The 70 AD destruction of Jerusalem had not yet taken place, but if the dating of Hebrews is 64-68 AD, then annihilation was nearer than any of them realized. The time to be renewed in their faith was immediate! If that was true then, it is even truer today for us and for America – and it is likely nearer than any of us imagine. How will any of us escape?
Go to My brothers and tell them. Those words are found in the 17th verse in the 20th chapter of John’s Gospel, and a case could be made that they are as significant as any other part of resurrection story. Many of us probably don’t recognize those words as belonging to the resurrection event much less see them as hugely significant. Yet, they are, and they are meant for each of us personally.
Did Jesus really suffer? If Jesus really suffered, was His suffering necessary? If Jesus really suffered, and His suffering was necessary, what does that mean to you? Get ready to be surprised.
If you were a Jew attempting to persuade Jewish Christians to come back to the Temple, and your appeal to the advantage of the prophets failed to do so, then the angels as intermediaries between God and Moses just might convince them to leave Christianity behind. If you were writing this letter, how would you convince them to remain faithful? As it happens, this is a terrific expose’ on apologetics and the identity of Christ.
This person cannot bear the popularity of others, cannot stand the success of others, becomes angry if someone seems to have more influence, is quick to criticize the ideas and work of others, will humiliate and degrade others with no thought as to the hurt that may be caused. Is there an antidote to the kind of wisdom that wrecks. Yes! Yes! Yes!
We as believers must at times experience emotional death, where God is doing deep things within us, for a true resurrection to occur. Will you surrender to Him today and follow Jesus no matter what you’re feeling? In today’s message Associate Pastor Dan Harrington turns to the story of Job to show ways to get through the emotional walls and the dark nights of the soul we all face in our Christian journey.