Video Bible Lesson - Resurrection: Our New Body

1/2 Hour of God’s Power with Scott Ralls

2/29/2020

Resurrection: Our New Body

2 Corinthians 5:1-10
What a scene will occur at the sounding of the Lord’s trumpet! The “dead in Christ” will emerge from their resting places all over the earth and soar into the sky; these saints’ resurrected bodies will reunite with their spirits, which will have been residing in heaven with Jesus. Close behind them will follow believers who haven’t yet departed this life—at that moment, they’ll miraculously be changed as they are “caught up . . . to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thess. 4:16-17).
The description sounds extraordinary, but in fact, the plan is practical. We’re going to need a body with which to enjoy the new heaven and new earth that Jesus is preparing for His followers. However, earthly flesh and bones will not do. They age, break, and succumb to sin. So God promised to transform our humble structures into glorious bodies like the one Christ had after His resurrection. Common temptations and limitations will be gone. In addition, our physical substance will be altered so that we are not restricted by time and space. Remember, Jesus didn’t bother with doors (John 20:19)! Our new bodies will be suited for the environment where we are to dwell forever—an ageless eternity in which all of our needs are perfectly met.
Each believer will still be him- or herself. Friends and family long separated will recognize one another; our personalities will be unchanged, except that we’ll be absolutely sinless. At last, you and I will be the persons that God intends for us to be. And we’ll be housed in a body fashioned like that of Christ—perfect, sinless, and complete.

#Jesus, #Christian, #Bible, #Salvation, #Heaven, #God, #HolySpirit

Defend against Temptation..........Dr. Charles Stanley

Defend against Temptation

Dr. Charles Stanley

James 1:12-16

To build a defense against temptation, we must understand how it works. Every sin originates as a thought, often the result of a flaming arrow the Evil One shoots our way (Eph. 6:16). If a believer holds on to the thought, it becomes a fantasy—the chance to imagine what it would be like to pursue that notion without actually doing so. The problem with fantasies is that they can easily become entangled with a person’s emotions. This creates a desire, which brings the believer to the point where a choice must be made: he or she must either consent to the sin or refuse. This process is quite dangerous, as the progression from thought to choice can be almost instantaneous.

Wise believers determine ahead of time to resist temptation—before it enters their consciousness. There are two cornerstones to a good defense: the commitment to obey God, and the recognition that He is in control and has limited what Satan can do (1 Cor. 10:13).

We can further fortify our defense when temptation actually comes. Satan has a way of spotlighting the pleasure of sin until that’s all we see. But with conscious effort, we can retrain our focus to take in the bigger picture: Is this choice a violation of God’s Word? What are the consequences? Am I prepared to pay that price?

No defense against temptation is complete without Scripture and prayer. Every moment spent meditating on the Word and communicating with God builds our faith. As the bulwark around our mind and heart strengthens, we are ever more prepared to douse Satan’s flaming arrows.

A Prayer to Let Go of Negativity

A Prayer to Let Go of Negativity
By Tracie Miles

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (NLT)

Several years ago, I went to a summer camp for girls with my daughter Kaitlyn. One of the group activities Kaitlyn looked forward to was the high ropes and zip-line course. Her enthusiasm was so contagious … I even put my name on the list to participate. The time came to put on our safety gear and listen to the guide for basic instructions. As we patiently waited in line, Kaitlyn became more and more excited, but I grew more and more nervous.

The more I doubted my abilities, the more my confidence sunk. As I allowed negative thoughts (even some irrational ones) to fill my mind, the likelihood of actually going through with this activity greatly diminished. Unfortunately, my turn finally came, and I began slowly and hesitantly making my way up the tree — with zero percent confidence and 100 percent doubt. No more than 30 seconds had passed when I caved to my fears. I immediately climbed right back down the tree, took off my safety gear and surrendered defeat. I went right back to my comfort zone where it seemed safer.

Missing out on this activity wasn’t really a big deal in the big scheme of life. But I couldn’t help but wonder how many big things I’d missed in the past because of negative thinking — like pursuing God’s call on my life. I thought back to times when I knew God called me to share my testimony, but I’d allowed fears of judgment or shame to silence me. I considered the years I wasted not writing and speaking for His kingdom, my negative thoughts convincing me I wasn’t worthy or qualified to do either.

When we allow negative thinking to take up residence in our minds, our thoughts will become an obstacle to our obedience. Pessimistic thinking — whether about our life, our self-worth or our abilities — will always stand in the way of following God’s call.

Romans 12:2 assures us when we invite God to transform our minds and change how we think, He’ll do exactly that. Negative thinking can keep us from pursuing God’s call to be a leader in His kingdom. But the good news is, we don’t have to let them. Intentionally choosing to put aside negative thoughts about ourselves empowers us to stand strong when the enemy tries to thwart our efforts.

When our thoughts are positive, our hearts will be too, and obedience will flow more naturally.

Lord, forgive me for letting fears and doubts get in the way of my obedience. Give me the strength and desire to step out in faith and trust that I am equipped and capable in Your strength. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Building Bridges through Pain

Building Bridges through Pain
By Greg Laurie

‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” – Revelation 21:4

It has been said that success builds walls, but failure builds bridges. Sometimes when we tell someone how everything is going well, it doesn’t help them at all. We say, “Hey man, things are going great for me. I just got a promotion, we’re going to buy a bigger house, and the kids have both been accepted into the finest colleges.” Meanwhile, their house just burned down. And a wall just went up.

