CAMPFIRE MESSAGES from Pastors & Ministers of ICCAN

Comment

Comment by Don Adkisson on May 16, 2011 at 1:15pm

     "A fence--any way you looked at it--was an obstacle.  It shut you out or it shut you in."

 

     When traveling I like to muse about the way the country looked back in the mid-19th century.  Imagine going through the plains.  There would be tall grass and buffalo, but there would be no plowed fields, no farms, and no fences.  To the original cowboy driving the first herds north he had no dread of fences.  However, as time passed, and more and more settlers arrived fences began to become more frequent.  They would become one of the banes to the trail drive north.

     Despite the hatred of the cowboy in regard to fences, ironically one of the first major operations to use fence was the XIT ranch in the Texas Panhandle.  It was said to have 6000 miles of fence.  One of the main purpose of this fence, and it soon caught on in other areas, was to protect different breeds of cattle.  These were new breeds that were being brought in and the ranchers did not want them to interbreed with the longhorns.  Fences kept cattle out, fences kept cattle in.  It was also the start of range management.

     It was considered a despicable job, riding the fence line.  To that cowboy of the open range it would make the gall rise up in his gizzard.  Over the years this became part of his job--ride the fence line and make repairs.  Today, the cowboy understands the value of riding fence.

     There are many in our society today that cry:  "Tear down the fences!"  These folk are determined to bring an end to protecting modern society.  They speak of deconstruction and are part of the forces that attempt to destroy those things that have form, balance, stability, in other words, those things that are constructed for purpose and reason.  If possible, they would prefer anarchy so they could let their passions run without restraint.  Quiet, subversive and subtle these folk would ruin those fences that were erected to protect.  They would break down doctrine, challenge truth, bring a disclaim against the values that have been to us through sweat, struggle, endurance, and even bloodshed.

     Hmmm, friend, remember one thing before tearing down a fence--find out why it was constructed in the first place.

    

     "Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on the rock.  The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house.  Yet it didn't collpase, because its foundation was on the rock.  But everyone who hears these words of Mine and doesn't act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.  The rain fell, the rivers rose, the winds blew and pounded that house, and it collapsed.  And its collapse was great!"  (Matthew 7:24-27, HCSB)

Comment by Don Adkisson on May 16, 2011 at 1:03pm

Great thoughts from Lynn Walker.  Good way to live life.

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on May 16, 2011 at 6:39am

 

JUST FOR TODAY: Are you going to start your week bending or leaning. Bending is good excercise. Bend your will toward the will of God and Trust Him to guide your every step today. If you do lean today, make sure it's not on your own understanding but on the everlasting arms of the most high God. He is like a strong tower we can run into and find safety. ~Pastor Lynn

 

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on May 15, 2011 at 6:29am

JUST FOR SUNDAY MORNIN': Get up this mornin', be Thankful, get ready to go to church SOMEWHERE!! Aren't you glad that when you resist the Devil that he flees!! And then to top it off, when you draw close to God, HE will draw close to you!! YeeeeeHawwww!!! I've got the Devil on the run and Snuggled up to the Lord this mornin'!! GIVE HIM PRAISE!! Please join me in Praisin' the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, and the name above all names, JESUS!! ~Pastor Lynn

Comment by Don Adkisson on May 14, 2011 at 2:02pm

"If we couldn't control the disasters that the world inflicted upon us, we could control the discipline and dignity with which we faced those disasters."
-David Morrell
"The lesson of the West has been to endure, not to shirk--to face an issue, not to hide."
--Zane Grey

A few years back there was a song out, "I Promised You a Rose Garden." Life was never promised to be easy; there are no quick fixes to the problems, situations, and circumstances that may come our way in life. Another fact: life isn't always fair. Now hold those thoughts just a little while I go on.
First of all, who says that life isn't fair? The problem with those who make that statement is, life isn't fair to whom? Or, who says that life isn't fair? I think we often look at circumstances, and it's usually in the financial realm where we stay that. Why? Does our life revolve around material goods and wants? Or does our life revolve around the Person who gave us life? In fact, I recall, that it is He that gives us life and gives it to us more abundantly. The problem is perspective--our’s and God's.
There is a part in one of my favorite movies, "Conagher", where there is a gunfight. A cowboy is mortally wounded and his former boss asked rhetorically why people go to the bad. A young puncher answered, "it's for the money." It became quiet and just before the scene changed Conagher stated, "Lord help us if it's just for the money." Remember, even a rose garden is full of thorns.
One last thought here. Without having a "hard time" how would a person know when there was an easy time? Without consequences for bad decisions, how would a person know the consequences of good decisions? There has to be a deciding factor. Sorry, as I've stated before, life isn't a "tip-toe through the tulips." Life is born in struggle, I believe that's why it is called "labor", and life continues to struggle. If there hasn't been any struggle in your life, physical, mental, or spiritual, it would make me wonder what in the world is going on. It is struggle that builds sinew and muscle, whether it be physical, mental, or spiritual.

