Then there are the Bible's positive moral commands-such as the commands to love one's wife, to respect one's husband, and to do good to others. (Matthew 7:12; Ephesians 5:33) Observing these commands brings beneficial results. Would you argue that such moral counsel is good for some but not for others?
Whether the moral laws of the Bible are followed or not brings consequences to people. This fact argues that such laws are not just alternative points of view. Rather, they have truths. Evidence reveals that good consequences are realized when the Bible's moral laws are followed, but bad one when they are not.
So think: If the Bible's moral laws hold true for all mankind, what about the standards in God's Word regarding worship? What about its comments on what happens when we die and the hope we have for an everlasting future? It logically follows that these Bible teachings are also truths, provided for all mankind. Their benefits and consequences are not limited to only the people who believe them.
Truth can be found. Jesus said that God's Word, the Bible, is truth. (John 17:17) Yet, truth may still seem unattainable. Why? Because so many different religions claim to teach what the Bible says. Which religion is teaching the truth from God's Word? Must we limit the answer to just one religion? Could not the truth, or at least parts of it, be found in a number of religions?
Next time: Who Should Determine True Religion?
Awake! 2008
8.14.2009
Is There One True Religion? - Does Absolute Truth Really Exist?
Does Absolute Truth Really Exist?
No doubt you will agree that there are some things of which you can be absolutely certain. You are sure of your own existence and that the objects that surround you are real. The trees, the mountains, the clouds, the sun and moon -the material world-are not figments of your imagination. Of course, there may be a few people who argue in a philosophical way that even those things are questionable. But it is unlikely that you agree with such an extreme notion.
Then there are natural laws. Of these too, you can be absolutely certain. For example, if you jump off a cliff,you will fall; if you refuse to eat you will feel hungry; and if you go without food for a long time, you will die. You do not wonder if such natural laws hold true for some but not for others. They apply to all mankind and are therefore said to be universal.
The Bible alludes to one such universal law when it asks: "Can a man rake together fire into his bosom and yet his very garments not be burned?" Indeed, when that was written, it was universally true that clothing would burn if brought into contact with fire. However, in stating this fact, the above Bible proverb is really making a bigger point, namely, that "anyone having [sexual] relations with the wife of his fellowman" will suffer adverse consequences.-Proverbs 6:27, 29.
Is that statement an absolute truth of which we can be certain? Some say no. They claim that morals are personal, that they depend on one's upbringing beliefs, and circumstances. But consider a few of God's moral laws as found in the Bible. Are these not universal truths?
The Bible condemns adultery. (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10) Some people do not accept this Bible precept as truth, and they practice adultery. Still, even they generally reap bitter consequences, which often include a troubled conscience, divorce and deep emotional scars for all concerned (that is, if one has a conscience to begin with).
Drunkenness is also condemned by God (Proverbs 22:30; Ephesians 5:18) What happens when people practice it? in many cases they lose their jobs, their health, and their family, who also suffer emotionally. (Proverbs 23:29-35) Such consequences come even to those who do not believe that drunkenness is wrong. does the truthfulness of these moral laws appear to be relative to the beliefs or perceptions of each individual?
Next time: Continue with Is There One True Religion? Does Absolute Truth Really Exist?
Awake magazine,2008
No doubt you will agree that there are some things of which you can be absolutely certain. You are sure of your own existence and that the objects that surround you are real. The trees, the mountains, the clouds, the sun and moon -the material world-are not figments of your imagination. Of course, there may be a few people who argue in a philosophical way that even those things are questionable. But it is unlikely that you agree with such an extreme notion.
Then there are natural laws. Of these too, you can be absolutely certain. For example, if you jump off a cliff,you will fall; if you refuse to eat you will feel hungry; and if you go without food for a long time, you will die. You do not wonder if such natural laws hold true for some but not for others. They apply to all mankind and are therefore said to be universal.
