The New Testament teaches that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity (Titus 2:14). The greatest problem anyone can have is his iniquity or sin. The only way one can get rid of that problem is by God’s forgiveness. God forgives sin because Christ shed his blood when he gave himself and died on a Roman cross. How precious indeed is the blood of Christ! Peter said Christians are people who have been redeemed “with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18-19). The New Testament teaches that those who are redeemed by the precious blood of Christ constitute the church we read about in that book. This also makes the church very precious indeed! Included in Preaching Jesus Gospel preachers must include in preaching Jesus, preaching about his church. God’s Word plainly and immutably declares that the church was purchased with the blood of God’s own Son (Acts 20:28)! This alone makes the church might important! Paul also wrote by the Spirit and said that Christ loved the church and gave himself for it (Ephesians 5:25). This should also cause us to love the church and realize how important it is. Christ saves, but he saves in his church. The Holy Spirit guided Paul to write that salvation by the cross of Christ is in his one body which is the church (Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:16). Paul also wrote that Christ is the savior of the body which is the …

If Will Rogers was correct that all we know is what we read in the paper, then there is much to learn about a recent challenge to the New Testament’s view of Jesus. Over the last several years, a group calling itself the “Jesus Seminar” has gotten considerable press. In existence since being formed by founder Robert Funk in 1985, the Seminar’s work drew increased attention with their 1993 publication of The Five Gospels: The Search for the Authentic Words of Jesus, a book which has been supplemented by individual volumes by various Seminar members, and augmented by the 1998 publication of The Acts of Jesus: The Search for the Authentic Deeds of Jesus. The Seminar’s claims have not gone unchallenged. Michael P. Wilkins and J.P. Moreland edited a series of essays by conservative scholars which were published in 1995 in Jesus Under Fire: Modern Scholarship Reinvents the Historical Jesus. Luke Timothy Johnson’s 1996 book, The Real Jesus: The Misguided Quest for the Historical Jesus and the Truth of the Traditional Gospels, also critiques their work. Others have also contributed to the response. But if the Seminar’s claims have not gone unchallenged, neither have they abated. In the metropolitan Atlanta area, where this writer resides, there are a number of popular bookstores, including representatives of the Barnes and Noble, Borders and Media Play chains. For several years now, a casual perusal of their shelves has revealed numerous books by Seminar members and others who espouse similar views. A visit to local popular Christian …

[Knight Arnold News, Memphis, TN, Vol. 23, No. 15, April 15, 1997, pp. 2, 4.] The Jesus Seminar is at it again. It seems that when Easter and Christmas times come around, the popular media starts running stories about Jesus and whether he existed and whether the Gospel accounts are reliable records of the life of Christ. The primary source of information for the popular media to get information about Jesus and the New Testament is the so-called Jesus Seminar. The Seminar is a group of liberal scholars who deny many of the basic truths of Christianity. In the Indianapolis Star (Mar. 26, 1996), there appeared an article entitled “Scholar says issue of ‘Who killed Jesus?’ has affected Jewish-Christian relations.” The article quoted John Dominic Crossan of the Jesus Seminar speaking on the issue of the death of Christ. The statements attributed to Mr. Crossan contain many errors of fact, especially in regard to biblical teaching. The errors are outlined as follows: Error: “Crossan concludes that Jesus was killed because He preached ‘radical egalitarianism’ in an age when the Roman Empire oppressed His people–peasant Jews.” Fact: Jesus did not die because of Roman oppression of the Jewish people. Jesus died to save mankind from sins. In Luke 19:10, Jesus said he came to seek and save that which was lost. After Christ’s resurrection He told the apostles that it was necessary for Christ to die and that “repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name, to all nations” (Luke 24:46-47). Error: “Jesus’ …

In the dark hours preceding his crucifixion, Jesus was led through a series of quasi-legal proceedings that flaunted any sense of justice. In one of those phases, Pilate, the Roman governor, had Christ brutally whipped. Subsequently, the soldiers placed a crown of plaited thorns upon his brow and mockingly clothed him in a purple robe, feigning regal adoration. Pilate then paraded Jesus before the crowd and exclaimed, “Behold, the man!” (John 19:5). Significantly, this very phrase is found in an Old Testament prophecy that heralds the coming of Israel’s Messiah. The Historical Background In 606/5 B.C., the southern kingdom of Judah was taken into captivity by the Babylonians. Their accumulating sins across the centuries finally exhausted the patience of their benevolent God. Thus, for their own good, divine discipline was necessary. Jeremiah had declared that this period of incarceration would last seventy years (25:12; 29:10). In 536 B.C. the first of three major returns to the homeland was effected. The long trek was led by Zerubbabel, whose principal mission was to encourage the rebuilding of the sacred temple (destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.). In conjunction with Zerubbabel’s labor, Zechariah’s efforts would be focused upon encouraging the people to re-establish their familial relationship with Jehovah. It was characteristic of the prophets, as they were addressing the weaknesses of the nation, to sweep across the centuries, giving brilliant glimpses of the great Deliverer, the Messiah, and the glories that would adorn his administration. This feature was certainly common to Zechariah’s …

