Rivers of Life Ministries
Scott A Bradley
Welcome to
Rivers of Life International
On-line School of Ministry
1st Section
Pointing Men towards the Cross Series
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Pointing Man Towards the Cross Series
Lesson I
Impersonal Religion
Lesson Text: II Timothy 4:1-5
Memory Verse
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine: but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears” (II Tim. 4:3)
LESSON AIM: To show the difference between impersonal or traditional religion and having a relationship with the Lord.
INTRODUCTION:
Religion is as old as time. From the beginning man has always recognized that there is a creator of all that he can see. All races cultures and regions from the beginning to the present have practiced religion. In fact, since man’s creation there has never been an atheistic culture. Even atheistic governments such as Communism practiced in certain parts of the world, have not been able to suppress or stop the movement of religion, even in their own countries.
Both Cain and Abel, sons of the first man created, Adam, practiced religion. It was this religious practice that set one brother against another and saw the world’s first murder as a result.
DISCUSSION:
Although man has practice religion from the beginning, it has always been his search for the higher power. Often the motive of his search was self-serving. Some gained political control; others use it to conquer other nations and people. It is a reoccurring theme among many nations and armies that go into battle to declare that, “God is on our side”. Yet when Israel went into idolatry Moses declared to them, “Who is on the LORD’S side…” (Exodus 32: 26)
Religion has even been used to classify people or put them in a certain cast systems that favors the elite or wealthy above the less fortunate. Racism is justified in the name of religion. Recent radical movements and hate groups such Nazism, and the Ku Klux Klan all claimed to be Christians. The Nation of Islam, a Moslem religion based organization declared that white people were devils. Because of these practices some have been turned off altogether.
One must ask oneself. “Is this really the way intended for religion to be?” These things gave proven throughout time that man in his sincerest effort could never come up to the righteousness of God. When he is doing his best he still falls short. The bible says, “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness as filthy rags...” (Isaiah 64:6)
APPLICATION:
A recent poll was done in America asking people questions on religion, of those who declared to be Christians almost 40% declared themselves “non-practicing” Christians. Almost 60% said that they do not believe the bible to be the Word of God. Among other religions about 40% said that even though they wore a religious title e.g. Christian, Moslem, Jew, Hindu, Buddhist, they don’t believe in God at all.
Impersonal religion is growing stronger around the world. The Bible says they would have, “…a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof” (II Tim. 3:5).
When Jesus came into the world he confronted these types of religious people. He knew that many of them had used religion as a form of bondage by enslaving people with traditions and guilt. He said, “woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye are unto like whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful on the outside, but are within full of dead men’s bones…”(St. Matt 23:27).
Jesus’ coming into the world was to win the world back to Himself by establishing a personal relationship with Him. The world denies Him because they’d rather have the power that religion gives them over other men.
LESSON ILLUSTRATION:
Joe Louis was the boxing heavyweight champion of the world during the 1940’s when World War II was raging. He enlisted in the army and traveled throughout the country doing boxing exhibitions to promote moral among the troops and encourage the war effort. He was asked to do commercial for the War Department to sell bonds. The script read, “We will win because God is on our side” But Joe Louis read it wrong and instead said, “we will win because we are on God’s side”
At first the producers were disappointed because he had read it wrong. But then they realized it sounded better to be on God’s side than to have Him on our side. Often religion has done just what Joe Louis did not say; attempt to put God on “our “ side. But are we on His side. An impersonal religion places the individuals will ahead of the master’s will. Who’s on the Lord’s side?
QUESTIONS:
What can be said about religion that is self-serving?
What was the result of Cain and Abel’s religious practice?
How is it that hate groups and racial divisions feel justified by religions?
What is the difference between being on God’s side our God on your side?
Pointing Man Towards the Cross Series
Lesson II
Cain’s Religion
Lesson Text: Genesis 4: 1-9
Memory Verses
“And in the process of time that it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground and offering unto the LORD…But unto Cain and his offering he had not respect, And Cain was very wroth and his countenance fell” (Gen. 4: 3,5)
LESSON AIM: To examine and compare the attitude of Cain and his motive in worship and many in their religious attitudes today. Dos God accept everything that we offer Him?
INTRODUCTION:
The actions of Cain and Abel are the first recorded religious procedures in history. Although this is the first recorded incident it is probably not the first time it was done. Both had possibly learned to worship and sacrifice to God from their parents Adam and Eve.
God in the Garden of Eden first did animal sacrificed when he killed an animal and made coats for Adam and Eve to cover their nakedness after they had tried to cover themselves with fig leaves. The leaves were man’s devise to cover his shame and proved insufficient. God’s procedure required the death and shedding of blood of an animal to atone for the sins of the guilty. Even this act by God in the garden was symbolic of the sacrifices of the innocent to atone for the guilty.
DISCUSSION:
The bible says, “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man: but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 16:25). Man’s logic is not always correct. Even when one compares the offering of Cain and Abel, Cain’s offering seems better. Imagine how it was neatly arranged, the pleasant smell of fruit and how appetizing it must have looked. There was probably much sincerity in Cain’s effort as he prepared his offering to the LORD. Unfortunately it was wrong.
The processes Abel’s offering required the death of an animal, which included blood, fire and odor. To see this process may not have been beautiful to man but was pleasing to God. Cain’s offering was beautiful to man but rejected by God. God’s way is always right whether we understand it or not. Cain’s offering was of his own righteousness from his own belief as to the way he thought things should be. God did not respect it.
The similarity of Cain’s attitude is found in many religious views today. The idea that God accepts any and everything as long as it is sincere is wrong. Not only was Cain’s offering done out of self-righteousness, rejecting the ways of God for his own way, it caused him to become angry with his own brother and eventually kill him out of jealousy. The first murder was committed over the difference of religious philosophy. So it is today.
God’s way of atonement always requires blood. From the sacrifice of the animals to make coats for Adam and Eve, to Abel’s sacrifice, to the sacrifices under the laws to Jesus Christ, the eternal sacrificial lamb of God. The bible says, “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without the shedding of blood is no remission” (Hebrews 9:22)
APPLICATION:
Cain’s religion is alive in the world today. Ideas ad philosophies that point people away from the cross are founded out of rebellion and self-righteousness; the idea that one can be saved other than the sacrifice by the true lamb of God, Jesus Christ. His sacrifice was on the cross. The idea that there is another way to God or through another person is false. Further, Cain’s offering was out of disobedience, choosing to do things his own way rather than obey the command of God.
Many reflect the attitude of Cain today. Often there are those who spend much time disputing the bible and the commands of God, countering with excuses of how impossible thing are or how out of step with current times the scriptures are. Many religions have fine ceremonies, wealthy looking and fancy attire, and are graced by celebrities and people of renowned esteem. They have nation-wide and worldwide appeal, but they are of false hope.
Cain’s religion centers more on what he wants to do. It is his will imposed on God rather than humbling himself and accepting the will of God for him. It is the spirit of the present age.
LESSON ILLUSTRATION:
A popular talk show host declared that there are many ways to god. “He is the same God we just call Him different names”, she said. She used the statement to justify a compromise of bringing all religions together in unity. She further stated, “We should respect each others religion because there is truth in all of them” Even the arrogance of this woman is a reminder of the attitude of Cain that caused him to eventual despise his own brother and his acts of obedience.
Although this train of though may be popular, especially since the talk show host is very popular and wealthy, it is a contradiction to the bible and the cross. God had “no respect” to the offering and hence the religion of Cain. He does not respect every religion
And therefore cannot be the same God to everyone. Jesus warned us, “Many will come and say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me ye that work iniquity” (St. Matt.7:22-23)
QUESTIONS:
What was the first sacrificial act of God?
What was the difference between the offerings of Cain and Abel?
Why was Cain’s offering rejected?
Compare the spirit of Cain’s religion to religious idea today
Pointing Man Towards the Cross Series
Lesson III
The Tower of Babel
Lesson Text Genesis 11:1-9
Memory Verse
“And they said, go to, let us build a tower, whose top may reach into heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth” (Gen 11:4)
LESSON AIM: Examining man’s religion and motives in setting a utopia to himself.
INTRODUCTION:
One of the most intriguing stories of the bible is the Tower of Babel. The accomplishment of unified minds shows that there is nothing really impossible. Even today the modern technical inventions and breakthroughs have superseded all of man’s advancements since his creation.
The Tower of Babel not only represented a political utopia that would make the community the center of the world, but a religious one as well that was an attempt to establish worship of the persons responsible for its construction. “Whose top may reach into heaven” was not an attempt to go into the kingdom of God’s dwelling, as some have erroneously believed, for this was impossible. There are modern buildings that reach into the heavens and even space ships that have traveled to distant planets, but none of them will reach into God’s dwelling. The tower represented the way to heaven as understood by the people of the time as the highest ground one can stand. Those who gained that height would be looked to as gods.
Man was attempting to establish a religion that would have made himself god. They would not have gone into God’s dwelling, but they would have established a heaven of sorts. God saw the unity of man and went down to confuse him. He used language to scatter men abroad. But later in history on the day of Pentecost He used language to bring the people together to hear the true gospel message.
DISCUSSION:
As we continue the series of pointing man to the cross we must see the failure of man and his religious agenda. In many cultures man made themselves gods. They desired
to be praised and worshiped. This is the revenge of Satan against God because he wanted to be praised and worshiped as well. By creating religions and possessing men, even at times giving them what appears to be supernatural power, he diverts all worship from the true and living God and hordes it upon himself. Even during Jesus temptations, Satan wanted him to “…fall down and worship me”(St. Matt. 4:9)
The Lord always wanted man to look to heaven. But he does not want us to worship anyone there but Him. Worship of the dead, praying to the dead, even departed loved one is wrong. Praying to idols, departed saints, or religious figures is an abomination to God. There is no Holy Mother of God!
Idolatry seemed to bring the wrath of God upon His people Israel quicker than anything else. He was specific when he gave the commandments to Moses. The first was “…thou shalt have no others gods before (meaning besides or in addition) to me”(Exodus 20:3). God alone wants the worship. He is worthy of all the worship.
APPLICATION:
We see many Towers of Babel in society today. People worship athletes, movie stars, politicians, and celebrities of all sorts. Some even worship religious leaders calling them God. From these we see the same spirit of Babel; great arenas where people go faithfully to spectate and glorify people on the field or on stage. The religious leaders preach a kingdom of wealth and prosperity but neglect to tell the world of the wrath of the true and living God. Instead of looking to heaven we look to the towers and see the men who occupy them. The present society has the spirit of Babel.
Recently we have seen a failure of the economy. Institutions are failing and many on the verge of collapse. Could God be confusing the language like he did on those who were working on the tower? Are our towers failing for the same reason?
LESSON ILLUSTRATION:
Many people follow cults because of the promises that they make and hope that they bring. In many cases the people view the religious leader as a god. They are willing to live close to him and even follow him to another part of the world.
Jim Jones established a religious community away from the rest of the world in the jungles of Guyana, South America. The people called him “Father Jones” and looked to him as their savior. Eventually Jones began to stage mock suicide drills to test the people’s loyalty. He took advantage of women and publicly punished people who spoke out or objected to any of his commands. Many people wanted to leave but felt that they were being held hostage.
When Senator Leo Ryan went to investigate he was murdered. Sadly, many of the people afterwards committed a mass suicide and the command of Jones. The utopia had fallen. The tower was gone. The world stood in shock and confusion. The bible says, “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man; but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 16:25)
QUESTIONS:
Was there a chance the builders of the tower would reach God’s dwelling place in heaven?
What would the people establish if the tower had been completed?
Are there Towers in today’s society and if so what are they?
How have we made gods out of people?
Pointing Man Towards the Cross Series
Lesson IV
God Chooses a People
Lesson Text: Genesis 12: 1-3, Ch.17: 1-9
Memory Verses
“And I will make thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing” (Gen. 12:2)
LESSON AIM: God has always had a plan for mankind’s salvation. In this lesson we examine how God chose a man and hence a people to establish His covenant that will eventually bring Christ to redeem mankind
INTRODUCTION:
In all of the Antediluvian era (time from the fall of Adam to Noah’s flood) their were only three men that were recorded as righteous, they being Abel, Enoch and Noah. This is not to say that there were not others, but no others were mentioned in scripture. Although man had now been corrupted by sin, God had a plan for his redemption. Religion has been man’s search for God and although many have been sincere all have fallen short of God’s glory (Rom. 3:23).
