WORD OF LIFE No. 9 – 2008.
TEXT - Proverbs 16:18.
"Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."
How often have all of us experienced this word of God in our own lives when we think we are better than our fellow-man and put ourselves above where we aught to be - then in a flash we are brought "down to earth", usually in a way that others see our fall. But, do we learn? This word also applies very seriously in our spiritual life also. Often we put ourselves up and feel good in our-selves because of what we have in our lives, and then in the spirit, begin to look down on others as inferior in faith. If we do this we will also have to take a great fall. It may not be in this life, but it certainly will be when our Lord returns, and yes, it will also be in
front of all others. Christ spoke of this in His teachings in Luke 14:7-11, when He spoke of all that were bidden to a feast, and how some sought out the highest seats and the chief rooms, and He said, "When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him, And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.” When we apply this to our spiritual life, we see how important it is to learn from our natural falls because of pride, as we must never judge our fellow-man,
especially by outward appearance, because God does not see man as man sees man, outwardly, but God sees into the heart of man.
Once we become high-minded even our prayers become of little effect, because we soon place ourselves in the place of the Pharisee in Christ's lesson in Luke 18:10-14. Now to understand the full meaning of this, we must know what a Pharisee in that day was. The Pharisees were a sect of Jews who took extra vows in an open service to fulfil God's law, but as time went on they developed a haughty spirit, and believed that because they were a Pharisee they must be better than their fellow Jews. We can read how that haughtiness displayed itself when he (the Pharisee) noticed a publican (tax collector, lowest of esteemed man) in the temple with him. He held his head up and prayed to himself, "God, I thank thee that I am not as other men are,
extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican; I fast (attend service) twice a week, I give tithes, etc." - But the publican would not lift up his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast saying, "God be merciful to me a sinner."
Christ's words should ring loud in our ears, "I tell you this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."
We see we should at all times be careful that we do not allow the added blessings which we have been granted in this our Apostolic Faith to go to our heads, as it can easily be turned into pride and a haughty spirit. At all times remain humble and meek, and show this humbleness by deeds to all we come in contact with.
APOSTLE CLIFF FLOR
NORTH QUEENSLAND
TEXT - 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10.
"Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak anything. For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come."
In Thessalonia, the present day Thessalonika, the Apostle Paul with his friends and assistants, Silas and Timothy, had been active as a missionary for only three weeks. On three Sabbaths he had proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the Jewish synagogue there, and as we may read in Acts 17, had himself explained the Scriptures to his listeners.
In this flourishing city of trade there lived Jews, Greeks, and Romans, many of whom came to believe in Jesus Christ during the Apostle's brief ministry there. But this gave rise to envy in some; these envious people incited the mob to a revolt with political overtones against the men of God, declaring: "These all do contrary to the
decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus." They hustled the evangelists before the rulers of the city and cried: "These ...... have turned the world upside down." And only because a respected citizen guaranteed the political innocuousness of the messengers of Christ, who were staying at his house, were they
allowed to go, expelled from the city.
Although Paul and his companions had been active in Thessalonia for only a short time, a vigorous life of faith had grown up there and a beautiful living-together-in-love was to be found there, which made it possible for those who had accepted the faith to endure with patience the afflictions and suffering for the sake of the
faith. The Apostle wrote to them: "Knowing, brethren. Beloved, your election of God." He had felt that they had opened their hearts to him and that he had therefore been able to work with great strength and joyfulness.
It was not speeches that were clever by human standards, but the power of God which streamed forth from the words and hearts of Paul, Silas, and Timothy, which had reached the hearts of the Thessalonians. It was the working of the Holy Spirit, which they had accepted, that caused them to be so deeply stirred.
In spite of all the enemy's attempts to interrupt, the Thessalonians had not only listened to the envoys of Jesus, but they had believed their words and had confessed themselves to be followers in spite of the afflictions which they thus incurred. To listen, to believe, to follow-what a beautiful development!
The Apostle Paul bore wonderful witness to the Thessalonians with the words "You became imitators of us and of the Lord .... so that you became an example to all the believers." These young Christians underwent a complete change in their lives, their beings, and their attitudes; they had turned away very thoroughly from idolatry and had turned completely to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. That was a visible proof of their Christianity.
Can we show such proof of our Christianity?
LATE APOSTE PETER KUHLEN
GERMANY
TEXT - John 7:24.
"Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment."
This was an instruction from our Lord as he spoke to the people at the feast of Tabernacles. By this time in His teaching, the scripture records many were angry with Him and were going about to kill Him and stir the people up against Him because He had done healing on the sabbath day. His commandment was to look beyond what they could see and judge righteously. That is look to the good. Today we should always keep this in mind, especially as we live in a world that is becoming so judgmental as to appearances. We should not jump to conclusions purely on appearances. A recent experience told to me by a leading Solicitor in the town, highlighted our text and was a lesson learned by him, that we can all share in. He thought of himself as a clean living Christian, and one morning as he was at his Office early, he looked out
the window to the street below and saw a dark lady near a car. She seemed to be trying to open the door, which was obviously locked, and kept looking up and down the street. He immediately jumped to the conclusion that she was trying to break in. He phoned the Police to report the matter. He noted she left in a hurry and soon a white man came and unlocked the car and sat in it. He thought he should go down and report it, which he did. That was when he got his first shock, for the man said, Oh that was my wife, she had left some things in the car and had obviously came back to try to get it! He said he was immediately on the back foot, but then came the second shock that really set him back. The man told him his wife was around the corner at the Salvation Army Hall doing voluntary work. As he retreated, back to his office, he
said he asked himself the question, "Would I have done the same thing if the lady was white?" He could only come up with one answer, which left him very ashamed. He had certainly not lived up to the commandment of our Lord and had let prejudices and appearances rule his mind. Out of this did come some good, because he felt he had to tell his family and others he came in contact with, so that they would not fall into the same trap. Also the anonymous donation to the Salvation Army I am sure was also greatly appreciated. Samuel the prophet also learned the lesson in reverse when he was told to go and annoint the new King of Israel from the sons of Jesse. In his mind he looked for the most upright, warrior from the family, but God showed him
that God sees men differently than men see men. 1 Sam. 16:7 "But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart."
APOSTLE CLIFF FLOR
NORTH QUEENSLAND
TEXT - Romans 8:10-11.
"And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you."
That this concept, on our natural contempory life, cannot apply is understandable. Our natural life is in danger every day and we would not be able to find anybody who would guarantee it. And yet it concerns us because we believe with certainty, that our earthly life is not all there is. God has prepared another, an eternal life through Jesus Christ. Jesus has, through his sacrificial death, acquired that life. So the Apostle Paul witnesses this in his letter to the Romans 8:11; "But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead, dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead, shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you." That is also the needed prerequisite, in case we speak of life's guarantee, namely: be filled with the Spirit of Christ, be filled with the vitalising Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God must dwell in us, such is stated in our text. Starting from this fact, we will soon find out what the situation with our "life's guarantee" is. We have to ask ourselves seriously, whom or what is allowed to dwell in our heart, which Spirit do we allow to stay? The decision is up to us alone. And then from the beginning it becomes clear: being alert creates tension. Even when the obvious prerequisites by the Sacraments of Baptism, Sealing and Communion are apparent, it is always again worthy to open oneself to the Holy Spirit by intense prayer. We are responsible for, as to whether we let the Holy Spirit in. In Paul's letter to the Ephesians, we read his opening prayer "That he
would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man." (Eph. 3:16) It is very important to pray sincerely for the fulfilling of the power of the Holy Ghost. Also through such steadfast prayer, easier discerning becomes possible between issues so important in daily life. The essence and working of the Holy Spirit have been unequivocally described by Jesus. "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever." (John 14:16) Leading to all truth and not be mistaken. That Spirit in us makes it possible to live our lives in true faith. His Holy Spirit helps us into real faith. That many Christians are no more concerned about living in faith, is very deplorable. A religious (spiritual) persons life is determined by their faith. One can recognize by their actions, what is influencing them. Is it materialism, is it egotism, is it carnally orientated? All these will not rule those who live by the Holy Spirit. Yet, it is advisable to remain alert and not to under-estimate the worldly pressures, as the temptations are great. Esau sold his first birth right for a plate of linsen soup (pottage of lentils), Genesis 25:29-34. And all regrets came too late. The danger is great in that which started in the Spirit, ended up in the flesh. Therefore the urgent advice from Paul must be kept in sight: "If you do so, you must die. But if by the Spirit of God you put to death all the pursuits of the body, then you will live."
