Whether its Jack Bauer's ability to interrogate, his special weapons skills, his mental toughness and physical endurance, his perseverance to function at a high level without sleep, his tactical expertise, his ability to navigate through the bureaucracy of the CTU, or his willingness to die for the cause, Jack has proven season after season that he is qualified for the job.
If someone was going to claim to be God, they would have to be able to prove it with some overwhelming evidence. In John 15:11 Jesus said, "Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves." What miracles did Jesus do? He turned water into wine, healed people of their diseases and deformities, raised people from the dead, fed the multitudes on two fishes and five loaves of bread, cast demons out of people, walked on water, calmed storms, preached with authority, and lived a sinless life. Aposle John said, "Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written (John 21:25).
Incredible! However, to me the greatest evidence that Jesus is God is his resurrection after his death. Lord Caldecote, former Chief Justice of England said, "The claims of Jesus Christ, namely his resurrection, has led me as often as I have tried to examine the evidence to believe it as a fact beyond dispute."
Not even the magicians David Blaine or David Copperfield would think about attempting such a feat. Could you imagine them having a show where they invited the audience to bring their favorite weapon of death. They would never say, "Kill me audience and after three days I will rise from the dead." That is insane. Death is the great equalizer. It reminds everyone of us that we are mortal and that we have limitations. If you play with death, you lose.
We know from our law system that in order to prove your case, you must have credible witnesses. The testimonies of the witnesses is the major part of the evidence. In 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 Apostle Paul says, "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, (4) that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, (5) and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. (6) After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. (7) Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, (8) and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. Wow! There were over 500 witnesses to Jesus' resurrection.
Apostle Paul goes on to write in 1 Corinthians 15:14-15, 30-32, "(14) And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. (15) More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. (30) And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour? (31) I die every day—I mean that, brothers—just as surely as I glory over you in Christ Jesus our Lord. (32) If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for merely human reasons, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”
Not only did Apostle Paul preach about the resurrection of Jesus, he was willing to be executed for his message and faith. Apostle Paul was so convinced that Jesus' resurrection was real, he could face death without fear. He said if there is no resurrection, then we have no hope after death. And if we have no hope after death, then we might as well try to eat and drink our troubles away. I find it interesting that many Americans are living like this today.
Jesus' miracles, his witnesses, and most of all his ability to conquer death, proves to all with overwhelming evidence that he is God. He hung upon the cross, the Roman's favorite instrument of death, and conquered the two things that have kept humanity in bondage and fear--sin and death. I will leave you with a quote from G.B. Hardy about the resurrection of Jesus:
"There are but two essential requirements: first: Has any one cheated death and proved it? Second: Is it available to me? Here is the complete record. Confucius’tomb—occupied, Buddha’s tomb—occupied, Mohammed’s tomb—occupied, Jesus’ tomb—empty. Argue as you will. There is no point in following a loser."
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Monday, April 17, 2006
What does it take to save the World?
At Every Nation Tallahassee we have started a three week series based on the TV show "24". The title of the series is, "What does it take to save the World?" On Easter sunday, I started the series with a message titled "The Right Man." I believe it takes the right man to save the world.
If you are looking to deactivate a nuclear bomb on US soil, you better call on Jack Bauer. If you are looking to save yourself from sin and death, you better call on Jesus Christ. Both Jack and Jesus are highly qualified for the jobs they do. Jack's experience in CTU, his education and military training have more than prepared him for his job. Jesus' Godly pedigree makes him the only one capable of saving us from sin and death.
Hebrews 1:3 describes Jesus in this way, "The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word." Colossians 1:15 says this about Jesus, "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation." As God's son, Jesus has the most unique blood type in the history of the world. Blood identifies, as much as anything else, who a person really is.
Hebrews 9:22 says, "The law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness." God taught his people in the Old Testament that in order to be temporarily cleansed of their sins, it would require the sacrifice of their best livestock. Year after year they had to continually offer sacrifices to God for their sins.
John the Baptist, when he saw Jesus, described him as the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). Jesus came as a man to be the perfect sacrifice for our sins once and for all. Peter writes in 1 Peter 1:18-19, For you know it was not with perishable things such as silver and gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, (19) but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish and defect."
While at FSU on a basketball scholarship, I had a teammate contract a rare virus. This guy was a physical specimen. He was 6'8", weighed 260 lbs and had only 5% body fat. He could run like a deer and jump out of the gym. It was quite shocking to watch him barely walk with the assistance of a cane. This virus had made him very frail. As his body would weaken throughout the month, he would have to go to the hospital for a blood transfusion. After the transfusion, he would have a new source of energy. It was like he got new life once a month. He eventually recovered from the virus.
In a more permanent way, Jesus' blood gives us new life. When we are filled with His Spirit and washed in his blood, we are clean, free and empowered to love and serve him the way Jesus intended. His blood changes us because it has eternal power and his divine nature in it.
Hebrews 9:12-14 says this, "He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. (13) The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. (14) How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!"
I agree with Edward Mote who once said, "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness. Jesus is the only man to walk on planet earth with a Godly pedigree and it is his blood that is heaven's key. Jesus' blood proves he is the right man to save the world from sin and death. I pray that Jesus would give his people a fresh transfusion.
If you are looking to deactivate a nuclear bomb on US soil, you better call on Jack Bauer. If you are looking to save yourself from sin and death, you better call on Jesus Christ. Both Jack and Jesus are highly qualified for the jobs they do. Jack's experience in CTU, his education and military training have more than prepared him for his job. Jesus' Godly pedigree makes him the only one capable of saving us from sin and death.
