Post by Rob W. Case on Apr 22, 2011 23:13:01 GMT -6
The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is thee single most significant event in the history of this world. So much so, that the resurrection of Jesus Christ penetrated deeply throughout human history and split it into two distinct eras (B.C./A.D.). In fact, everything that is in and has been done in this world receives a dynamic and life-filled understanding when you take into consideration what Jesus did, what Jesus taught, and the fact that he rose from the dead just as he promised he would before showing hundreds and hundreds of people his scarred hands and feet after the fact, sparking a hope, and a confidence in Him that turned out to be so overwhelming and so revolutionary, that the flow of this news and genuine hope that Christ provides to all who earnestly seek Him, continues to reach and save souls, change lives, renew minds and provide strength, as well as offer genuine hope not only at the present time, but for all time.
Recorded in the books that make up what is traditionally known as the Old Testament is a dynamic that occurs that is so foundational and so common that it remains to work its influence at this very date and time. This dynamic is sin, and it is the primary essence of the fallen state of this world we live in. We are born into it, and it deeply influences us. It resonates in our culture, our habits, and influences that shape our belief systems. It deludes our thinking, hardens our heart, and through a transitional process (perhaps unbeknownst to us), it causes us to think that what is upside down and backwards is normal and natural while at the same time, we grow so comfortable with it that we likely establish contempt towards others who challenge our "comfort zones", while exalting ourselves superiors to everyone else, and separate ourselves from others whom we perceive are adversarial to us. Another problem we have in this world’s environment is that too many possess the mindset I just described, but may not realize how deep their involvement is in it. And conflict, division, and wars always result from it. Yet just as was chronicled in the Old Testament, concerning human nature, power, and so forth, the very attitudes, mindsets, and philosophies continue to deliver the same results today as they did in ancient days.
Ecclesiastes 1:10
Is there anything of which one can say, "Look! This is something new"? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time.
Ecclesiastes 3:15
Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account.
The Significance of Jesus:
Something struck me absolutely profound this past week. Now, Jesus is referred to as “the second Adam.” Now what is so profound is that Jesus lived the way Adam should have lived before Adam fell into sin. In that, Christ created a new “Genesis.” Adam was tempted and fell into sin. Jesus was tempted, but did not fall into sin. Satan intensified his influence, and even under significant pressure, Jesus remained true and obedient to the Father with full zeal. Since he had no sin in Him, Jesus kept its influence at bay where it belongs and didn’t allow it to penetrate and corrupt him, and thus derail his purpose and mission on our behalf. What is also profound was that Jesus fulfilled the law of Moses to the letter with his heart fully in it, apart from his people, and even the priests of His Temple, who performed the rituals, but performed them without meaning (Isaiah 1:13, Isaiah 66:3, Ezekiel 20:39, Malachi 1:10). Jesus did it gladly, obediently, and with his heart fully in it unto the Father. And the Father was pleased with him (Matthew 3:17). In living on this earth, Jesus grew such a deep understanding of what we go through in the midst of this world’s system (through hard experience) that he can and does relate to our experiences. Not only does Jesus have a sense of understanding of what we go through that resonates with Him, but his strength can help us detect sin's strength, and help us not to be in bondage of it, causing us to be free in many aspects. Yet the will and the strength it takes to do it depends solely on how determined we are to follow Christ, and in which aspects of our lives we trust Him to change. It is only through Christ, we become right with God since Christ who had no sin, took our sin on Him. Christ’s resurrection was a historical event, and through that historical event, it also unleashed new life in every aspect of life. He challenged and broke the powerful stronghold of the old way of doing things, and offered something unique, dynamic, and new.
Revelation 21:5 (GOD’S WORD Translation)
5The one sitting on the throne said, “I am making everything new.” He said, “Write this: ‘These words are faithful and true.’ ”
2 Corinthians 5:17 (GWT)
17Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence.
Since he upset and broke the old way of doing things, he has been perceived as an "irritation", a "thorn in the side" of those who unrepentantly persist in doing the evil that has been done since the fall of man. If you have ever been angry, frustrated, discouraged, bitter, anxious, depressed, disappointed, intimidated, stressed, and so forth, it is because of the atmosphere that sin and evil breeds. Sin births a spirit of hopelessness to those most enslaved by it. Yet Christ installs in each person who calls on him to be saved a spirit of hope (the Holy Spirit), in that, the more we depend on Him and not get sidetracked, caught and entangled in sin, and the way this world works in unison with it, He will equip us to live as a citizen of His Kingdom. In other words, the way Adam should have lived had he not fallen to temptation and unleashed the power of sin into this world.
John 14:27 (NIV)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 1:4
In him was life, and that life was the light of men.
Christ’s power and influence breeds’ life in any and every situation, and through that, continues to stagger and confuse some of the “greatest” minds this world has to offer. Jesus Christ offers a new beginning to anyone willing to embrace it. And the progress that comes from Christ transforms that old Ecclesiastical truth I posted earlier and transforms it into something new and unique. And from that, the hope that is unleashed when it is applied, shines a light so great and so attractive, that it serves as a source of comfort and even relief in a world so immersed in darkness.
