Newsletter [PDF]

109, 2020

The Word of God Changes Communities in Lesotho

September 1st, 2020|

It has been difficult, and in most cases nearly impossible to travel, due to the COVID-19 lockdown regulations that has been implemented in many countries across the globe. Lesotho has been an exception to the rule. Representatives of Harvesters Ministries were able to travel within the country and minister churches.

One of the highlights of the team was to visit three newly planted churches – their pastors and congregations. These believers who live in this mountainous kingdom is ready to spread the Gospel and reach the unreached with God’s Word.

You have helped us to reach Pastor Motsapi village, Ha Moosi. This small village is one hour’s drive from Semonkong. One can only reach this village by travelling on dirt roads, mountain passes and eventually walking the rest of the way.

When walking into the village, the first thing that can be heard is the singing of the congregation. Seeing those smiling faces makes all the effort worthwhile. The sun shining on the green hills is truly breath-taking and a highlight of God’s masterpiece.

Pastor Motsapi is one of the pastors who received Bibles for his congregations during the January Bible Placement. Harvesters Ministries’ project, Bibles for Believers, provides pastors and student pastors of newly planted churches with Bibles. However, this is not possible without the help of generous donors like you.

Pastor Motsapi is forever thankful that he received Bibles for his congregations. The Word of God is changing this community!

There is however always a need for more Bibles – especially in a rural and remote country such as Lesotho where the majority of the population live in poverty. They do not have the means to purchase a Bible of their own.

Believers receiving Bibles always rejoice. They are overwhelmed by these precious gifts.

The importance of the Gospel is highlighted in Mark 16:15 “He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” There are still thousands more believers in Lesotho who are in need of a Bible of their own. The only way a believer can grow in his or her faith is by studying the Word of God.

Would you prayerfully consider sponsoring a Bible for a believer?

Give here
3008, 2020

A Verdade – Parte 8 : Julgamento

August 30th, 2020|

24Em verdade vos digo: quem ouve a minha palavra e crê Naquele que me enviou, tem a vida eterna e não será julgado, mas passou da morte para a vida. 25 Em verdade vos digo que vem o tempo, e já é chegado, em que os mortos ouvirão a voz do Filho de Deus e os que a ouvirem viverão. 26 Pois assim como o Pai tem vida em si mesmo, também concedeu ao Filho ter vida em si mesmo. 27 E deu-lhe autoridade para julgar, porque é o Filho do homem. João 5: 24-27

Introdução

À medida que continuamos na série sobre A Verdade, olhamos para o fato de que o homem não é um animal, não apenas carne e consciência; mas muito mais. O homem é criado por Deus com um propósito e o homem é uma trindade de corpo, alma e espírito.

Na semana passada, examinamos o fato de que o homem continua vivo após a morte de seu corpo.

  • A questão agora é o que acontece conosco após a morte e no futuro?

A morte é o grande equalizador.

  • A vida na terra continua.
    • Morre o grande e o pequeno,
    • O famoso e o desconhecido,
    • Os ricos e os pobres.
    • Se você está perdido ou esquecido.
  • Imediatamente na morte, há uma separação de destino entre os nascidos de novo e os não salvos.
  • Cada pessoa tem uma alma imortal e ela não fica por aí:
    • Sem fantasmas, sem espíritos humanos, sem chance de comunicação.
    • Nada que alguém na terra possa fazer para influenciar para onde a alma vai ou o que acontece com ela.
      • Está tudo nas mãos de Deus:
        • Sem velas, sem presentes e sem sacrifícios.
        • Sem pedidos de antepassados.
      • Você não pode influenciar os mortos.
      • Os mortos não podem influenciar nada na terra.
    • Nota: Eu não disse que a separação é entre o bom e o mau,
      • ou entre o generoso e o mesquinho,
      • ou o popular e o odiado.
    • A distinção é entre aqueles que confiaram na obra completa de Cristo e aqueles que não confiaram.
    • O crente encontra-se imediatamente na presença de Deus, enquanto o incrédulo é separado de Deus em um lugar de tormento.
  • Na terra, o tempo passa:
    • A história se desenrola, esperando o retorno de Cristo.

Esta mensagem não é sobre a sequência exata de eventos relativos à tribulação, milênio, etc.; mas sobre o resultado,

  • Que é o julgamento.

Foi aí que o diabo semeou dúvida e confusão.

  • É aqui que encontramos uma grande quantidade de falsos ensinos.
  • Esta é uma área de grande importância tanto para os crentes como para os incrédulos.

Julgamento

O julgamento é certo.

