Christendom has completed its most sacred journey of our calendar year. With this being another in a series of discussions designed to make you angry but concluding with jubilance. Because unto us, was given a Savior, who would save His people from their sins.
And in so doing, He was murdered, but death could not capture its prey. Because death is the result of sin, and Jesus was sinless. And today, Jesus manifests Himself through His church which is you and me! So be jubilant because you can’t be defeated and neither can I! Nor will we taste the second death.
Soon there will be discussions concerning death. Especially if one is worried about the funeral rites of interment. As to whether, or not, there is a hereafter? It’s a terrible unnecessary burden to bear. There is hope for people, who went to their grave denying the reality of life after death.
And so on that day centuries ago which is relived everyday since by far to few Christians. Who by their attitudes and behaviors mourn His torture. Just a though they were standing there, as Pilate took Jesus. And wiped Him, allowing his soldiers to twist a painful crown of thorns back and forth on His head. Then in mockery they put a purple robe on Jesus. Ridiculing Jesus, one can imagine with their smiles and laughter. Offering their collective voice in song like fashion. “Hail King of the Jews!” Then they struck Him with their hands.
Finally, Pilate had observed enough of this torturing of this brave man. So he went out to address the crowd once again. Saying, “Behold I am bringing Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in him.”
Then Jesus made His way out to greet His executioners. Wearing His painful crown of thorns and purple robe. And Pilate made one last statement to them. “Behold the Man!” Signaling his respect for a courageous man that maybe he thought was more than just a mortal like himself. (Scriptural texts:John 19:1-5).
Where is this most courageous man ever to stand before Pilate? Where we would expect to find Him which is in the midst of His church. An institution not of concrete, wood or stained glass windows, but among people that He has pardoned as sinners. Saying to you and me, as he did to Peter, “And I also say unto you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Scriptural text: Matthew 16:18). Problematic experiences like misunderstandings, mockery, persecutions, prosecutions, jail, but not eradication.
Jesus is that rock, a solid substance that can’t be pulverized no matter what evils violently assail His people. And Peter would bear the responsibility, like you, and me to bear the testimony of Jesus. Even unto death, if necessary. Being responsible for chronicling what we have coined as the great commission received from heaven itself.
It came into being just before His execution occurred. When the apostle John observed this historic announcement. An angel flew in the midst of heaven holding the gospel to be preached. Reaching every nation, people and language. Saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.” (Scriptural texts: Revelation 14:6-7).
Our responsibility is to first fear Him and then to give to Jesus our humble worship. Acknowledging His judgment as a sentence of death. And in our worship understanding that nothing occurs until Elohim which is translated meaning God. Who by His say so, made the heavens and earth, the seas and springs of water. In other words our primary duty is to glorify God with our praise, and to enjoy Him forever.
And the world has, and is today very engaged in destroying our primary duties to our God. And that should make all of Christendom very angry. But it doesn’t!
How do we know that Jesus is in the midst of His church? The apostle John by divine design was allowed to witness, and record the Christ presence to that effect. I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day. And the Alpha and Omega said, “What you see write in a book and send it to the churches.” John then turned to see, who was speaking to him. He saw seven golden lampstands. One like the Son of Man. And He had in His right hand seven stars. John seeing Him, fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me. “Don’t be afraid; I am the the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen! And I have the keys to Hades and of death. (Scriptural texts: Revelation 1:10-18).
With Jesus being among His people, His Church. That is the answer to the assaulting powers that would destroy everything God has commissioned. And we, as His lampstands of light. In the midst of seven stars, His angels among His churches. Must become angry enough not to allow that to occur. (Scriptural text: Revelation 1:20).
For those who do, He sustains with this promise. Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you. But rejoice, to the extent that you partake of Christ’ sufferings, that, when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. (scriptural text: 1 Peter 4:12-14).
This Padre duly ordained and also having a degree in political science. Is available to address the broad spectrum of secular Americans, as organized groups within our American society. Right through to the many denominational churches doting the American landscape.
Exercise your prerogatives from the vast repertoire of interests to be discussed. From the galaxy of the conventional to the corridors of issues usually avoided.
Scheduling can be accomplished through the Contact Us link on my Home page. Living room conversations work well, as do other forums where people can meet.
CfS is a church without walls, and therefore, without membership.