The Bible alludes to one such universal law when it asks: "Can a man rake together fire into his bosom and yet his very garments not be burned?" Indeed, when that was written, it was universally true that clothing would burn if brought into contact with fire. However, in stating this fact, the above Bible proverb is really making a bigger point, namely, that "anyone having [sexual] relations with the wife of his fellowman" will suffer adverse consequences.-Proverbs 6:27, 29.
Is that statement an absolute truth of which we can be certain? Some say no. They claim that morals are personal, that they depend on one's upbringing beliefs, and circumstances. But consider a few of God's moral laws as found in the Bible. Are these not universal truths?
The Bible condemns adultery. (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10) Some people do not accept this Bible precept as truth, and they practice adultery. Still, even they generally reap bitter consequences, which often include a troubled conscience, divorce and deep emotional scars for all concerned (that is, if one has a conscience to begin with).
Drunkenness is also condemned by God (Proverbs 22:30; Ephesians 5:18) What happens when people practice it? in many cases they lose their jobs, their health, and their family, who also suffer emotionally. (Proverbs 23:29-35) Such consequences come even to those who do not believe that drunkenness is wrong. does the truthfulness of these moral laws appear to be relative to the beliefs or perceptions of each individual?
Next time: Continue with Is There One True Religion? Does Absolute Truth Really Exist?
Awake magazine,2008
8.13.2009
Is There One True Religion?
THERE are of course, situations in which it is prudent to allow for a variety of opinions. For example, a person might believe that a certain diet will make him healthier. But should he impose that diet on everyone else, as if it were the only way to healthy living? Certainly, it would be wise and modest on his part to allow for the possibility that someone else's choice of food might be as good or even better, at least for that other person.
Is it the same with religion? Are there a variety of acceptable alternatives from which to choose, depending on one's upbringing and way of perceiving things? Or is there one body of religious truth that applies to all mankind? Let us see what the Bible has to say. First, we will consider whether truth is even attainable. After all, if it is not, then there is little point in searching for one's religion.
IS RELIGIOUS TRUTH ATTAINABLE?
Shortly before he was killed, Jesus Christ told his interrogator, Roman Governor Pontius Pilate: "Everyone that is on the side of truth listens to my voice." (which in true life, no one really wants to hear the truth) Pilate may well have been responding cynically when he said: "What is truth?" (John 18:37, 38) Jesus, on the other hand, spoke unashamedly of truth. (most people wouldn't recognize truth if it bit them in the rump) He did not doubt its existence. Consider, for example, the following four statements that Jesus made to various people.
"For this, I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth." -John 18:37. "I am the way and the truth and the life." -John 14:6. "God is a spirit, and those worshiping him must worship with spirit and truth." -John 4:23, 24. 'if you remain in my word, you are really my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." -John 8:31, 32. Since Jesus spoke so confidently of truth and of coming to know it, shouldn't we at least examine the possibility that religious truth exists and that it can be found?
Next time: Does Absolute Truth Really Exist?
Awake Magazine, 2008
Note to my readers: In a little over a week, I will be moving to another state to be with my elderly dad to spend time with him. I do not know if I will be able to have use of a computer to do my blog to spread the truth. But as soon as I am able to do so, I will continue with my spiritual blogs, as I love doing what God wants me to do. To reach out to others to tell them of Jehovah God and his precious Son, Jesus Christ. I hope that I have reached some out there and that they have become true Christians. I feel that if I have reached at least one person out there, then my mission was worth it. Until I move, I will continue to do my blogs. I appreciate all those who have read or are still reading my spiritual blogs. Believe me it will all be worth it in the end. It was for me, as I was negative at first. Then I took a look at my life and I realized that it was the truth that i was seeking and I went looking for it and found it and am happy I did. I hope you all continue reading, once I am able to resume doing my blogs. Thank you, Mary
Is it the same with religion? Are there a variety of acceptable alternatives from which to choose, depending on one's upbringing and way of perceiving things? Or is there one body of religious truth that applies to all mankind? Let us see what the Bible has to say. First, we will consider whether truth is even attainable. After all, if it is not, then there is little point in searching for one's religion.