  • O julgamento é para todos os que já viveram no planeta – inclusive para os cristãos.
  • Isso pode soar estranho porque a maioria dos cristãos evangélicos acredita que não serão julgados.
    • Ambas as visões estão corretas.
    • Existem diferentes julgamentos!
    • Todos nós pensamos instintivamente e erroneamente sobre o Julgamento do Grande Trono Branco.
      • Para os cristãos não há medo – porque não cairemos sob condenação, mas nossas obras serão avaliadas ou julgadas.
      • Nosso pecado está perdoado – o julgamento do pecado já está atrás de nós –
        • Jesus foi julgado e punido em nosso lugar.

24 Em verdade vos digo: quem ouve a minha palavra e crê Naquele que me enviou, tem a vida eterna e não será julgado, mas passou da morte para a vida. 25 Em verdade vos digo que vem o tempo, e já é chegado, em que os mortos ouvirão a voz do Filho de Deus e os que a ouvirem viverão. 26 Pois assim como o Pai tem vida em si mesmo, também concedeu ao Filho ter vida em si mesmo. 27 E deu-lhe autoridade para julgar, porque é o Filho do homem. João 5: 24-27.

 

1Portanto, agora não há condenação para aqueles que estão em Cristo Jesus Romanos 8: 1

A Bíblia fala dos cinco julgamentos futuros separados

Nas Escrituras, parece haver cinco tipos diferentes de julgamento:

  1. O Tribunal de Cristo. O primeiro deles será o julgamento das obras do crente, chamado de “Tribunal de Cristo“. (Expandiremos sobre isso e o assunto do céu na próxima mensagem.)
  2. O Julgamento do Israel reunido. Em Daniel 12: 1, esse julgamento é chamado de “O tempo dos problemas de Jacó”. Será a punição dos judeus por sua desobediência a Deus e sua rejeição a Jesus Cristo.
  3. O Julgamento das Nações Vivas. No final do Período da Tribulação, depois que Israel for julgado, as nações da terra serão julgadas por Cristo e Sua Igreja. Este julgamento não será contra indivíduos, mas contra nações pelo tratamento que dão ao povo judeu. “Pois eis que naqueles dias e naquele tempo, quando eu trouxer novamente o cativeiro de Judá e de Jerusalém, também reunirei todas as nações, e as farei descer ao vale de Josafá, e ali entrarei em juízo com elas pelo meu povo e pela minha herança Israel, que espalharam entre as nações e repartiram a minha terra ”(Joel 3: 1-2).
  4. O julgamento dos anjos caídos. Este é o julgamento final contra Satanás e outros anjos caídos que serão julgados com ele. Imediatamente após os mil anos da Era do Reino, Satanás e suas hostes encontrarão sua condenação. “E os anjos que não guardaram o seu primeiro estado, mas deixaram a sua própria habitação, Ele os reservou em prisões eternas, nas trevas, para o julgamento do grande dia” (Judas 6). Nesse momento veremos o cumprimento final daquela grande profecia em Gênesis 3:15.
  5. O Julgamento dos Mortos Incrédulos. Isso é chamado de Julgamento do Grande Trono Branco. Após o lançamento de Satanás no Inferno, os ímpios mortos serão ressuscitados para receber a sentença final de condenação (Apocalipse 20: 12-15).

* Nenhum crente será julgado naquele dia, pois o julgamento final está reservado para todos os que rejeitaram o Senhor Jesus Cristo na terra. ”

O futuro julgamento do crente

O que acontece no tribunal de Cristo, como a recompensa e a perda de recompensas funcionam e o que nos espera no céu? Esses são os tópicos de que trataremos na próxima mensagem.

Deus te abençoe.

Vamos Orar.

3008, 2020

The Truth (Part 8): Judgement – Sermon by Steven Loots

August 30th, 2020|

24 “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes in him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. 25 Very truly I tell you, a time is   coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man. John 5: 24 – 27

Introduction

As we continue in the series on The Truth, we have been looking at the fact that man is not an animal, not just flesh and consciousness; but far more. Man is created by God with a purpose and man is a trinity of body, soul and spirit.

Last week we looked at the fact that man lives on after death of his body.

  • The question now is what happens to us after death and in the future?

Death is the great equalizer.