Hebrews 1:3 describes Jesus in this way, "The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word." Colossians 1:15 says this about Jesus, "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation." As God's son, Jesus has the most unique blood type in the history of the world. Blood identifies, as much as anything else, who a person really is.
Hebrews 9:22 says, "The law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness." God taught his people in the Old Testament that in order to be temporarily cleansed of their sins, it would require the sacrifice of their best livestock. Year after year they had to continually offer sacrifices to God for their sins.
John the Baptist, when he saw Jesus, described him as the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). Jesus came as a man to be the perfect sacrifice for our sins once and for all. Peter writes in 1 Peter 1:18-19, For you know it was not with perishable things such as silver and gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, (19) but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish and defect."
While at FSU on a basketball scholarship, I had a teammate contract a rare virus. This guy was a physical specimen. He was 6'8", weighed 260 lbs and had only 5% body fat. He could run like a deer and jump out of the gym. It was quite shocking to watch him barely walk with the assistance of a cane. This virus had made him very frail. As his body would weaken throughout the month, he would have to go to the hospital for a blood transfusion. After the transfusion, he would have a new source of energy. It was like he got new life once a month. He eventually recovered from the virus.
In a more permanent way, Jesus' blood gives us new life. When we are filled with His Spirit and washed in his blood, we are clean, free and empowered to love and serve him the way Jesus intended. His blood changes us because it has eternal power and his divine nature in it.
Hebrews 9:12-14 says this, "He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. (13) The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. (14) How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!"
I agree with Edward Mote who once said, "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness. Jesus is the only man to walk on planet earth with a Godly pedigree and it is his blood that is heaven's key. Jesus' blood proves he is the right man to save the world from sin and death. I pray that Jesus would give his people a fresh transfusion.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Serving: The Antidote for Selfishness
(33)“We are going up to Jerusalem,” he said, “and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles, (34) who will mock him and spit on him, flog him and kill him. Three days later he will rise.” Mark 10:33-34
In this passage of scripture Jesus is explaining to his disciples the type of death he would suffer and how he would rise again to life. You would think that they would have been sympathetic and compassionate to Jesus. They should have been burdened with the fact that the one they had left all to follow was about to die. It seems logical that they would ask Jesus if there was something they could have done for him. If nothing else, they should have been more inquisitive about Jesus rising from the dead.
Instead, listen to the request of James and John in Mark 10:35-37. (35) Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” (36) What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. (37) They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”
Amazing! Someone tells you they are about to be killed and you make a selfish request. This is exactly what James and John did. Based upon their request, I don’t think they even heard a word of what Jesus had said to them. Sure, they listened, but did they really hear? When you think only about yourself, you are deaf and blind to the needs of those around you. Serving is one of the ways we get selfishness out of our lives.
Many of you know I have two boys, Josiah (5) and Ethan (3). Because they are the only grandchildren in the Miller and Milbuta families, they are blessed with many toys. Every morning, without exception, they fight over one toy. Whatever toy Josiah has, Ethan wants. Whatever toy Ethan has, Josiah wants. Their disputes remind me that selfishness is a sign of immaturity, while service is a sign of maturity. Maturity is a key to obedience. And obedience is the proof that we really love God (John 14:23).
Life has taught me that when I am thinking only of myself I am usually discontent and unhappy. When I stop thinking about myself and put my attention on others, I find peace, joy, purpose and fulfillment. I will leave you with a quote that has inspired me to continue to serve others.
I sought my soul, but my soul I could not see. I sought my God, but my God eluded me. I sought my brother, and I found all three (Author Unknown). Only when I serve others do I truly discover God, myself and the blessing of others.
In this passage of scripture Jesus is explaining to his disciples the type of death he would suffer and how he would rise again to life. You would think that they would have been sympathetic and compassionate to Jesus. They should have been burdened with the fact that the one they had left all to follow was about to die. It seems logical that they would ask Jesus if there was something they could have done for him. If nothing else, they should have been more inquisitive about Jesus rising from the dead.
Instead, listen to the request of James and John in Mark 10:35-37. (35) Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.” (36) What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. (37) They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”
Amazing! Someone tells you they are about to be killed and you make a selfish request. This is exactly what James and John did. Based upon their request, I don’t think they even heard a word of what Jesus had said to them. Sure, they listened, but did they really hear? When you think only about yourself, you are deaf and blind to the needs of those around you. Serving is one of the ways we get selfishness out of our lives.
Many of you know I have two boys, Josiah (5) and Ethan (3). Because they are the only grandchildren in the Miller and Milbuta families, they are blessed with many toys. Every morning, without exception, they fight over one toy. Whatever toy Josiah has, Ethan wants. Whatever toy Ethan has, Josiah wants. Their disputes remind me that selfishness is a sign of immaturity, while service is a sign of maturity. Maturity is a key to obedience. And obedience is the proof that we really love God (John 14:23).
Life has taught me that when I am thinking only of myself I am usually discontent and unhappy. When I stop thinking about myself and put my attention on others, I find peace, joy, purpose and fulfillment. I will leave you with a quote that has inspired me to continue to serve others.
I sought my soul, but my soul I could not see. I sought my God, but my God eluded me. I sought my brother, and I found all three (Author Unknown). Only when I serve others do I truly discover God, myself and the blessing of others.
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