But when someone says, “Pray for me. I’m hurting right now. I have a problem. I just got bad news from the doctor,” your heart goes out to them. You care. You want to help them. And so you should. We live in a world of pain and hurt. Everyone has it. And we should reach out to others who are in pain.

When we go through adversity, we can help others who are going through it as well. The apostle Paul wrote, “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us” (2 Corinthians 1:4). God lets us go through adversity so we will have a new compassion for others who are in pain.

Since our son Christopher went to Heaven, God has given me a platform to bring comfort to others that He has brought to me. So many hurting people have written me and have talked with me. And there are some who will listen to me today who wouldn’t have listened to me before. I thank God for that. But am I glad all this has happened so I can have this new ministry? No. I am glad, however that God can bring some good and some comfort out of that pain.

Heavenly Father, though we walk through storms of pain and suffering, help us to fix our eyes on you. Amen.

All Things

All Things
By Shawn McEvoy

So that you may approve the things that are excellent. - Philippians 1:10, NAS

The Apostle Paul was obsessed, gloriously so, with the victory of Christ that created freedom in Christ under the Lordship of Christ. Or at least that helps me to explain his non-stop use of the phrase "all things" in his letters to the church. With two little words, over and over again Paul reminds us just how much authority has been given unto Jesus. If it doesn't take hold to hear that all authority in heaven and earth has been given him... that every knee shall bow and every tongue confess... that the battle has been won once and for all... Paul goes further, into specific areas of our lives, to drive the point home.

Consider how powerful it is that Paul tells you that you, because of Christ, can now...

Endure
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Become
I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some. 1 Corinthians 9:22

Believe
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Actively Love
[Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:7

Trust
For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17

Let Go
That no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things. 1 Thessalonians 4:6

Profit through Surrender
All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything. 1 Corinthians 6:12

Grow Truly Wealthy
As sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing yet possessing all things. 2 Corinthians 6:10

The list doesn't end there, either. These powers and this dominion go beyond Superman, way past any government or earthly authority. You serve The One who has them, and rather than oppressing you with his might, he leaves you free to live and move and exist (Acts 17:28) in all things. Truly, his is:

...an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will (Ephesians 1:10-11).
All you have to do is make him Lord of all (your) things (which he already is anyway - what you must do is actively acknowledge it). With those kind of mad skills at his disposal, why wouldn't you? That's one tremendous, unlimited inheritance!

Intersecting Faith and Life: Have you ever taken inventory of the things you really, definitely need to be able to do in life, in faith, in family and in the church, as opposed to the things you don't? Start to notice the difference by meditating on one of the above passages. For example, we know Philippians 4:13 doesn't mean we can jump off a skyscraper and survive, or win an Olympic footrace. So what does faith in Jesus give us the power to do? Where have you ever experienced this power to go beyond your own abilities, genes, talents, finances or circumstances?

Further Reading: Colossians 1:13-29

Easter: All That Matters vs. All I Live For

Easter: All That Matters vs. All I Live For
by Shawn McEvoy

He has risen, just as He said.
Matthew 28:6, NIV

What would I ever do if someone I knew came back from the dead? Especially if he had said he would, and if he had spent a couple nights in a grave already?

Seriously, what would I do? What would you do? Wouldn't I blab to everyone I know - and most people I don't - about this miraculous event? Heck, I tell everyone when I'm feeling under the weather or when I saw a good movie.

Then factor in that the same guy was now telling us that because of what he had done, none of the rest of us would ever have to suffer death. What's more, simply by believing what we had seen, no matter our background, history, race, or education, we could restore our long-lost connection with the Almighty, and live forever.

Man... unfortunately, I'm having a hard time conceiving what I would do. Or, even if I can conceive it, I can't quite believe it, because honestly, I have seen this, I do believe this, and yet my daily reaction to it doesn't exactly line up with The Acts of the Apostles.

Has the news of a resurrected savior really become passe?

Why don't I want to read Acts?

What am I afraid of?

That I'll be rejected?

(He who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit (1 Thess. 4:8)).

That I won't be powerful enough?

(God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline (2 Tim. 1:7)).

That the good news isn't relevant enough?

Salvation and the message of the resurrection, the miracle of born again-ness, is a salve to all wounds.

This Easter I'll join choruses like "He's Alive" while pondering and praising the miracle, but when it comes time for the next day of my life to begin, a day and a life that means nothing if not lived for my Savior, it'll be all about me again and my troubles and making my way and who cut me off and what I have to get done and who I don't like and what can we complain about today.

Yuck.

I want this Easter to be real. Because I did see it happen (so to speak; the resulting spread of those who ran to the corners of the earth to tell the story with no regard for personal safety is traceable to this day), it is real, and I'm cheating life and people God loves if I'm not shouting those facts from every corner and rooftop I can find. Everything else is just window dressing; "Christian living" is often just how we pass all our extra time in this country where so many of our basic needs are so easily met, and where we can cordon ourselves off from each other. What matters in life?

1. That there is life, and...
2. how it came about that there might never be death, but...
3. there are still dead men walking.

Really, why else are we here if not to keep excitedly shouting the truth of the miracle as if we'd just experienced it with our own eyes yesterday?

Intersecting Faith & Life: For the longest time, I've felt a leading in my heart to launch out into a complete study of the book of Acts, something I've never fully done. For some reason, I continue to put it off. But in my quest this year to make Easter real, I'm beginning a study of what those who witnessed the resurrection couldn't keep themselves from going out and doing. Care to join me? 

Further Reading
Acts 1:1