1. The Problem! (1 Sam 7:1-2)

“And the men of Kirjathjearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD. 2And it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjathjearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD.”

2. God’s Solution! (1 Sam 7:3-4)

“And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines. 4Then the children of Israel did put away Baalim and Ashtaroth, and served the LORD only.”

Our Lord is able to take back the “ground” the enemy has taken but notice the prerequisite – “ONLY SERVE the LORD”! Please do not think that God is going to fight our battles if we do not SERVE HIM!

I love what Jesus said:

Conclusion: Here is the bottom line…

Introduction: Are you sharing with your neighbors our God’s great love? Why should we tell the world? Well if Jesus Christ has changed your life, then you ought to go and tell! This devotion will give seven reasons for sharing Jesus.

1. The Credibility of Jesus Christ’s Integrity! (Phil 2:5-11)

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Either Jesus Christ was a liar, a lunatic, a legend or LORD! Now which was he? Everyone must decide either Jesus was a Mad man, a Bad man or the God man. Hopefully, you are convinced that He was the God man. After all, He has changed this writer’s life! Can you testify?

2. The Changeability of the Holy Spirit’s Movability! (Phil 4:6-19)

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus…. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

Notice the trend:
* The Peace of God
* The Problems
* The Provisions
In other words, the CARE, the PRAYER, the DARE to SHARE!

3. The Audacity of the Enemy’s Religiosity! (Phil 3:1-9)

“4Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 5Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless…. 7But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.”

It is not what is on the outside that matters but what is on the inside! Talk comes easy. But walking the walk is the proof of the pudding.

4. The Accuracy of Bible Prophecy! (Phil 3:20,21)

“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”

We are pilgrims in a strange land. This earth is not our home. We are sojourners in a weary land. Our citizenship is in heaven.

5. The Peace and Security of the Believer’s Destiny! (Phil 1:6)

“6Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

Our God finishes what He starts! As Christians, we are “UNDER CONSTRUCTION”!

6. The Dependability on God’s Sovereignty! (Phil 2:12,13)

“12Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”

Do you get it? We work out what God works in!

7. The Urgency of Eternity! (Phil 1:21-24) 

“21For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. 23For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 24Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.”

Do you ever feel like this? Ready to go. But like to stay!

Introduction: Here is a brief study on the subject of resurrections in the Bible – primarily New Testament. 

1. The Resurrection of Lazarus, Jairus’ daughter, and the Widow of Nani’s son! (John 11; Mark 5; Luke 7)

A desperate daddy cried out to Jesus to deliver his daughter from death. Jesus raised her from the dead. 

2. The Saints resurrected when Jesus died on the cross! (Matt 27)

The saints in Jerusalem were resurrected when Jesus took upon our sins as He paid our penalty on the cross. They eventually died again. 

3. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ! (Matt 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 21)

Jesus arose from the dead!

4. The Resurrection of Eutychus! (Acts 20)

Evidently Paul preached a long time, well unto midnight. A young man fell asleep and then plunged to his death. He was resurrected by a miracle in the days of Paul. Wonder if everyone who fell asleep in Church died??

5. The Resurrection of the Church at the Rapture! (1Thess 4:13-18)

Here is the familiar passage that is dealing with the event called the rapture. The dead in Christ will rise first (the Church). Talk about a homecoming!!

6. The Resurrection of the Martyred Saints! (Rev 20)

Those who have not received the mark of the beast nor worshiped his image will be resurrected during the millennium. Rewards await the faithful!

7. The Resurrection of the lost who have died! (Rev 20)

Out of all the resurrections listed this will be the saddest. Why? Because those who die without Jesus Christ will be thrown into the final abode of the dead which is the Lake of fire. 

Conclusion: During this resurrection season, do a Bible study on these supernatural events described in the Scriptures. It will bless you. 

Introduction: Jesus declared He was dead but came back to life! Do we realize the significance of that statement? Because of that affirmation, we are assured of eternal life and the victorious life in Christ.

“Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” (Rev. 1:17-18)

1. The Enemy of Fear! (Rev 1:17, 18)

“Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”

Fear paralyzes. Are you fearful? Why? What is it? Is it about tomorrow? Is it about the unchangeable? Why not Allow Jesus to calm your fears?

2. The Friend of Faith! (Rev 1:17, 18)

“Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”

Faith is the opposite of fear. Feed your faith. Starve your fear. Jesus came through! He won!! Because He won, we win!

3. The Final Future! (Rev 1:17, 18)

“Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”

Death has been defeated. It met its match! Jesus is LORD over death, hell, sin, and the grave. Heaven awaits every believer.

Introduction: Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit after His resurrection. Did He do it? What does that mean?

1. Jesus Promised to Send the Holy Spirit! (Luke 24:49)

“49And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.”

These words were spoken by our Lord after His demonstration to the two on the road to Emmaus that He was God. Their blind eyes were opened to see Him. Their dull hearts were quickened to believe Him. And ultimately, their empty lives were filled with His Holy Spirit to serve Him.

Do you keep your promises?

2. Jesus fulfilled His promise to send the Holy Spirit! (Acts 2:1-4)

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

This outpouring of the Holy Spirit was exactly 50 days after Jesus resurrection…10 days after His ascension. But all of it was to fulfill His Word, which was His promise that He would not leave the disciples alone. 

Aren’t you glad we are not alone?

Conclusion: All of this means Jesus keeps His promises! He promised to return. Can we trust Him?

Yes.

Introduction: What are the evidences of Jesus Christ’s resurrection? They are numerous. But for today’s devotion we will only mention a few.

He made at least 10 different appearances before His ascension.

1. To the Two on the road to Emmaus! (Luke 24:13f)

“13And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. 14And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 15And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. 16But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.”

That day was a gloomy day for the two. That is until they met Jesus. There gloominess was turned into gladness. 

Why? Because they saw Jesus as the Son of God; they believed the Bible as the Word of God; and they were eventually filled with the Holy Spirit of God. 

Are you going to remain gloomy?

2. To Mary! (John 20:11-14)

“But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, 12And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. 14And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.”

Mary fell at His feet and worshipped. Shouldn’t we do the same?

3. To the Disciples without Thomas! (John 20:19)

“Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.”

The troubled disciples needed PEACE. We need Jesus’s PEACE today!

4. To the Disciples with Thomas! (John 20:24-28)

“24But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. 26And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.”

Thomas went from doubting to shouting!! When a person sees Jesus with the eye of faith, he or she will shout as well. 

5. To 500 brethren! (1Cor 15:5-6)

“5And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.”

That is a lot of people. Even Paul saw the risen Lord!

“And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.” (1Cor 15:8)

Jesus is alive! Let’s tell the world!!

Conclusion: These different appearances by our Lord give proof that those who saw Him after His resurrection were not hallucinating! Instead, they were worshipping!

So we should do the same.

Introduction: Jesus tells us that He will come in a twinkling of an eye. Are you ready?

What does this mean? What will happen? Where will you be? How soon are we there?

Here are some changes that will take place.

“51Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” (1 Cor 15:51-52)

1. Our bodies will be changed! (1Cor 15:35-38)

“5But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? 36Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: 37And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: 38But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.”

What about a brand new body?

2. Our belongings will be changed! (1Cor 15:55,56)

“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.”

Death will once and for all be defeated.

3. Our battlefield will be changed! (1Cor 15:58)

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

Four words come to mind:

1. Resist –  “be ye stedfast”

2. Retreat – “unmoveable”

3. Reclaim – “always abounding in the work of the Lord,”

4. Rewards –  “forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

Conclusion: Since all of these changes will take place are you getting ready?

Introduction: The greatest event in human history was the resurrection of Jesus Christ! Because He lives we can face tomorrow; we have eternal life; our sins are forgiven; and it gives us a guarantee that He will come again. 

