Let me keep to "first importance" things

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve.

1 Corinthians 15:3-5, New International Version

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    Some things are "first importance" things. They lie at the heart of the matter and are central to the issue at hand. For us as Christians, we don't have to doubt what those "first importance" things are. The Gospel of our salvation is built on one simple foundation: Jesus died, Jesus was buried, Jesus rose from the grave, and Jesus appeared to his disciples who were never the same after witnessing their resurrected Saviour. Let's not let anyone distract us from these core truths or crowd out their simplicity with other matters they may claim to be essential. Our salvation is rooted in our faith and our participation in this simple, yet powerful Gospel.

    Dear God, I confess my faith in your work for me in Jesus. I believe that your Son and my Saviour, Jesus, was crucified by wicked men just as you had said long ago in your Word. I believe his dead and lifeless body was placed in the tomb. I believe that on the third day, you brought him back to life, just as you promised. I believe that those most destroyed by his death, those who knew him best, saw him alive again. I believe their lives were never the same. I believe, dear Father, that as I have confessed my faith in Jesus and shared with him in his death, burial, and resurrection through baptism that my life is caught up with him in your salvation and victory over death. I praise you for this grace. I thank you for this assurance. I look forward to sharing in your glory when he returns for me. Thank you for my salvation, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Dutch version / Nederlandse versie > Laat mij kiezen voor eerste-belang-dingen

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2013 update:

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Jesus is risen

Dutch version / Nederlandse versie > Jezus is verrezen

Jesus is not among the dead

“On the Sabbath Day they rested in obedience to the commandment, but in the deep dawn of the first day of the week they took the spices which they had prepared, and came to the tomb. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, and on entering they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were still perplexed over this, it happened that the two men stood near them in dazzling raiment. They were terrified, and bowed down their faces to the ground, but the men said to them. "Why are you seeking him who lives among the dead? "He is not here; he is risen. Do you remember how he told you when he was still in Galilee that the Son of man had to be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, and to be crucified, and to rise on the third day?" Then they recollected his words, and turning away from the tomb they told all this to the eleven, and to all the rest.” (Lu 24:1-9 MONTNT)

Unbelievable

“It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary, the mother of James, and the rest of the women who were telling all this to the apostles. But the whole story seemed to them but an idle tale; and they disbelieved the women. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb, but when he stooped and looked in he saw the linen wrappings by themselves, and he departed to his home, wondering at that which was come to pass.” (Lu 24:10-12 MONTNT)

Jesus appears to the passers to Emmaüs

“On that same day two of his disciples were walking to Emmaus, a village about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking together about all these events, and as they talked and discussed matter, Jesus himself drew near and began walking beside them. But their eyes continued to be held that they should not recognize him even for an instant, And he said to them, "What words are these that you are exchanging one with another, as you walk along?" They stood still, looking sad. And one of them named Cleopas, answered him, "Do you sojourn alone in Jerusalem, that you do not know what things have been happening there these days?" "What kind of things?" he answered. And they said. "The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people; "and how our high priest and ruler delivered him to be condemned to death and crucified him. "But we were hoping that it was he who should redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this is the third day since these things happened. "Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They went to his tomb at daybreak, "and found that his body was not there; then they came and told us that besides they had seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. "Thereupon some of our own party to the tomb, and found it even so as the women had said, but him they did not see." "O foolish men," said Jesus, "slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! "Behooved it not the Christ to suffer thus, and then to enter into his glory?" And beginning with Moses and the Prophets, he interpreted all the passages concerning himself.” (Lu 24:13-27 MONTNT)

 Giving the sign of the Breaking the Bread

“When they drew near to the village to which they are were going, he appeared to be going farther. But they urged him to stay with them, saying, "Abide with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them. But as he sat down with them, and took bread, and had blessed and broken it, and was handing it to them, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished out of their sight. "Were not our hearts burning within us," they said to each other, "while we were talking with him on the way, and he was opening to us the scriptures?"” (Lu 24:28-32 MONTNT)

