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Luke 4: 16-22 This week, our country will celebrate its Independence Day. We are truly blessed to live in these United States and enjoy the freedoms which we’ve had for over two centuries. We should never take any of our freedoms for granted nor forget the great cost which many paid so that we could have these liberties. Likewise, and even more so, we should celebrate always the freedoms which we have in Christ Jesus. Paul wrote: “It was for freedom that Christ set us free...” (Galatians 5:1). Early in His ministry at the synagogue in Nazareth, Jesus read from Isaiah 61 which spoke of a coming “favorable year of the Lord.” It was an indirect reference to the year of Jubilee which occurred every 50 years and brought a “giant reset.” Debts were cancelled. Land was returned to its ancestral owners. Those who had been living in servitude were freed to return to their homes. This Isaiah prophecy concerned the Messiah and the great blessings which would come through Him. It is all about good news, freedom for the oppressed and release of captives. What are some of those freedoms which Christ our Lord has brought for those who are in Him? Freedom from the guilt of sin. Freedom from the power of sin. Freedom from condemnation. Freedom from law. Freedom from living in darkness. Freedom from the power of the devil. Freedom from the fear of death. Freedom from the second death. Freedom to live with hope. Freedom to live with joy. Freedom to live in peace. Can you name others? Live in the freedom of Christ! And remember that Jesus paid a precious price for our freedoms.

Matthew 27-57, - 28:1-4, 11-15 For the non-believer the missing body of Jesus presents an enormous problem. For the believer the missing body of Jesus is the ultimate proof for His claims to be the Son of God (Romans 1:4). Jesus was crucified by a Roman execution squad. Trained. Experienced. They knew their grisly business; they knew about dying and death. When the request came to hurry the deaths of those on the crosses, they verified that Jesus was dead (John 19:32-34). When removed from the cross, His body was placed in a tomb (Matthew 27:57-60). But the chief priests and Pharisees who had opposed Jesus were worried that His disciples would steal the body and proclaim that Jesus had risen from the dead. So they asked Pilate for some soldiers to guard the tomb (Matthew 27:62-66). Pilate granted their request. The tomb was sealed, and a guard posted. And they waited. At this point, what are the possibilities? 1) That Jesus wasn’t really dead. That He had survived the the crucifixion. That He revived, rolled the stone back from inside the tomb and escaped past the guards. If you believe that, I have a genuine Rembrandt I’d love to sell you - at a reduced price, of course. 2) That Jesus’ disciples somehow overpowered these Roman soldiers, moved the stone and stole the body. These would be the same disciples who all ran when Jesus was arrested and later were hiding behind closed doors for fear of the authorities. 3) That the guards really did fall asleep (every last one of them) as in their concocted alibi (Matthew 28:11-16). Noting again that these were disciplined Roman soldiers who were under severe penalty (probably death) if they fell asleep on duty, one can see the absurdity of this tale. 4) What’s left? That Jesus was raised from the dead just as the scriptures tell us!! So where is His body now? Why, He’s living in it!! Doesn’t that just thrill you to the depth of your soul?!!

Ephesians 6:4 God has laid it right at the feet of fathers (not mothers), and therefore He has laid this responsibility on their hearts. Of what am I speaking? “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” A few short words, but a great responsibility and no easy task. It takes a man to be a dad ... when it’s your turn to get up in the middle of the night to change a diaper. It takes a man to be a dad ... when you don’t go fishing with your buddies because your kids have a T-ball game. It takes a man to be a dad ... when you correct your child who is being disrespectful to her mother. It takes a man to be a dad ... when you play “fairy princess” with your four-year-old daughter. It takes a man to be a dad ... when you take the time to explain to your kids why you go to church. It takes a man to be a dad ... when you ground your teenage son for consistently breaking his curfew. It takes a man to be a dad ... when you give your teenage son a curfew. It takes a man to be a dad ... when you seize that “teaching moment” to tell your child the difference between right and wrong. It takes a man to be a dad ... when you pray freely and fervently in front of your children. It takes a man to be a dad ... when you save up money for your child’s education and not for your new set of golf clubs. It takes a man to be a dad ... when you praise your child for wanting to help out old Mrs Libmeier, and you didn’t even think about doing something for her. As a father, have you taken on this responsibility whole heartedly? Are you seeking God’s help in this great undertaking? He is with you every step of the way. You will be greatly rewarded.