APOSTLE ERNEST LENSER
GERMANY (Since Retired)
TEXT – Psalm 119: 105 – 112.
Our Lord is described as the Alpha and Omega. We would say the A to Z. The Hebrew Alphabet Aleph to Tau and all the letters are covered off in Psalm 119. As we measure their teaching against the world in which we live we go to the 14th letter as our text; which is the letter Nun: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgements. I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word. Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgements. My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law. The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts. Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart. I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.”
We can see very clearly that is God's will for us in the days we currently live. He is telling us ‘Thy word is a lamp unto my feet.’ He is telling us His word for us on our journeys. His word will guide our footsteps. We will have no fear. We will not stumble. It will be a light in our path. The words of God we find they are written. The words of God we find they are taught. The words of God are preached. 'The Kingdom of God is preached and man presseth therein'. The words of God are available, for Christ became the living Word of God. If we put on Christ those living words that He gave will be sealed within our hearts, and providing we keep that light alive, providing we do not allow the darkness to overshadow it, providing we do not allow evil to enter into our lives for God cannot dwell with evil, light cannot be mingled with darkness, it is either light or dark, if we take time in our lives to search the Word of God, to hear them taught, to read of them in those teachings given unto us and above all to hear the preaching, then we are beginning to don this lamp that will guide our path and our feet through no matter what may happen within the world. We will have no fear. God has said through the Psalmist that I have sworn and will perform it, and 1 will keep righteous judgments. We see there we have a commitment to make. It is no good just simply saying that we are part of the church. We have made a commitment and we have to perform it, and to do that we need to keep the righteous judgments. Righteousness is given unto us through the partaking of the Body and Blood of Christ, and we have to keep that Sacrament alive if we are to have life within us. Our Lord said, 'He who does not eat of my Body and drink of my Blood has no life within him.' We have to keep that life alive so that the light can be there. He spoke I am afflicted very much: quicken me. 0 Lord, according unto thy word. Even though we are afflicted the Word of God can lift us out of those afflictions. We have all experienced that in our lives. He then asked. Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, 0 Lord, and teach me thy judgments. Coming out of our mouth are our prayers. They come from our heart and we utter them through our mouth. Coming out of our mouth are the words that we greet each other with, the words that we live our lives with. If we at all times make these commitments and live our lives and keep our mouths to only godly things, then it becomes also a light to the world. Our Lord said, 'Ye shall be a light to the world.' Others will hear, others will see, and they will want to stumble out of their darkness in their life and come into the light of the Lord, for they see that in that light we give praise, honour and glory to the God Almighty on high. Out of our mouth must come this praise at all times. He says My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law. That is the most important part of the teaching of this letter of the alphabet. Many of us say that my destiny, my soul is in the Lord's hands. I commit my soul unto the Lord, but we cannot do that until we leave this life. While we have the breath of life our soul is in our own hands. The future of our soul is in our hands, nobody else's, We have to commit ourselves to hold that soul precious and do all of the things that are necessary to ensure that we can reach a period in our life that we can as our Lord did, ‘Into thy hands do I now commit my soul.' While we have the breath of life this is in our own hands. This is why we must review our life and take upon ourselves the armour of light so that we can be sure that we are doing the right things by our soul, preserving it, holding it in trust on behalf of the Almighty God, and holding it firm in a way that we can at some point commit it into God's hands. The Psalmist said The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts. That will come unto us if we give ourselves to the guiding light of the Holy Spirit. Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever. The Word of God endures forever. The testimonies of God will never fail. We must make that within our lives a heritage. We must preserve it. We must never allow it to be destroyed. We must preserve the Word of God at all times, not allow it to be contaminated by the world and by the many interpretations that are sneaking into the world, not allow it to be watered down by false prophets and false christs, but preserve the truth of the Word of God in its entirety, not taking anything away and not adding anything to it. If we do this then we will be able to indeed find our way through the days that stand before us and the life that stands before us, and we will be able to then stand in God's glory, in His fullness of His light, for we will be converted to be as Christ and we will indeed be able to say – Our faith in the Word of God has been rewarded.
APOSTLE CLIFF FLOR
NORTH QUEENSLAND
TEXT – Mark 11:11.
“And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.”