  • Life on earth goes on.
    • The great and the small die,
    • the famous and the unknown,
    • the rich and the poor.
    • Whether you are missed or forgotten.
  • Immediately at death there is a separation of destination between the born-again and the unsaved.
  • Every person has an immortal soul and it does not hang around:
    • No ghosts, not human spirits, no chance of communication.
    • Nothing anyone on earth can do to influence where the soul goes or what becomes of it.
      • It is all in God’s hands:
        • No candles, no gifts and no sacrifices.
        • No requests of ancestors.
      • You cannot influence the dead.
      • The dead cannot influence anything on earth.
    • Note: I did not say the separation is between the good and the bad,
      • or between the generous and the stingy,
      • or the popular and the hated.
    • The distinction is between those who trusted in the complete work of Christ and those who did not.
    • The believer finds himself immediately in the presence of God, while the unbeliever is separated from God in a place of torment.
  • On earth, time goes on:
    • History plays itself out, waiting for the return of Christ.

This message is not about the exact sequence of events concerning tribulation, millennium, etc.; but about the outcome,

  • which is Judgement.

This is where the devil sown doubt and confusion.

  • This is where we find a huge amount of false teaching.
  • This is an area of great importance both for believers and unbelievers.

Judgement

Judgement is certain.

  • Judgment is for all who have ever lived on the planet – including for Christians.
  • This may sound strange because most evangelical Christians believe that they will not be judged.
    • Both views are correct.
    • There are different judgements!
    • We all instinctively and mistakenly think about the Great White Throne Judgement.
      • For Christians there is no fear – because we will not come under condemnation, but our works will be evaluated or judged.
      • Our sin is forgiven – judgement of sin is already behind us –
        • Jesus was judged and punished in our place.

24 “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes in him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. 25 Very truly I tell you, a time is   coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man. John 5: 24 – 27.

And

1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus Romans 8: 1

The Bible speaks of The Five Separate Future Judgments

In Scripture there appear to be five different types of judgement:

  1. The Judgment Seat of Christ. The first of these will be the judgment of the believer’s works, called “The Judgment Seat of Christ.” (We will expand on this and the subject of heaven in the next message.)
  2. The Judgment of Regathered Israel. In Daniel 12:1 this judgment is called “The Time of Jacob’s Trouble.” It will be the punishment of the Jews for their disobedience to God and their rejection of Jesus Christ.
  3. The Judgment of the Living Nations. At the end of the Tribulation Period, after Israel has been judged, the nations of earth will be judged by Christ and His Church. This judgment will not be against individuals but against nations for their treatment of the Jewish people. “For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I shall bring again the captivity of Judah and Jerusalem, I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land” (Joel 3:1-2).
  4. The Judgment of Fallen Angels. This is the final judgment against Satan and other fallen angels who will be judged with him. Immediately after the one thousand years of the Kingdom Age, Satan and his hosts will meet their doom. “And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, He hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day” (Jude 6). At that time we shall see the final fulfilment of that great prophecy in Genesis 3:15.
  5. The Judgment of the Unbelieving Dead. This is called the Great White Throne Judgment. After the casting of Satan into Hell, the wicked dead will be raised to receive the final sentence of condemnation (Revelation 20:12-15).

*No believer will be judged at that day as the final judgment is reserved for all who rejected the Lord Jesus Christ on earth.”[1]

The Future Judgment of the Believer

What happens at the Judgement seat of Christ, how does reward and loss of rewards work and what awaits us in heaven? These are the topics we will deal with in the next message.

God bless you.

Let’s pray.

[1] Strauss, L

2508, 2020

You can Answer Jesus’ Great Commission

August 25th, 2020|

“Fulfilling the Great Commission is a call to all Christians worldwide – to take the Gospel to places where Christ is unknown, as every person on earth needs to hear the Good News,” explains Harvesters’ Regional Director of Southeast Asia.

Southeast Asia consists of 11 countries with a population of 667 million people. There are 694 unreached people groups in Southeast Asia alone. These people do not have access to the Gospel. Thousands of villages are still waiting to hear about Jesus. “They will continue to wait, unless we do something,” said the Regional Director.

He further explains, “The tiny Christian minority in this region is overshadowed by other major religions such as Buddhism and Islam. The strong ties between culture and religion combined with restrictions on direct evangelism makes it very difficult to share the Gospel of Christ. And yet God is working in new ways to spread His Word here – even to the unreached villages.”

Some countries in Southeast Asia have seen a growing number of believers, this growth is however still not enough. There are still millions of people in Southeast Asia who will die before they had the opportunity to hear the Gospel.

Furthermore, persecution is a very real struggle for believers in Southeast Asia. The Regional Director explains how persecution affects believers’ lives, “Many of these brothers and sisters who remain faithful; they continue to face strong opposition from government and locals. They face harassment and different levels of persecution. But despite this, many indigenous Christian leaders who are moved by the Holy Spirit are longing to follow Jesus’ command to go and take the Gospel to remote unreached villages in their countries to make disciples and start new churches.”