In the previous lesson we discussed the Tower of Babel, which happened shortly after the Flood of Noah. In it man was trying to establish his own religion. Now God was about to set His plan in motion to bring mankind back to Him. But first he would choose a nation as His own people.
Abram found favor with God and he called him out from among his kindred. Abram and his wife Sarai had no children. Yet God promised to make a great nation out of his seed. The plan of mankind’s redemp-tion was now in motion.
DISCUSSION:
God kept his promise to Abram whose name He changed to Abraham and in his old age gave a son to him and his wife Sarai whose names was now changed to Sarah. The Lord performed a miracle in both of them when Isaac was born to Abraham at age 100 and Sarah who was 90.
Although Abraham fathered another son, Ishmael by Sarah’s bondwoman Hagar, the covenant of mankind’s redemption was established in Isaac. The bible says, “But he that was born of the bondwoman, was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise…But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit…” (Galatians 4:23, 29). Even to this day the Arabs nations (descendants of Ishmael) and the Jews (descendants of Isaac) have remained in constant conflict for centuries.
From the lineage of Abraham Isaac and Jacob came the nation of Israel. It was through this nation that God’s plan of redemption would come. God told Abraham, “…know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them: and they shall afflict them four-hundred years. And also that nation, whom they serve will I judge: and afterward they shall come out with great substance” (Gen. 15:13-14).
Just as God told Abraham, eventually Israel was enslaved by Egypt for over four hundred years. But God raised up Moses to deliver them out of Egypt.
APPLICATION:
It is because God has chosen this nation that the true prophets of God were Jewish and Israel has been the time clock of history. Jesus never quoted from any other person of history except the Jewish prophets. He never quoted Buddha, Confucius, or any of the heathen nation philosophers or prophets. He certainly did not quote Mohammed who was not born until almost 600 years after Jesus.
In fact, all of the prophecies pointed to Jesus and the Cross was His destiny. Mankind’s only hope is the cross of Christ. Jesus said, “Think not that I have not come to destroy the law or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill” (St. Matt 5:17).
LESSON ILLUSTRATION:
We see the hand of God upon Israel throughout history. Even today the promise of God are still being fulfilled and the hand of God is with them. Recent years have seen nations make war with Israel and they have always gone down in defeat.
Israel was re-birthed as a nation in 1948, despite war and protest from the surrounding Arab nations. Iranian President Abdur Aref declared, “The existence of Israel is an error which must be rectified. This is our opportunity to wipe out the ignominy which has been with us since 1948…”
In 1967 5 nations, Iraq, Egypt, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon came against Israel at once only to be defeated in a matter of days, at the same time Israel recovering land that had been taken in previous years. This was known as the 6-day war.
Once again the Lord fought for Israel and despite the overwhelming odds they defeated their enemies and are still in existence today.
QUESTIONS:
1. How many men were recorded righteous in the Antediluvian age?
2. When God promised to make Abram a great nation, how many children did he have?
3. Who was the firstborn of Abraham?
4. What nations were descendants from Abraham’s firstborn?
5. What nation is the descendant from the firstborn of Abraham and Sarah?
6. What events of history prove that God has chosen Israel?
7. Why is Israel considered a prophetic time clock?
Pointing Man Towards the Cross Series
Lesson V
The Law
Lesson Text: Exodus 20:1 - 19
Memory Verse
“For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending is own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh” (Rom. 8:3)
LESSON AIM: The law pointed man to his failure. He could not keep it. It therefore pointed a man to the cross for redemption because the law shows that he cannot redeem himself.
INTRODUCTION:
Where there is no law there is no transgression. Man cannot be held accountable for wrong if it has not been established. God is righteous and one transgression of His law makes one guilty without redemption. St. James said, “…whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all” (James 2:10). However, God is just and cannot hold one accountable to laws that have not been revealed.
God established His holy law with Moses and it was given to Israel. To follow the laws included everything from right living to right eating to observance of days, holidays, fasts and feast.
DISCUSSION:
No matter how much a person tried, they could not keep the law. Failure to keep the law was and still is sin. The law revealed the failure of man and that no matter how good he thought he was he could not merit heaven by good work. Guilty of one law meant guilty of all. This has been the failure of religion. The religious laws that all keep, whether within a culture, nation, church temple, synagogue or mosque, the fact is that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23).
The unfortunate thing is that many still feel that good works gain heaven, e.g., being a “good” Christian, Jew, Muslim, Buddhist, or Hindu. Even if that were possible, no one has kept the total law of their religious teaching.
The nature of God is Holy. His ways are all righteous. There is no flaw or failure in Him. The law did not point man toward God; it pointed him to his sin. The law was a reminder of the failure of man and proved that every man is guilty. It also shows man that he needs a savior. The annual ceremony of killing an innocent lamb by the Priest for the remission of the sins of the people was symbolic of what Jesus Himself would do for all of mankind. The law points man to his sin. Sin’s redemption is at the cross.
APPLICATION:
History has seen a number of religious wars and conflicts, some even referred to as “holy wars”, armies fighting and killing in the name of their religion. Others have become self-righteous and merciless to those who fail, forgetting that no one person is better than another, even if they may be better off. To be better off means that one has been born into or achieved a better status in life. Some are born into wealth others into poverty. The wealthy may be better off, but not better than the one in poverty.
Jesus told of a certain rich man and a beggar (St. Luke 16:19-31). Whether he was born into wealth or achieved it through life, he was better off than the beggar, Lazarus who lay at his gate desiring crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Both men died. And although the rich man was better off in life, he was tormented in the flames of hell in eternity. Yet the beggar, Lazarus was comforted in the bosom of Abraham.
To feel that one is better than another person is self-righteousness, forgetting that it is the mercy of God and His goodness alone that has set us in our status of life. Further, self-righteousness is also self-justification, which sets one apart from the mercy of God. The Parable that Jesus spoke of in St. Luke 18:9-14 shows that the true and righteous God repulses self-righteousness. Although this Pharisee kept the law his arrogance made him feel better than the man standing right next to him.
LESSON ILLUSTRATION:
An unfortunate situation in the religious world among televangelist made a mockery of Christendom. It stemmed from jealousy and self-righteousness when one preacher called another preacher “a cancer on the body of Christ that needs to be removed”. Yet this same popular televangelist was later exposed to having affairs with prostitutes. The backlash from these scandals is still felt today.
Jesus said, “…why beholdest thou the mote that is they brother eye, but considereth not the beam that is thine own eye… Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then thou shalt see clearly to cast the mote out of thy brother’s eye” (St. Matt. 7:3, 5).
QUESTIONS:
Is it possible for a person to keep God’s law?
What does the law point mankind to?
What is the difference between being better or better off?
If one becomes a Christian does that make him better?
When Jesus told the Parable in St. Luke 18: 9-14, who left the temple, better off?
Pointing Man Towards the Cross Series
Lesson VI
The Prophets
Lesson Text: Isaiah 9:2-6
Memory Verses
“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy, came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (I Peter 1:20-21)
LESSON AIM: God always has a mouthpiece to speak to his people whether a teacher, preacher or prophet. The lesson also compares the true prophets of God to the false prophets and psychics of Satan.
INTRODUCTION:
Prophets are the mouthpieces of God. They are chosen and used by Him for the purpose of speaking the mind of God to the people or foretelling future events. Prophets are not psychics. For every truth of God, Satan has a counterfeit and evil spirits controlling those possessing the ability to divine. Apostle Paul encountered this when he was preaching in Philippi when a woman with psychic abilities followed them and prophesied (Acts 16:16-18). Paul cast the devil out of her and she could no longer tell fortunes and give psychic prediction. Christians should never consult psychics!
True prophets of God do not have to ask people things, they already know them. Often people wear a title of prophet, but most are merely analyst and after asking a person so many questions can summarize a situation and then give a word. But a true prophet of God knows because He has revealed to him conditions and states of people already. Questioning or interviewing and then summarizing is not necessary.
DISCUSSION:
The prophets of the bible were sometimes consultants to kings and were not always popular because they sometime foretold destruction. In biblical days prophets often live like hermits; secluded from the general population. When they came among the people they were often feared and reverenced. They did not always bring good news, but sometimes bad. When the prophet Samuel came among the elders of Bethlehem they trembled, not knowing if the words of Samuel were peaceable or of a coming judgment (I Samuel 16: 4-5).
Prophecies were often parallel in that they not only dealt with natural events but spiritual at the same time. The Lord even told the prophet Hosea to marry a harlot and continue to rescue her whenever she would return to whoredom to illustrate how he loved Israel and would continue to reach out to her even when she backslid into idolatry.
Isaiah was known as the eagle eye prophet because he saw far into the future. He
prophesied the coming of the Messiah, giving the nation of Israel a hope for restoration and mankind a hope for redemption.
Since Israel was the nation that God dealt with in the Old Testament the prophets often told of the destiny of the nation, always giving hope of redemption. Yet, Israel did not always understand that redemption was for all of mankind and not just the nation. This was part of the parallel of prophecy. Israel’s redemption meant mankind’s redemption. They looked at the prophecies of the Messiah to restore the nation and destroy their enemies. But the prophecies most importantly pointed to a Messiah that would restore mankind to back to God. The prophecies pointed to the cross.
APPLICATION:
Many of the television personalities carry the title of prophet or prophetess. Comparing the prophets of the bible with those titled as such today in many cases shows a great contrast. Whereas those titled as prophet today appear to be popular among people and always prophecy blessings and prosperity, biblical prophets were often despised and treated harshly.
King Ahab despises the prophecies Micaiah and even had him imprisoned because he never prophesied good things, but evil things to him (I Kings 22:8). King Ahab was rather persuaded by prophets controlled by lying spirits (I Kings 22:22) and eventually went to his death. The pattern is often repeated today by those only seeking and harkening to good prophecies but never giving heed to warnings by true men and women of God. The spirit of the present age also despises warnings and would rather be left alone. True prophets and true men and women of God see the destruction and judgment coming upon the land.
In many cases judgment has started but the warnings are suppressed or explained away sometimes by others claiming to be prophets. Because of the lack of popularity and the wealth that goes with it, many have taken gifts and used them for their own profit. God will judge them.
We should remember that the ultimate purpose of every gift is to deify the church and point men to the Cross. It is only the cross that provides men’s redemption from sin. To have wealth and popularity and still be eternally lost makes it all in vain. Jesus said, “What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (St. Matt.16: 26)
LESSON ILLUSTRATION:
In recent years many so called, “lost books of the bible“ and the curiosity of them have resurfaced. Author Dan Brown wrote a book called the Da Vinci Code with the false message that the myth of Jesus was created in later years and there were other suppressed books that never referred to Him as the messiah. What many people do not know about Mr. Brown’s book is that it was mostly fiction as there are over 200 factual errors in it.
Many of the books that he refers to in the book are from what are called the Gnostic gospels, meaning they were not included in the original Canon of books known today as the bible. What he fails to state is why these Gnostics were not included. First,
all books of the New Testament were written in the first century by either eyewitnesses or the Disciples of Christ. Of the Gnostics the earliest book was written in the second century. Second, many of the Gnostics were proven forgeries, credit given to individuals who would have been dead before those books were written.
The book, the Da Vinci code is an attempt by Satan to turn man from the cross. But mankind’s only hope remains at the cross.
QUESTIONS:
What is the difference between a prophet and a physic?
Should Christians ever consult physics?
Name some of the differences between the prophets of the bible and those who are called prophets today.
Why did the elders tremble whenever the prophet showed up?
Why did King Ahab despise Micaiah?
Pointing Man Towards the Cross Series
Chapter VII
The Prophesies
Lesson Text: Isaiah 9:2-6
Memory Verse
“Therefore the LORD himself shall give you a sign; Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14)
LESSON AIM: To show prophecies of the Jewish prophets as they told of the redemption of mankind through the coming savior.
INTRODUCTION:
The coming of the Messiah was prophesied to Israel. As stated in the previous lesson, Israel did not necessarily look to the Messiah as the one who would redeem the souls of men by rather restore the kingdom of Israel and defeat her enemies. What is interesting to note about the attitudes of the people towards God was similar to the way other religions looks at their gods. The relationship was impersonal. Many viewed God as a distant authority who demanded obedience and passed judgment without mercy. Some viewed their gods as military warlords, whereas other saw their gods as both male and female. Even today many people see God as impersonal and distant, unfortunately never knowing anything about Him other than a righteous God who passes judgment on sinners.
Whereas Israel understood the prophesies of restoration of their nation, they still did not see the loving compassionate side of God. Jesus came to show the loving personal and compassionate side of God a side that even today man people refuse to accept. Even when he lived on the earth many religious leaders refused to accept the character of Jesus being meek and lowly when they envisioned the Messiah to be a mighty man of battle ready to overthrow their persecutors.