"So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man.... The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel and he was limping because of his hip." (Genesis 32:24-25, 31 NIV)

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on May 14, 2011 at 11:28am

JUST FOR THE WEEK-END: Don't be afraid of failure because of your own weakness or limitations. Trust in the Lord. We serve a mighty God. Nothing is too difficult for Him and HE has no weakness or limitations. His Love is limitless, His Knowledge is limitless, His Power is limitless, and there is NO weakness in Him!! Look at today's demands on your life compared to His Strength, not yours. ~Pastor Lynn

Comment by Songs of Faith Ministries on May 13, 2011 at 10:56am

Get TUIT

by Mike Burns, Ph.D.

The other day I decided to clean out my desk drawer. Actually, my wife told me it was time to get rid of some of my junk. When I opened the drawer, I found the usual collection of pens, pencils and paper clips, along with a few elastic bands, and colored push pins. My desk drawer is also the repository for all the treasures that I have collected during our ministry tours -- church bulletins, programs from cowboy poetry gatherings, business cards and a variety of lapel pins. Among this collection of memorabilia was a small wooden disc that had TUIT printed on the face side. The message was clear. Just like cleaning out a desk drawer, nothing will get done unless we get “to it!” The writer of Hebrews puts it this way, “let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run, with endurance the race that is set before us.”

Many Christians, however, find it easier or, perhaps, more comfortable to procrastinate when it comes to getting TUIT. We drag our feet when it comes to reading and studying the Bible, talking to God, sharing our faith with a neighbor or friend, teaching Sunday school, helping with vacation Bible school, or leading a small group. It’s not that we don’t want to do these things or feel they are important; it’s just that we never seem to get TUIT. The Gospel of Matthew records that when Jesus encountered Peter and Andrew by the Sea of Galilee, they were busy fishing. But, when He said to them, “Follow Me,” the Bible says, “They immediately left their nets and followed Him (4:20).” Likewise, the brothers James and John, who were busy mending their nets, immediately left their boat and their father to follow Him (4:22). Folks, they just got TUIT!

Over the years, it has been my observation that you can always count on a dedicated few when it comes to doing Kingdom work. No matter their age, experience, or circumstance they are ready to answer the call to serve. What about you? Are you ready to get TUIT? You can’t be a spectator ridin’ the fence and watchin’ others ride broncs in the main corral.

To the work! To the work! Let the hungry be fed;

To the fountain of life let the weary be led;

In the cross and its banner our glory shall be,

While we herald the tidings, “Salvation is free!”   ---Crosby

 

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on May 12, 2011 at 8:12am

JUST FOR TODAY: Start something!! Today is a great day to start a new GOOD habit. Your other choices are to start a new BAD habit or don't start anything and just do what you've always done. Well, you probably already have enough bad habits, and God hates it when we are luke warm and not doin' anything. So......what are YOU gonna start today??? ~Pastor Lynn

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on May 12, 2011 at 6:29am

JUST FOR TODAY: Sometimes you get "burned out" tryin' to Love and help needy people.  It's not so much 'burned out" as it is "drained out".  That happens because we try to Love folks with our Love, which is flawed and limited.  We must Trust Jesus and let His Love, which is perfect and unlimited, flow through us to others. Matthew 11:28, Jesus said, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  If your drained out today, just come unto him and get filled up with His Rest and Peace.  ~Pastor Lynn 

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on May 11, 2011 at 3:05pm

FROM THE PASTOR'S PORCH: Don't Stop!!

