EASTER

THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY!

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Frankly Speaking,

“Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength.” ~ I Corinthians 15:43

THE RESURRECTION OF THE BODY! ~  The Year was 1978! I remember going to the Royal Palm Theater to watch a film that was narrated by Orson Welles. At the time it was riveting. As I look back, the movie was probably not well produced nor award winning. In fact, this show only received 3.7 stars out of 10 stars on IDMB. NO, it was not War of the Worlds. Bonus for trying. 😊 The flick was called The Late Great Planet Earth. It was based upon Hal Lindsey’s prophetic book proclaiming the return of Christ was to happen very soon.

Prior to this, in 1972, there was a series of movies beginning with A Thief in the Night, followed by A Distant Thunder, Image of the Beast, and The Prodigal Planet. Most of you may have to take my word about these films trying to warn people about the return of Christ and the tribulation. A much more modern series of films started in 2,000, starring Kirk Cameron. This series was called Left Behind.  A few years later in 2014, this series was rebooted with Nicolas Cage as the main character. It appears that many people want to know more about Christ’s return.

The strangest part is that we have neglected to turn to the source of these blockbuster films. I am not talking about the screenplay nor the book the authors wrote. We can find everything we’re looking for in the BIBLE. GOD’S plan is found in the book of the Revelation of JEUS CHRIST. Some Bibles label this book the Apocalypse; however, that is an incorrect description. You see, the whole BIBLE is ALL about JESUS. Yes, it’s ALL about HIM!

The verse at the heading of this post states that although we “are buried in weakness,” those who follow JESUS will be “will be raised in strength.” Whether living or long dead, there is a hope in the return of JESUS for those who trust Him. That’s why the Bible says, “we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope.” (I Thessalonians 5:13) There is always HOPE in JESUS CHRIST! 😊

LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS.

Blessings in CHRIST,

Pastor Wes

I PETER 3:15

THE FOOLISHNESS OF THE CROSS!

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Frankly Speaking,

18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of GOD.

I Corinthians 1:18 NLT

THE FOOLISHNESS OF THE CROSS!  If you have attended church at any point in your life this statement might be offensive to you; however, for those who have avoided church: the statement may make perfect sense. Recently, someone told me that THE BIBLE is a book of fairy tales. Therefore, to some, the cross must seem like foolishness. For others, the Cross (and its Overcomer) is the very purpose for living.

Ironically, for both groups GOD has used the term “FOOLISHNESS” to help you understand a deeper meaning of the true foolishness involved. In the passage above, THE BIBLE says, “the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of GOD.”  THE BIBLE goes on to say, “For the foolishness of GOD is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of GOD is stronger than human strength.” (I Cor 1:25).

Consider for a moment, SIR ISAAC NEWTON who is known as “perhaps the greatest physicist who has ever lived.” He said of GOD,

This most beautiful system of the sun, planets and comets could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being. And if the fixed stars are the centers of other like systems, these, being formed by the like wise counsel, must be all subject to the dominion of One; especially since the light of the fixed stars is of the same nature with the light of the sun.

Why is JESUS remembered by so many as the SAVIOR, and if there is a shred of TRUTH to the Cross shouldn’t you at least consider its TRUTH? After all, JESUS did not say the truth is merely a concept to consider. HE said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through ME.” (John 14:6) EASTER is the living proof of this TRUTH. Happy EASTER! 😊

LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST

Pastor Wes

I PETER 3:15

PASSION WEEK!

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Frankly Speaking,

8 Many in the crowd spread their garments

on the road ahead of HIM,

and others spread leafy branches they had cut in the fields.

9 JESUS was in the center of the procession,

and the people all around HIM were shouting,

“PRAISE GOD! BLESSINGS ON THE ONE

WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD!

10 BLESSINGS ON THE COMING KINGDOM

OF OUR ANCESTOR DAVID!

PRAISE GOD IN HIGHEST HEAVEN!” (Matt 21:8-10)

PASSION WEEK BEGINS! ~ Why would anyone call the week of JESUS’ Death, Burial, and Resurrection “PASSION?” What does the word PASSION really mean? Webster’s dictionary first describes it as “the week between JESUS Last Supper and HIS death;” however, it’s also defined as “an object of deep desire or interest.” I believe both definitions work. JESUS had one purpose during HIS Incarnation; HE came to earth to rescue mankind.  Look what JESUS says in THE BIBLE,

“For THE SON OF MAN

came to seek and save

those who are lost.”

