God's Plan of Salvation (see sidebar, top right, home) from the beginning (Genesis 3:15). All those scriptures were fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Jesus' miracles of resurrection from physical death (The son of the widow of Nain: Luke 7:11-15; Lazarus: John 11:38-44; Jairus' daughter: Luke 8:41-56) and Jesus' own resurrection from physical death are intended to show that there is existence beyond physical death and that Jesus has the power to raise us from physical death to eternal life. Jesus reveals himself to those who believe. “Born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) disciples personally experience the risen and ascended Jesus by the presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit within us, and so testify to his resurrection.

Only Jesus gives the “baptism” (gift; anointing) of the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16). It is impossible for one to be “born-again” and not personally know it with certainty for oneself (Acts 19:2).

Paul (Saul of Tarsus) was deliberately intended by God to replace Judas Iscariot, Jesus' betrayer. Jesus had told the Eleven to stay in Jerusalem until they had received the indwelling Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5, 8; 2:1-13). Instead, while they waited they decided to choose Judas' replacement, without the guidance of the Holy Spirit, which they had not yet received. They chose Matthias, who is never heard of again in the New Testament (Acts 1:15-26). In contrast, after Paul was “born-again” most of the rest of the New Testament is by or about Paul's ministry.

Paul was deliberately intended by God to be the prototype and example of a “modern, post-resurrection, born-again (John 3:3, 5-8) disciple and apostle” of Jesus Christ, as we all can and should become. Paul was confronted by the Holy Spirit of the risen and ascended Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3), accepted Jesus' rebuke and accepted Jesus as his Lord (Acts 9:5). He became obedient to Jesus (Acts 9:6-8), repented of his sins (Acts 9:9), was discipled by a “born-again” disciple, Ananias (Acts 9:10-17), was filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17-18, and then began to proclaim the Gospel (Acts 9:20-22). Paul began to make “born-again” disciples (in fulfillment of Christ's Great Commission to his disciples (Matthew 28:19-20), and to teach them to repeat the process (2 Timothy 1:6-7; 2:2).

We can hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but unless we act in faith (obedient trust) upon it, it will be of no benefit to us. If we believe in Jesus we will do what he teaches (Matthew 7:21-27; Luke 6:46). We will seek to know Jesus' teachings and to apply them in our daily lives, one day at a time. Paul recognized that he was an Apostle only by God's grace, but he didn't waste the opportunity by hesitating to act.

John outran Peter to the tomb, but John hesitated at the entrance. Peter was always impulsive. Peter didn't get there first, but he didn't hesitate once he arrived. So he experienced the reality of the resurrection before John.

Jesus had told his disciples in advance that he would rise from the dead. His disciples had witnessed Jesus' miracles of resurrection, and still they couldn't understand how what Jesus said could be true. Jesus' prophecy hadn't been remembered because it hadn't been understood and believed, and even when they witnessed it they couldn't remember the prophecy, until the risen Jesus revealed himself to them.

We've heard the Gospel: that the scriptures regarding Jesus' crucifixion, death and resurrection were fulfilled; that Jesus died and arose again from physical death; that he reveals himself to his followers. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and begin to follow his teachings he will reveal himself to us personally and individually and we will come to know from direct personal experience that he is risen and is eternally alive.

Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

Monday Easter - C 
First posted 04/05/2010;
Podcast: Monday Easter - C 

Psalm 149 – Festival Celebration;

Paraphrase:

Let us praise the Lord! Let us sing a new song to him and praise him in the gathering of his saints (those who are committed to serving the Lord). Let us rejoice in our Maker, O Israel (the people of God; Christians) and rejoice in our King, O Zion (the Church). Let us praise his name with dancing and music-making with tambourine and harp. The people of the Lord are his delight; he gives victory to the humble. Let his saints rejoice in glory; let them sing for joy on their couches. Let there be great praises of God in their throats, and and two-edged swords in their hands, to execute vengeance upon the nations (Gentiles) and chastisement on the peoples. God's people are called to bind the kings of earth with iron chains, and restrain the rich and powerful with bars of iron. To execute the written judgment upon them is our glorious honor. Let us glorify the Lord!