Last week, Casey and I were on a hospital visit to Baptist Hospital up in OKC when I discovered that the school of hard knocks is not just for young folks. I don't think you ever graduate from the school of hard knocks until you leave this old world behind. After all, Jesus did tell us that this world is full of trouble. Anyway, back to my story.
We started to enter the building through that big old revolving door and I had a 20 ounce bottle of diet coke in my hand. Just as we got in the middle of that door, I dropped my bottle of diet coke. It landed right side up and didn't turn over or anything. Now we all have choices in life, and this particular time, I made a very bad one; I stopped. Yes, I stopped and bent over to pick up that stupid bottle of pop, but.........the revolving door did not stop; not until it hit it's target. Now I'm not as quick as I used to be, so the back door of this contraptions hits me square on the hind end and knocks me forward square in to the front door. This nearly breaks my fool neck and drives my big black cowboy hat down over my ears! Sure messed up the crease in my hat and I had a bad crick in my neck for several days. With such an ungraceful entrance, I was greeted with a few “are you alright?”, but most of 'em could not hide their laughter; some didn't even try. Casey even laughed at me!!!
Well, I think this story is too humiliating and funny not to have a moral to it and I think it goes something like this: This old world is just like that old revolving door. It keeps right on turning whether you like it or not, and it's not going to stop just because YOU do. You just can't stand around and do nothing in this life. Something is going to run over you if you do!!
Many times we have a tendency to stop doing the things we need to do because we get weary or we just plain get where we don't care anymore. What we need to do is continue on in the things that God has called us to do. How many of you have stopped praying? How many of you have stopped reading your Bible? How many of you have stopped Loving other people? How many of you have stopped talking about Jesus to the lost? How many of you have stopped going to Church? I promise you that Satan and the evil of this world have not stopped. They are still turning and churning away, and they are out to run over and destroy you and yours. 2 Peter 1:5 tells us to”.....add to your Faith virtue.......” Add means that you have to do something!! I don't know why God chose to work through the likes of us, but He did. So we really don't have the choice or the luxury of stopping do we??
My prayer for you today is that the Lord will bless you with strength and perseverance to keep on keeping on. May He bless you with the revelation that the things you do for Him do make a difference; even when you don't see it. I pray that if you have stopped that will start back with a great refreshed enthusiasm for the things God has called you to do. Don't ever forget that the world will keep on turning, and don't let the door hit you in the......Uh?........BACKSIDE!!! Love to all of you, ~Pastor Lynn

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on May 11, 2011 at 6:55am

JUST FOR TODAY: Trust God! Self-sufficiency is considered a virtue in this world, but God says to rely on Him if you want a truly abundant life. Self-reliance is a form of idolatry and will destroy your intimacy with the Lord. So be Thankful for all those circumstances that cause you to turn to God. Your relationship with God is more valuable than any circumstance. ~Pastor Lynn

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on May 10, 2011 at 9:48am

 

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JUST FOR TODAY: I haven't made any mistakes today, but I haven't been up very long either. Bein' humans, there is a good chance that you and I both will make mistakes today. Don't beat yourself up about your mistakes. They just give you another opportunity to Trust God and give'em all to Him. He is the only one who can turn ashes into beauty!! Thank you Lord, ~Pastor Lynn

Comment by Lynn D. Walker on May 9, 2011 at 2:32pm

FROM THE PASTOR'S PORCH: Get out of the Round Pen!!

For those of you who don't know what a round pen is, well, it's pretty self descriptive. It is a pen with no corners so a horse can't stick his head into it and show you nothin' but his hind end. They are usually about 30 to 50 feet across and six foot tall so the horse and the trainer both have a relatively safe enviornment in which to teach the horse the skills that he needs to be a worthwhile horse. A great horse trainer, like Lew Sterrett, can take a horse that has never been riden into a round pen, and in about an hour or so have the horse saddled and ridden.

The round pen is a great training tool, but it certainly has it's limitations and can only take the horse so far. If you stay in the round pen too long, you basically wind up going in a circle. After all, it is "round" you know. If you want a real good horse, you got to get him into a bigger arena and even out in the open pasture where he can actually put to use the skills that he learned in the round pen and even go beyond. A horse is never going to be a top notch workin' ranch horse if you never get him out of the round pen.

How about you? Aren't you just about ready to get out of the round pen and quit goin' in circles? Some of us have been goin' to church and Sunday School for years and never taken our skills outside the Church House. We go to church one day a week and then we spend the rest of the week out in the world actin' just like everybody else. You know, if a horse acted like that, he might wind up on a plate in some fancy European cafe!! We need to start taking the fundamental things that God teaches us out into the real world and learn to apply them and live by them in real life. Some folks are old age "baby" Christians that have never got out of the round pen and made mature, useful workers for the Lord.

Please don't use the excuse that you don't feel like you know enough about the Bible to be a witness and a worker for the Lord. The most favorite phrase of the Lord Jesus was "FEAR NOT"!! If all you know is John 3:16 that's enough; use it, speak it, and live it!! Get out of the round pen and start being all that God wants and intends for you to be. You won't ever reach that potential by stayin' in the round pen and goin' in circles.