Hebrews 2:5-18 A concept I have heard expressed at different times is that when people die (some people?) they become angels. Let’s be clear. No where in scripture is this idea expressed. It might have come from Jesus’ talk with the Sadducees about their poser concerning the woman who had seven brothers as husbands (Luke 20:27-40). In His answer, Jesus notes that “those who ... attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; for they cannot die anymore, because they are like angels...” It’s plain that those resurrected don’t become angels but are “like” angels, namely in that they do not marry nor are subject to death. Some people seem to think that angels are superior to people. While angels do have certain abilities and privileges which humans do not currently have, a careful study of scripture indicates that in God’s scheme of things mankind actually occupies a higher place than the angels. In Hebrews 1:13-14, the writer tells us that angels are “ministering spirits” (a kind of servant) who “render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation.” That would be human beings. So, angels are actually serving those who will be saved! Soon after that, the writer enters into discussion about Jesus and His place in regard to angels and human beings. The main thrust of this is that Jesus became a human being (not an angel) because God was giving the “world to come” to men and was bringing “many sons to glory.” Jesus becomes the champion of sinful man and calls us His “brethren.” What an incredible blessing this is! One of the most exciting texts in the discussion about man’s salvation is what Peter writes (1 Peter 1:10-12). After noting that the prophets had questions regarding the salvation of which they were prophesying, he records this: “things into which angels long to look.” Apparently, the blessings of salvation and eternal life are so marvelous that angels desire to know more about them. Knowing these things, who would even want to be an angel?!

Ephesians 5:15-17 A couple of weeks ago the power was off on three different occasions, once for about eight hours. After I got through flustering and blustering about it, I was able to rearrange my schedule to get things done which didn’t require technological wizardry. When the power was restored, I could get back to the computer. Such situations cause me to think about making good use of our time and days. Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus about being wise and making best use of their time. Such wisdom holds many lessons, but this is what comes to mind. Every week we all have some things we need to get done and several things we would like to get done. Often when the day rolls around, though, on which I wanted to do something, I am tired, or just not up for it, or otherwise preoccupied. So I put it off until tomorrow or even later. Here’s the rub. When tomorrow comes, things have changed. (We tend to conveniently forget this enduring truth.) Yesterday was mild and partly cloudy; today, it’s pouring rain or blowing snow. Yesterday things were going well; today, the power went out. Yesterday, I was feeling pretty good, but today I have a bone fide headache. Yesterday (I find out later), the person I wanted to visit was home, but today they had a doctor’s appointment and were unavailable. Who hasn’t thought this? - “I’ll say something next time.” Too often next time fades into no time. Windows of opportunity close and must be reopened later (hopefully). Jesus tells us plainly that tomorrow has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34). Paul writes to the preacher Titus to instruct his hearers to “be ready for every good deed” (Titus 3:1). Peter exhorts his readers to be ready with an answer for their hope (1 Peter 3:15). Are you and I ready Christians? Are we prepared mentally, emotionally and spiritually for what the day may bring and even what the Lord will ask of us? Or have we put off our getting ready until tomorrow - when the car won’t start and your back is out?

John 8:39-47 We aren’t given many details about the origin of the devil. We infer from scripture that at some point he rebelled against God making himself and the angels who were with him enemies of the Almighty. In doing so, he became an adversary of mankind as well. Now, Satan isn’t particularly interested in the human race, except that through hurting people and causing their rebellion against God, he can bring heartache and trouble to the Lord Almighty. After all, it was man who was made in the image of God and given a special place in God’s creation, having dominion over all the earth. If the devil could get the Man to disobey God, then he would gain more adherents and strengthen his own position against the Lord. So how does the devil get Man to listen to him and disobey God? (Consider Genesis 2 & 3.) Man is living in a beautiful garden with all of his needs taken care of having fellowship with God Himself. It is a paradise. Satan has nothing to offer the man and the woman, so he must lie to them so they will listen to him. So he throws doubt on the veracity of God’s words about the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. He tells them that they won’t die if they eat of it but become “like God, knowing good and evil.” Thus, by his lie he entices the woman to disobey God, and the man follows along. As a result, death comes upon the human family. For his part in doing this, Jesus calls the devil a “murderer from the beginning.” Lies and deception are arguably Satan’s greatest weapons. He promises humanity things he cannot deliver and casts doubt upon God regarding what He is more than able and wants to give to mankind! He has become the master of deception. Jesus called him the “father of lies” in whom “there is no truth.” I take this to mean that Satan couldn’t tell you the truth if he wanted to!! This should cause us all to be more aware that lies permeate our world and to nurture a love for the truth of God. It should move us to search the scriptures lest we also become deceived.