DISCUSSION:
The first prophecy of mankind’s redemption was spoken by God, Himself shortly after man’s fall. “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; and it shall bruise they head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Gen. 3:15). God’s plan for redemption of mankind was established long before he chose Israel as a people. His priority was to redeem mankind back to Himself.
The first prophecy speaks of, “…the seed of the woman”. This reveals that when the redeemer comes he will not inherit the sin of the man. Since the process of birth depends upon the seed of the man, and the seed of the man determines everything inherited, it is also a fact that we receive the sinful nature from the man. We received our sin from our father. Therefore no man could redeem man from his sin because he
inherited the nature of sin from his father. Redemption of mankind cannot come from the prophets because even though they were holy men they were still sinful.
Redemption cannot come through religion or the leaders of founders of religion because they too were born in sin. Buddha, Confucius, Mohammad, were all sinners and to place eternal hope in them in vain.
When the prophecy spoke of the seed of the woman it meant that the messiah would be born as a natural man through conception but not by a natural father. “…a virgin shall conceive…”
The Holy Ghost, and not a natural man conceived Jesus and therefore He did not inherit a sinful nature but the Holy nature of His heavenly Father. He was all man and all God. The only hope of all of mankind is in Jesus Christ
LESSON ILLUSTRATION:
In 1988 director Martin Scoresese made a movies called The Last Temptation of Christ. The movie was a big lie, projecting Jesus as man struggling with sexual temptations, both heterosexual and homosexual. Although Scoresese was the director, it was Satan who was behind this project. He often tries to portray Christ in as a common man struggling with the same perversions and mankind, hoping to take way His divinity.
The Bible says that Christ was tempted, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). He was tempted by Satan in an attempt to make Him sin. But it was not in His nature to sin. Jesus as man was sinless, and as God was Holy. Because this man was sinless all men can be saved only through Him. The Gospel message is to point men to the cross.
QUESTIONS:
How did the people usually see their gods?
Why do many people today still see God as impersonal?
What is the first prophecy of man’s redemption?
What is meant by, “the seed of the woman?”
How did a virgin conceive Jesus?
Why did she have to be a virgin?
Pointing Men Towards the Cross Series
Lesson VIII
The Birth of Mankind’s Savior
Lesson Text: St. Matt. 1:18-25
Memory Verses
“The Joseph being raised from his sleep did as the angel of the LORD has bidden him, and took unto him his wife: And he knew her not till she had brought forth her first-born son: and he called his name JESUS” (St. Matt. 1:24-25)
LESSON AIM: To examine the birth of the Savior as foretold by the prophets and show that Jesus Christ is the only redeemer of Mankind.
INTRODUCTION:
Jesus is who the world has been looking for since the beginning of time. Jesus is also who we look for again to rapture His church away. It is better that we know Him as Savior instead of Judge.
There have always been men that have risen and proclaimed to be divine and have had many followers. Some were revolutionaries, some were miracle workers, some even claimed to be god. But time proved all of them to be false. Even today there are many cults and religious groups that follow those that are claiming to be divine or revealing some “new truth” or new religion. Again, time proves them to be false prophets. Jesus warned us that there would be false Christ’s and false prophets.
The coming of Jesus and His message is the only hope of mankind. Jesus said,“I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the father but by me.”(St. John 14:6).
DISCUSSION:
The memory verse says that Joseph had no sexual relations with his wife until after Jesus was born. This means that Mary did not remain a virgin after Jesus was born. Further, Mary cannot be considered divine or have anything special about her except that she was the vessel through whom Jesus was born. In His adult life he never called her mother, but “woman” (St. John 2:4, 19:26). When she and her sons came to see Jesus, she addresses herself as “his mother.” Jesus responded, “Who is my mother and my brethren…” (St. Matt. 12:46-48)
Jesus was not being cruel or disrespectful. He was mindful of His mission to save the world from sin and those that were related to him by family were also in need of Him as savior. There would be no special privileges. The special status that has been granted Mary through religious order is neither God-inspired nor biblically sound, but something conjured through false teaching. Mary is not the savior nor is there any divinity in her. It is only Jesus.
Satan knows that man’s only hope is Jesus Christ. This is why he has always tried to divert men from Him, even using the deception of making people around him divine. Although the disciples were followers of Jesus and the pillars of the church they are not divine or supernatural.
APPLICATION:
Initially Jesus’ own brethren did not believe in him (St. John 7:1-6). If there was anything divine about them they certainly would have known who He was. His response to them was the same as it would have been to any non-believer, “…your time is always ready” (v.6)Imagine having your own family not believe in you. In spite of that Jesus loved them and it would be just a matter of time before His purpose was revealed to the whole world.
Jesus also received opposition from religious leaders. This was because of the expectations of those with lofty attitudes. The Jews thought that when the Messiah would come, He would rise as a great avenger, destroying their enemies and sitting in the high seats of worldly kingdoms. However, He was not born in royalty but humility. He was not an associate among the religious elite, or highly educated in their minds. He was not rich, but was born lower middle-class. In the minds of the leaders He was not what they wanted in a leader.
The prophet Isaiah described him, saying, “… he hath no form or comeliness: and when we see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. He is despised and rejected of men: a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised and we esteemed him not.” (Isa. 53:2-3)
Adam’s failure alienated man from God but Jesus’ purpose was to restore man back to Himself. He purpose was not just for the nation of Israel but the whole world. “He came to his own and his own, received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (St. John 1:11-12)
LESSON ILLUSTRATION:
The bible says, “The fool hath said in his heart that there is no God” (Psalms 14:1). The present world population is about 6.5 billion people. Since the beginning of time there have been and estimated 40 billion people that have lived at one time or another. The numbers are astronomical and are really beyond human comprehension. Of all of the human being that have passed through time no two people have been exactly alike. Individuality of each person is evident in a number of ways; the most obvious are in the fingerprints. Modern technology has also reveal the no two people have the same voice tone and frequency, no two people have the same eye pattern in the iris, no two people have the exact same DNA.
This means that the intellect and creativity of the creator is far beyond the comprehension of humankind. To be a recipient of the genius of the creator and then to deny that he exists, attributing such miracle to evolution of coincidence is foolish. People miss the obvious trying to be intelligent. The bible says, “professing themselves to be wise, they became fools” (Rom. 1:22)
In spite of all of man’s intellect, he is lost except for the cross.
QUESTIONS:
Why didn’t Jesus refer to Mary as “mother”?
Can Mary be considered the “Mother of God?”
Why didn’t Jesus’ brethren believe in Him?
Why didn’t the religious leaders believe in Him?
What makes a man a fool?
Pointing Men Towards the Cross Series
Lesson IX
Born Again
Lesson Text: St. John 3: 1-7
Memory Verse
“Marvel not that I say unto thee, Ye must be born again.” (St. John 3:7)
LESSON AIM: The “catch-phrase “Born Again” has become popular in modern lingo. What does it really mean?
INTRODUCTION:
The term, “Born again” has become a catchphrase in modern lingo. People use it as a pun to describe many things, from the revival of sports figures to recovering addicts. To many it means a second chance to do what, for whatever reason, they had ceased to do before. The origin of the statement has a much greater and deeper meaning. It is the turning point in a person’s life that will determine their eternal destiny and much more than just a second chance to repeat what has been done before a mishap.
Nicodemus didn’t understand it, trying to compare it to a physical act. But Jesus showed Him the importance of being born in the spirit.
DISCUSSION:
It must be understood that man consists of body, soul and spirit and therefore is 2/3 spiritual and only 1/3 physical. The physical is born of the flesh and is only passing through time. Because it is subject to the law of time it will perish as time passes. The soul is eternal and is the center of consciousness, intellect, creativity and thought. Because the soul is eternal this is the portion that Jesus saves. “…but though the outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day”(II Corinthians 4:16).
Nicodemus did not understand this lesson because he was trying to relate spiritual matters to a natural event. When Jesus told him that he must be born again he was speaking of the eternal portion of man, the soul. That which is born of the flesh is flesh. The flesh is death. Men are born to die. When one is born of the spirit, the spirit lives forever.
Religion has attempted to change people from the outside by settings rules and guidelines for its followers to observe, e.g., a good Christians does this or a good Christian doesn’t do that. However, if a person has not really been changed on the inside the rules of religion will not stick, particularly if that person is not constantly being observed. But when one has been change from the inside out the change is automatic and one will walk according to the Lord’s command without being observed. Being born again means that a man has been changed from the inside and therefore will walk reflecting what has happened to him.
APPLICATION:
We point men to the cross because this is the place of redemption and reformation. The cross provides the eternal hope of mankind’s destiny. The power of the cross can change anyone and has the power to convert the worst of sinners and give them new life in Jesus Christ. No other man can provide this eternal hope.
Jesus said, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (St. John 4:24).This means that we worship him from the emotion and sincerity of the eternal portion. We praise and worship from the outside as a result of a change; or rebirth on the inside. The born again believer praises God for what He has done for him by giving him eternal hope. He worships God for who He is, recognizing that He is sovereign and Holy; the most high God, equaled by on one else.
To worship in the Spirit is to connect with God in mind, soul, and thought and to reverence His splendor.
LESSON ILLUSTRATION:
Mind and attitude are a part of the soul. The bible says, “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee…” (Isaiah 26:3) Often, we fail to realize the affect that certain things have on our spirit.
Members of the medical profession concerning music and patient recovery did a study. Some patients were allowed to listen to soft easy listening music, while others listen to fast high tempo music. Those that listened to the soft music recovered faster from their affliction that those that listened to the high tempo music. It was discovered that the soft music had a soothing affect on the mind and hence gave appositive attitude to the patience, all combining to speed up recovery.
One of the reasons that Christians should not embrace every styles of music is because of the affect it has on people. Though everyone is not affected the same it is certain that affects do take place. Some music can make us joyous whereas others can depress us. All affect the spiritual portion of each of us.
The message of the cross gives hope to every person. It lifts us in mind, body and spirit.
QUESTIONS:
What did Jesus mean when he said, “Ye must be born again?”
What are the three portions of Man?
What is the difference between the rules of religion and being born again?
What does it mean to worship God in the Spirit? a paragraph. Click once to begin entering your own content. You can change my font, size, line height, color and more by highlighting part of me and selecting the options from the toolbar.
Pointing Men Towards the Cross Series
Lesson X
Upon This Rock
Lesson Text: St. Matthew 16:13-20
Memory Verse
“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church: and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”(St. Matt. 16:18)
LESSON AIM: To shows how Jesus has established the Church. What is the church and how does it differ from religion?
INTRODUCTION:
The church is more than just a building or a congregation. It is the body of baptized believers who follow Jesus Christ and are looking for His return. It is not just those who wear the religious title of Christian, but rather those have made Him the Lord of their lives and follow His example. Lord means master and the motive of the servant is to please his master, placing his masters will ahead of his own.
DISCUSSION:
In order for one to fully understand “this rock” that Jesus when he spoke to St. Peter about the church, we must read the whole conversation. Many have erroneously believed that St. Peter was the rock of the church. Examination of this conversation, however, proves that this is not true. Jesus first asked His disciples, “Who do men say that I am?” He did not ask this because He was concern about His popularity, but to show the comparison between the opinions of men and the truth of God. He asked His own, who do they say that I Am? St. Peter’s response was, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God”
Jesus seemed to appreciate St. Peter’s response because it meant that the disciples were walking close enough to Him and were learning what was not yet revealed to everyone else. Jesus response to St. Peter was, “flesh and blood hath not revealed this to you, but my Father…”Therefore, the rock of the church was not St. Peter, but the revelation that St. Peter received from God. The church in founded upon this principle; “that Jesus is the Christ.”
APPLICATION:
The title of Christian is used loosely among religious circles. As stated in a previous lesson many people who profess to be Christians claim to be non-practicing Christian’s, and some even call themselves non-believing Christians. Even some cults
profess to be Christians. The argument of their validity will always be in dispute because the definition of Christian has abroad range. But to be born again is an entire different category.
Jesus did not come to start another religion. He came to establish the church that believes that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God. Many professing Christians may be disciples of their religious teaching, but every teaching does not believe that Jesus is the Christ.
The church believes that Jesus is God incarnated in form of human flesh, born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, was crucified on the cross, died and was buried for three days. After the third day he arose from the dead ascending into heaven and will return again. That is what the church believes. That is not what all “Christians” are saying. Some deny one or all of the previous mentioned. Therefore, those that profess to be Christians and those that are a part of Christ’s church are not necessarily the same.