IS RELIGIOUS TRUTH ATTAINABLE?
Shortly before he was killed, Jesus Christ told his interrogator, Roman Governor Pontius Pilate: "Everyone that is on the side of truth listens to my voice." (which in true life, no one really wants to hear the truth) Pilate may well have been responding cynically when he said: "What is truth?" (John 18:37, 38) Jesus, on the other hand, spoke unashamedly of truth. (most people wouldn't recognize truth if it bit them in the rump) He did not doubt its existence. Consider, for example, the following four statements that Jesus made to various people.
"For this, I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth." -John 18:37. "I am the way and the truth and the life." -John 14:6. "God is a spirit, and those worshiping him must worship with spirit and truth." -John 4:23, 24. 'if you remain in my word, you are really my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." -John 8:31, 32. Since Jesus spoke so confidently of truth and of coming to know it, shouldn't we at least examine the possibility that religious truth exists and that it can be found?
Next time: Does Absolute Truth Really Exist?
Awake Magazine, 2008
Note to my readers: In a little over a week, I will be moving to another state to be with my elderly dad to spend time with him. I do not know if I will be able to have use of a computer to do my blog to spread the truth. But as soon as I am able to do so, I will continue with my spiritual blogs, as I love doing what God wants me to do. To reach out to others to tell them of Jehovah God and his precious Son, Jesus Christ. I hope that I have reached some out there and that they have become true Christians. I feel that if I have reached at least one person out there, then my mission was worth it. Until I move, I will continue to do my blogs. I appreciate all those who have read or are still reading my spiritual blogs. Believe me it will all be worth it in the end. It was for me, as I was negative at first. Then I took a look at my life and I realized that it was the truth that i was seeking and I went looking for it and found it and am happy I did. I hope you all continue reading, once I am able to resume doing my blogs. Thank you, Mary
8.12.2009
Conclusion Of Jesus Finishes All God Asks
The revelation given to John reveals that after Jesus' Thousand Year Reign, Satan will prove successful in turning an undetermined number of people away from serving God. but then, when the final test is finished, Satan, his demons, and all those whom he succeeds in misleading will be destroyed forever. On the other hand, the fully tested, loyal survivors will live on to enjoy the blessings of their heavenly Father throughout all eternity. Clearly, Jesus has played and will continue to play, a vital role in accomplishing God's glorious purposes. What a grand future we may enjoy as a result of all that he accomplishes as God's great heavenly King. Yet, we cannot forget all that he did while he was a man.
Jesus willingly came to earth and taught us about his Father. Beyond this he exemplified the precious qualities of God. Our hearts are moved when we consider his sublime courage and manliness, his unparalleled wisdom, his superb ability as a teacher, his fearless leadership, and his tender compassion and empathy. When we recall how he suffered indescribably as he furnished the ransom, by which alone we may gain life, surely our hearts are moved with appreciation for him!
Truly, what a man we have seen in this study of the life of Jesus! His greatness is obvious and overwhelming. We are moved to echo the words of the Roman governor Pontius Pilate: "Look! The man!" Yes, indeed, "The man," the greatest man who ever lived! By our accepting the provision of his ransom sacrifice, the burden of sin and death inherited from Adam can be removed from us, and Jesus can become our "Eternal Father." All who would gain everlasting life must take in knowledge not only of God but also of his Son, Jesus Christ. May your reading and study of this book assist you to take in such life-giving knowledge! 1 John 2:17; 1:7; John 5:28, 29; 3:16; 17:3; 19:5; Luke 23:43; Genesis 1:28; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Revelation 20:1-3, 6-10; 21:3, 4; Isaiah 9:6.