Luke 19:10

That is what this “PASSION WEEK” is all about. PALM SUNDAY marks the pinnacle of people’s expectations for JESUS to be Who they wanted HIM to be. Many are still doing the same thing today. GOOD FRIDAY and EASTER are the proof that HE came for you and me. Without HIM, there is no way to please GOD; otherwise, why did HE come and die? GOD really loves you!

Living in the Shadow of the Cross

Blessings in CHRIST

Pastor Wes

I Peter 3:15

EASTER ~ A NEW DAY

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

30 When JESUS had tasted it, HE said, “IT IS FINISHED!”

Then HE bowed HIS head and gave up HIS SPIRIT. ~ John 19:30 NLT

EASTER ~ A NEW DAY! ~ Why is EASTER such a big deal to followers of JESUS CHRIST? No doubt some of you will dismiss the question, but think about all the people who have no idea why our sacred holiday is such a big deal. There are specific reasons for which we cannot merely settle for a bunny, flowers, and a feel-good holiday. We believe in the cross & the empty tomb!

For the Christian, EASTER is the proof of our faith because, without the resurrection, JESUS could not be the ONLY BEGOTTEN SON of GOD. However, the truth of this event goes so much deeper. Our great hope comes from the words, “HE IS RISEN JUST AS HE SAID!” EASTER morning gives us confidence and makes us seek JESUS to guide us daily. C. S. Lewis said it so well:

“I believe in CHRIST, like I believe in the sun —

not because I can see it, but by it I can see everything else.”

We each fall so far short of earning heaven every day.  Our sin divorces us from GOD and HIS love. Nevertheless, the BIBLE says,

“When we were utterly helpless, CHRIST came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But GOD showed HIS great love for us by sending CHRIST to die for us while we were still sinners.”              

(Romans 5:6-8 NLT)

This is why EASTER is so important to us! Now, the choice is yours:

“The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of GOD.”

(I Corinthians 1:18 NLT)

Have you started A NEW DAY by giving your life to GOD and be saved? 😊

Living in THE SHADOW of the CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST

Pastor Wes

I Peter 3:15

PALM SUNDAY to EASTER SUNDAY!

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FRANKLY SPEAKING,

But some of the Pharisees among the crowd said, “TEACHER, rebuke YOUR followers for saying things like that!”

HE replied, “If they kept quiet, the stones along the road would burst into cheers!”

Luke 19:39-40 ~ NLT~ (Habakkuk 2:11)

PALM SUNDAY to EASTER SUNDAY! What does your family do to make the most of this wonderful week? How do you make it special and different than any other time of the year? I fear many of us place more emphasis on CHRISTMAS than EASTER. For us, CHRISTMAS and EASTER ought to all be about HIS birth, death, burial, and resurrection. If you are a CHRIST–follower, I urge you to avoid making bunnies, peeps, and baskets the focus of this EASTER WEEK! Let’s emphasize JESUS & proclaim “HOSANNA! ~ Save Us!”

In the passage above, the Pharisees tell JESUS to keep EASTER a secret. If you read and listen to what JESUS said about this in Luke 12:8-9, then you will realize this is a very serious issue to our LORD and SAVIOR!

“And I assure you of this: I, THE MESSIAH, will publicly honor you in the presence of GOD’S angels if you publicly acknowledge ME here on earth as your Friend.” ~ The Living Bible ~ (TLB)

Listen to this same verse in THE MESSAGE BIBLE ~ (TMB):

“Stand up for ME among the people you meet and THE SON OF MAN will stand up for you before all GOD’S angels. But if you pretend you don’t know ME, do you think I’ll defend you before GOD’S angels?

Today, in church we sing the song, “Somebody is gonna praise HIS name” by PETRA. The lyrics state, “It will either be you and me, or it’s gonna be a rock or tree.” There is another great song that says, “Ain’t no rock gonna cry out in my place!” Do you struggle to share your faith in JESUS? FEAR NOT! ~ BE BOLD, BRAVE, & VERBAL! This is a great week to tell others about JESUS! They are wondering and listening. May JESUS and HIS HOLY WORD be on our hearts and lips every day this week! 😊

Living in THE SHADOW of the CROSS

Blessings in CHRIST

Pastor Wes

I Peter 3:15