“So they rose and returned to Jerusalem that very hour, and found the Eleven and the others all met together, saying, "The Lord is really risen, and has appeared to Simon!" Then they began to tell what happened on the road, and he was known to them when he broke the bread.” (Lu 24:33-35 MONTNT)

 Jesus appears to the disciples

“While they were yet speaking he stood among them and said, "Peace be to you!" They were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. And he said to them. "Why are you disturbed? And why do questions rise in your hearts? "Look at my hands and my feet. It is I! Feel me and see; for a ghost has not flesh and blood as I have." Then he showed them his hands and feet. But while they still did not believe it for joy, and were filled with wonder, he asked them, "Have you anything here to eat?" So they gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence. Then he said to them, "These are my words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, how all things must be fulfilled which are written in the Law of Moses, and the prophets, and the Psalms concerning me." Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and he said. "Thus it is written that the Christ should suffer and rise again from the dead, the third day; "and that repentance unto remission of sins should be preached in his name unto all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. "You must bear testimony to this. "And I will send forth the promise of my Father upon you. But tarry in Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from on high."” (Lu 24:36-49 MONTNT)

The Road to Emmaus appearance, based on Luke 24:13-32, painted by Joseph von Führich, 1830. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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• Scripture of the Day, 12/16
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• Godless

Risen With Him

RISEN WITH HIM

“If you then are risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God.” - Col. 3:1

      Soon the whole Western world will celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead. Such a celebration will call for inspiring music, altars decked with lilies, and sermons from pulpits proclaiming the victory of life over death. The pageantry of Easter attracts millions to their respective churches. Unfortunately, a day or two later, all will be more or less forgotten by most in their renewed pursuit of the various needs, wants, and ambitions of this present life.

      Nevertheless, to every true believer, the death and resurrection of our Lord is a very fundamental truth, for it holds a promise of eternal life. “As in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22). Christ’s resurrection is therefore the guarantee of our resurrection. The Apostle Paul, in this connection, prayed that the eyes of our understanding be enlightened in order that we might understand and appreciate the superlative height and glory to which we are called, a call to glory, honor and immortality (Romans 2:7).

      The resurrection of our Lord, then, is significant to us, for it is a reminder of the glorious hope, based on precious promises, of one day living and reigning with the Lord in His Kingdom and being with Him for all eternity. This should stimulate us to set our affections on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. It should cause us to focus our eyes of faith steadily on this lovely vision, being the  goal of our lives, despite the afflictions, setbacks, disappointments, and losses, which befall all the children of God.

      What does it mean to be “risen with Christ?”  This means that we are now dead to self, and are alive as new creatures in Christ Jesus (2 Cor. 5:17). We are walking in a newness of life (Rom. 6:4). Col. 1:12, 13 tell us, “Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves.”

      This,  then,  is the Easter message to us who are  following  in the footsteps of our beloved Master.  Remembering  His  resurrection increases our faith and brightens our hope, and thus the things of this earth become dim in our sight and unattractive to us. Thus inspired, we seek first and foremost the Kingdom of God and its righteousness. We redeem the time that God has allocated us and remind ourselves of the Apostle Peter’s words, “What manner of  persons ought you to be in all conduct and godliness?” (2 Pet. 3:11), seeing that we are risen with Christ and are seeking to lay up all our treasures in heaven and are no longer concerned for the things of this earth.  

      Let us also remember that one of the first instructions that the angel gave the women who had come to the tomb was to go and tell others the Good News that He was no longer dead, but risen (Matthew 28:7). What a great and wonderful message it was for them to share this “good news” with the others.

      The Risen Lord tells His disciples, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them…and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20). This command is still in effect today and thus it is still appropriate for us to carry this wondrous message near and far. The joy, which the knowledge of the Risen Lord brings to our hearts, will be greatly increased if we share these glad tidings with others. Yes, our Master is still saying to His disciples, you and me, “Go…and tell.”  Are we doing this for Him? If we have been slack in sharing the Good News, why not make a fresh start, beginning with this Easter Sunday? There could be no better time.