My prayer for you today is that you will escape the round pen of Fear and lack of commitment. I pray that you will use what skills you have to take you up. Up to a higher level of performance. Up to where when you stand in front of the Lord one of these days, He will look into your eyes and say, "Well Done!! My good and faithful Servant". Blessings, Pastor Lynn

Comment by Pastor Lynn Kirkland on May 9, 2011 at 5:43am

Picking Up a Challenge
By Pastor Lynn Kirkland

John 3:15 … whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.


John 3:16 For God so loved the (YOUR NAME), that he gave his only begotten Son, that (YOUR NAME) believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Wow! How powerful is that? I was recently challenged to preach for 4 weeks on one verse
John 3:16. At first I didn’t think I could do it. Four DIFFERENT sermons on one verse, and
remain true to the text. Now, after some study, I don’t know if four sermons will be enough to
cover the subject! I am going to give you summaries of two of the messages today and two more
next month.

As we look closely at this verse we have to ask ourselves who God is. That is God with a big”G”.
The creator of all the universe. The creator of all creation. The creator of you and me. He is the
“In the beginning God…” And, He is the sustainer of all things. He is life itself, and therefore,
the only source of life (John 5:26)

He breathed the breath of life into us. He is revealed to us in the Bible as the only Infinite and
Eternal Being, having no beginning and no ending. God is a person and can be known only by
revelation. In the Old Testament He revealed Himself to and through His prophets. In the New
Testament He reveals Himself through His Son Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 1:1-3)

In order to know God for ourselves there are some things we need to know about Him:
I. The Existence of God (Read Hebrews 11:5-6)
II. The Personality of God (Read 1 Thessalonians 1:9)
III. The Nature of God (Read 1 John 4:8)
IV. The Grace of God (Ephesians 2:8-9)
V. The Trinity of God (Matthew 3:16-17)

Now. This great, mighty, infinite, eternal God, The Creator of all creation, loves you and me “so”
much that He sent His ONLY Son for the purpose of dying for me and you to pay a debt we could
not pay.

This God loves us how much? So-o-o-o much. For almost 45 years I have been telling my lovely
bride, “I love you so much.” To which she always responds, “How much is so much?” Now, after
45 years I have come to the conclusion that she has a legitimate question! Just how much is so
much?

“So much” is beyond the magnitude of our imagination. God so loved you and me that He gave
the only Son He had to die for us. God loves you and me beyond imagination. He has an
everlasting love for us that cannot be fathomed. His love for us is so boundless it can only be
known by faith. God so loved (YOUR NAME) that he gave His only begotten Son… Wow!

In verse 15 it tells us that “whosoever believes”. That is where the faith comes in. We all have a
debt that we owe and cannot pay (Romans 3:23) and, in fact, don’t deserve to have paid for us.
(Romans 6:23) Now we must believe Christ died for us . (Romans 5:5-6) Then, believe in Jesus
(Acts 16:30-31). And, then, Praise God, 1 John 5:10-13 tells us we can know that we are saved
because His Word says so!

Next month we are going to talk about who those “whosoever”s are and also look at that word
“only”. If you don’t want to wait until then join us on Wednesday night, 7 PM, for COWBOY
CHURCH @The Hippodrome, on the hill, in North Aug

Comment by Songs of Faith Ministries on May 7, 2011 at 11:53am

Mr. Facing-Both-Ways

by Mike Burns, Ph.D.

In his famous Christian allegory The Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan provides a riveting account of Christian’s pilgrimage from earth to heaven. Now, if you’ve ever read The Pilgrim’s Progress, you may remember being introduced to Mr. Facing-Both-Ways who attempts the difficult task of facing in both directions at the same time. Many Christians, like Mr. Facing-Both-Ways, have set themselves an impossible task. They want some of Christ and some of the world. They are trying to face both ways.

Let me elaborate further. George Barna, a Christian researcher in the U.S., has identified a significant group of individuals in Evangelical churches today that he labeled “notional Christians.” According to Barna, at least 39% of the church population may fall into this category. While these individuals may in fact be saved, their own ideas and opinions and not the Word of God shape their Christian experience. They want Christ in their life but are not willing to live in obedience to Him. They want to face both ways.