Next time: Is There On True Religion? Awake! 2008
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
Jesus willingly came to earth and taught us about his Father. Beyond this he exemplified the precious qualities of God. Our hearts are moved when we consider his sublime courage and manliness, his unparalleled wisdom, his superb ability as a teacher, his fearless leadership, and his tender compassion and empathy. When we recall how he suffered indescribably as he furnished the ransom, by which alone we may gain life, surely our hearts are moved with appreciation for him!
Truly, what a man we have seen in this study of the life of Jesus! His greatness is obvious and overwhelming. We are moved to echo the words of the Roman governor Pontius Pilate: "Look! The man!" Yes, indeed, "The man," the greatest man who ever lived! By our accepting the provision of his ransom sacrifice, the burden of sin and death inherited from Adam can be removed from us, and Jesus can become our "Eternal Father." All who would gain everlasting life must take in knowledge not only of God but also of his Son, Jesus Christ. May your reading and study of this book assist you to take in such life-giving knowledge! 1 John 2:17; 1:7; John 5:28, 29; 3:16; 17:3; 19:5; Luke 23:43; Genesis 1:28; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Revelation 20:1-3, 6-10; 21:3, 4; Isaiah 9:6.
Next time: Is There On True Religion? Awake! 2008
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
8.11.2009
Jesus Finishes All God Asks
WHEN the Warrior-King Jesus Christ removes Satan and his unrighteous world, what cause for rejoicing there will be! The peaceful Thousand Year Reign of Jesus begins at last! Under the direction of Jesus and his associate kings, the survivors of Armageddon will clean up the ruins left by that righteous war. Likely, earthly survivors will also bear children for a time, and these will share in the delightful work of cultivating the earth into a gorgeous parklike garden.
In time Jesus will bring forth untold millions from their graves to enjoy this beautiful Paradise. He will do this in fulfillment of his own guaranteed: "The hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will . . . come out." Among those Jesus resurrects will be the former evildoer who died beside him on the torture stake. Recall that Jesus promised him: "Truly I tell you today, You will be with me in Paradise." No, that man will not be taken to heaven as a rule as a king with Jesus, nor will Jesus again become a man and live on the Paradise earth with him. Rather, Jesus will be with the former evildoer in the sense that he will resurrect him to life in Paradise and see to it that his needs, both physical and spiritual, are cared for, as illustrated on the next page.
Think of it! Under Jesus' loving attention, the entire human family-Armageddon survivors, their offspring and the thousands of millions of resurrected dead who obey him-will grow toward human perfection. Jehovah, by means of his royal Son, Jesus Christ, will reside spiritually with humankind. "And, as the voice John heard from heaven says, "he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.l" No person on earth will suffer or be sick.
By the end of Jesus' Thousand Year Reign, the situation will be just as God originally purposed when he told the first human pair, Adam and Eve, to multiply and fill the earth. Yes, the earth will be filled with a righteous race of perfect humans. This is because the benefits of Jesus' ransom sacrifice will have been applied to everyone. Death because of Adam's sin will be no more! Thus, Jesus will have accomplished all that Jehovah asked of him. Therefore, at the end of the thousand years, he will hand over the Kingdom and the perfected human family to his Father, Go will then release Satan and his demons from the abyss of deathlike inactivity. For what purpose?
Well, by the end of the thousand years, most of those living in Paradise will be resurrected ones who have never had their faith tested. Before dying, they had never known God's promises and so could not demonstrate faith in them. Then, after being resurrected and taught Bible truths, it was easy for them in Paradise, without any opposition, to serve God. But if Satan was given the opportunity to try to stop them from continuing to serve God, would they prove loyal under test? To resolve this question, Satan will be released.
Next time: Conclusion of Jesus Finishes All God Asks
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived,1991
In time Jesus will bring forth untold millions from their graves to enjoy this beautiful Paradise. He will do this in fulfillment of his own guaranteed: "The hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will . . . come out." Among those Jesus resurrects will be the former evildoer who died beside him on the torture stake. Recall that Jesus promised him: "Truly I tell you today, You will be with me in Paradise." No, that man will not be taken to heaven as a rule as a king with Jesus, nor will Jesus again become a man and live on the Paradise earth with him. Rather, Jesus will be with the former evildoer in the sense that he will resurrect him to life in Paradise and see to it that his needs, both physical and spiritual, are cared for, as illustrated on the next page.