LESSON ILLUSTRATION:
The FBI recently has exposed or observed a number of anti-government military survival groups in America. Some of these groups profess to be Christians determined to survive the apocalyptic judgment soon to come upon the earth. Others have called themselves “armies of the Lord” and have fortified themselves with artillery to fight for the Lord in that “terrible day of Judgment” These groups are military cults. It is an example of persons taking scriptures out of context and applying them to their own personal motives.
When cult leader David Koresh and his followers isolated themselves in a military style compound in Waco, Texas they were armed and confronted FBI agents with gunfire from automatic weapons before finally committed what is thought to be a mass suicide by burning themselves in the building. It is for this reason that these cults should be observed by FBI agents and taken seriously.
When the Lord returns he will not need the aid of any military groups. He will not battle the armies of any government, but the armies of Satan. The Lord will prevail. There will be no escape from the wrath of the Lord. The safest place will always be in the will of the Lord.
QUESTIONS:
What is the rock of the church?
What is the difference between Christianity and the church?
Are all religions a part of the church?
Can a person still be considered a Christian if they do not believe in the virgin birth or the resurrection of Christ?
Pointing Men Towards the Cross Series
Lesson XI
The Life of the Savior
Lesson Text: I Peter 2:21-25
Memory Verse
“Who did not sin, neither was guile found in his mouth” (I Peter 2:22)
LESSON AIM: To examine the life of Jesus
INTRODUCTION:
Lesson 5 talked about the Law and man’s failure to keep it. Jesus said, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy but to fulfill” (St. Matt 5:17) It meant that He was the only one who walked according to the law and never violated it by sinning. This again proves that salvation cannot come by any other man because all have sinned and violated God’s Holy Law. Jesus is the only man; being both man and God, to live sinless when judged by the Law. Jesus was sinless. This one of the basic principles of Christian theology.
Jesus commanded us to be perfect (St. Matt. 5:48). For a man to be perfect of his own merit is impossible. Jesus said this knowing the flaws of man. Perfection therefore cannot be in ones self, but following the perfect one, Jesus Christ. When the father looks at us He sees His son in us. We are perfected in Him.
He never quoted any other men of history except the Jewish prophets. This is because the Jewish prophets of God gave the Law. He validated no other religious or philosophical law. Therefore Christians have no need to quote or observe, Buddha, Confucius, Muhammad or any other religious figure of history.
DISCUSSION:
Jesus life is a perfect example for His followers. What makes one a disciple is his/her devotion to the master. Although the term has become a “catch-phrase” in modern lingo, whenever a true disciple of Christ has a question as to how deal with a situation they should ask themselves, “What would Jesus do?”
Although not much is recorded about the youth of Christ the bible did say that as a youth He had favor with God and man (St. Luke 2:52). This meant that He lived a good and respectable lifestyle and was not a violator or laws or troublemaker.
Jesus also told his disciples, “…the works that I do ye shall do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to my Father” (St. John 14:12).He was an example in lifestyle and ministry. When He was on the earth His ministry was limited to where He was at a particular time. Because He has ascended to the father the Holy Spirit is now free to operate worldwide.
APPLICATION:
The greatest testimony of a Christian is to live a life reflecting the savior. This is not to say that Christians are perfect or don’t make mistakes. It means that one follows the example of the life of Christ and if one fails he repents. The bible says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9). The bible also says, “And if we sin we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (I John 2:1). But the bible also says, “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound, God forbid…” (Rom. 6:1-2)
Just because we can be the recipients of grace does not mean that we continue to walk in sin. When Jesus has truly become the Lord of our lives our motive is to follow His example. He lived sinless and we ought to try to follow that example, knowing that if we fail He stands as an advocate. An advocate is a lawyer.
There are many professing Christians who still live a lifestyle reflecting greed, selfishness, profane language, etc, and then want to testify about Christ, making their testimony worthless and there Christian walk suspect. The best testimony a Christian can have is to live a life reflecting the savior who they follow.
LESSON ILLUSTRATION:
There was a young Christian man who worked on a job and was often the target of jokes and ridicule because of his religious convictions. He did not participate is certain things that he felt were ungodly; he did not use profanity and did not laugh at nasty jokes. There were others who professed to be Christians as well, but they used profane language and sometime told what they called “little white lies” feeling that as long as they didn’t harm anyone they were alright.
One day one of the co-workers was urgently called to the hospital where her father laid gravely ill and was not expected to live. She called back to the job, desperate and in tears and asked to speak to the young man that before she had made fun of with everyone else. She did not want to speak to the other professing Christians. When the young man answered the phone she asked him, “Would you please pray for my father?” And the young man obliged by praying for her and her father right on the phone.
Even though this young man had previously been the brunt of everyone’s jokes they all soon realized that he was sincere and believed that the Lord would answer his prayers. His lifestyle had become his testimony.
QUESTIONS:
What did Jesus means when he said that we will do “greater works?”
What is meant when the scripture say that Jesus found favor with God and man?
What is the difference between falling to sin and continuing in sin?
How can one’s life be a testimony?
In the lesson illustration why do you suppose the young woman sought out the Christian young man who was made fun of instead of the other professing Christians?
Pointing Men Towards the Cross Series
Lesson XII
The Cross
Lesson Text I Corinthians 1:17-18, Galatians 6:14
Memory Verse
“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (I Corinthians 1:18)
LESSON AIM: The Cross is mankind’s only redemption. Not religion, not being good, not within ones own way. This lesson examines why.
INTRODUCTION:
The crucifixion of Jesus Christ is the turning point in all of history. It is because of the crucifixion that mankind of all race, creeds and nationalities can look to the cross and be saved. The cross is the only hope of eternal life, without it one is damned forever. The cross shows the love of God for mankind. It is the ultimate sacrifice made by an innocent man dying for a guilty world. What Christ suffered on the cross, all of mankind deserved. The bible says, “…while we were yet sinners Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8). Jesus said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man would lay down his life for his friends” (St. John 15:13)
DISCUSSION:
It must be understood that good works does not merit heaven. No one is “good enough” to go to heaven. Religion cannot save a man! If religion could have saved us it would not have been necessary for Jesus to come and die on the cross. No matter how religious or devoted to a religion one is, he/she is eternally lost if he/she has not come by way of the cross. In fact, the image of God painted by most religion shows a doctoral and vengeful god ready to past swift judgment. The bible says however that God loved the world (St. John 3:16). It is true that God is righteous and cannot stand sin in His presence. He knew that man could not save himself and yet He loved us.
The love is God is as powerful as God Himself. God is love (I John 4:16). They are inseparable. You cannot have one without the other. God therefore sent His only begotten son into the world to live as a man to die for all of mankind, so that man would have a fair chance to be saved. It is only through the ultimate sacrifice of His Son that we can be saved. To accept Him is eternal life; to reject Him is eternal damnation. Mankind’s only hope is the cross.
APPLICATION:
There are those who feel that there are many ways to God. This is a trick of Satan.
He knows that Jesus Christ is the only way to God. Therefore he has created religions and cults to deceive man to believing that there are many ways to be saved.
The 1st century church preached with conviction and passion, many of them dying for the gospel. What made them preach so fervently and die so courageously? It was because they had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Today many confuse Jesus with the mythological Santa Claus, feeling that if they are “good” they will be blessed. Even the preaching of many of today’s ministers focus on how many “blessings” one can get by doing good things and forgetting the message of the cross to convert sinners. Judgment will begin in the house of God.
LESSON ILLUSTRATION:
Crucifixion was one of the worst ways to die in all history. The cross represented the worst shame. It was the ultimate humiliation along with the most horrific type of death. A medical doctor spoke of the trauma that the body went through during the scourging and crucifixion.
“The crown of thorns would have caused great trauma to the head. Some of the most sensitive blood vessels are in the head. The scourging was an abusive beating with a whip that consisted of four leather cords and two metal balls that would have literally ripped the flesh with each blow. A person was whipped thirty-nine times from the base of the neck, throughout the back and all the way down to the ankles. A person would have been totally incapacitated and delirious in pain.
Usually a person received the scourging or the crucifixion, but rarely did one receive both as Jesus did. Carrying the cross through the streets would have caused some to die before even reaching the cross. This is possibly why Simon of Cyrene had to help Jesus carry the cross, because physically He could go no further. To be nailed through the wrist and then hoisted upon the cross left one to suffer beyond comprehension. Some people lingered for days in that torment before dying. Most died of asphyxiation from the lungs filling with fluid. Some choked on their own tongue. When the Roman spear pierced Jesus the bible says that blood and water came from the wound. This is because the sack around the heart had filled up with fluids”.
Jesus did this to give hope to every person. He loves us.
“At the cross, where I first saw the light; and the burdens of my heart rolled away. It was there by faith I received my sight, and now I am happy all the day”.
QUESTIONS:
Why did Jesus go to the cross?
Can one be saved without first going to the cross?
Can a man be saved if he is devoted to religion?
Can a man be saved even if his religion does not believe in Jesus?
Should the message of the cross change with the times?
Pointing Men Towards the Cross Series
Lesson XIII
The Resurrection
Lesson Text I Corinthians 15: 12-22
Memory Verse
“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive’” (I Corinthians 15:22)
LESSON AIM: The message of Jesus would fall into the category of all religions if he had died like every religious leader and remained dead. What validates Him as the Son of God and savior of all mankind is that he lived sinless, died on the cross and rose from the dead. Jesus is alive and because He is alive we can live.
INTRODUCTION:
The message of the cross would incomplete without His glorious resurrection. Had He not risen from the dead he could have been categorized in the column of other religious figure? But His resurrection proved that He was the Son of God and the only hope for mankind.
Jesus resurrection validates who He said He was. It also gives us the hope of eternal life after death. As a man He died and was entombed for three days. When He resurrected he declared, “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold I am alive forevermore…” (Rev.1: 18). Because He lives we know that we will live forever.
DISCUSSION:
Apostle Paul challenges the skeptics, critics and non-believers when it came to Christ’s resurrection. By asking, “…how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?” Even today there are many professing Christian that do not believe. Apostle Paul further challenges this by asking, “…then is Christ not risen?” One of the foundations of Christian theology is that Christ rose form the dead. As discussed in previous lessons, there is a difference between those the religion of Christianity and those that are a part of the church. Many profess the religion, but have not converted in heart or believe that Jesus rose from the dead. Therefore they are not part of the church that the gates of hell shall not prevail against.
Apostle Paul speaks of the hope because of the resurrection and what it does for the believers. If there is no resurrection then the preaching of the gospel is in vain. It is because of this hope that we preach, pray, and live in accordance with the bible. What should further be understood is that believing in this hope gives us an inner peace and joy beyond natural understanding. We are blessed because we believe.
APPLICATION:
Because Christ is alive He proves Himself in our lives. He sent the Holy Ghost into the earth to comfort every believer. Apostle Paul makes a very bold and confronting statement when he says, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are all men most miserable” To love a life without hope of the world beyond makes this life empty and without value. This is demonstrated by people everyday who do not value human life; theirs or someone else and will life a reckless and vice filled life, seeking only self-pleasure without regard for others. The resurrection of Christ proves that heaven is real and every believer can one day live there forever.
People often ask, “Is there life after death?” Unfortunately they do not believe in Christ and have sought answers through psychics and mediums, even trying to communicate with the dead. This is a trick of Satan and God forbids such practices.
Christ’s life delivers us from the curse of Adam. In him we all die but in Jesus we are made alive. His resurrection proves that he is the Son of God and the only hope of mankind.
LESSON ILLUSTRATION:
The famous Shroud of Turin has been the subject of religious debate for centuries. Many believe that it is the genuine burial shroud of Jesus and the imprint embedded into it is because of the supernatural flash of glory after he resurrected. When carbon 14 testing as done upon it the date was said to be around the 12th century, which would have proven it a forgery. However, the argument is now made that the testing would have been thrown off by the fact that the chapel that housed it was in a fire and disrupted the carbon samples on the shroud. The debate is still on going.
Recently the History Channel did a story on the research scientist who took the image on the shroud and through computer enhancement was able to produce a three-dimensional image from it. The titled it “The Man in the Shroud” Because of the intensity of the research one minister concluded, “Either this is the burial cloth of Christ or someone else resurrected from the dead”.
Either way, the resurrection of Christ is fact and not fiction. Here are several reasons why:
1.Women were the first to report that he was risen. If this was fabricated the writers would not have given credit to women. At the time they were considered second-class.