Commentary:

Christians are by definition disciples of Jesus (Acts 11:26c), who have been “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) by the gift ("baptism;" "anointing") of the indwelling Holy Spirit which only Jesus gives (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). When believers have been filled with the Holy Spirit, they will have a new song of praise to the Lord within the congregation of other “born-again” Christians. It is only by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that we can truly praise and glorify the Lord (1 Corinthians 12:3).

Particularly in America and in other countries where citizens have the opportunity to influence government, business and the economy, Christians have the responsibility to oppose the exploitation and oppression of the weak and helpless by the rich and powerful. For the past ten years the U.S. Government has deregulated industry and the economy and allowed a few rich and powerful people to rape and plunder America and its citizens. Those regulations were set up in the wake of the first era of the Robber Barons, and the first Great Depression, to prevent just such abuse. Trillions of economic assets have been stolen, apparently with no hope of recovery, leaving America in shambles.

America no longer has a Christian majority. Every “religion” in America today is encouraged, but Christianity is opposed and suppressed.

But the Lord is the ultimate mighty warrior who gives victory to the humble. A Christian minority, by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit can accomplish what is impossible in a worldly sense. God's purpose cannot be accomplished by human resources, but only by the guidance and empowerment of the indwelling Holy Spirit (Zechariah 4:6).

The Christian Church is to be a disciple-making organization, following the example of Jesus, and the example of Paul (Saul of Tarsus; 2 Timothy 1:6-7; 2:2). The Church is called to baptize believers with water to spiritually cleanse and prepare them to receive the Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, following the example of John the Baptizer. The Church is called to disciple new believers within the Church (the New Jerusalem; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5, 8) until they have been spiritually “born-again” (“born-anew;” “baptized” with the Holy Spirit; Acts 2:1-13), and only then to send them out into the world to proclaim the Word of God, following the example of Ananias (Acts 9:10-17) and Paul.

How are we doing, Church? I assert that the (nominal) Church, at least in America, has settled for making members and building buildings instead of making disciples and building the kingdom of God. If the Church does not make “born-again” disciples of Jesus Christ there will be no “born-again” disciples to lead the Church. It takes “born-again” disciples to make “born-again” disciples. If an “unregenerate” (un-born-again) knew how to be “born-again” he would not be unregenerate.

Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

Tuesday Easter - C 
First posted 04/06/2010;
Podcast: Tuesday Easter - C 

Acts 5:12, 17-32 – Second Arrest of Apostles;

Paraphrase:

The Apostles (messengers; of the Gospel; the original eleven remaining disciples) were doing many powerful miracles and signs, and they were in Solomon's Portico, probably on the east side of the temple.

But the high priest and the Jewish authorities, particularly the Sadducees were jealous, so they arrested the apostles and put them in prison. But during the night the angel (Spirit) of the Lord opened the prison doors and released them, telling them to go and stand in the temple and testify to the people the true eternal life of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. So the Apostles entered the temple at daybreak and taught.

The high priest called the Sanhedrin (the religious Supreme Court of Israel) and they sent to the prison to have the Apostles summoned, but the Apostles were not there. The officers of the Sanhedrin reported that the cells were securely locked and that there were sentries at the doors but that there were no Apostles inside. This report perplexed the chief priests and the temple guard, and they wondered where this would lead. Someone came and reported that the Apostles were in the temple, teaching the people. So the Captain of the temple police went and brought them to the Sanhedrin, but without violence, because they were afraid of the reaction of the common people.

When the Apostles arrived, the high priest questioned them, accusing them of having disobeyed the ruling of the Sanhedrin to not teach in the name of Jesus, and yet the Apostles seemed determined to make the Jews guilty of Jesus' blood. Peter replied, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him” (Acts 5:29b-32).

Commentary:

The disciples of Jesus Christ had been “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8), guided, and empowered by the “baptism” of the indwelling Holy Spirit which only Jesus gives (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The religious establishment felt threatened by their power and authority, and tried to forbid them from proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ and doing signs and wonders.