It was at the very beginning of His ministry just after He had been baptized by John, and John was testifying to those around him: “Behold, the Lamb of God!” With these events, Jesus began to attract followers. Two of the first had begun walking behind Him, and He turned and asked them what they were seeking. Their reply was, “Rabbi, where are You staying?” They wanted to know so they could come back and hear Him teach. Jesus invites them: “Come, and you will see.” I can see the two standing there rather stunned at Jesus’ quick readiness to invite them along. Maybe He has to reassure them with, “You comin’?” And then He does them one better by having them stay all day with Him! So, it began. People are attracted to Jesus by several different things: His character, His demeanor, His teaching, His claims, His miracles, His cross, His resurrection, et al. He had tremendous “drawing” power, if you will. Charismatic we might say. Perhaps “Christosmatic” would be better. It should not surprise us for He is the Son of God and the Son of Man all in One. We hear Him tell us the things we need to hear. Some are difficult, but we know they are true. Be kind. Love one another. Forgive one another. Don’t covet. Be faithful. Be generous. Seek the things above. Find the narrow gate. Listen to My voice. Love your enemies. Take up your cross. You will have tribulation. Don’t give up. Proclaim the good news. Make disciples. Remember Me. But Jesus also promises that the rewards will be great, even next to unbelievable. Friendship with Him. A place in His kingdom. Freedom from sin and guilt. Salvation. Fellowship with God. See His glory. Sanctification. Life eternal. He still has that same power to attract followers. What first attracted you to Jesus? What about Him keeps you following along? And you, who are just sitting there watching all of this, what are you waiting for? Didn’t you hear Him say, “You comin’?”

Matthew 18:15-22 It seems to this observer that over the years the failure of two Christians to ask for and to extend forgiveness has been a major barrier to personal spiritual growth and also growth of a congregation. On the one hand, this is surprising, but on the other hand it is not. It is surprising because Jesus addressed this problem in several places in scripture. He was quite emphatic that when there were problems between two of God’s people they must find a resolution to their differences through forgiveness. Peter asked how often he should forgive another person suggesting that seven times should be enough. Jesus poured water on that idea by saying “seventy times seven” - as many as were needed! Forgiveness must be genuine (Matthew 18:35), and if we do not forgive another, our Father in heaven will not forgive us (Matthew 6:14-15). How many Christians are there walking around with their grudges in their hearts and hurts on their sleeves and still believing that God will give them a pass on judgment day and welcome them into the Celestial City? But then this is why this is all not so surprising. Because we grow comfortable in fanning our little flames and feeling that our hurts are worse than anyone else has ever endured and we have a right to feel the way we do. What we all need is a good dose of Jesus and His humility for He “endured the cross, despising the shame” (Hebrews 12:1-2). And as they were nailing Him to that very cross He said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34). He offered Himself up so that you and I could receive forgiveness for our sins committed against Him! If you know that you have hurt someone, seek them out and be reconciled! If someone has offended you, go and be reconciled! (Matthew 5:23-24; 18:15). Too much is at stake to disregard Jesus’ plain teaching. Love begets forgiveness which begets unity and peace. Then Christians grow. Then congregations grow.

2 Timothy 2:19 This past weekend (as of this writing), Don and I went to the airport to welcome our wives back from their trip and bring them home. (The transporting of luggage was also involved in this venture.) As we were waiting for their flight to come in (it had been delayed a couple of times), we were watching the people arriving from other flights. People-watching is entertaining as well as informative. Most of the people arriving did not have anyone meeting them. They were most likely changing planes, business travelers, or someone visiting the city for some special event. Other arrivers were, however, met by family or friends with great excitement. There were shouts, squeals of joy, smiles and plenty of hugs. It was quite obvious they had been greatly missed and probably had been away from one another for a considerable time. Then, there was another group of travelers. Standing in one place were the “limo” drivers dressed in their black liveries. They were waiting for travelers whom they had never met. How do we know this? They were holding up signs which had a name on it (some were using tablets in the same way) in order to get the attention of the arriving passenger whom they were supposed to pick up. Such travelers were strangers to those greeting them. As I was watching all of these arriving travelers, my mind went to the welcoming of the Christian at the end of his/her journey. There would not be any problem with identification - no one standing there with a sign with a name on it to get your attention. As Paul writes, “the Lord knows those who are His.” He has been with us and helped us for our entire journey, so when we arrive He’ll know who we are. And there will be plenty of smiles, hugs, shouts of joy and maybe a “holy kiss” or two. Homecoming. Put down that baggage. The trek is over. Friends and family to greet. A Savior to meet. What a day that will be! What a day.