2. The stone that covered tombs generally were on an incline making it impossible to roll away without some type of pulley. The disciples couldn’t have done this without getting the attention of the soldiers sent to guard the tomb.
3. The resurrection was preached by the disciples while plenty of people were still alive to debunk it if it were not true.
4. No one have every produced a body
QUESTIONS:
How does the resurrection of Jesus complete the message of the cross?
How does the resurrection of Jesus set Him apart from other religions and religious figures?
Can a person be saved and not believe in the resurrection?
What is the difference between religion and those who are a part of the church?
Can we also find answers about life after death from, psychics and conjurers of the dead?
2nd Section
The Miracle Ministry of Jesus Series
* * * *
The Miracle Ministry of Jesus Series
Lesson I
Why are Miracles Important?
Lesson Text: Acts 2:22-32
Memory Verses
“There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him” (St. John 3:1-2)
INTRODUCTION:
Today’s world consists of five major religions, they being Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Judaism each consisting of millions of followers over time. They have all had a major impact historically as well s presently on lifestyles, politics and cultures. It should be noted that of the present world population, which consist of over 6 billion people, more than half of that population professes to be Christian in one form or another.
These religions can all be traced back to a religious figure, a man or who started it by his teachings or philosophical views on everything from abundant life to the after-life. However, of all the religious figures none of them performed miracle except the Jewish prophets and Jesus. Why are miracles important? One of the reasons is because it proves a supernatural power that sets these particular men above just the words of philosophy. Philosophies change with time. What applies in one situation many not work in another place, or time.
It should be understood that Jesus was not just a philosopher, but as Apostle Peter will say, “thou hast the words of eternal life…” (St. John 6:68). Miracles validate the person.
Miracles can sometimes be disputed as coincidence or possibly something that may have a logical explanation is not understood at that time. In this 21st century we have experienced technical miracle, medical miracles, and it can even be said that technology has caught up with the miraculous. But there is no disputing the miracles of Jesus. His miracles controlled nature. He walked on water, gave sight to the blind, raised the dead, and even calmed the stormy sea. They endure time and cannot be explained away by modern thinking or technology.
DISCUSSION:
As previously stated, other religious leaders didn’t perform miracles. Nicodemus’ testimony, “that no man can do these miracle except God be with him”, showed the impact that Jesus had upon the community. What was happening in the midst of them had only been read about during the time of Moses and the prophets. God always validated his prophet through miracles. Moses performed miracles in Egypt, Joshua still the sun for the space of 1 day, Elijah called down fire from heaven. The list goes on.
When Jesus came into the world he enhanced what God had done through the prophets. Therefore the Jews could compare Him to the prophets of old. Although the world has had religious leaders, none of them consistently performed miracles on human bodies as well a nature itself. Jesus didn’t perform just one miracle, but many. These validated that He is the Son of God.
APPLICATION:
Are miracles happening among the other religions? Even the magicians of Pharaoh could perform a few of them when they withstood Moses.But the miracles of the magicians were trickery, eye-deception. Even thy later had to testify however, that Moses rod was, “the finger of God” (Exodus 8:19). Many professing Christians do not believe in miracles or simply think it was only for the early church. This is unfortunate because many will live beneath their privileges as children of God. These same people will not experience a close relationship with the Lord, because miracles come to those who have faith in Him.
Some have gone as far as to preach against miracles, saying that it is more important to have the word. However, miracles are apart of the word of God and it is the desire of the Lord that His people have full benefits.
Although there are some that have exploited miracles and have lowered themselves to deception, it should be understood that deceptions mock what is real. God is still a miracle –worker.
Miracles are important. The Lord has not ceased to work them. There is nothing impossible with God and when He performs them the people should testify to the world of His miraculous power. “…make known his deeds among the people“(Psalms 105:1)
Miracles validated to the people that God was with the prophets. It should validate to the church that Jesus is the Christ: the Son of the Living God.
LESSON ILLUSTRATION:
A missionary was preaching in an African country that was predominately Muslim. Some of the people became hostile towards the missionary for his preaching, telling the people that Jesus is the Son of God and the only Savior of the world. But then a well-known man of the village came forward. He had before been known as a devout Muslim. But that night he testified before the people,
“I have given my heart to Jesus. My son was sick and about to die. I prayed to Allah sincerely, but nothing happened. I called upon Allah, but it seemed like my prayers weren’t heard. I had heard that Jesus was a miracle worker, so I called Jesus. When I called Him I felt His power come over me. As I laid my hand upon my son Jesus worked a miracle. The fever left him. He is completely healed and alive today”
From that testimony many of the Muslims gave their lives to Jesus and followed Him from that day to this present day. Jesus is a miracle worker.
QUESTIONS:
1. Why are miracles important?
2. Of the 5 major religions in the world today how many of them have had miracles as a part of their beginnings
3. Compare the miracles of Jesus to the Old Testament prophets.
4. Have miracles ceased in for the 21st century church.
5. Should Christians disregard miracle-workers?
The Miracle Ministry of Jesus Series
Lesson II
The Virgin Birth
Lesson Text: St. Matthew 1: 18-25
Memory Verse
Therefore, the LORD himself shall give you a sign; Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and thou shalt call his name Immanuel”( Isaiah 7:14)
INTRODUCTION:
Jesus was a miracle worker. But the first miracle performed to validate Him was His miraculous birth. Although we know that He was both God and man, He had natural birth with a supernatural conception.
People have debated the validity of the virgin birth but true Christian believe that it is apart of redemptive faith. The belief in the virgin birth is just as important as His life, death, burial and resurrection as will be discussed in this lesson will discuss why.
DISCUSSION:
The theory of heredity was proven in 1862. It deals with the concept that a child receives traits from its parents such as, hair color, eye color, skin color, height, weight etc. In other words everything he gets he gets from his parent. However, the process of heredity begins at conception and conception is stared by the male seed. This would mean that from the natural standpoint we inherit from our father and just as a child receives from his father he also inherits sin from the father. Sin does not come from the mother, but the father. And so it is all the way back to Adam, the first man.
Jesus was not conceived by a natural man and therefore did not receive the sinful nature of a natural father. He was born as a natural man but conceived by the Holy Ghost. That would mean that His nature was like His heavenly father.
Christian should believe this to know that our redemption is sure. If Jesus was just a natural man born as a result of a natural father, He could not have redeemed mankind from sin because he would have been guilt of sin like everyone else. But He was sinless. We should further understand that salvation cannot come through anyone else because all have sinned. This includes Buddha, Mohammed, Confucius and all other religious figures. Redemption could not even come from the prophets, the disciples, or even Mary. All have sinned!
APPLICATION:
Religion is as old as time. Man has always used it to justify himself and make himself good enough to go to heaven. Even today there is a misconception that eternal life is merited by being good (St. Matthew 10:17-22). This is not true. It is unfortunate that many people have lived religious to their religion but have failed to recognize that our sin has disqualified us from eternal life. It is only by accepting the Jesus did for us on Calvary. He was an innocent man.
When God gave the law to Moses for the nation of Israel they consistently violated it. This showed that man could not keep the law of God and every year the priest would offer an innocent sacrificial lamb for the sins of the people. The innocent shed his blood for the guilty. Now Christ has become that sacrificial lamb for the sins of the world. Jesus stated, “I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh to the Father, but by me”( St John 14:6)
LESSON ILLUSTRATION:
There is a debate in the ancient Hebrew text as to whether Isaiah 7: 14 should have been translated “virgin” or “young woman” However, It should be understood that a young woman is not necessarily a virgin. Further, if the original translation was interpreted as young woman it still would not have implied non-virgin. During the culture young women married in their teens. Many scholars believe that Mary was 14 when she conceived Jesus. As a young woman she would have been shamed and even stoned for what was considered an act of betrayal to her family and to her future spouse’s family.
If the translation was unclear at the time of Isaiah it certainly became clear at the time of Mary and Joseph. Mary was a virgin and was the channel by which our Lord & Savior came into the world. Hence, we understand that He was born as a man but was conceived by God, making Him all man and all God.
QUESTIONS:
1. Does a person need to believe in the virgin birth in order to be saved?
2. Why was the virgin birth necessary?
3. Could Jesus still have redeemed man if he was born of a natural father?
The Miracle Ministry of Jesus Series
Lesson III
Jesus’ First Miracle: Turning the Water into Wine
Lesson Text St. John 2:1-12
Memory Verse
“This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him” (St. John 2:11)
INTRODUCTION:
Since the time of Christ many other writings have surfaced that are supposed to be “the Lost Books of the Bible”. One writing supposedly records the “lost years of Jesus” In them, Jesus performs all kinds of miracles in his youth by doing such things as staring down and killing bullies and causing clay pigeons to fly. However, most of these Gnostics are proven forgeries by unknown sources.
The bible, our authority, is clear when it says that the miracle of turning the water into wine at the wedding was the “first” of Jesus’ miracles. Therefore, if the bible is our authority, than all other writings are obsolete.
DISCUSSION:
Miracles are few and far between especially among today’s major religions. Mohammad performed no miracles, neither did Buddha. Jesus said,“…believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the father is in me and I in him” (St. John 10:38)”
Why are miracles important? Certainly people have taken the world by storm with fine orations, speeches and even inventions. Many have set themselves in the sands of time and history. Yet, the miracle workers are few and far between. Miracles are generally associated with ones concept of divinity. What validated the early church were the miracles that followed it. Otherwise it would have been considered just another movement that rose up, made noise for a time and then faded with time.
Miracles validate a person’s claim. Since Jesus was God manifest in human form then miracles help validate this claim. Jesus did not need to validate Himself for His sake. He knew who He was. But for those that followed Him, it was necessary that He prove who he was.
What makes any person popular today as well as down through the centuries, even if it is by deception, is the ability to perform what appear to be miracles. It puts people in the mind of association with God. For who could perform such miracle except that the Lord is with him? This is why Nicodemous was convinced that Jesus was from
God, “For no man could do these miracles that thou doest except God be with him” St. John 3:2)
The Lord yet performs miracles today and this is one of the reasons why the church has endured throughout the millenniums.
APPLICATION:
Jesus never performed miracles for self glory but because he was moved with compassion. Jesus’ miracles always met a need. He just didn’t perform them to show off. When Herod wanted Him to perform miracles Jesus refused. It would have had no significance except to appease a curiosity seeker.
The first miracle at the wedding was the beginning of Jesus public ministry. At this time He already had a following, no doubt many of them were disciples of John the Baptist and heard when he called Him “…the lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world” and even seeing the dove set on His shoulders and voice of God coming from heaven during His baptism (St. John 1:29)
Of all of the miracles that Jesus would perform only a few would know of this first one, only His disciples. It validated Jesus to them (St. John 2:11). They now knew that they were not just following a great man, but the son of God. This knowledge would follow them the rest of their lives.
Jesus miracles lifted the faith of people to know that he is truly the Son of God. When He performs miracles to day through his servants it is to show that He is the only true and living God. Whenever a servant takes this glory from the Lord and exploits the gift for personal gains. He stands in danger of the wrath of God.
LESSON ILLUSTRATION:
The first miracle performed after Jesus’ resurrection by the church was when Peter and John healed the lame man that had never walked his entire life (Acts 3: 1-9). In stead of causing great rejoicing among the religious elite, it instead caused criticism and skeptism.
Even today people can see miracle performed and will find fault with it. This only hurts the non-believers. People who don’t believe will never receive miracles. Even when Jesus resurrected from the dead and appeared to the disciples in the bible says that some still doubted, even though they saw the risen Christ right before their eyes (St. Matt 28:17. If people doubted then, they certainly will doubt now. It doesn’t matter how many doubters there are in the world today Jesus is till a miracle worker and will perform them for those who serve Him faithfully.
QUESTIONS:
1. Is there any validity in the so called “Lost books of the Bible?”
2. If the bible says that turning the water into wine was Jesus’ first miracle, what can be said of ancient writings that record the so called “lost years of Jesus?”
3. Did any of the other leaders of the major religions today perform miracles?
4. What are the differences between miracle workers of the past and the miracles that Jesus performed?
5. Does the Lord still work miracles in the 21st century?
The Miracle Ministry of Jesus Series
Chapter IV
Casting out Devils
St. Mark 1:23-28
Memory Verse
“…Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? Art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy one of God” (St. Mark 2:24)
INTRODUCTION:
Among the miracles that Jesus performed was casting out devils. This type of deliverance not brought relief of physical bondage, but also emotional and metal bondage as well. What most psychiatrist and psychologist would refer to emotional stability or mental illness in some cases can be traced traumatic encounters that have had an everlasting affect on the mind. The mind is spirit and therefore, susceptible to spiritual encounters. Once the devil controls the mind he controls the individual. Sometimes the results are depression, self-mutilation, strange behavior and suicide.