That same situation exists in the nominal Church today, at least in America. In many instances the nominal Church has failed to make “born-again” disciples, and has chosen leaders from its “unregenerate” membership. The denominational establishment controls who can teach, according to their denominational doctrines, rather than the Apostolic (as taught by the Apostles) Biblical  doctrines (recorded in the New Testament scriptures.

Christians are disciples of Jesus Christ (Acts 11:26c) who have been “born-again” by the “baptism” (gift) of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16). It is not possible to have been “born-again” and not know it with certainty for oneself.

Denominations that assure their members that they are “born-again” by water baptism by the Church are actually doing spiritual damage to their members by discouraging them from seeking spiritual rebirth. The situation reminds me of the folktale of The Emperor's New Clothes. Not only are the leaders strutting around spiritually stark naked thinking they are fully clothed, but so are their members.

“Born-again” Christian disciples must be guided and empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit. We must obey God rather than men. It is important to seek God's guidance through reading his Word, the Bible, daily, with prayer and meditation. If we seek his will with the commitment to doing it, he will reveal it to us. When we receive his Word we should pray it back, to make sure that we have correctly understood. Remember that the Lord will never ask us to do anything that will harm ourselves or others, or anything that is contrary to the Bible scriptures.

“Born-again” Christians testify to what we have personally experienced and come to know, and the Holy Spirit within us confirms that testimony within us.

Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

Wednesday Easter - C 
First posted 04/07/2010;
Podcast: Wednesday Easter - C 

Revelation 1:4-18 – John's Initial Vision;

Background:

The Apostle John had been banished to the tiny island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea by Roman Emperor Domitian toward the end of his reign. Domitian reigned from 81 to 96 A.D.. The revelation is a series of visions given to John by the Holy Spirit (“angel;” compare Acts 12:13-16) of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:1), described symbolically. John was writing this letter to the seven churches in the Roman province of Asia (western Asia Minor). He combined the customary Greek and Hebrew salutations, but John was conveying the grace and peace which are only possible through Jesus Christ.

Revelation 1:4-18 Paraphrase:

From John to the seven churches in Asia from he (God; Exodus 3:14), who is, who was and is to come (John 1:1-3, 14), and from the seven angels (or the completeness of the energies of the Holy Spirit) before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the perfectly faithful witness [testifying to the Gospel of forgiveness of sin (disobedience of God's Word; Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8-10), restoration of fellowship with God the Father which was broken by sin, and salvation from eternal death, which is the penalty for sin (Romans 6:23)]. Jesus is the first-born of the dead and the ruler of worldly kings.

To Jesus, who loves us and has given his life's blood as a sacrifice on the cross to save us from the consequences of our sin, be eternal glory and dominion. Amen (yes; so be it)! Watch! Jesus is going to return with the clouds (compare Acts 1:9-11). Everyone who has ever lived will see him come. Everyone who has ever lived is guilty of crucifying Jesus because we have all sinned and made his sacrifice on the cross necessary for our forgiveness and salvation. Every nation and people on earth will mourn on Jesus' account. Even so: Amen!

The Lord God declares that he is the beginning and end of all things. He has always been, he is now, and he eternally will be. He is the Almighty!

All believers must endure persecution for the Gospel of Jesus Christ with patient endurance, as John is an example. John was banished to the isle of Patmos for proclaiming the Word of God and his testimony to Jesus Christ. On the Lord's Day (Sunday; the day of Jesus' resurrection) he was experiencing the full anointing of the Holy Spirit, and he heard a voice behind  [or within] him, as loud as a trumpet-blast (compare 1 Samuel 3:1-14). The voice told John to record his vision in a book to be sent to the seven churches in Asia, to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.

