The Scriptures tell us that the appearances of Jesus after the resurrection were very important. The fact of Jesus’ resurrection rests on eye-witness testimony. These two witnesses add their experience to the others who testify that Jesus rose from the dead. The resurrection is not mythology or legend. It is a well-attested fact of history. Read More ...
I trust that on this Resurrection Sunday, we will all take time to ponder the marvelous news—“He is not here, but is risen.” And I trust that we will not think of this news as “idle tales” and nonsense, but as absolute, unchangeable, undeniable, verifiable truth. Jesus is risen, he is risen indeed. And it’s this great event that we celebrate today. Read More ...
Don’t let fear prevent you from demonstrating that you are an unashamed follower of Jesus. Don’t let it be said of you, “He was a disciple of Jesus, but in secret, because he feared his friends and family. He feared ridicule and rejection. He feared missing out on all the fun he would have if others knew he was a Christian.” Don’t let it be said of you, “I never knew he/she was a Christian. I would never have guessed.” Our words, actions, and attitudes should convey very clearly and obviously that we are Christians. I trust that everyone around you knows that you are a follower of Jesus. He suffered pain and humiliation for us, and the least we can do is stand up boldly for him like Joseph did. Read More ...
For the unsaved, the prospect of facing God in judgment should be a fearful thing (cf. Heb 10:31). Many people today don’t have a fear of God because they don’t have an accurate, biblical understanding of God. They think of God in terms only of love and grace, not in terms of holiness, justice, and righteousness. If we understand the Bible, we should have a robust fear of God. The whole duty of man is to fear God and keep his commandments. The fear of God ought to motivate sinners to repent and to trust in Christ. Read More ...
People today don’t like to hear about God’s judgment or the need for repentance. People today want to hear about God’s love and his desire to give us our best life now. People want to think about God like an indulgent grandfather or a rich uncle. They don’t want to consider the fact that “God is angry with the wicked every day” (Ps 7:11). Jesus constantly warns us to escape the wrath to come by repenting of our sins and trusting in him. If you fail to do that, you will face the severe judgment of God. If you think that Jesus’ suffering under the unjust judgment of man was bad, just wait until you experience suffering under the righteous judgment of God! If the green wood is capable of burning, just imagine what happens to the dry wood! Read More ...
Pilate is a good example of a man who tried to resolve a difficult situation justly, but ultimately gave in to pressure. He capitulated; he caved in. Instead of doing the right thing, he did the convenient thing. Instead of protecting an innocent victim, he protected himself. Under pressurized situations, it’s easy to cave in, to compromise, to capitulate to those who want you to do wrong. Let’s not behave like Pilate. It’s hard to stand up for truth and righteousness, but that’s what we must do. We must not give in to the pressure to conform to the will of the crowd. Read More ...