Many theories and lies have been advanced throughout the centuries concerning the death and the bodily resurrection of Jesus. Discovered tombs and ossuaries near Jerusalem are supposed to have contained the remains of the body of Jesus. What is fact and what is fiction? With that question in mind, let’s consider some of the facts of the resurrection on that first Easter morning.
Whether it be in the festival or non-festival season of the church year, we enjoy the high honor and great privilege of hearing truly glorious events that took place in the life of Christ.
Please do not pass over quickly or regard too lightly this “high honor and great privilege,” because we are living in a day and age when people, especially in the Middle East and Far East, are being severely restricted in being able to hear and learn of Christ.
As we sing our “Hallelujahs” on Easter morning, we will be rejoicing with genuine joy from our hearts. We may think that feeling such a joy is only natural on the anniversary of the resurrection of our dear Lord Jesus. However, as we read the accounts of that first resurrection morning, we are reminded that the joy and peace of believing is anything but natural.
“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name be the glory, because of Your love and faithfulness.” Psalm 115:1
A “committee” of Messiah members contributed to this report. We thank them! – Editor
In December, 1960, God led members of Pinehurst and Ascension Lutheran congregations to apply the Lord’s directive (Romans 16:17-18) and leave that fellowship due to unionistic activities of the ELS synod. Under the leadership of Pastors Arvid Gullerud and Keith Olmanson a new congregation, Messiah Lutheran, was formed on December 18, 1960.
When God created the Earth and the world and all that is in it, man was the crowning jewel of creation. Man was created and placed on the Earth as the unique expression of divine creation. Adam was created a special creature—formed from the dust of earth. Into his nostrils was breathed the breath of life “and man became a living being” (Genesis 2:7). It was “not good that man should be alone” (2:18), but there was none among all the animals God created that was a suitable mate for Adam. Consequently, God took of the rib of Adam and made of it woman, the perfect mate for Adam—spiritually, emotionally, sexually, and morally.
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you…” 1 Peter 3:15
The word apologetics comes from the Greek word apologia which means defense. Just as the Lutheran Reformers wrote the Apology to the Augsburg Confession to defend what they wrote in the Augsburg Confession, so the Christian’s calling includes defending his belief in God and His Word. Even more so, the Lord wants His people to always be ready to do this important work.
* From the editor — Editor Note on Christian Apologetics by Jamie Arndt Mr. James Arndt, a graduate of Immanuel Lutheran College, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, taught for some years in our Christian Day Schools. He and…
With regard to the January 8 Tucson tragedy we find it interesting that the nation—from the President on down—pretty much stopped in its tracks for a couple weeks to mark and decry the act of a deranged individual who killed six people and injured another fifteen or so, including an Arizona congresswoman.
Yes, we find it interesting—and distressing! What is beyond sad is that far fewer “stopped in their tracks” a couple weeks later to mark the on-going abortion holocaust happening in the nation.
28 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7 -THL 400 This is God’s will for our welfare. 29 Hebrews 5:5-10 – 385 Jesus’ perfection compensates for our sins. 30 Psalm 116:1-19 -THL 600 Can we identify the psalm’s three…
21 Hebrews 4:14-16– THL 531 Jesus, please get me through this crisis! 22 James 1:12-15 -532 Satan weakens us; God strengthens us. 23 Genesis 32:24-29-THL 434 Life was never again the same for Jacob. 24…