John turned toward the voice and saw a vision of seven lampstands of gold, and in their midst “one like a son of man” (compare Daniel 7:13; Matthew 9:6; 16:13-15). His royalty, eternity, wisdom and immutability are described symbolically. Jesus holds in his hand the angels assigned to the seven churches of Asia, and Jesus' word is the Word of God (John 14:8-10, 24), with the creative force of God's Word (Mark 4:39-41), a sharp two-edged sword (compare Hebrews 4:12). Jesus' face glows with the knowledge of God (II Corinthians 4:6; Exodus 34:29-35; Moses is deliberately intended by God to be a forerunner and illustration of Christ).

John fainted with fear when he saw the vision, but Jesus touched him and told him not to be afraid. Jesus said to him that Jesus was the first and last (Alpha and Omega; the equivalent of “A” and “Z” in the Greek alphabet; compare Revelation 1:8). Jesus is the “living one” (he lived in human flesh in this world, died physically and was raised to live eternally. Every truly “born-again” disciple of Jesus Christ personally testifies that Jesus has arisen from physical death and is eternally alive).

Jesus has the one and only key which can release us from eternal death and destruction in Hell. He commanded John to write down what he had seen which existed then and which would occur thereafter. The seven lampstands represent the seven churches of Asia, and the seven stars represent the seven angels assigned to the seven churches.

Commentary:

The number “seven” is symbolic of completeness. The seven churches of Asia Minor (present-day western Turkey) are representative of all the various conditions within the nominal Church today (Revelation 2:1-3:22). Every denomination and every congregation is one of the seven types.

God is the one who is the “I AM,” the one who is, who has always been, and who always will be (Exodus 3:14). God is the beginning and end of all things. He is the Creator and the final judge (Revelation 1:8).

Jesus is the fullness of God in human form (Colossians 2:8-9), but he was also fully human. Jesus truly is also the first and last of all things (Revelation1:17; John 1:1-3, 14). Those who have “seen” (experienced) Jesus have “seen” God the Father. When Jesus reveals himself to us (John 14:21) he reveals God the Father (John 14:8-11; 23-24).

Jesus usually identified himself as the Son of man, which is true, because he was fully God (Colossians 2:8-9) and also fully human (Philippians 2:8). He was born of a human woman, Mary, by the creative power of God the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20-21; Luke 1:31-35). The Lord wants us to be free to decide for ourselves whether to believe, trust and obey Jesus or not. Calling himself the Son of man allows us to decide whether he is also the Son of God, with a hint from Daniel 7:13-14 (Matthew 16:13-17).

Who do you say that Jesus is? Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

Thursday Easter - C 
First posted 04/08/2010;
Podcast: Thursday Easter - C 


Matthew 28:1-15 -- The First Easter;

Paraphrase:

After the Jewish Sabbath (from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown), early on the first day of the week, Sunday (which came to be the Lord's Day, the day of Christ's resurrection), Mary Magdalene and the “other” Mary, Mary, the sister of Jesus' mother, wife of Clopas (or Cleopas) and mother of “little” James, went to the tomb to prepare Jesus' body for entombment. There was a great earthquake; an angel of the Lord had descended from Heaven and had rolled away the stone sealing the tomb, and was sitting upon it. His appearance was as bright as lightening, and his clothing was supernaturally whiter than snow.

The Jewish religious leaders had asked Pilate to post guards and seal the tomb, in order to prevent the disciples from faking Jesus' resurrection (Matthew 27:62-66). The posted guards were so frightened by the appearance of the angel that they were paralyzed by fear. But the angel reassured the women not to be afraid. The angel said he knew they sought Jesus, but that Jesus was not there. Jesus had risen as he had said. The angel told them to look at the place where Jesus had been laid, to assure them that Jesus was no longer in the tomb, and then they were  to go and tell the other disciples that Jesus had risen from the dead. The angel said that they would see him in Galilee as Jesus had told them. The angel had completed his message.

So the women quickly left the tomb with fear and also great joy, running to tell the disciples. Jesus came to them and greeted them, saying, “Hello!” They bowed down and took hold of his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus told them not to be afraid and reassured them that they would see him in Galilee.