Mark 15:1-15 The Bible is filled with a figure of speech called type and anti-type. The type comes first in time and is symbolic of the anti-type which comes later and represents a deeper, more significant spiritual event or truth. Under the law of Moses, a day of atonement was established in which the high priest offered sacrifices for sin for himself and all the people (Leviticus 16). Part of the requirement for this atonement was the presentation of two male goats before the Lord. Lots were cast, and one goat was selected to be sacrificed as a sin offering. The other goat was selected as the scapegoat and presented before the Lord. The high priest put both of his hands on the head of the live goat and confessed “over it all the iniquities of the sons of Israel and all their transgressions.” This scapegoat was then released into the wilderness bearing all the sins of the people. This was done yearly. The anti-type to this ritual of the scapegoat on the day of atonement is found in the gospels at the crucifixion of Jesus. It was Pilate’s custom during the feast of the Passover to release any prisoner to the Jews whom they desired. This was done to curry their favor and help keep the peace. Jesus had been arrested and after experiencing the sham trial before the council was brought before Pilate. Upon questioning Him, Pilate announces that he finds no fault in Jesus worthy of death and wishes to release Him. But the crowd, stirred up by the chief priests, becomes very vocal and insists that Jesus die. Some translations seem to indicate that the crowd’s collective voice became a chant: “Crucify! Crucify! Crucify!...” The voices in the crowd begin to ask that Pilate release a prisoner for them as was his custom. The chief priests again are at work suggesting they ask for Barabbas, a rebel and a murderer. Pilate ultimately gives in to their request. Jesus is led away to be crucified, the sacrificial sin offering. Barabbas is freed, the scapegoat released into the wilderness, a visible manifestation of the people’s sin.

Ephesians 6:4 As I sit here at my computer, I can look out the window and see a lot of what goes on in the neighborhood. Right now, a father has two of his kids on the basketball court. One of them is in the stroller, and he comes over to that one from time to time to talk and make sure all is well. He is playing basketball with the other one, a boy of about four or five. He is obviously engaged with his kids and enjoys being with them. This is great to see. Scripture challenges fathers to bring up their children “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Today, social science and other disciplines are confirming what God’s word plainly teaches - that the presence and role of the father in bringing up children is vital for a child to be emotionally, socially and spiritually well adjusted. Fathers matter! And we fathers should be aware and very thankful that we have the best example of fatherhood in how our heavenly Father brings up His children. Fathers should take their cues from Him. Just like our heavenly Father, we fathers need to... ...teach our children right from wrong. ...let them learn and experience on their own. ...teach them about life. ...discipline appropriately. ...praise abundantly. ...teach them about God. ...be available for them. ...teach them respect for others. ...provide for their needs - all their needs. ...listen to them a lot. ...tell them the truth. ...teach them when to have fun and when to be serious. ...be patient with them. ...always tell them you love them. ...show them how much you love them.

John 20:24-29 Thomas had missed Him. For some reason unknown to us, he had not been with the others when Jesus appeared the first time and showed them the evidences of His crucifixion to verify it was really Him. And when Thomas returned he would have none of their “witnessing” that they had seen the Lord. He had to see Jesus for Himself. In eight days, Jesus afforded Thomas the opportunity which he wanted, not only to see Him but also to touch the prints of the nails in His hands and the hole in His side. Scripture indicates that this event was as much for you and me as it was for Thomas. Thomas had wanted evidence, and evidence he received - so much so that he exclaimed, “My Lord and My God!” He was now convinced that Jesus was alive from the dead. And he and the other disciples would take that message to a lost and dying world. But as we reflect on the evidence which Jesus gave to Thomas that it really was Him resurrected from the dead, we realize that those nailprints are evidence for much more. Jesus’ nailprints affirm... ...that God cares about the human race. ...that God keeps His promises. ...that God takes sin seriously. ...that the words of the Bible are true. ...that Jesus truly became one of us. ...that ancient prophecies were fulfilled. ...that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. ...that a person’s future is secure in Jesus. ...that our Lord will never forsake us. ...that God will forgive me of all my sins. ...that God really does love us. Are you among those who have not seen yet have believed? God bless you! The nailprints are powerfully convincing.