Jesus of Nazareth was crucified outside the city of Jerusalem on Golgotha or the hill of Calvary (Matthew 27:33; Luke 23:33). Two other men were led to that place of execution along with Jesus (Luke 23:32).All three were crucified, one thief on each side of our Lord (Luke 23:33). One of the thieves and his cross represents rebellion and arrogance, and depicts impenitent, lost humanity. He scoffed at Jesus: “If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.” Remarkably, that thief’s scorn for Christ was greater than his physical pain or the fear of his impending, dreadful death. Jesus, though, had done nothing to arouse this malicious attitude. This thief crossed the threshold of eternity unprepared and unconcerned about meeting God. Likewise, millions of souls have entered eternity with little or no concern for their souls. Lamentably, they made no preparation to spend eternity in heaven! Many are the souls who even live outside the lowly standards of righteousness established by men; they rebel against civil authority and are often openly without either penitence or remorse when caught and punished. Some sinners claim they have no desire to go to heaven and equally disdain companionship with godly people in this life. This thief was an unbeliever. If he were to have salvation, he demanded it on his own terms. Further, he wanted to test Jesus–requiring of him miraculous signs. This thief has many cousins possessing a similar inclination living today. The second thief and his cross represent penitence and depict the …

We live in a society that is casual oriented. Office personnel who at one time wore suits and ties or dresses as the norm now wear them only for special occasions. Worshipping our Lord should be a special occasion. Are you wearing your best to worship your God? My youngest son worked at the local Bob Evans Restaurant for the summer. During the orientation for all employees of that company dress and appearance were stressed to the future employees. Among other things male employees are not allowed to wear their hair longer than the collar of their shirts and it is to be one natural color (no purple, green, etc.). They are allowed one ring and a watch (no other jewelry is permitted while working). They are to be clean-shaven, wear dark pants, white shirt and tie if working on the floor or apron and ball cap if working the grill line or kitchen. The reason for this strict dress code is Bob Evans Restaurant owners wish to portray themselves as a family oriented place to eat. At the end of the summer it was my privilege to attend the orientation program at the International Culinary Arts School where my son now is attending for the next 18 months. Again, dress and conduct while in school was stressed. Solid black shoes, black pants, white long-sleeved jacket shirt, white handkerchief around the neck, meat thermometer in the pocket, and white hat while in the kitchen. The hat is to be removed …

There were ten major events the night that Jesus died. It is very enlightening to piece the four accounts together for no one record includes all the events. Please take the time in your personal devotions to look up these Scriptures and mediate on what Jeus did for you and me. Last Supper (Matthew 26:17-29).Disciples had an argument (Luke 22:24). Mt. of Olives (Matthew 26:30-35).Predicted denial. Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:31-46; Luke 22:39-46).Prayed on face (26:39) Betrayal & Arrest (Matthew 26:47-56; John 18:1-14).Bound (John 18:12). Jewish Trials (Matthew 26:57-75).First to Annas (John 18:13). Next to Caiphas (John 18:24).Taunted, spit upon, buffeted, slapped (margin: hit with rods) (Matthew 26:67-68). Struck (perhaps in mouth) (John 18:22). Servants join in (Mark 14:65). Kept up all night (Matthew 27:1) (no food or drink since last supper) Convicted of blasphemy (punishable by death) Roman Trials (Matthew 27:1-26).Jews changed charge to revolt (Luke 28:2).Judas tried to stop (Matthew 27:3-10–hypocrisy of Jews, 27:6; John 18:28!). Pilate tried to stop by releasing Barabbas [Matthew 27:16; guilty of insurrection/sedition (Mark 15:7; Luke 23:18), robbery (John 18:40), murder (Mark 15:7)]. Pilate’s wife tried to stop (Matthew 27:19). Denied by Peter (Matthew 26:69-75; looked at him, Luke 22:61). Herod (Luke 23:6-12). Mocked. Pilate (Luke 23:22-23). Washed hands (Matthew 27:24). Scourged (Matthew 27:26; John 19:1).Stripped (It was cold, John 18:18).Beaten. Reclothed (Matthew 27:28). Soldiers at Praetorium (Matthew 27:27-31).Stripped (re-open wounds?), clothed in purple robe, crown of thorns, hit with reed on hiead, spit upon, smote with hands.Pilate presented Him to the people …