While the women were returning, the posted guards reported what had happened at the tomb to the Jewish leaders. The Sanhedrin, the Jewish Council of seventy elders, assembled and decided to give money to the soldiers to tell the people that the disciples had stolen Jesus' body during the night, while the guards were sleeping. The Jewish authorities promised to protect the guards from punishment if this story came to the attention of the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. So the soldiers took the bribe and spread the story among the Jews, where it was well-known at the time of the writing of the Gospel of Matthew (probably in the last third of the first century).

Commentary:

Jesus was crucified on “Good” Friday, the day his body was offered as the one and only sacrifice acceptable to God for our salvation from sin and eternal death (see God's Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right, home). As sundown and the beginning of Sabbath approached, Jesus had already died but the two criminals crucified with him had their legs broken to hasten their death so as not to violate the Sabbath laws (John 19:31-37). Jesus was laid in the tomb during the Sabbath, and the women returned on Sunday morning to prepare his body for entombment.

The angel's body and clothing glowed supernaturally with heavenly glory, as had Jesus, Moses and Elijah on the mountain of transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-3). The angel spoke reassurance to the women but apparently not to the guards.

Jesus had told his disciples at least three times that he would rise on the third day after his crucifixion (Matthew 16:21; 17:22-23; 20:17-19). But his disciples didn't remember Jesus' saying, because they hadn't understood and accepted it (Luke 18:31-34). Jesus had told them that they would see him again  in Galilee after his resurrection (Matthew 26:32; John 21:1-14).

The Jewish leaders first tried to prevent the disciples from faking Jesus' resurrection by posting guards, and when the guards did not prevent Jesus' resurrection, they bribed the guards to say that the disciples had faked Jesus' resurrection. The disciples had actually forgotten Jesus' prophecy of his resurrection, and when Jesus wasn't in the tomb on the first Easter, they had to be reminded. They were slow to realize and accept Jesus' resurrection (Matthew 26:31, 56b; , even though they had seen Jesus raise the son of the widow of Nain (Luke 7:11-15), Lazarus (John 11:38-44), and Jairus' daughter (Matthew  9:18, 23-26).

The secular world has been trying to deny Jesus' death and resurrection ever since. Even some theologians and nominal Churches deny this today, and  have done so since the Church began on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13). Some have said that Jesus wasn't really dead; that he was unconscious and revived in the cool tomb. Some modern theologians say that it is not necessary for Jesus to have actually risen from the dead. These and other heresies regarding the resurrection were present in the early Church and are refuted by the original Apostles, including Paul, in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 1:15-28).

Jesus' resurrection was eye-witnessed by over five hundred people (1 Corinthians 15:6), and is personally witnessed and testified to by every truly “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) Christian. Satan, the present earthly ruler, attempted, by those under his influence, to destroy God's anointed eternal Savior and King, but was defeated at Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.

The only way to guard against heresy and false teaching is to read the entire Bible for oneself. The Bible is the standard by which all doctrine must be judged. The New Testament is the record of the Biblical (as recorded in the Bible) Apostolic (as learned by the original Apostles including Paul, directly from Jesus, and taught by them in the first century Church) Doctrine. It is sufficient to read it once in entirety, and then to read a portion daily, such as with this lectionary. Any average reader can easily read it in entirety in one year (or less). Then a believer must begin to apply it one day at a time. As a believer applies the Bible to his everyday life, he will be “born-again” (John 14:15-17), and the Holy Spirit (angel of God; Revelation 1:1; Acts 12:13-15) within him will bring to his remembrance all that Jesus teaches (John 14:25-26).

Only Jesus baptizes with (gives the gift of) the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34), only his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16). It is impossible to be spiritually “born-again” and not know it personally for oneself (Acts 19:2).

Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

Friday Easter - C 
First posted 04/09/2010;
Podcast: Friday Easter - C 

1 John 5:4-12 – Christian Faith and Assurance;

Paraphrase:

Whatever [any one who] is born of God overcomes the world. Our faith gives us the victory that overcomes the world. Faith that Jesus is the Son of God is how we overcome the world.