Folks, I believe Jesus admonished believers against this destructive behavior. In Luke 6:46 He says, “But why do you call Me Lord, Lord, and not do the things which I say?” It raises the question: “Can you follow Him and not do the things He says?” The question is equivalent to a positive declaration In other words; you cannot call me Lord if you do not do the things I say. Such words as these make it very clear that Jesus intended to be taken seriously. His words continue to echo through the ages to all those who claim to be His true followers. There is going to be a sad day of disillusionment for those Christians who make a glib profession of His Name. Profession of faith is one thing but what identifies a true follower of Jesus is really doing the will of God. As James cautions believers, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only deceiving yourself (James 1:22).” We need to continue doing what Jesus says over and over again, until it becomes our everyday practice. This is the only way we will become more consistent, confident, and competent as a Christian.

O Jesus, Thou hast promised to all who follow Thee,
That where Thou art in glory, there shall Thy servant be;
And, Jesus, I have promised to serve Thee to the end;
O give me grace to follow, my Master and my Friend. ---Bode

Comment by Songs of Faith Ministries on April 30, 2011 at 1:23pm

An Endangered Species

by Mike Burns, Ph.D.

Right off the top let me tell you that I’m old-fashioned! I still read and carry my King James Version of the Bible, listen to and sing the old hymns, and enjoy an old-fashioned, no frills gospel sermon. As a preacher, I have long been fascinated with the style and sermons of the preachers of yesterday. Because they used vivid descriptions of judgment and eternal damnation to encourage repentance, they were often called “fire and brimstone preachers.” Perhaps the best known of these preachers was Jonathan Edwards, who preached during the Great Awakening of the 1730’s and 40’s. It is reported that on one occasion after he preached his sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” audience members burst out weeping, cried in anguish or even fainted.

Folks, Peter would have been called a fire and brimstone preacher. On the day of Pentecost, He delivered a powerful message to the people who were drawn to the Temple by all the commotion. Cut to the heart by Peter’s message that Jesus whom they crucified was both Lord and Christ, some 3,000 people turned to the Lord (Acts 2:41). Again Peter preached to a crowd who had gathered to witness a healed cripple walking, leaping, and praising God. In response to his message that God had sent Jesus to save them from their sins, about 5,000 who heard his words believed (Acts 4:4).

How different is that from today? For the most part, “fire and brimstone preachers” are an endangered species. After the sermon people politely arise from their padded pews, exchange some pleasantries with their friends and, compliment their preacher for the beautiful uplifting lesson that he has so eloquently delivered. Paul exhorts the young preacher Timothy to preach the Word! “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside by fables (2 Timothy 4:3-4).” An old-fashioned, no-frills Gospel sermon that accurately reflects the Word of God is more powerful by far than any sermon intended to advance our thinking or lead us to new truth. So I’m gonna stay old-fashioned.

Twas an old-fashioned meeting in an old-fashioned place,
Where some old-fashioned people had some old-fashioned grace;
As an old-fashioned sinner I began to pray,
And God heard me and saved me in the old-fashioned way. ---Buffum

Comment by Songs of Faith Ministries on April 23, 2011 at 12:01pm

The Rejected Cornerstone

by Mike Burns, Ph.D.

In ancient times, the cornerstone referred to the foundation stone, the first placed, which was secure and set the angles for the rest of the building. It was the visible corner of the foundation of the building and the starting point of all future building above the foundation. It was also the largest and most costly stone because of its beauty and strength, as well as the most solid and carefully constructed stone. The cornerstone was the place where the building was joined and also supported the major portion of the superstructure.  To cast aside the cornerstone would be to resist any future building on that foundation.

The metaphor of a cornerstone as a foundation is found in Isaiah 28:16 in reference to the person and work of the Messianic Redeemer: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation.” In the New Testament, Peter uses the metaphor of the cornerstone to refer to Jesus. In 1 Peter 2:7 we read, “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone.” Given the context in which this verse is found, I believe Peter was elaborating on Jesus as the foundation upon which God has promised to build the church. “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 3:11).” By comparing believers to “living stones” and placing them in relationship to the cornerstone (1 Peter 2:5), Peter has completed the metaphor.  First, we rest on Christ as a building rests on its foundation. Second, we relate to every other believer as the stones of a building under construction relate to one another. The meaning is clear we need each other, should support each other, and must work together to build the church in the world.

However, there is another contemporary lesson to be learned. Like the cornerstone that was rejected by the builders, many will not repent of their sins and accept the complete lordship of Jesus Christ in their lives. What they fail to realize is that this offer is the only choice they have that will give them genuine salvation from their sins. Rejection of Jesus Christ does not make us free from God’s judgment and punishment. As surely as those who choose God will receive eternal life, so those who reject Him will be judged to destruction. Both are guaranteed to receive the consequences of their choices.