Notice the sequence of events.

1. Jesus Christ Crucified! (1Cor 15:3)

“3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures.”

Without a “cross” there can be no “crown”!

Because Jesus became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross (Phil 2:8), we can be forgiven. Through His redeeming blood, we are set free! Furthermore, the cross of Christ is a tool to give us abundant life in this life. 

We, too, have a cross to bear (Matt 10:38,39). But this cross is not the same as Jesus bore. Instead, this cross is for us to take up daily by denying ourselves.

How are you doing?

2. We are Justified! (1Cor 15:4)

“4And that he was buried…”

After literally dying (out came blood and water), Jesus’ body was buried into a tomb. A hurried up procedure was done as He was placed in the borrowed grave. 

But death could not hold Him! The grave could not contain Him!! Herod or Pilate or the Jews, nor the Roman soldiers could not keep Him!!! He was God in the flesh who created all things. 

3. Because of the Resurrection, God was Satisfied! (1Cor 15:3)

“3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures. 4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”

Is your God alive?

Jesus has conquered sin, death, hell and the grave.

He lives! Is He living in you?

Conclusion: These truths are paramount to the CHRISTian life. Rejoice, child of God, for a RISEN Savior and soon coming Bridegroom. Then, after 7 years of tribulation, in His second coming He will establish His 1,000 year reign as the King of King’s and Lord of Lord’s.

Hallelujah!

Introduction: Let’s face it. Jesus was born to die, but He would rise from the grave as He said He would. He came to pay the penalty for our sins. Through His redeeming blood our sins are forgiven. As we have seen, the last week of our Lord was filled with specific prophetic  events with Him being anointed, riding into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey, and instituting the Last Supper, as well as the Garden of Gethsemane experience, and then the arrest and mock trial, His awful crucifixion, the burial, and now the resurrection according to the gospel of Mark. 

1. The Women want to finish the Job! (Mark 16:1-4)

“1And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. 2And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. 3And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? 4And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.” 

Due to the hurried up crucifixion and burial (Passover), the women followers of Jesus showed up on the resurrection morning to finish the job of preparing the body. Check out the love and devotion they have for Jesus!

Are we that dedicated to risk our lives for Him who gave His life? 

2. The Angel tells them the Good News! (Mark 16:5-8)

“5And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. 6And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. 7But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you. 8And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.”

Why mention to tell Peter specifically? [This reveals the angel knew what had happened.] The answer is because the last time Peter had seen Jesus, he had denied His Lord. There is no doubt he was very sorrowful! In fact Peter repented. Then he was restored!!

3. The Women were told to go and tell! (Mark 16:7)

“But go your way, tell his disciples.”

The same message applies to us today. Go and tell. Are you doing it? Why not?

Conclusion: Do you know why the women were the first to hear the news that Jesus Christ arose from the grave? They were seeking Him!

Are we seeking Him?

Introduction: Let’s face it. Jesus was born to die. He came to pay the penalty for our sins. Through His redeeming blood our sins are forgiven. As we have seen, the last week of our Lord was filled with specific prophetic events with Him being anointed, riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, and instituting the Last Supper, as well as the Garden of Gethsemane experience, and then the arrest and mock trial, His awful crucifixion, and now the burial according to the gospel of Mark.

1. The Soldiers (Matt 27:62-64)

“62Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, 63Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. 64Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.”

To be sure that the disciples could not come and steal the body of Jesus from the tomb the chief priests got permission from Pilate to place guards at the grave. These were trained soldiers who would guard it with their life.

2. The Seal & the Stone! (Matt 27:65,66)

“65Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. 66So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.”

The seal was usually authoritative and authentic including a signature of a public leader; i.e. governor, king. Some scholars suggest it was either signified by clay or another material that only could be broken by its sealer. This seal would be fashioned on each side of the large stone with some sort of band stretching across the stone. Little did the authorities know that Jesus would rise from the grave like He said he would…. another fulfillment of Scripture.