Jesus comes by water and blood, not by water alone; and the Spirit is the witness to this, because he is the Spirit of Truth (John 14:16-17). There are three witnesses to Jesus as the Son of God: the water of Jesus' baptism, the blood of Jesus shed on the cross, and the Holy Spirit. If we believe the testimony of humans, God's testimony is greater, for by the Spirit, water and blood are the testimony God has born witness to his Son. Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony within themselves. Those who do not believe God's testimony to his Son are calling God a liar. “And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his son. He who has the Son has life; he who has not the Son of God has not life” (1 John 5:11-12).

Commentary:

Those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God have overcome slavery to sin and death in this world, through spiritual rebirth to eternal life in God's eternal kingdom which begins now, in this world. Jesus says that one must be “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) in order to see the kingdom of God that is all around us now, and to see and enter it ultimately in eternity.

I believe that the meaning and purpose of life in this world is to seek and find fellowship with God our Creator (Acts 17:26-27), and this is only possible through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ. Only Jesus gives the gift of (baptizes with) the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34), only his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16). It is impossible to be filled with the indwelling Holy Spirit and not know it personally with certainty (Acts 19:2).

At Jesus' baptism by John the Baptizer, John testified that God had given John the role of revealing the Messiah, and God had given him a sign confirming that Jesus was the one: the Holy Spirit descending upon Jesus in the form of a dove (John 1:31-34). The other Evangelists (Matthew, Mark and Luke) testify that Jesus' baptism was accompanied by the voice of God from Heaven declaring that Jesus was God's well-pleasing and beloved Son (Matthew 3:16-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:22).

At the moment of Jesus' death there were disturbances of nature that convinced even a Centurion guard at the cross that Jesus was the Son of God (Matthew 27:54; Mark 15:39; Luke 23:44-48).

Our water-baptism cleanses us spiritually and makes it possible for us to receive the gift (“baptism”) of the indwelling Holy Spirit within us, but the Holy Spirit is not automatically conferred by water baptism or some other church ritual. We must claim the promise for ourselves by beginning to trust and obey Jesus' teachings (John 1:11-12).

The Exodus, wilderness wandering, and ultimate entry into the Promised Land is the great metaphor of God's redeeming work for his people in Jesus Christ, our “Moses” who leads us out of slavery to sin and death in the “Egypt” of this present world. Passing through the Red Sea is the metaphor for baptism into Jesus Christ, which separates us from our spiritual enemies. The Holy Spirit is the pillar of cloud and fire (Exodus 13:21-22) that leads us through the “wilderness” and spiritual darkness of this lifetime. Jesus is our “Joshua” (Joshua, or Jeshua, is the Hebrew name for Jesus, which is the Greek equivalent) who leads us through the “river” of physical death and into eternal life in the  “Promised Land” of God's eternal heavenly kingdom.

Christian baptism makes it possible for us to be filled, guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit as we begin to trust and obey Jesus. God wants our commitment to obedient trust in Jesus before giving us the Holy Spirit. Premature spiritual rebirth would be a disaster, because if one then turns away, one can no longer be restored (Hebrews 6:4-6).

On the eve of Jesus' crucifixion, Jesus instituted the New Covenant of Grace, which is received through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9; see God's Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right, home) at his “Last Supper” celebration of Passover, which became the “New Passover” celebration of the Lord's Supper (Holy Communion; Eucharist). The New Passover marks us with the blood of Jesus Christ, the New Passover Lamb, whose flesh provides the feast, and whose blood marks us to be passed-over by the destroying angel when the enemies of God and his people are destroyed on the Day of Judgment.

Jews were strictly forbidden to consume blood, or meat which had not been bled (Leviticus 3:17). Blood was believed to contain the spirit of the animal. God doesn't want us to be filled with the spirit of animals but by the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Jesus, the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9).

Jesus declared that the elements of Holy Communion, the bread and wine, were his flesh and blood. He didn't say they were merely symbols. Jesus' word is the Word of God (John 14:10, 24), with the creative force of God's Word (Mark 4:39-41; Genesis 1:3, 9). When we trust and obey Jesus' teachings in our daily lives we receive the promises of his words when we “take, eat... drink of it, all of you...” (in the words of the institution of the Last Supper; Matthew 26:26-28).