The bible said that this man in the temple had an unclean spirit. It didn’t say what manifestation made this evident, but Jesus preaching irritated the spirit in him and he began to cry out.
DISCUSSION:
What is interesting to note is the conversation that takes place between Jesus and this demon. The demon knows who Jesus is. In fact, he knows more than everyone else (St. Mark 3: 11). At this point no one is calling Jesus the Holy One of God. There are even skeptics who are trying to discredit Jesus. But this demonic even pleads with Jesus not to destroy him. In another incident the spirits plead with Jesus not to torment him before the time (St. Matt 8:29).
Even the demons know that their abilities are limited and their time is numbered. The appearance of Jesus tormented the spirits and the same is applicable today. Demons hate and fear the name of Jesus.
One of the most outstanding miracles of deliverance from demonic oppression was when Jesus cast a legion of demons out of the “wild man” of Gadarenes (St. Mark 5:1-20). The demons in this man had driven him completely out of his mind and he could
no longer dwell among regular society. He was considered “mad, insane, and wild” and could not be restrained by chains. The demons in him gave him supernatural strength to the point where he would break the chains. He self mutilated himself by cutting himself with stones and he lived among the dead in the cemetery.
Whereas everybody was afraid of Him, when Jesus came the demons were now afraid of Him. If the church only knew that demons fear the name of Jesus we would use it more often in our demonic struggles and encounters.
When Jesus delivered the man the spirits went into the flock of swine on the nearby hill and caused them to run violently into the stream and drown themselves. This legion of demons consist of about two-thousand, but they al feared Jesus.
APPLICATION:
One of the powers that Jesus gave to the church was the ability to cast out devils. He also said that we would do greater works because he has now ascended to the Heavenly Father (St. John 14:12). The unfortunate thing is that many Christians don’t recognize the work or the presence of demons and therefore do not act accordingly. Casting out devils was a great part of Jesus’ ministry. Even prophecies about declare that He healed all that were oppressed by the devil.
In the case of the man of Gadarenes he was possessed by demons. However, demons do not always possess but can oppress a person. Spirit-filled Christians cannot be demon possessed. It is impossible to the Spirit of God and the Spirit of the devil to possess the same temple. When one is demon oppressed it means that the devils talk to the mind. The bible says to, “…resist the devil and he will flee from you” (I Peter 5:8). Possession means that one is controlled. In the case of the man possessed with the legion of spirits, he was driven mad, he ran among the tombs of the cemetery naked, he self-mutilated himself by cutting himself with stones. But when Jesus cast the demons out he calmed down, he put his cloth on, He sat at the feet of Jesus and when the people, saw him they were afraid. They remembered what he was, but they now saw what he became.
LESSON ILLUSTRATION:
During the 70’s a very popular movie came out called “The Exorcist” In the end the demon in the child cause the priest to committee suicide. May people begin to fear the power of the devil as the fad of exorcism and demon worship began to increase. But as the craze began to fade with time (which is what fads do, fade in and fade out) people have stopped acknowledging the presence of demons altogether.
It appears that the present generation of Christians is not devil conscious and hence, demons make their abode in many of the high church positions. Jesus was aware of the devils and his presence and He warned us of his deceptive ways. Today, many professing Christians do not believe that the devil exists or laugh at the subject as if it were some type of superstition. This is Satan’s strategy. If people do not believe that he exists then he has the advantage and will work his evil and is not recognized. Christians must remember that if Jesus dealt with the devil and gave the church power over the devil we must deal with the devil as the devil and treat the devil like the devil.
QUESTIONS:
1. Why did the devils in this man know more about Jesus than the people did?
2. Why were the demons afraid of Jesus?
3. Should demons be afraid of Christians?
4. What is the difference between demon oppression and demon possession?
The Miracle Ministry of Jesus Series
Chapter V
Jesus Heals the Man at the Pool of Bethesda
Lesson Text: St. John 5:1-9
Memory Verse
“Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed and walk” (St. John 5: 8)
INTRODUCTION:
This particularly story of the man at the pool of Bethesda has an interesting history. He had been sick with the same disease for 38 years. To be oppressed with the same thing for that long usually can have and affect, not only on the person physical condition, but can affect a person emotionally and psychologically as well.
This is evident as Jesus begins to talk to the man as he begins to complain about a number of things a concerning his condition.
DISCUSSION:
Jesus was the ultimate healer and miracle worker. He knows all things and all conditions. But when he comes to this man by the pool of Bethesda He doesn’t just ask the man, “will you be healed?”, but, “...Wilt thou be made whole?” (v.6) Why would Jesus ask the question when he knew all of the answers? What was the difference between being healed and being made whole?”
Often, deliverance is not always for the physical condition. Because each human being consist of body, soul, and spirit, that would make us 2/3 spiritual and only 1/3 physical. Unfortunately we often only dwell upon the physical and neglect the spiritual. In many cases the physical affliction is a reaction to deeper spiritual affliction.
This man sat by the pool waiting for the miraculous event of the angel troubling the water. Jesus asked the question because he realized that the man’s trouble was not just physical. His affliction that he had for so long affected him in more ways that he realized. By Jesus asking the question he provoked the man to talk about deeper afflictions:
1) Self-Pity – No one will help me. I’ve been sick a long time
2) Resentment- Everyone steps ahead of me
3) Anger – these people have not been sick as long as me
Jesus never interrupted the man, but just let him continually talk. He knew that sometime people will never be healed until they deliver themselves form the deep emotions that they have held within them for so long. This is why some people don’t get healed today because the source of their trouble is not the affliction itself. The affliction is the reaction to deeper afflictions. Sometimes before the Lord can heal our bodies He has to touch us in spirit. The real source of the problem can be stored bitterness or anger. The best way to release this is to talk about it with someone who understands.
Once the man finished, Jesus told him take up his bed and walk and immediately the man was not just healed, but made whole. He was delivered emotionally as well as physically.
APPLICATION:
We often come for a miracle when in reality we need healing. We can be afflicted in our spirits, sometimes from past experiences that have left us bitter, resentful, angry and they have affected our personality, though processes or even attitudes towards life and others.
Because these things can be within our spirit for so long they can afflict us emotionally and eventually physically. Being made whole is not just a matter of feeling better physically but emotionally still harboring the same feelings. It is when the Lord goes right to the sourced of the affliction. One he touches the source, everything else will adjust accordingly.
We can harbor things in spirits from, child abuse, verbal abuse, bad marriage or relationship, rejection, mistrust, etc. We can carry them within us for so long until it can have an affect upon our physical bodies. When the Lord delivers us he makes us whole.
LESSON ILLUSTRATION:
Depression has been diagnosed as an illness that has affected millions of people. The cause is not always known but some psychiatrists think it can come from some type of trauma that one has suffered and has suppressed within themselves.
Childhood traumas, such as verbal, physical or sexual abuse are contributing, if not main factors and sometimes the loss of loved ones, loss of job or home, loss of things or persons close are also believed to be causes. But sometimes there is no explanation at all.
Jesus heals all manner of sickness whether it is physical, psychological, spiritual or mental. He asked the man, “wilt thou be made whole?” Wholeness means that a person has been ministered to in every area of his/her life. He not only heals the body, but He fills every void and replaces them with such things as joy, hope, faith and determination. It wants us to be whole.
QUESTIONS:
1. Besides the physical sickness, what are some of the other things that affected this man at the pool of Bathesda?
2. What do you suppose that when the man began to complain to Jesus, He let him continue to talk?
3. What is the difference between being healed and being made whole?
4. Are we majority physical or spiritual?
The Miracle Ministry of Jesus Series
Chapter VI
The Woman with the Issue of Blood
Lesson Text St. Luke 8:43-48
Memory Verse
“And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me” (St. Luke 8:46)
INTRODUCTION:
We have read of the many miracles of Jesus. He often laid hands upon the sick or spoke to the person. In this lesson we see where a woman was healed as a result of touching Him. Jesus was not aware that the woman was there but He was aware that somebody had touched Him. It was not an ordinary touch. The disciples did not understand and were apparently apologetic when He asked, “...who touched me?” (v.45)
Peter reminded Jesus of the thronging crowd knowing that someone was bound to touch Him no matter how much they tried to shield Him. But Jesus did not just feel the touch of the crowd, but it was a touch of faith that stopped Him. Because he felt virtues leave His body.
DISCUSSION:
Often we are praying for the Lord to touch us; our bodies, our minds, or our circumstances. God is touched however, by our faith in Him. Faith above everything else seemed to impress the Lord. He was impressed by the Centurions faith (St. Matt 8:5-13), who didn’t feel worthy that the Lord should enter into his house but simply speak the word. He was impressed by the Syro-phoenician woman’s faith (St. Mark 7: 25-30), who was ignored and then insulted, but yet pleaded with the Lord for deliverance for her daughter. Jesus told His disciples, “Have faith in God” (St. Mark 11:22). So then faith moves God.
The faith of this woman caused her to do some incredible things. First, her sickness was incapacitating. To have been hemorrhaging for twelve years means that she would have been in a constant state of pain, she would have been very weak, subject to dizziness and even black-out spells. It was probably her desperation that brought her to the point that she felt regardless to what it takes, “even if I die, I’ve got to touch Jesus!” Secondly, it was unlawful for her to be common among the people with such an illness. She would have been considered “unclean” and not allowed in public. But she did not consider these things because her affliction now directed her actions. Regardless of what people may have said or thought, none of those things were going to stop her form getting to Jesus.
Third, she had spent all of her money, she was broke. But her faith was driven by her desperation. It motivated her do take actions that in turn elevated her faith to another level. She had every right to makes excuses and allowed her conditions to remain a handicap. But she was tired of her situation and no amount of pain was going to stop her. The desperate despair of this woman was a blessing in disguise.
APPLICATION:
Sometimes the Lord allows us to get to the point of desperate because it taps into a source of faith that we may otherwise not come to. This woman recognized that Jesus had the power to heal her. Therefore it was not necessary for Him touch her. He did not have to come to where she was, she was going to Him.
Our affliction can often be our excuse that handicaps us in other areas of our life. Yet desperate situations can tap faith that otherwise would remain dormant. Desperate situations leave us little choice but to totally trust God because all alternate plans are now non-existent. Desperation also does not look for convenience. This woman did not wait for Jesus to come to her, or to seek her and touch her. She made up in her mind that whatever it takes, I am going to touch Him.
One in need must ask oneself, “How bad do I want it?” Often we never receive healing or deliverance because going after them are inconvenient. In some case they may not come as a result of someone just praying or laying hands. Having the attitude of, “if I have the time” or “maybe later” will not get one healed or delivered. It is only the desperation that brings faith to a certain level where everything and everybody else is secondary. The main motivation is to totally seek the Lord.
LESSON ILLUSTRATION:
The story was told of the man who was driving home late one night with his family in the car. As they slept he drove over an ice patch and lost control of the car, causing it to flip over. He was able to crawl out through the window but his family was trapped inside. Just about that time the car began to catch fire and he heard the desperate screams of his family trapped inside. The man did not have time to wait for the fire department as time was of the essence.
According to the story the man push the car with seemingly supernatural strength and set I upright, rescuing his family from the burning car. What gave the man this strength? It was the desperation of the situation. It is believed that everyone has strengths and abilities that are never tapped unless a desperate situation arises.
This man would not ordinarily just push cars over, but the situation summoned this supernatural ability. Sometimes the Lord allows us to get into situations that summon a source of faith that we did not realize we have.
DISCUSSION STARTERS:
1. How can desperation be a blessing?
2. Who were some of the ones that impressed Jesus with their faith?
3. Did Jesus always have to lay His hands on people in order to heal them?
4. What are some reasons why people don’t receive healings?
5. What can be said about the man who rescued his family in the Lesson Illustration?
6. Could the story in the lesson illustration be considered a miracle?
The Miracle Ministry of Jesus Series
Chapter VII
The Man Born Blind
Lesson Text St. John 9:1-9
Memory Verse
“He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that whereas I was blind, now I see” (St. John 9:25)
INTRODUCTION:
Opening blinded eyes is one of the most spectacular miracles of all time. It is a miracle that when, performed is undisputable. Today, modern technology can sometimes restore sight to a person that once saw by clearing blockages in the eye lens or repairing internal damage to the eye itself. Modern technology can also correct blurred vision with eye Lasik surgery or even cleanse the eyes from cataracts.