There is an enormous need for trained church leaders in Southeast Asia. There are thousands of rural congregations who are languishing without adequate leadership. These churches fall into unbiblical teaching and moral failure.

“Harvesters Ministries’ mission is to see local leaders empowered and equipped with study material in their local language. And to see them mobilised to help transform lives and communities through God’s Word,” said the Regional Director.

These church leaders will evangelise and unite new believers in their new church. They will disciple these new believers and over a period of time a student pastor will be identified and trained. This student pastor will eventually lead the church and plant a new church.

Vietnam woman working. Stock“These new self-sustaining churches fellowship with local leaders to ensure ongoing support for new believers to continue spiritual growth. Planting churches is the most effective way to advance the Gospel and engage the unreached. There is therefore an urgency to plant as many viable churches which will grow in numbers and in spiritual maturity through transformational discipleship for all those reached for the Gospel,” said the Regional Director.

We are all called to get involved – pray, give, go. How would you like to be involved in God’s mission to take the Gospel to places where Christ is unknown and to see villages reached with the Gospel? Large parts of these communities have never had a chance to hear and to see lives transformed.

You can answer Jesus’ Great Commission by giving your best gift today.

 

Give here

 

2408, 2020

Southeast Asia: Save Those in Need

August 24th, 2020|

The Golden Triangle is a well-known region in Southeast Asia. The borders of northern Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet here. It is known as one of the most strategic, and also darkest, areas in Asia. This region received its name because of all the corrupt money that is made there through, among other things human and drug trafficking. More than 50% of the world’s opium, which is used to make heroin, is produced here.

Many people living in Myanmar and the highlands of Thailand live in extreme poverty and are forced to cultivate opium in order to survive. Drug addiction is also a very real struggle for families in this region.

“Over the last two years Harvesters Ministries has also used this strategic region to initiate a church planting movement among these three countries,” said Regional Director of Southeast Asia for Harvesters Ministries.

The only way to change someone’s heart is by sharing the Gospel with them. No single person can change another person’s heart, but God can use you as an instrument to change someone’s heart.

Through Evangelism, Discipleship and Church Planting, Harvesters Ministries is influencing communities and transforming them for the better. Church leaders in this region are on fire for Jesus and want to see people getting saved.

Unfortunately, none of these church leaders were spared from the terrible consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. They have experienced different levels of lockdowns. On top of this dire situation these church leaders have also faced a long drought. Many of these church leaders are dependent on farming to sustain their families.

All public gatherings, which include church gatherings, were banned for several months. Church leaders were unable to host church meetings and generate an income from the contributions that are made by church members. This has left church leaders desperate for help.

Thanks to generous donors it was possible for Harvesters Ministries to start helping families with much needed funds for food. Church leaders were able to supply families with rice, oil and beans. Some families in specifically Myanmar live in very remote areas and it is quite challenging to reach them.

The drought stricken area was also hit with heavy rains recently and this made travelling even more difficult. Church leaders had to travel across rivers and on muddy, dirt roads to reach struggling families.

Your gift today will feed a family for one month in the Golden Triangle region. Partner with Harvesters Ministries today and help us to encourage believers in Southeast Asia. Your gift will enable church leaders to renew their strength and reach more unreached villages not only with food, but also with the Good News of the Gospel.

 

Give now

 

2308, 2020

A Verdade – Parte 7: Evolução e Imortalidade

August 23rd, 2020|

23 O próprio Deus, o Deus de paz, vos santifique totalmente. Que todo o seu espírito, alma e corpo sejam mantidos sem culpa na vinda de nosso Senhor Jesus Cristo. 24 Quem vos chama é fiel, e tudo fará. 1 Tessalonicenses 5: 23-24.

Nas próximas mensagens, enfocando as verdades importantes da Bíblia em oposição às mentiras que enfrentamos todos os dias, quero enfocar a morte, o morrer e a eternidade. Para fazer isso, precisamos começar pela essência de quem somos como humanos.

Uma das maiores mentiras do século passado ataca a própria natureza de quem somos, do que somos e do que seremos.

A evolução agora é ensinada em escolas de todo o mundo. É apresentado como uma conclusão precipitada, um fato científico e como a única explicação racional para a existência da humanidade e de toda a vida na Terra.

  • A maior parte do debate tem sido sobre a ciência, mas quero me concentrar no resultado, em qual é a conclusão; o que isso levou em termos do que as pessoas acreditam sobre a vida e a morte:
    • Os evolucionistas acreditam e propagam que o homem é apenas um animal,
      • Apenas mais uma espécie que habita este planeta.
      • No máximo igual a todos os outros animais, mas culpado de todas as coisas ruins na terra.
      • Muitos querem ver o homem como um ser puramente físico que vive na terra e depois morre. Fim da história.
      • Quando você está morto, você está morto! Parte da cadeia alimentar.
      • No máximo uma lembrança. Sem responsabilidade, sem julgamento, sem eternidade.
      • Os defensores do aborto defendem firmemente esta opinião. Os humanos não são nada especiais.