This doesn't mean that anyone who partakes of the elements of Holy Communion receives the Spirit of Jesus. Those who do not receive the elements in a worthy manner -in faith (obedient trust)- are eating and drinking condemnation upon themselves, because they have not believed (1 Corinthians 11:29).

Faith is not wishing on a star; it is not getting whatever one believes if one believes "hard enough." Faith is acting in obedient trust upon what one believes.

When we have been baptized, have believed (trusted and obeyed) Jesus, have received Jesus' flesh and blood in the New Passover meal which seals the New Covenant, and have received the “baptism” of the indwelling Holy Spirit, we have the testimony of God within us that Jesus is the Messiah, and that we are in Christ and have eternal life (see 1 John 5:13).

Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?

Saturday Easter - C 
First posted 04/10/2010;
Podcast: Saturday Easter - C

John 20:19-31 – Jesus Appears to His Disciples;

Paraphrase:

On Sunday evening, the first Easter, the disciples were in the upper room (where they had celebrated the Last Supper with Jesus) and they had locked the doors because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities. Jesus appeared and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19c). Jesus told them that as God the Father had sent Jesus, so Jesus was sending them. Then, breathing on them he told them to receive the Holy Spirit. He said that they had the power to forgive or to retain sins upon anyone.

Thomas, known as the Twin, one of the original Twelve disciples wasn't present. When the other disciples told him that they had seen the Lord, Thomas replied that unless he saw and touched the nail-prints in Jesus hands and placed his hand on Jesus' side, (where Jesus had been pierced by a Roman spear; John 19:34), Thomas would not believe.

The disciples were gathered in the upper room eight days later and Thomas was among them. The door was locked, but Jesus appeared among them and again offered them his peace. Then he told Thomas to touch the nail- and spear-wounds in Jesus' body, so that Thomas would not be faithless but believing. Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28)! Jesus said that Thomas had needed to see in order to believe, but more blessed would be those who believed without having to see. “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, and that believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:30-31).

Commentary:

The disciples had been told by the women that Jesus had risen but the Eleven remaining original disciples had not yet believed the women's testimony (Luke 24:9-11). They were afraid that the Jewish authorities might arrest and crucify them next, so they were hiding behind locked doors. Jesus came and appeared among them despite the locked doors.

We are all sinners (have disobeyed God's Word; Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8-10), and have been separated (Romans 6:23; separation from God is eternal death) from fellowship with God because of sin. Through Jesus' sacrifice we are forgiven and restored to fellowship with God by faith (obedient trust) in Jesus, by the gift (“baptism”) of the indwelling Holy Spirit which only Jesus gives (John 1:31-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17; see God's Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right, home).

Jesus had been sent to preach the Gospel (“Good News”) of reconciliation with God; to bring spiritual healing, feeding and life to the spiritually dead. He chose Twelve disciples who he trained by word and example to carry on his ministry of reconciliation, and commanded them to preach the Gospel to all nations and make “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) disciples, teaching them to trust and obey Jesus' teachings (Matthew 28:19-20). But the disciples were to stay in Jerusalem until they had received the “baptism” of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-5, 8). The “baptism” of the Holy Spirit was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost, the “birthday” of the Church (Acts 2:1-13).

One of the Twelve, Judas Iscariot, betrayed Jesus and then committed suicide. Paul (Saul of Tarsus) was specifically intended by God to be Judas' replacement, and the prototype and illustration of a "modern, post-resurrection, 'born-again' disciple and apostle (messenger of the Gospel) of Jesus Christ" (Acts 9:1-20). Paul was carrying out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), making “born-again” disciples of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 1:6-7) and teaching them to repeat the process (2 Timothy 2:2).

At the Day of Pentecost and the outpouring of the indwelling Holy Spirit, the formerly fearful Eleven became bold and fearless in proclaiming the Gospel. For example, Peter had denied knowing Jesus three times, even to the menial servant of the high priest, on the night of Jesus' betrayal (Luke 22:54-62). On the Day of Pentecost Peter, guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit, gave a powerful proclamation of the Gospel with great boldness to a large crowd (Acts 2:14-36).