On one occasion, some were amazed at Jesus’ wisdom and miracles and asked, “Is not this the carpenter’s son? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? (Matthew 13:55). Those who knew Jesus as a child couldn’t believe how far He had come from His humble beginnings. They looked at Jesus as the carpenter’s son rather than as God’s Son. Although they needed to look at Jesus in a new way, it is profitable for us to consider Him as a carpenter. Jesus the carpenter made the world. John wrote, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:1-3). The context makes clear that the Word was Christ (1:14). Paul wrote, “. . . God, who created all things by Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 3:8-9). It is easy to see the perfect design of the world. If the earth were any further from the sun, we would freeze to death. If it were any closer to the sun, we would burn up. The Psalmist correctly wrote, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge” (Psalms 19:1-2). Jesus the carpenter built the church. When Simon confessed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God, Jesus responded by blessing …

It had been a long day. The man was tired, hungry and sore. Yet, still he faced the long walk home. He was weary to the bone, but he began to put one foot in front of the other, for he had not been home in a very long time. The man was aware of activity all around him. He was conscious of a throbbing headache and his back had been hurting all day. These things, however, were suppressed, for surely he had other things on his mind. Life had been burdensome from time to time. The man had seen good friends and family pass away. He had shown goodwill toward his fellow man, only to have it thrown back in his face. He had been honest and forthright, only to be ridiculed for it. He did not lie, cheat or steal, yet, few people were impressed by this conduct. He stood by his friends in difficult times, yet most of his friends did not return this loyalty. He was a good brother to his siblings, but there existed a gap between himself and his family. Yes, the man had a lot on his mind as he traveled home. Weary beyond belief and deep in thought, the man did not at first realize that he had been approached by someone. A hand fell on his shoulder and Jesus of Nazareth lifted His weary eyes and looked into the face of Simon of Cyrene. Simon took the weight of the cross …

Jesus lived a lifetime in the looming shadow of the cross. He was conceived for Calvary, born to die, begotten for burial and reared for the resurrection. He spent three decades on death row. He was aware of the agony that awaited His body and the anguish that would tear His heart. We are largely left in the dark concerning His early years. At what point He knew who He was, we do not know, but it must have been early. Mary pondered the things concerning His remarkable birth and early days in her heart (Luke 2:19) and, without doubt, shared them with Him (cf. Luke 2:40). By the age twelve He was “about his father’s business” (Luke 12:49). He grew up reading the prophecies about Himself. He saw His sacrifice implied (Genesis 4:3-5), prophesied (Genesis 22:8), typified (Exodus 12:5) and personified (Isaiah 53:7). On earth, He was identified by John (John 1:29) and verified by the apostles (Acts 8:30-35). Presently He is glorified in heaven (Revelation 5:12-13). What was it like to grow up in the shadow of the cross? He was not isolated or sheltered from events that depicted His own future. Imagine Jesus As A BoySeeing His First CrucifixionGary Stanley has recreated what might have happened in “An Imaginary Conversation Between a Boy and Centurion Soldier” (edited). The legionnaire leaned against his spear to study the boy standing at the base of the cross. The old soldier had handled hundreds of crucifixions, and this one was no …

(Job 19:23-26) Once prosperous from every consideration, then destitute of this world’s goods and even of his health, yet Job maintained the hope of a heavenly hereafter that sufficiently overshadowed every present distress. Job demonstrated confidence in the Lord to whom he gladly trusted his eternity. Job earnestly desired that the consolation with which he was comforted based on this hope would be realized by many others as well. Job’s hope and confidence was three-fold: (1) Job was confident that the Redeemer lives; (2) he also fully expected that the Messiah would someday appear to rescue his and other souls; and, (3) Job was hopeful and confident regarding the general resurrection in which he would participate. These reflections encouraged Job in the face of his severe adversity and served as the basis of his hope. Likewise, contemporary children of God who find themselves greatly afflicted or facing death can appropriate to themselves consolations through the same hope. Certainly, for the rest of us who are relatively free from great trials, we can also through this hope known to Job find sufficient strength to satisfactorily cope with daily affairs. The Redeemer of whom Job spoke is the Christ (i.e., Savior, Messiah) whose function and certain ministry on earth was first intimated in Genesis 3:15. That our Redeemer lives is the foundation of all our hope; if our God were dead as some declare, we could have no hope. Job had sure hope based on the resurrection long before the earthly walk …