Think of it! Under Jesus' loving attention, the entire human family-Armageddon survivors, their offspring and the thousands of millions of resurrected dead who obey him-will grow toward human perfection. Jehovah, by means of his royal Son, Jesus Christ, will reside spiritually with humankind. "And, as the voice John heard from heaven says, "he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.l" No person on earth will suffer or be sick.
By the end of Jesus' Thousand Year Reign, the situation will be just as God originally purposed when he told the first human pair, Adam and Eve, to multiply and fill the earth. Yes, the earth will be filled with a righteous race of perfect humans. This is because the benefits of Jesus' ransom sacrifice will have been applied to everyone. Death because of Adam's sin will be no more! Thus, Jesus will have accomplished all that Jehovah asked of him. Therefore, at the end of the thousand years, he will hand over the Kingdom and the perfected human family to his Father, Go will then release Satan and his demons from the abyss of deathlike inactivity. For what purpose?
Well, by the end of the thousand years, most of those living in Paradise will be resurrected ones who have never had their faith tested. Before dying, they had never known God's promises and so could not demonstrate faith in them. Then, after being resurrected and taught Bible truths, it was easy for them in Paradise, without any opposition, to serve God. But if Satan was given the opportunity to try to stop them from continuing to serve God, would they prove loyal under test? To resolve this question, Satan will be released.
Next time: Conclusion of Jesus Finishes All God Asks
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived,1991
8.10.2009
Conclusion Of At God's Right Hand
Obeying his Father's order, Jesus cleansed the heaven of Satan and his demons, hurling them down to the earth. After seeing this occur in vision, John hears a heavenly voice proclaim: "Now have come to pass the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ!" Yes, in 1914 Christ began ruling as King! What good news this is for worshipers of Jehovah in heaven! They are urged: "Be glad, you heavens and you who reside in them!" But what is the situation for those on earth? "Woe for the earth and the sea," the voice from heaven continues, "because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing he has a short period of time."
We are in the short period of time right now. People are presently being separated either to enter God's new world or to suffer destruction. The truth is, your own destiny is now being determined by how you respond to the good news of God's Kingdom that is being preached earth wide under Christ's direction.
When the separating of people has been finished, Jesus Christ will serve as God's Agent to rid the earth of Satan's entire system of things and all those who support it. Jesus will accomplish this removal of all wickedness in the war that is called in the Bible Har-Magedon, or Armageddon. Afterward, Jesus, the greatest Person in the universe next to Jehovah God himself, will seize Satan and his demons and bind them for a thousand years in an "abyss," that is, a state of deathlike inactivity. Acts 7:55-60; 8:1-3; 9:1-19; 16:6-10; Psalms 110:1, 2; Hebrews 10:12, 13; 1 Peter 3:22; Luke 22:28-30; Colossians 1:13, 23; Revelation 1:1, 10; 12:7-12; 16:14-16; 20:1-3; Matthew 24:14; 25:31-33.
Next time: Jesus Finishes All God Asks
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
We are in the short period of time right now. People are presently being separated either to enter God's new world or to suffer destruction. The truth is, your own destiny is now being determined by how you respond to the good news of God's Kingdom that is being preached earth wide under Christ's direction.
When the separating of people has been finished, Jesus Christ will serve as God's Agent to rid the earth of Satan's entire system of things and all those who support it. Jesus will accomplish this removal of all wickedness in the war that is called in the Bible Har-Magedon, or Armageddon. Afterward, Jesus, the greatest Person in the universe next to Jehovah God himself, will seize Satan and his demons and bind them for a thousand years in an "abyss," that is, a state of deathlike inactivity. Acts 7:55-60; 8:1-3; 9:1-19; 16:6-10; Psalms 110:1, 2; Hebrews 10:12, 13; 1 Peter 3:22; Luke 22:28-30; Colossians 1:13, 23; Revelation 1:1, 10; 12:7-12; 16:14-16; 20:1-3; Matthew 24:14; 25:31-33.