Jesus gave his Apostles the power to forgive or retain sins. Apostles are “born-again” disciples who are carrying out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). The Church is led by Apostles, and they have the responsibility to forgive or retain sins. Members of the Church who refuse to repent of sin are to be excommunicated, in the hope that they will come to repentance and restoration (1 Corinthians 5:1-5). Allowing them to continue in Church membership is not doing them any favor; it implies Church forgiveness and approval.

In Samaria a magician called Simon saw the disciples bestow the “baptism” of the Holy Spirit with the laying on of their hands, and he offered money to receive the power to confer the Holy Spirit and Peter cursed Simon and his money. At Peter's rebuke Simon repented and asked that Peter pray for Simon's forgiveness (Acts 8:9-24).

In Jerusalem, the Church practiced a communal lifestyle (Acts 4:32-37), which became necessary because of the persecution of Christians which would soon arise with the death of Stephen (Acts 7:54-8:1). Two members of the Church in Jerusalem were Ananias and his wife, Sapphira. With the knowledge of his wife, Ananias sold a piece of property, but kept back a portion of the proceeds for themselves. Peter rebuked them, saying that they were not obligated to sell the property, and after it was sold they were not obligated to contribute the full amount. But they lied to the Holy Spirit (and to the Church), claiming to be generous in contributing the full amount. Their sin was against God. At Peter's rebuke Ananias fell down and died (Acts 5:1-6).

Sapphira was not present when Ananias died, but came in about three hours later. Peter asked her the amount of the proceeds of the sale and she stated the amount she and her husband had agreed to claim as the amount of proceeds and contribution. Peter then rebuked her for conspiring with her husband to lie to the Spirit, and told her that her husband had been struck down and died, and that the same fate awaited her. Immediately she also fell down and died Acts 5:7-11).

In too many instances the nominal Church today doesn't rebuke sin and excommunicate members. I don't believe that homosexuals should be allowed Church membership unless they are not practicing the homosexual lifestyle. Some denominations are even ordaining openly homosexual leaders, which is a terrible perversion of God's Word and the authority and responsibility of the Church. Jesus taught guidelines for applying Church discipline (Matthew 18:15-18).

Jesus knew what Thomas had said, and he showed Thomas his hands and side so that Thomas could believe. The disciples had been eyewitnesses to Jesus' miracles, and had seen Jesus raise the dead (son of the widow of Nain: Luke 7:11-15; Lazarus: John 11:38-44; Jairus' daughter: Luke 8:41-2, 49-56). But Thomas needed to see in order to believe that Jesus had risen from the dead.

When Thomas believed Jesus' resurrection, he declared Jesus his Lord and God. When Paul and Barnabas were in Lystra (in Asia Minor; modern-day Turkey) on Paul's first missionary journey, Paul healed a cripple. The people who witnessed the miracle mistook Paul and Barnabas for gods in the likeness of men and prepared to offer animal sacrifices to them. But Paul and Barnabas tore their garments as signs of ritual mourning and told them that Paul and Barnabas were mere men. They then proclaimed to the people the one true living God. Notice that Jesus didn't correct Thomas, because Jesus is the true, living Lord and God (Colossians 2:8-9; John 1:1-3, 14).

We, like Paul, don't have the advantage of having personally witnessing Jesus' ministry during his physical lifetime, but we have the eyewitness accounts in the New Testament. They have been written in order that we can believe and thus receive eternal life through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus. When we believe the Bible and begin to act upon it in our daily lives Jesus will reveal himself to us (John 14:21). He will be present along side us until we have been spiritually “born-again,” and then he will be present within us by the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

As we begin to live according to the guidance and empowerment of the indwelling Holy Spirit we will personally experience miracles for and around us. We will be eyewitnesses to Jesus' resurrection and will testify that Jesus is eternally alive. We will experience and testify to the great things the Lord has done and is doing in our lives (see Personal Testimonies, sidebar, top right, home).

Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?