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Proof of the Resurrection
Read Luke 24:36-44
“Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have” (v. 39).
We have all waited as the jury struggled with the evidence. I can only imagine the difficulty it would be to sweep away all bias and make a decision based entirely on evidence.
Not that Jesus was on trial, but the disciples were able to see and even handle the evidence. I can only imagine what it must have been like to see and feel those nail-scarred hands, and see the scars showing through the straps of His sandals.
Let us not miss the impact of this scenario. Here is the evidence of the most epic event in the history of the world. God dispatching Himself to earth, reaching out to humanity, and while He is reaching, they pierce those outstretched hands and those good-news traveling feet. They pierce them because of so-called evidence, and mount them on a cross thinking they have served the community by getting rid of a rabble-rousing resister. It seems unfair, and it was illegal. Actually their evidence was none at all. But they followed through on their mission, silenced the crowd, and tucked Him in the tomb.
But we know the rest of the story! He arose and shared the evidence with His disciples and the world that HE LIVES! (Rick Tallman)
Thankfully we know the rest of the story!
This devotional is the entry for Sunday, April 5, 2015, of Opening the Word.
Photo credit: "Jesus' Tomb" by upyernoz used under CC BY 2.0 / Resized, cropped.
A Rugged Cross and and Empty Tomb
Lesson 6 - April 5, 2015
Focus Text: Matthew 27:50-54, 57-61; 28:1-8
Central Truth: Jesus’ bodily death and resurrection is the central claim of the Christian’s faith.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to identify reasons why Jesus’ bodily death and resurrection is the central claim of the Christians’ faith.
- Jesus' Death (Matthew 27:50-54)
- Jesus' Burial (Matthew 27:57-61)
- Jesus' Resurrection (Matthew 28:1-8)
Sin’s Pull Downward
Read Romans 1:21-32
“Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen” (v. 25).
It is unspeakably sad that man would take the very knowledge of God and pervert and change it to fit their own hearts’ desires. We see the results of sin so vividly in these verses, turning men from the knowledge of truth and of God to embrace their own sinful and twisted lust. Thus they were both darkened and depraved.
Is there judgment for these actions? Tim Keller says it this way, God’s judgment on godlessness and wickedness is to give us what we want. He “gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts.”
To lose God is to lose everything. To lose connection with Him is to sink into an abyss of darkness, intellectual and moral. It is to be fitted for wrath which always follows the life who does not esteem Him or give Him the worship due His name. And of course when sin is so embraced our life is filled with unrighteousness, wickedness, maliciousness, back-biting, despitefulness, even haters of God. (William Cook)
What a downward spiral! What a sad rebellion!
This week's featured devotional is from the Thursday, March 26, 2015 entry of Opening the Word.
Photo credit: "Downward Spiral" by M. Clarise Moore used under CC BY 2.0 / Resized, cropped.
Man, His Creation and Fall
Lesson 5 - March 29, 2015
Focus Text: Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 3:1-7; Romans 5:12-19
Central Truth: Sin has utterly corrupted mankind, God's crowning creation.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to state the sad results of the Fall and declare how the image of God can be restored in mankind.
Lesson Outline:
- Humanity Without Sin (Genesis 1:26-27)
- The Fall to Sin (Genesis 3:1-7)
- The Consequences of Sin (Romans 5:12-15)
The Spirit, Our Teacher
Read John 14:26-31
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things,
and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (v. 26).
The birth of a baby giraffe holds some fascinating lessons for us. The mother goes to a spot where there are no bushes, just flat dirt. As the baby is born, it falls ten or twelve feet. When the baby hits the ground, it rolls over and just lies there with legs all curled up under it. The mother positions herself over the baby to protect it from predators, and seeing none, she kicks the baby. It flies across the dirt head over heels. If the baby does not stand up, the mother will go over and kick it again, sending it sprawling. This will happen over and over again until the baby finally stands up. The mother goes over and sends it flying again. She knows that the baby needs to learn and needs to remember how to stand so it can save itself later in a time of danger. She kicks it again, not because she is having a bad hair day, but because she wants her baby to remember.
Is it not better to learn that way than try to learn with a lion hot on your tail? How could a God who supposedly loves us let us go through terrible times? That is very simple. God loves us so much He teaches us lessons that will help us survive during the difficult times of life. (L Gayle Woods)
The Spirit guides and teaches in every part of life.
This week's featured devotional is from the Wednesday, March 18, 2015 entry of Opening the Word.
Photo credit: "giraffe" by Sadie Hart used under CC BY 2.0 / Resized, cropped.
God, the Holy Spirit
Lesson 4 - March 22, 2015
Focus Text: Matthew 3:11, 12; John 14:15-21; Acts 1:7, 8
Central Truth: Christ’s parting gift to the Christian was the Holy Spirit.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to tell someone about three of the ministries of the Holy Spirit.
Lesson Outline:
- The Spirit Cleanses (Matthew 3:11, 12)
- The Spirit Comforts (John 14:15-21)
- The Spirit Compels (Acts 1:7, 8)