The Church’s one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord;                                                                                     She is His new creation by water and the word:

From Heav’n He came and sought her to be His holy bride;                                                                            With His own blood He bought her, and for her life He died.  ----Stone    

Comment by Jeff Hildebrandt on April 22, 2011 at 8:51am

You may know this already, but my wife just told me about a way to illustrate the Easter miracle for children.  (she is a pre-school teacher)  It's called, "Empty Tomb Rolls."  Have the kids flatten out a large Grands bisquits and put a large marshmallow in the center of each one.  Then pull up the corners and pinch them together.  Put your bundle, upside down, on a cookie sheet and bake them as indicated on the package.  When they're done, the marshmallow is gone, leaving an empty tomb in the center. 

Comment by Dr. Henry Harbuck on April 21, 2011 at 6:45pm

MERITS OF THE BLOOD

The “empty tomb” (Matt. 28:1-7; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-10) is a reality, and the cornerstone of our faith. Without the empty tomb, all preaching would be a waste of time. Paul the apostle emphasizes this in I Corinthians 15. He explains who Christ is: How He died for our sins (I Cor. 15:3), rose [from the grave] on the third day (I Cor. 15:4), was seen [alive] by Peter and the twelve—[that is, the eleven apostles], and also by five hundred believers who saw Him simultaneously (I Cor. 15:6). Without confidence in this Biblical account, believers have nothing to hold fast to. But “thanks be to God” that Scripture and reliable historical sources attest to the fact that Jesus was indeed raised up from among the dead [alive].

 

 

 Not much has changed in more than 2000 years. Believers continue to await the return of the One who was raised up [alive] from the “empty tomb” while others have grown weary, and turned away as skeptics. But we who believe are reminded of what happened when the disciples were assembled together early in the morning on the second week after the resurrection. Jesus suddenly appeared to them and said to Thomas: “Thomas, come and put your fingers on my hands [and feel My wounds] and put your hand in My side.” After this occurrence, Thomas exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” The One raised up from the dead was not a mere man, but the God-Man—the Savior of the world!

 

Easter day is a day of celebration because “Christ arose!” And He left behind the “empty tomb” as evidence of his resurrection. Thus we must never forget the precious truth chorused by that old hymn of long ago: “Up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph o’er His foes; He arose a Victor from the dark domain, and He lives forever with His saints to reign; He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Comment by Songs of Faith Ministries on April 16, 2011 at 11:12am

The Good News of Deliverance

by Mike Burns, Ph.D.

“Prophecy is a very difficult art,” said Niels Bohr, the physicist, “especially when it involves the future.” Consider the following classic prophetic statements: an official of the White Star Line, speaking of the firm’s newly built flagship, the Titanic, launched in 1912, declared the ship was unsinkable; then there was Thomas J. Watson, Chairman of the Board of IBM who said in 1943: “I think there is a world market for about five computers;” and, finally, my personal favorite was a recording company expert who said in 1962: “We don’t think the Beatles will do anything in the market. Guitar groups are on their way out.”

When considering Bible prophecy, however, we need to understand that it isn’t like God looking into a crystal ball and writing down what He thinks will happen. It is all about God having a definite plan at the beginning, and bringing about events that will take place throughout time that will eventually bring His purpose to pass. The underlying message of Bible prophecy, therefore, is that God is in charge of history and that it moves to His end from the beginning.

The prophet Isaiah, approximately three thousand years ago, prophesied that the Man of sorrow would be wounded and dies for our sins that we might be saved from the wrath to come (Isaiah chapter 53). About one thousand years after Isaiah’s prophecy, an angel messenger appeared to a young virgin and declared she would have a Son and would call His name Jesus (Luke 1:31), which means “Jehovah our Savior.” This name reminds us of the purpose of His birth. He was the Man of sorrow who “bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness --- by whose stripes you were healed (1 Peter 2:24).”  Thus, in fulfillment of His eternal plan, a loving Father sent his Son into the world to save us from our sins (John 3:17).

So you see, the birth and death of Jesus was not an afterthought. God had announced His plan and purpose beforehand. The good news of deliverance is that Jesus has ransomed us from the penalty of our sins. When you received Christ as your personal Savior you began an eternal relationship with God that will last throughout eternity.
    
“Man of sorrow,” what a name
For the Son of God who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim!
Hallelujah! What a Savior.  ----Bliss

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