It is important that Jesus Christ is the centre of our Divine Services so we can learn from Him and put it into practice in days to come. This also applies to what happened on the Sunday before Easter. The last Sabbath before Christ’s crucifixion had passed. The day after (the first day of the week), Christ went to Jerusalem. It was remarkable that Christ first went to the Temple. He sees what is happening, does not say anything, walks out of the Temple, leaves Jerusalem to return the next day to clean the Temple.
His whole life was a chain conscious actions. Now we can ask: “What does this visit mean?” Because nothing happens. We find the answer in Matthew 21: 4-5. On this day, without words, Christ faced the insecurity of the people about His person. Like the doubting question of John the Baptist: “Are thou he that should come, or do we look for another?” Matthew 11:3.
With His deeds Christ fulfilled the scriptures, so with one deed He also wiped away the doubts of the people. They received Him as a Saviour with the call. “Hosanna to the son of David: BLESSED IS HE THAT COMETH IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; Hosanna in the highest.” Matthew 21:9.
Zechariah always prophesised: REJOICE GREATLY; O DAUGHTER OF ZION; SHOUT O DAUGHTER OF JERUSALEM: BEHOLD THY KING COMETH UNTO THEE: HE IS JUST AND HAVING SALVATION; LOWLY AND RIDING UPON AN ASS, AND UPON A COLT THE FOAL OF AN ASS.” Because Jesus did as prophesised, He proved that He was the promised King, but did not tell this to the people.
In the following week Christ’s answer to Pilate’s question: “Art thou the King of the Jews! ‘And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.” Matthew 27:11.
If we try to imagine how enthusiastic the people were to follow Christ, then it becomes quite clear that one right word from Christ would have been enough to turn the joy of the people into aggression. This could easily have started an uprising against the Romans. There would have been more talk about “COMING TO JERUSALEM IN PEACE.” His word would have resulted in revolt and bloodshed. We, who know the history, can see and understand that wisdom, love and self control Jesus must have had to act like He did.
PALM SUNDAY TEACHES US, that Jesus is not only the Redeemer and the Lamb of God who was punished and crucified. He is also the King, the great Son of David who (like David in his time was anointed to be King but had to wait for 10 years until he could take over the reign from King Saul) was anointed by God but would only start His reign as King upon His return.
PALM SUNDAY TEACHES US to confirm our faith that one day all kingdoms and lands will be under His reign, a reign in meekness and humility. In this Kingdom we shall all be labouring as Kings and Priests. This is all being taught now by those who have been called and anointed through Christ.
PALM SUNDAY TEACHES US that we should not emphasize about these last things to others. If we present ourselves to the world as “We will be the ones” we run the great risk of causing damage to us and others because we are by far not able to fulfil all things expected of us.
PALM SUNDAY TEACHES US that we as servants of the King should also come to Jerusalem (Community) in meekness and humility. In this manner the silent Jesus told us many things.
APOSTLE J.F. KROENER Jnr.
NETHERLANDS (Since Retired)
TEXT – John 20:15.
“Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou?”
In the Gospel of John we read that Mary Magdalene, who had been healed of seven evil spirits by Jesus (Luke 8:2), went to the tomb after the crucifixion and burial of the one she loved and found her Master gone.
In her despair she turned around and saw somebody standing there, whom she did not recognize at first. She believed him to be the gardener. Jesus said to her: “Woman why weepest thou? Whom seekest thou?” She said that she was looking for her Master, and could not find Him. And then something strange happened. Jesus only said one word: “Mary!” And this single word was enough to make her cry out: “RABBUNI”, which means Master. The way Jesus had said this single word was enough to create a spark of recognition. Mary had found her Lord and Master again: quite close by! It seems as if this incident is only an insignificant detail of the whole Easter event. The resurrection is always the centre of the Passion of Christ, but it is also good to ponder on this insignificant incident, the first short dialogue between Jesus and Mary.
And what does it teach us? Why does Apostle John tell us about it? First of all one word was enough for Mary to find Jesus back in her life, to feel united with Him again, given that this one word was spoken with the fullness of God’s love. One word can change sadness into joy. One comforting word can wipe away tears. One word of forgiveness can mend a bond of love. One loving word can chase the coldness out of the hearts of men. One simple word spoken in the community or the singing of a song can be very uplifting for downtrodden souls.
And secondly, Mary Magdalene was looking for Jesus; she said: “They have taken my Master and I do not know where.” But He, whom she was looking for was near by!