Thank God for these miracles of modern technology. But none of this technology existed in Jesus’ day. In most cases the blind remained blind for the rest of their lives. Yet there are some remote cases of sight coming back to those that were blind. But to give sight to one that never saw before is a miracle in a class all buy it self. This miracle alone should prove that Jesus is the Son of God.
DISCUSSION:
Often, when Jesus performed miracles He gave various instructions to the recipient. He told the lepers, “Go show yourselves to the priest”. He told a man who son was sick, “Go thy way, thy son lives” He told the man with the affliction for thirty eight years, “Take up your bed and walk”. There was an action that each of these men had to perform in order to receive their miracle. In many cases the miracle happened as they followed instructions.
When Jesus healed blind Bartemaus (St. Mark 10:46-52), he simply said,
“according to your faith…” But this particular man in this lesson had unusual instructions after Jesus performed and unusual procedure. Jesus took clay, spit in it and made mud. He then put it in the man’s eyes. To a casual bystander this whole process may look insulting. “What are you doing to that poor blind man and why are you putting mud in his eyes?” Even the man himself could have been insulted and choose to resist.
Jesus was not finished. Afterwards he told him to go to the pool of Siloam and wash it out. His instructions were specific. Had the man disobeyed, or made an excuse such as, “I’m blind and can’t find it” or become insulted and just not went, he would have not received the miracle. The man obeyed every instruction and saw for the first time in his life.
This caused uproar among the community. Instead of people rejoicing in the miracle that was performed they became skeptical and the religious leaders got angry going as far as to interview his parents to see if it was really their son. At first they tried to convince the man that Jesus was a sinner and to give God the praise. But the man’s testimony could only reflect what had happened to him. “Whereas I was blind, now I see” They expelled the man from the synagogue.
APPLICATION:
When miracles are performed it doesn’t always get positive results from onlookers, including religious people. In fact, most will try to debunk them, attributing it to some type of scam. If people were skeptical of the miracles that Jesus performed they will be skeptical today. This should not discourage the true believers. If He performed miracles in biblical days, He is, “…the same yesterday, today and forever”
Even today there are those who have miracle ministries and God has done the miraculous through them. Yet some have resorted to trickery and deception. Others have seen profit and have exploited the gifts for personal gain. God will judge them. We cannot dismiss all miracles because of the deception of a few. After all, it is God that does the work. It is up to each individual to have faith in God. When He sees the individual’s faith, He will use whom he will to perform a miracle. When a miracle takes place it is not the person, but God working through him. In all instances Jesus deserves all the praise, not the one who was used by Him. When one takes the glory from the Lord he/she is walking on dangerous ground.
LESSON ILLUSTRATION:
There was a popular televangelist who used to call people out of the audience telling them their name, their doctor’s name, even going as far as to tell them where they lived. People were astounded at what appeared to be a supernatural gift from heaven. Of course after such miraculous demonstrations it was not problem for them to give in abundance to the preacher and his “ministry”.
It was later found out this man deceived the people. He had a small ear- piece in that his wife used to communicate with him during the services. She would read the names of people who had filled out cards before the service, making it appear that God was speaking to him about therm. It was not God it was his wife.
When the preacher was exposed he said God told him to do that because it built people’s faith. This is deception. The Lord does not need to deceive people in order to perform a miracle. People faith is built as a result of a relationship with Him, and not by being lied to.
Unfortunately, this man is still on TV today and has a great following. God will one day judge this man and his ministry.
QUESTIONS:
1. Can modern technology, which can heal sickness and diseases, be considered miraculous?
2. What was unique about Jesus healing this blind man as opposed to other blind men he healed?
3. Jesus did and unusual action with spit and mud. Then he gave this man specific instructions. Do you suppose there may have been others in other incidents that did not carry out His instructions?
4. Do you suppose that the reason some may not be healed today is because of the same reason as question 3?
5. Why were some skeptical of the miracle Jesus performed on the blind man?
6. Can a person still receive a miracle even if the person who prays for them is dishonest?v
The Miracle Ministry of Jesus Series
Lesson VIII
Jesus Speaks the Word of Healing Part I
Lesson Text: St. Matthew 8:5-13
Memory Verse
“The centurion answered and said, LORD, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed” (St. Matthew 8:8)
INTRODUCTION:
There are two episodes where Jesus is highly impressed by the faith of certain people. One is when the Syrophoenician woman endures being ignored and finally insulted, being called a dog, responding, “…even the dog desire the crumbs that fall from the masters table”. Jesus calls her faith “great”. The other one is in this lesson. Jesus turns to His disciples and declares, “I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel”.
It is faith that impresses the Lord and even makes Him respond to our prayer. “For without faith it is impossible to please Him. (Heb.11:6). In both of these cases the people were not Hebrews but gentiles. They had seen the Lord performed miracles and believed that He was the Messiah.
DISCUSSION:
A centurion was a roman soldier He had command over at least a hundred men. Similar to today’s military his rank gave him authority to delegated and commanded. In the military men respect and obey those of higher rank. To disregard of disrespect a higher ranking officer is considered insubordination that could result in imprisonment and in some cases death. A man’s future could rest in the hands of the centurion.
Because this was a man of authority he fully understood and respected of rank. He knew that Jesus was a man of greater authority receiving orders form a higher command and therefore felt embarrassed to have Jesus in his home. His response to Jesus was, “I am not worthy…” His humility was as a result of knowing who he was and knowing who Jesus was. This is a great testament to a man who learned his lessons in life and never allowed his elevation in position to make him arrogant or self-serving. In fact, he was not soliciting Jesus on behalf of himself, but upon his servant who was “dear’ to him. Jesus was impressed.
This man further understood the power of the spoken word, or when one gives orders. He recognized that when Jesus spoke an order or gave a command everything obeyed him. Therefore, he wanted Jesus to, “say the word”, or “Give the order” and my servant will be healed
APPLICATION:
Being a soldier can be an honorable position especially in defense of country or political system. Apostle Paul spoke of being clothed as a soldier when we, “…put on the whole armor of God.” (Eph 6:11). Therefore we are soldiers in the army of the Lord. We are to obey orders. The faith of this centurion not only shamed the followers of Jesus, the same can be said for many professing Christians today. Do we obey the Lord’s orders, do we humbly submit ourselves in His presence, always knowing that we are not worthy, but the He has counted us worthy?
Often there is a spirit of arrogance that gives some a sense of self-righteousness, even reflected in the prayers, as some have testified, “telling God” what he must do, or conjuring Him as though He were a mystical Genie waiting to grant wishes. Humility is absent and shame has no meaning in the lives of many. Jesus look at these churches today and say, “I have not found so great faith in this church as I have in this centurion”
The bible says, “…God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). Jesus told the parable of two men that went to the temple to pray. The first was a Pharisee, a religious leader who began to thank God that he was better than others, including the Publican that was standing next to him. The Publicans were despised by the people. Yet this publican humbled himself and asked God for mercy, recognizing his inadequacy. Jesus aid this man went back home more justified than the Pharisee.
LESSON ILLUSTRATION:
There was a great orator whom had been asked to give the keynote address for the graduation at one of the universities in the state of Mississippi. This man was well known and had spoke at this type of gatherings numerous times before.
Because he had done it so often he no longer used notes or a prepared speech, but simply relied upon his life experiences and knowledge. He was full of what some would call confidence, but he later testified that was his own arrogance and self-reliance.“I felt like I was God’s gift to the world” he said. “I even began to feel like God needed me”
He tells the story. “As I mounted the rostrum this particular day, the auditorium was packed; the rostrum was full of politicians, religious leaders, and CEO’s of big companies. All them waiting to hear me, all eyes fixed upon me. But when I opened my mouth to speak, it was as though God snatched my mind blank. I stood there with nothing to say, not a story, not even a joke to tell. It was then that I realized without God I could do nothing. He is my source and strength. I am not His gift to the world, but I have a gift from Him to share with the world. And I am forever obligated to give Him the glory and the praise.”
QUESTIONS:
1. What are the two persons whose faith Jesus was most impressed with?
2. Why didn’t the centurion want Jesus to come into his house?
3. Do you think that this man’s military status caused him to recognize the authority of Jesus?
4. What comparisons can be made in military structure and being a soldier for the Lord?
5. What are the consequences of a disobedient soldier?
6. What are the consequences of disobedient Christians?
The Miracle Ministry of Jesus Series
Lesson IX
Jesus Speaks the Word of Healing Part II
Lesson Text: St. John 4:46-54
Memory Verse
“Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and went his way” St. John 4:50
INTRODUCTION:
God’s word travels both time and distance. He reason why the promised of God made centuries ago still apply today is because His word never fails. In the previous lesson we saw where the centurion wanted Jesus to simply “say” the word, or give the command. In this lesson a man has traveled great distant in hopes of getting Jesus to come to his home, about a days journey.
Jesus does not go with him. He simply says, “go thy way, thy son livest” The man believed the word of Jesus and went back home. When he came home he was met by his servants and told that his son lives. “What time did he begin to recover?’ the man asked. “Yesterday about 1:00pm” It was the same moment that Jesus said, “thy son liveth” When Jesus spoke, it was done.
DISCUSSION:
Words have power. Things that are said sometimes outlive the person who said them. History is a collection of events and stores that have brought us to the present time and often it is the quotations of certain ones in those eras, good, bad, or indifferent that has defined the events themselves. There is power behind the spoken word.
An even greater example of the power of God’s word is found in creation, God spoke the world into existence by saying, “Let there be…” and there was. The centurion
of the previous lesson understood the magnitude of Jesus spoken word. The man in this lesson possibly didn’t understand this when he came to Jesus because he wanted Jesus to come to his house. But when Jesus spoke the word it had an affect on him and he believed.
This spoken word, also affected the 10 lepers when Jesus said, “Go show yourselves to the Priest” (St. Luke 17:14) and as they went they were healed. On another occasion Jesus cursed the fig tree that bore no fruit. On writer says the tree died immediately (St. Matt 21:19-20). St. Mark says it was the next day (St. Mark 11:14,20-21). This may appear to be a contradiction. However, it should be noted that even though the two writers give different times of manifestation, the tree died the moment Jesus cursed it, whether visible or not. One writer tells the time of that manifestation and the other tells of the immediate affect.
APPLICATION:
On another occasion Jesus laid hands upon a blind man only to have him say that he saw men as trees walking (St. Mark 8:24). Jesus laid hands upon him a second time and he saw clearly. Was there a problem with Jesus? Certainly not! There are a number of lessons learned. It could have been to boost the man’s faith to receive total healing. Often we have faith, but it is only so strong. Continued manifestations of God’s power boost it another level where we began to feel if God has done this much he can do the rest. Jesus also could have been showing the church that although healing's and miracles are done by the hand of God, the manifestation is not always immediate, but progressive. Each time Jesus laid His hands upon the man’s eyes the manifestation of healing came closer to perfection.
Often the manifestation of God word in our lives is as a result of acting upon it. Not waiting to see if to will happen, but acting upon it knowing it will happen. Remember that when Jesus told the man, “Thy son lives”, he canceled the idea of getting Jesus to come to his house. It was no longer necessary when Jesus spoke because his word traveled to where the boy was.
Since the word of God is continuing to manifest itself throughout the universe it certainly should not be hard to accept that it can travel in our circles. We can pray for people in other parts of the world all over the world and see results because there is no limitation of time or distance to His spoken word.
LESSON ILLUSTRATION:
Bishop Charles Harrison Mason was a praying man who often spent hours at a time before the Lord. A woman who traveled as an evangelist from the 60’s & 70’s testified about her encounter with Bishop Mason as young woman in the early 50’s
“I went to his house for prayer. His wife seemed irritated that I would come by so early, but she went to get Bishop. When Bishop Mason came to the door he said,
“What do you want daughter?”
“I want prayer Bishop”
“He then spoke in an unknown tongue waved his hand, said go in peace and turn around back into the house closing the door. I felt bad because he didn’t take any time. But as I left the house and walked down the street the power of God feel upon me. Felt the joy of God and I began to rejoice.”
This woman received her blessing as she left the house. Sometimes the manifestation of our blessings do not come at that very moment, but as we continue to walk by faith.