Next time: Jesus Finishes All God Asks
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
8.09.2009
At God's Right Hand
THE pouring out of holy spirit at Pentecost is evidence that Jesus has arrived back in heaven. The vision granted shortly afterward to the disciple Stephen also proves that He has arrived there. Just before being stoned for his faithful witnessing, Stephen exclaims: "Look! I behold the heavens opened up and the Son of man standing at God's right hand."
While at God's right hand, Jesus awaits the command from his Father: "Go subduing in the midst of your enemies." But in the meantime, until he takes action against his enemies, what does Jesus do? He rules, or reigns, over his anointed disciples, guiding them in their preaching activity and preparing them to become, by resurrection, associated kings with him in his Father's Kingdom. For example, Jesus selects Saul (later better known by his Roman name, Paul) to spearhead the disciple-making work in other lands. Saul is zealous for God's Law, yet he is misguided by the Jewish religious leaders. As a result, not only does Saul approve of Stephen's murder but he goes to Damascus with authorization from the high priest Caiaphas to bring back to Jerusalem under arrest any men and women he finds there who are followers of Jesus. However, while Saul is en route, a bright light suddenly flashes around him and he falls to the ground.
"Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" A voice from an invisible source asks. "Who are you, Lord?" Saul asks. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," comes the reply. Saul, who has been blinded by the miraculous light, is told by Jesus to enter Damascus and await instructions. Then Jesus appears in a vision to Ananias, one of his disciples. Regarding Saul, Jesus tells Ananias: "This man is a chosen vessel tome to bear my name to the nations as well as to the kings and the sons of Israel."
Indeed with Jesus' backing, Saul (known now as Paul) and other evangelizers have tremendous success in their work of preaching and teaching. In fact, about 25 years after Jesus' appearance to him on the road to Damascus, Paul writes that the "good news" has been "preached in all creation that is under heaven."
After the passing of many more years, Jesus provides a series of visions to his beloved apostle, John. By means of these visions that John describes in the Bible book of Revelations, he, in effect, lives to see Jesus return in Kingdom power. John says that "by inspiration" he was transported forward in time to "the Lord's day." What is this day?" A careful study of Bible prophecies, including Jesus' own prophecy regarding the last days, reveals that "the Lord's day" began in the history-making year 1914, yes, within this generation! So it was in 1914 that Jesus returned invisibly, without public fanfare and with only his faithful servants being aware of his return. In that year Jehovah gave Jesus the command to go subduing in the midst of his enemies!
Next time: Conclusion of At God's Right Hand
The Greatest Man Who Ever lived, 1991
While at God's right hand, Jesus awaits the command from his Father: "Go subduing in the midst of your enemies." But in the meantime, until he takes action against his enemies, what does Jesus do? He rules, or reigns, over his anointed disciples, guiding them in their preaching activity and preparing them to become, by resurrection, associated kings with him in his Father's Kingdom. For example, Jesus selects Saul (later better known by his Roman name, Paul) to spearhead the disciple-making work in other lands. Saul is zealous for God's Law, yet he is misguided by the Jewish religious leaders. As a result, not only does Saul approve of Stephen's murder but he goes to Damascus with authorization from the high priest Caiaphas to bring back to Jerusalem under arrest any men and women he finds there who are followers of Jesus. However, while Saul is en route, a bright light suddenly flashes around him and he falls to the ground.
"Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" A voice from an invisible source asks. "Who are you, Lord?" Saul asks. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," comes the reply. Saul, who has been blinded by the miraculous light, is told by Jesus to enter Damascus and await instructions. Then Jesus appears in a vision to Ananias, one of his disciples. Regarding Saul, Jesus tells Ananias: "This man is a chosen vessel tome to bear my name to the nations as well as to the kings and the sons of Israel."