A lot of people in this world are looking for Jesus in the distance, while He is quite close. Sometimes we can find Him at a chance meeting, in a simple word of comfort, in a word of encouragement, or in charitable love.
One thing is for sure: We do not have to look for Him in the distance! He reveals Himself to His disciples not in “faraway theories” or in complicated philosophies, nor in deep thinking analyses of bible ‘text, no, He reveals Himself right near us. He reveals Himself in the community, in one of His servants, in a brother or sister, Yes, sometimes in a spoken word or a deed of a stranger who suddenly becomes a friend because he speaks to us with the loving voice of Jesus Christ. CHRIST IS RISEN, and He is right beside us!
APOSTLE CHR. BOERMEESTER
NETHERLANDS (Since Retired)
TEXT – 1 Corinthians 15:19-28.
“If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.”
The Passion of Christ is over as Jesus Himself cried on the cross: “IT IS FINISHED”. Now HE has been buried. Empty is the life without HIM. Is this the end of the story? But the tomb is empty! Mary of Magdala goes and gets Peter and John and they understand that Christ has risen from the dead. So, is this the end then? But this is not all.
Christ first appears to Mary Magdalene, and then in the evening HE meets the disciples. He salutes them with: “PEACE BE UNTO YOU, AS MY FATHER HATH SENT ME, EVEN SO I SEND YOU”, shows HIS wounds and says: “RECEIVE YE THE HOLY GHOST.” But Thomas was not present! He cannot believe it. For eight days he doubts the resurrection that Jesus is alive. Then Jesus appears to him. THE RISEN ONE complete with HIS wounds and talks to him: “Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed. blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. ”John 20:29.
Apostle Paul writes, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” 1 Corinthians 15:19.
Let us ask ourselves: Which part of Christ’s life do we believe in? HIS birth? HIS labour amongst HIS disciples? HIS miracles and healings? HIS prophesies? HIS sufferings? HIS resurrection? Maybe we are trying to hide behind this disciple, who has to see to believe, the doubting Thomas. This is contrary to the letter to the Hebrews: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report.” Hebrews 11: 1-2.
During our Wednesday Prayer Meeting one of the sisters told us how happy she was having accepted Christ, as this had changed her life as well as her attitude towards her fellow men. Somebody then remarked, “But this thing with the afterlife, I cannot understand that, I find that really complicated.” A recent death of one of our members can be accommodated by the statement, “We know that all people will die, as will each one of us”, which Apostle Paul expressed in 1 Corinthians 15:22: “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”.
During that Prayer Meeting we all agreed that Jesus had died so that we can live, even after death. The comparison between the transient, mortal body and the intransient immortal body can be understood in the natural way by the example of the seed and the mature plant: We cannot envisage the fully grown plant. Also, we find it hard to imagine that different seeds in a little bag can mature into a garden full of vegetables or a crawling caterpillar into a colourful butterfly! The change of Spiritual life after having accepted Christ, is shown by the transformation of Saul, the persecutor of Christ to Paul, the evangelizing Apostle!
In the spiritual light, we understand this as the result of God’s plan of salvation for His creation, the life of Christ and HIS spiritual impact by which Christ was resurrected: “But in the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”
When we now believe in God, the Father and Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, then we are able to understand the bible text given to us today and will come to understand it.
Christ is the way as Apostle Paul confirms in 1 Corinthians 15:23, “But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.” So the way to eternal life has come to fruition. Following Christ is possible by believing in the RESURRECTED who will return, so that all will rise up who belong to HIM. That is right, we cannot see it, only believe it. The doubting Thomas attitude is wrong. Celebrating Easter is celebrating the way to the resurrection which will one day be fulfilled for each one of us. After that the power and violence of death will come to an end through God. God will destroy all evil including death.
As in the beginning and during Christ’s time here on Earth, the wonderful harmony between God and Christ is revealed because Jesus always looked up to HIS Father and prayed to HIM, that HIS wounds would be honoured and prove to all people that HE is the Son of God. God would subjugate everything to make HIM the Master over all: God granted HIM victory. Then the Son submits Himself to the Father, so God is the Almighty Lord over everything.
Just as the prophesies of the Old Testament were fulfilled with the birth of Christ, HIS prophesies will be fulfilled when HE returns. That is why we are invited to believe in the prophecies of Christ, which will surely be fulfilled. Christ says, “Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.” John 14:19.
APOSTLE NORBERT SCHAEFFER
FRANCE