QUESTIONS:
1. Why did Jesus send the man back home after he came so far to see him?
2. Do miracles always manifest immediately?
3. When Jesus cursed the fig tree how long did it take for it to die?
4. Why was it necessary for Jesus to lay hands upon the blind man twice?
5. Is the spoken word of God limited by time or space?
The Miracle Ministry of Jesus Series
Lesson XI
Jesus Walks on the Water
Lesson Text: St. Matt. 14:22 -32
Memory Verse
“And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus came unto them, walking on the sea” (St. Mathew 14:25)
INTRODUCTION:
No man has ever walked on water. It is impossible. It defies the laws of nature and gravity. Yet Jesus performs the impossible. He is the God of nature. As we have read in previous lessons, Jesus miracles are indisputable. Mohammed performed no miracles, nor did Buddha. Other leader’s who have been called everything from prophets to gods, have not performed any miracles. Even modern cult leaders who have people following by the thousands and exploited them for millions of dollars, have performed none. It is evident that Jesus alone is the true miracle worker because he is the true God.
DISCUSSION:
This miracle was frightening to the disciples to see this event as they cried out for
fear and thought they were seeing a ghost. One could understand their fear because this is something was never seen before or since. It was disturbing enough to the disciples when Jesus calmed the stormy sea and they asked, “what manner of man is this that even the winds and sea obey Him” Now He is walking on the sea. When Jesus heard them cry out He comforted them and said “Be not afraid, it is I".
It should also be recognized that beside Jesus, Peter is the only other person to walk on water. It appears that this act of Peter had a sense of desperation as well as good intentions. Remember, what the disciples were seeing was disturbing to them. Even the comforting words of Jesus seemed to do little good. Peter’s words were “if” it be thou… He still was not sure.
Although many have criticized the action of Peter, it is in many ways admirable. He had been close enough to the Lord to now realize that He was the Son of God. And since He possessed the power of God, it wouldn’t be difficult for Him to manifest that power in Peter. He didn’t ask if he could swim to Jesus, but, “…bid me to come unto thee on the water” This was a bold request because if it wasn’t Jesus he would have drown. Jesus said, “Come” and Peter came out of the security of the ship to walk onto a raging sea. He walked on the water. Even thought when he took his eyes off of Jesus he began to sink, it cannot be denied that Peter, however briefly, walked on the water.
APPLICATION:
Bold action often helps us receive miracles in our lives. Again, Peter stepped out of a secure ship because he believed it was Jesus calling him. Sometimes the Lord will call us out of what appears to be secure situations so that we might experience the miracle working power of God. Experiencing such power reveals the reality of God to us. It also reassures us of the ability of God over every situation, whether in nature, physical conditions in our bodies, financial, spiritual, or against enemies, He is the God of all.
Although these miracles took place two-thousand years ago faith in Him makes them real to us today. Experiencing miracles in our lives brings the bible to reality. Just like Peter to walk on water, the Lord can keep us afloat in our lives. The lesson is to keep our eyes on Jesus. As long as he had his eyes on Jesus he walked on the water. When he became distracted by the waves he sank. Yet he cried, “Lord, save me!” We should do the same thing.
LESSON ILLUSTRATION:
For centuries there have been those who have tried to research the “missing years of Jesus” One train of thought surfaced that said that Jesus spent time in the country of Tibet and learned mystic secrets. Among the things He supposedly learned was how to walk on water with bamboo shoots tied to His feet. This would give the appearance of walking on water when in reality he would have been waling on miniature boats of bamboo.
This idea can easily be dismissed, however, because if this was possible, how come it has not been performed by anyone today? Further, if Jesus was walking on Bamboo, what was Peter walking on when Jesus called him?
Satan has made every attempt to discredit Jesus since the beginning. Jesus said, “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free… If the son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (St. John 8.32,36)
QUESTIONS:
1. How many other religious leaders have performed miracles?
2. How many modern Cult leaders have performed miracles?
3. Why were the disciples afraid when they say Jesus on the sea?
4. What is admirable about Peter’s bold action?
5. Beside Jesus what other man has walked on the water?.
The Miracle Ministry of Jesus Series
Lesson XII
The Miracle of Resurrection
Lesson Text: St. John 11:1-44
Memory Verse
“And when he had thus spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, Come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave clothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin, Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go” (St. John 11: 43-44)
INTRODUCTION:
Death is the point of no return. If something or someone has died it not only takes away the hope, but also the future. If one has died he has no future in this world. By Jesus raising a man from the dead it gives an eternal hope that assure everyone there is a hope amidst hopelessness, and a future in eternity when one has finished time.Jesus is the creator of both life and death and has power over both of them. He told his disciples, “no man taketh it (my life) from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have the power to lay it down, and I have the power to take it again…” (St. John 10:18). He has the power of life and death in His hands and in His word. Just as we have discussed in previous lessons, Jesus can speak the word and all of nature obeys Him.
DISCUSSION:
There are three recordings of Jesus raising the dead (St. Luke 7:11-15, St. Mark 5:38-42, St. John 11:4-44). The first two, though miraculous, could come under fire of the critics. The widow of Nain’s son had died the same day. It was customary for the Jews to bury the dead the same day (unless it was the Sabbath). The argument could be made that he really wasn’t dead but comatose and just appeared to be dead. Since he was going to be buried within a few hours he could have time to recover. Jarius’ daughter was only dead for a few minutes. There have been plenty of cases where people have experienced “clinical death” and have come back to life.
Lazarus was a different case. He was dead, buried and entombed by the time Jesus came. Had he been only comatose, he would have suffocated after being wrapped and shrouded with the grave dressings. Had he been only clinically dead, without proper medical attention, food and water, he would have died eventually.
It is believed that the reason why Jesus stayed away when He heard that Lazarus was sick was so that he would have been dead long enough so that without a doubt, the people would have known Lazarus’ fate. He was not clinical, he was not comatose. The critics couldn’t dispute it and the skeptics couldn’t doubt it, Lazarus was dead!
Jesus said to Mary, “Your brother will rise again” She assured Jesus that she believed he would rise in the resurrection. Her comfort was in knowing that she would see him again one day, as is many of our comfort concerning departed loved ones. Jesus reassured her, as He is reassuring us today, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” (St. John 11:17)..What makes this miracle even greater was that fact that after being dead for 4 days, he began to decompose. Even Mary says to Jesus, “by now he stinketh” The stench of a decomposing body would have been highly toxic. Yet, when Jesus said, Lazarus, come forth,” the power of life in the word of Jesus, not only calls the soul back to the body, but restores the decomposing body to life and health. His word brings life to mind, body, soul and spirit. Jesus is Lord of all.
APPLICATION:
As stated, the word of the Lord restored Lazarus’ decomposing flesh. This is comfort to know that no matter how we die, or what diseases we may carry, His word will bring life to our bodies. Because He is the creator of all life, even if one is cremated upon death, God knows where every part, ash, and molecule is. Just as he formed them in the beginning he can reform them upon resurrection.
If He not can bring life to the dead body, He most certainly can heal the living body. We are healed because of His life giving word. His resurrection power can not only raise us physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well.
Over the centuries the church has gone through a number of attacks. It has not
only inflicted the church through the centuries, some of these teachings are product of recent times. Satan has incorporated counterfeit teachings within Christendom, that many case have diseased the church and in some cases brought spiritual death. Like Lazarus, things have died. The same thing that brought Lazarus back to life will bring the church back to life; the word of God.
When the church returns to preaching the word and forsaking the vain philosophies of men a revival will come to the church and it will experience the power that God intended.
LESSON ILLUSTRATION:
There was a great preacher in the country of India by the name of Rev George. While he was visiting one of the churches in America he testified of a miracle in his country.
“A young girl had been bitten by a snake and had died. When I came to the house there were other ministers there and we began to plan the funeral. The girl had been dead for about 2 hours and members of the family were crying. I felt bad for them. All of a sudden the Spirit of the Lord came upon me and I began to run around in a circle. Everyone wondered what was a wrong with me? Then I reach down and grabbed the girl by the hand and said, “In the name of Jesus I speak life!”
God raised that girl from the dead and she is till alive today. There is resurrection power in the name of Jesus.
QUESTIONS:
1. How many times is it recorded that Jesus raised the dead?
2. What are some of the arguments that can be made to discredit the first 2?
3. Why did Jesus stay away from Bethany when he heard that Lazarus was sick?
4. What did Jesus mean when He said to Mary, “I am the resurrection?”
5. What are some of the afflictions that have attacked the 21st century church?
6. Does God still raise the dead today?
The Miracle Ministry of Jesus Series
Lesson XIII
The Miracle of Jesus’ Resurrection
Lesson Text: St. Mark 16: 1-20
Memory Verse
“And entering into the sepulcher, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him” (St. Mark 16: 5-6)
INTRODUCTION:
Throughout history, whether secular or religious, has a man receive so much attention world-wide and has given an eternal hope as has Jesus of Nazareth. What sets Him apart from anyone else? Jesus claimed to be God, preached an eternal gospel, healed the sick, cast out devils, was condemned and crucified. If the story had stopped there the
assurance of whom He was and the validity of His words would have still been in doubt. But it didn’t stop there. Jesus resurrected from the dead. After His resurrection He declared, “All power is given unto me in heaven and earth” (St. Matthew 28:18). No other religion can provide assurance of this hope because all of its founders are dead. Jesus is alive. He lived, was crucified and died. But he rose again and is alive forever. Because He lives we have eternal hope that we will live. This is the gospel.
DISCUSSION:
The crucifixion was a horrific death. There is no recorded evidence of anyone ever surviving it. Sometimes a person could linger on the cross for days in a constant state of excruciating pain and delirium before finally dying. The modern laws outlawing cruel and unusual punishment did not exist at that time. To be resurrection from the dead after such a
horrific dead is miraculous in many ways.
First, the crucifixion left the body so mangled until it would take a miracle to restore the body. As discussed in the previous lesson, when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, He not only called his soul back to his body, but he healed the body as well. Christ’s resurrection restored the horribly mangled crucified corpse to a glorified body that could be seen and touched by the disciples, and capable of walking from one dimension to another.
Second, all of mankind understands that the only one who could resurrect a dead man is God Himself. Since Jesus claimed to be the Son of God, God in the flesh, all God and all man, His resurrection from the dead validated Himself and everything that He said.
APPLICATION:
Since the beginning of time men have followed great philosophers, politicians, and religious leaders. Sooner or later those men die and sometimes the hope dies with them. Jesus died and rose from the dead. All hope is alive in Him.
The crucifixion of Christ seemed to have dashed the hope of all who believe he was their salvation. Death was the ultimate end. On the Emmaus road (St. Luke 24:13-27) Cleopas talks of how the hopes of the people had been crushed because of the crucifixion, “…we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel” The resurrection of Christ restored the hope.
The resurrection of Jesus gives us the assurance that one day we will be resurrected if we believe on Him. Knowing that He is alive gives us eternal hope that when we pass out of time and into eternity His word will take us into His kingdom.
LESSON ILLUSTRATION:
What makes the power of Christ’s resurrection so powerful was the way that He died and the glory in which He was raised. An author by the name of Hugh Schonfield, inspired by Satan in 1976 called, “The Passover Plot”. In it he debunks the ministry of Christ and implies that the resurrection was staged by Jesus and His disciples implying
that Christ was drugged on the cross to appear as though He were dead and simply taken from the tomb and later revived by His disciples. When he later appeared it was not a resurrected, but a revived Jesus.
However, a man who really understood crucifixion would know that this is impossible. The trauma that one suffers from just a few hours on the cross, even if He somehow survived, would have made it physically impossible to for him to ever function again. To stage such an elaborate hoax would have been have debunked by anyone who had seen Jesus had he not been glorified by the father. The reason why the resurrection has endured all these centuries is because it was recorded by eyewitnesses. Jesus is alive!
Such teachings are inspired by Satan because the only hope of mankind is in a resurrected Christ. He knows that if he can destroy this hope than man will not seek the true Christ, the only hope of mankind.
Regardless of what has been written and published down through the years, one must know who Jesus is and have a personal relationship with Him.
QUESTIONS:
1. Why is Christ’s resurrection important in Christendom?
2. What hope does the resurrection give to mankind?
3. How does the resurrection validate Christ?
4. Why has Satan tried to debunk the resurrection of Christ?
Rev Scott A Bradley
Independent Lectures & Presentations
Spiritual Warfare Series Part I
The Battle for the Mind
Spiritual Warfare Series Part II
Demonic Influence and the 21st Century Church
Spiritual Warfare Series Part III
Spiritual Wickedness in High Place
Spiritual Warfare Series Part IV
Identifying & Combating Demonic Forces
Rev Scott A Bradley
Independent Lecture Series
Christianity Vs. Cultism Series Part I
Christianity Vs. Jehovah's Witnesses
Christianity Vs. Cultism Part II
Christianity Vs. Mormonism
Christianity Vs Cultism Part III
Christianity Vs. The Nation of Islam