Indeed with Jesus' backing, Saul (known now as Paul) and other evangelizers have tremendous success in their work of preaching and teaching. In fact, about 25 years after Jesus' appearance to him on the road to Damascus, Paul writes that the "good news" has been "preached in all creation that is under heaven."
After the passing of many more years, Jesus provides a series of visions to his beloved apostle, John. By means of these visions that John describes in the Bible book of Revelations, he, in effect, lives to see Jesus return in Kingdom power. John says that "by inspiration" he was transported forward in time to "the Lord's day." What is this day?" A careful study of Bible prophecies, including Jesus' own prophecy regarding the last days, reveals that "the Lord's day" began in the history-making year 1914, yes, within this generation! So it was in 1914 that Jesus returned invisibly, without public fanfare and with only his faithful servants being aware of his return. In that year Jehovah gave Jesus the command to go subduing in the midst of his enemies!
Next time: Conclusion of At God's Right Hand
The Greatest Man Who Ever lived, 1991
8.08.2009
Conclusion Of Further Appearances, And Pentecost 33 C.E.
Rather than try again to correct their misconceptions, Jesus simply answers: "It does not belong to you to get knowledge of the times or season which the Father has placed in his own jurisdiction.: Then, stressing once again the work they must do, he says: "You will receive power when the holy spirit arrives upon you, and you will be witnesses of me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and o the most distant par of the earth.
While they are still looking on, Jesus begins rising heavenward,and then a cloud obscures him from their sight. After dematerializing his fleshly body, he ascends to heaven as a spirit person. As the 11 continue gazing into the sky, 2 men in white garments appear alongside them. These materialized angels ask: "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus who was received up from you into the sky will come thus in the same manner as you have beheld him going into the sky."
The manner in which Jesus has just left the earth is without public fanfare and with only his faithful followers observing. So he will return in like manner-without public fanfare and with only his faithful followers discerning that he has returned and has begun his presence in Kingdom power.
The apostles now descend the Mount of Olives, cross the Kidron Valley, and enter Jerusalem once again. They remain there in obedience to Jesus' command. Ten days later, at the Jewish Festival of Pentecost 33 C.E., while about 120 of the disciples assemble in an upper room in Jerusalem, a noise just like that of a rushing stiff breeze suddenly fills the whole house. Tongues as if of fire become visible, and one sits upon each of those present, and the disciples all begin to speak in different languages. This is the outpouring of the holy spirit that Jesus had promised! Matthew 28:16-20; Luke 24:49-52; 1 Corinthians 15:5-7; Acts 1:3-15; 2:1-4.
Next time; At God's Right Hand
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
While they are still looking on, Jesus begins rising heavenward,and then a cloud obscures him from their sight. After dematerializing his fleshly body, he ascends to heaven as a spirit person. As the 11 continue gazing into the sky, 2 men in white garments appear alongside them. These materialized angels ask: "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus who was received up from you into the sky will come thus in the same manner as you have beheld him going into the sky."
The manner in which Jesus has just left the earth is without public fanfare and with only his faithful followers observing. So he will return in like manner-without public fanfare and with only his faithful followers discerning that he has returned and has begun his presence in Kingdom power.
The apostles now descend the Mount of Olives, cross the Kidron Valley, and enter Jerusalem once again. They remain there in obedience to Jesus' command. Ten days later, at the Jewish Festival of Pentecost 33 C.E., while about 120 of the disciples assemble in an upper room in Jerusalem, a noise just like that of a rushing stiff breeze suddenly fills the whole house. Tongues as if of fire become visible, and one sits upon each of those present, and the disciples all begin to speak in different languages. This is the outpouring of the holy spirit that Jesus had promised! Matthew 28:16-20; Luke 24:49-52; 1 Corinthians 15:5-7; Acts 1:3-15; 2:1-4.
Next time; At God's Right Hand
The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991
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