Monday, December 27, 2021

The Seven Christmas Presents – 7. The Resurrection

 


 Click the image of the link or

Copy and paste the link into your browser

https://youtu.be/Dy_xTGRZ9Kg?list=TLPQMjcxMjIwMjHszWycZhdQ0w

or search YouTube for

'What is the Evidence Jesus Rose from the Dead?'  

By SeanMcDowell.org (3 mins 3 sec)

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Je9lI5jPTnQ

or search YouTube for

‘What are the proofs for the resurrection of Jesus?’

By Southern Seminary (5 mins 14 sec)

 

“Now brothers and sisters let me remind you once again of the good news of salvation which I preached to you, which you welcomed and accepted and on which you stand by faith.  


"By this faith you are saved and reborn from above – spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose, if you hold firmly to the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain (just superficially and without complete commitment).

 

“For I passed on to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to that which the Scriptures foretold, and that He was buried, and that He was bodily raised on the third day according to that which the Scriptures foretold, and that He appeared to Cephas (Peter), then to the Twelve. 

 

“After that He appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, the majority of whom are still alive, but some have fallen asleep in death.  Then He was seen by James, then by all the apostles, and last of all, as to one untimely, prematurely, traumatically born, He appeared to me also. 

 

“Now if Christ is preached as raised from the dead, how is it that some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?  But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised;

 

“ …and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, useless and amounting to nothing, and your faith is also vain, imaginary, unfounded, devoid of value and benefit and not based on truth 


"…For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised, either; and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless and powerless, mere delusion you are still in your sins and under the control and penalty of sin.

 

“But now as things really are, Christ has in fact been raised from the dead, and He became the first fruits (that is the first to be resurrected with an incorruptible, immortal body, foreshadowing the resurrection of those who have fallen asleep in death.  


"For since it was by a man that death came into the world, it is also by a Man that the resurrection of the dead has come. – The last enemy to be abolished and put to an end is death.” I Corinthians 15:1-8, 12-14, 20-21, 26

 

The resurrection is THE key to our salvation.  As the verses above share, without the resurrection of Christ, there is no reason to believe in Christ or His promises! 

 

I was blessed to sit under the teaching of Josh McDowell, author of Evidence that Demands a Verdict and New Evidence that Demands a Verdict.  He was a law student who took a challenge to disprove the Bible and the resurrection.  It changed his life as he became a believer and has written and spoken on the topic around the world.  His son now carries on with his ministry. 

 

And, if you are curious to learn more about the resurrection, Dr. Gary Habermas has written about 5,000 pages on his historical discoveries substantiating the resurrection proofs.  Here is just a brief (36 minute) overview of his findings.

 


or search YouTube for 'A Historian Explains the Evidence for the

Resurrection of Jesus' (Dr. Gary Habermas)

by Capturing Christianity (36 mins 33 sec)


Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you each day)

 

PS:  Find my statement of faith:  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (where you will also find a series of beginner Bible studies to share). You can easily find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for ‘WeakDay Devotion’.  (Also, there is an android ‘Google Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone.  Not sure about Apple.)

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?)

 

·       Ray Sr. – just had emergency surgery and is in ICU.  The cancer is taking its toll.  Pray the Lord opens His heart to the Truth of salvation and through this time, relationships with family are strengthened and Ray Jr and Kathy may know of his decision.

·       Ray Jr – needs additional strength and courage as he journeys through the growing frailness of his father, especially at this precious time.

·       Midwest of USA – devastating and deadly storms raged across the USA.  Over 100 died -- the path of destruction is thought to be the most significant in the land and right at Christmas and New Years!  Please pray for all those affected by the death of a loved one, for the survivors (that they are found) and safe.  Pray rescuers, health-care providers and agencies supporting those who have lost everything will have strength and courage to keep on helping.

·       Christians in Afghanistan – Many Christians went to this country to share the Good News to many who would never have heard of Jesus.  These leaders and baby Christians are now in heightened danger and need your prayers to protect them and sustain them during this time. 

·       Elina – pray she stays strong in her faith, as she and her son have found a husband and father to share their life.  Pray her wonderful musical career brings glory to the Lord and joy to those who learn from her.

·       Louise, sister of Rachael – MORE thanksgiving.  She has come through her third and last surgery and is doing well.  Now cancer free and the reconstructive surgery complete after her double mastectomy.  Back to a normal life and routines.  She sends thanks for all your prayers.  

·       Grant – as he grieves the loss of his mother.

·       Family of Eric – Eric at 52 died suddenly leaving his 47-year-old wife and three girls (ages 16, 19 and 23).  Pray the Lord comforts the family through this time of mourning.  Pray for their wisdom and that Go-d will send trustworthy, honourable, Bible-based councilors for the many decisions that now must be made.

·       Peyton - eldest granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael – now in her second year of college.  Please continue to pray for her that she does well, makes good decisions and continues having a good relationship with the Lord. 

·       Adam – please pray for his strength and peace as he pursues new job possibilities and that the Lord will guide him clearly in his decisions and to know without doubt the depth of forgiveness; and that his wife will be the loving supporter he badly needs.

·       Barb – my brother’s faithful and kind wife.  Thank you for praying for her.  She needs prayers to sustain her and protect her health and energy during this time of additional stress and challenge at work.

·       Sophie – three-year old daughter of a friend.  She is chronically unwell and frail.  Please pray for her, her parents and health carers to find ways to manage the symptoms and heal her.

·       Hans – a dear friend in Germany, the cancer seems to be stable for now.  Pray for his financial situation to improve and for his ongoing strength through the pain when it comes.  Pray for his patience and God’s mercy.  Pray for his healthcare providers and that he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him through this journey.  Pray for his Mom (age 84) who is also unwell -- that their time together is filled with extraordinary good memories and lots of love.

·       Callilah - a lost child.  Pray the Lord will capture her heart.

 

Pray for those in full-time service

Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never compromise God’s Word, are bold and courageous in the face of evil.  Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families.

Pray for those with ongoing health concerns

Many of us have family, friends and loved ones with fragile health.  Pray God takes special care with them and protects them in practical ways and that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.

 

Pray for the World

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