                                                                                           G. Boccaccio

So Send I You

“…As the Father hath sent Me, so send I you.” - John 20:21

                        So send I you to bind the bruised and broken,

                        O’er wand’ring souls to work, to weep, to wake,

                        To beat the burdens of a world so weary,

                        So send I you to know My love alone.

                          So send I you to hearts made hard by hatred,

                        To eyes made blind because they will not see,

                        To spend, though it be blood, to spend and spare not

                        So send I you ~ to taste of Calvary.

                                                                            E. Margaret Clarkson

From Christian Millennial Fellowship's
New Creation Magazine
A Herald of Christ's Kingdom

Everyday beauty

Dutch version / Nederlands > Dagelijkse schoonheid

"We look too much to museums.
The sun coming up in the morning is enough."
- Romare Bearden (1911-1988)

"Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week,
they came to the tomb when the sun had risen.
And entering the tomb, they saw a young man
clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side;
and they were alarmed.
But he said to them, "Do not be alarmed.
You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified.
He is risen! He is not here."
Mark 16:2,5-6

God, What a wonderful example you have given us.
Light is risen from the dead.
Give that each day by sunrise
we have to think what a creation you had in store for us.
I am grateful for all the beautiful things around me
and look forward to even better times in your Kingdom.
Disappoint me not and let me be part of your future plans.

Certainty in a troubled world

Be Prepared

For the inhabitants of Pompeii on a certain day in AD79 it was simply just another day, or so it seemed. Little did they realise that the very next day a volcanic eruption would bring a sudden end to their existence. Similarly the thousands of people killed by the tsunami in December 2004 were taken by surprise.

The uncertainties of life

Our lives are full of uncertainties and we do well to remember that. The Apostle James, in his usual direct manner, writes in James 4:13-15 “Go to now ye that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there, and buy and sell and get gain: whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this or that': In a world of uncertainty it is important to look to the eternal and unchanging truth revealed in God's inspired and living word, the Bible.

The certainties of God's Word

The Gospel of Luke opens in chapter 1:4 with a reference to “ ... the certainties of those things wherein thou hast been instructed':

There is no question about the truth and importance of the gospel message. The death and resurrection of Jesus marks the central point of God's master plan for the world. This is still a work in progress as we await another crucial step, namely the return of Jesus. It is recorded in The Acts of the Apostles that as Jesus ascended into heaven a promise was made in the most plain and simple words as follows:

" ... Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven': (Acts 1:11). For all of us the return of Jesus cannot be more than our lifetime away and in fact is likely to be near at hand as the signs show.

The signs

The Bible tells us of signs indicating that the return of Christ is near. The Apostle Paul, writing to Timothy in

2 Timothy 3:1-3 states 'This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, (without self-control; NKJV.), fierce, despisers of those that are good': This looks like a perfect snapshot of society today when man places himself and his desires at the very centre of God's universe.

Jesus spoke of the similarities of the days of his second coming with the days of Noah when, as we are told in the book of Genesis that the earth was filled with violence. In Matthew 24:7 Jesus speaks of the time when "Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes in divers places': which ultimately will herald his return. Does that picture seem familiar? With the world economic situation full of uncertainty the words of the prophet Haggai seem relevant. "Ye have sown much but ye bring in little; ye eat and have not enough ... and be that earneth wages earneth wages to put in a bag with boles':

(Haggai 1:6).

What a good description of inflation! The plain words of Paul give certainty in a troubled world.

God will act

Paul told the Athenians that God

" ...hath appointed a day, in the which be will judge the world in righteousness by that man that he hath ordained,' whereof be hath given assurance to all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead': (Acts 17:31). Writing to the believers in Thessalonica Paul says "But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord cometh as a thief in the night': (1 Thess 5:1-2)

While none of us knows his/her immediate future God has revealed His ultimate purpose in the pages of scripture. God is not the author of confusion but He gives us a hope that cannot be shaken and a promise that is sure and certain. Let us believe God's message in this day of our opportunity and prepare ourselves for the return of Jesus by serving him now.

RICHARD BUCKLER