If it seems like things are not right, lasting, and good, death has a controlling grip. But through Christ, and in clinging only to Him, we see where it will go.
1 Corinthians 15:26
The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
Revelation 1:17b-18 (Contemporary English Version)
Don't be afraid! I am the first, the last, 18and the living one. I died, but now I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys to death and the world of the dead.
It’s up to you decide which way you want to go.
Happy Resurrection Day!!!!
Recorded in the books that make up what is traditionally known as the Old Testament is a dynamic that occurs that is so foundational and so common that it remains to work its influence at this very date and time. This dynamic is sin, and it is the primary essence of the fallen state of this world we live in. We are born into it, and it deeply influences us. It resonates in our culture, our habits, and influences that shape our belief systems. It deludes our thinking, hardens our heart, and through a transitional process (perhaps unbeknownst to us), it causes us to think that what is upside down and backwards is normal and natural while at the same time, we grow so comfortable with it that we likely establish contempt towards others who challenge our "comfort zones", while exalting ourselves superiors to everyone else, and separate ourselves from others whom we perceive are adversarial to us. Another problem we have in this world’s environment is that too many possess the mindset I just described, but may not realize how deep their involvement is in it. And conflict, division, and wars always result from it. Yet just as was chronicled in the Old Testament, concerning human nature, power, and so forth, the very attitudes, mindsets, and philosophies continue to deliver the same results today as they did in ancient days.
Ecclesiastes 1:10
Is there anything of which one can say, "Look! This is something new"? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time.
Ecclesiastes 3:15
Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account.
The Significance of Jesus:
Something struck me absolutely profound this past week. Now, Jesus is referred to as “the second Adam.” Now what is so profound is that Jesus lived the way Adam should have lived before Adam fell into sin. In that, Christ created a new “Genesis.” Adam was tempted and fell into sin. Jesus was tempted, but did not fall into sin. Satan intensified his influence, and even under significant pressure, Jesus remained true and obedient to the Father with full zeal. Since he had no sin in Him, Jesus kept its influence at bay where it belongs and didn’t allow it to penetrate and corrupt him, and thus derail his purpose and mission on our behalf. What is also profound was that Jesus fulfilled the law of Moses to the letter with his heart fully in it, apart from his people, and even the priests of His Temple, who performed the rituals, but performed them without meaning (Isaiah 1:13, Isaiah 66:3, Ezekiel 20:39, Malachi 1:10). Jesus did it gladly, obediently, and with his heart fully in it unto the Father. And the Father was pleased with him (Matthew 3:17). In living on this earth, Jesus grew such a deep understanding of what we go through in the midst of this world’s system (through hard experience) that he can and does relate to our experiences. Not only does Jesus have a sense of understanding of what we go through that resonates with Him, but his strength can help us detect sin's strength, and help us not to be in bondage of it, causing us to be free in many aspects. Yet the will and the strength it takes to do it depends solely on how determined we are to follow Christ, and in which aspects of our lives we trust Him to change. It is only through Christ, we become right with God since Christ who had no sin, took our sin on Him. Christ’s resurrection was a historical event, and through that historical event, it also unleashed new life in every aspect of life. He challenged and broke the powerful stronghold of the old way of doing things, and offered something unique, dynamic, and new.
Revelation 21:5 (GOD’S WORD Translation)
5The one sitting on the throne said, “I am making everything new.” He said, “Write this: ‘These words are faithful and true.’ ”
2 Corinthians 5:17 (GWT)
17Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence.
Since he upset and broke the old way of doing things, he has been perceived as an "irritation", a "thorn in the side" of those who unrepentantly persist in doing the evil that has been done since the fall of man. If you have ever been angry, frustrated, discouraged, bitter, anxious, depressed, disappointed, intimidated, stressed, and so forth, it is because of the atmosphere that sin and evil breeds. Sin births a spirit of hopelessness to those most enslaved by it. Yet Christ installs in each person who calls on him to be saved a spirit of hope (the Holy Spirit), in that, the more we depend on Him and not get sidetracked, caught and entangled in sin, and the way this world works in unison with it, He will equip us to live as a citizen of His Kingdom. In other words, the way Adam should have lived had he not fallen to temptation and unleashed the power of sin into this world.
John 14:27 (NIV)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 1:4
In him was life, and that life was the light of men.
Christ’s power and influence breeds’ life in any and every situation, and through that, continues to stagger and confuse some of the “greatest” minds this world has to offer. Jesus Christ offers a new beginning to anyone willing to embrace it. And the progress that comes from Christ transforms that old Ecclesiastical truth I posted earlier and transforms it into something new and unique. And from that, the hope that is unleashed when it is applied, shines a light so great and so attractive, that it serves as a source of comfort and even relief in a world so immersed in darkness.
If it seems like things are not right, lasting, and good, death has a controlling grip. But through Christ, and in clinging only to Him, we see where it will go.
1 Corinthians 15:26
The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
Revelation 1:17b-18 (Contemporary English Version)
Don't be afraid! I am the first, the last, 18and the living one. I died, but now I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys to death and the world of the dead.
It’s up to you decide which way you want to go.
Happy Resurrection Day!!!!