A Bíblia ensina algo muito diferente:

O homem é uma trindade (espírito, alma, corpo)

A Bíblia ensina que o homem é mais do que um animal. O homem é criado por Deus com um propósito e o homem é imortal.

Para entender a imortalidade – o fato de que o homem tem vida após a morte; precisamos entender que o homem é feito de um corpo, um espírito e uma alma.

  • Alguns pensam que existe apenas um corpo e um espírito, mas a Bíblia faz uma distinção clara entre alma e espírito – eles são difíceis de distinguir, mas não são os mesmos.
  • Fomos criados à imagem de Deus. Deus é uma trindade e o homem também.

A Bíblia diz:

23 O próprio Deus, o Deus de paz, vos santifique totalmente. Que todo o seu espírito, alma e corpo sejam mantidos sem culpa na vinda de nosso Senhor Jesus Cristo. 24 Quem vos chama é fiel, e tudo fará. 1 Tessalonicenses 5: 23-24.

E em Hebreus 4 lemos:

12 Porque a palavra de Deus é viva e eficaz. Mais afiada do que qualquer espada de dois gumes, ela penetra até dividir a alma e o espírito, as juntas e a medula; julga os pensamentos e atitudes do coração. 13 Nada, em toda a criação, está oculto aos olhos de Deus. Tudo está descoberto e exposto aos olhos daquele a quem devemos prestar contas. Heb. 4: 12-13.

Muitos dos cultos contestam este fato e então o usam como base para ensinar outras falsas doutrinas relativas à morte, ressurreição e eternidade.

  • Especialmente na negação do inferno e do castigo eterno – mais sobre isso mais tarde.

O que a Bíblia quer dizer com espírito, alma e corpo:

O espírito

Quando escrito com uma letra maiúscula, a palavra “Espírito” se refere ao Espírito Santo. Quando escrito com uma letra minúscula, tem um de muitos significados. Pode se referir ao Diabo ou a um espírito maligno e pode se referir ao espírito do homem – uma das partes de seu ser.

“A natureza tríplice do homem pode ser ilustrada de várias maneiras. Dr. Clarence Larkin usa três círculos (Rightly Dividing The Word, página 86). O círculo externo representa o corpo do homem, o círculo do meio representa a alma e o interno representa o espírito. ”

O corpo toca o mundo exterior por meio dos cinco sentidos – visão, olfato, tato, paladar e audição.

Larkin diz que: Os Portões para a ‘Alma’ são ‘Imaginação’, ‘Consciência’, ‘Memória’, ‘Razão’ e as ‘Afeições’.

O “espírito” recebe impressões de coisas externas e materiais por meio da alma. As faculdades espirituais do ‘espírito’ são ‘Fé’, ‘Esperança’, ‘Reverência’, ‘Oração’ e ‘Adoração’.

  • Deus criou o espírito do homem para ter comunhão consigo mesmo
  • O pecado bloqueou esta comunhão:
    • Quando Adão pecou, ​​uma cortina foi puxada através desta janela para Deus,
    • O espírito do homem tornou-se uma câmara de morte e assim permanece para todos os corações não regenerados.
    • O renascimento puxa a cortina e permite que a vida e a luz entrem no espírito do homem. O poder do Espírito Santo dá nova vida em Cristo.
    • O espírito do homem é a esfera da consciência de Deus, onde o trabalho de regeneração ocorre.
    • Este é o teatro principal da atividade do Espírito Santo no homem, e a parte da natureza do homem com a qual Ele tem afinidade peculiar,

Pessoas que não renasceram não podem conhecer as coisas de Deus.

Veja 1 Coríntios 2:10-16

  • Ser membro de uma igreja não significa que você foi regenerado.
  • Muitos vêm à igreja, mas não entendem a Palavra, ou têm comunhão ou adoração.
  • Eles precisam renascer – vivificados para as coisas do Espírito.

A alma

Uma alma é o que dá vida a um ser vivente. É nossa psique, emoções, mente e consciência.

  • Nossos desejos, afeições e pensamentos não são orientados para Deus ou para as coisas de Deus enquanto nosso espírito não é regenerado.
  • Quando vamos a Cristo, podemos pela primeira vez amar a Deus, ouvir a Deus e ter comunhão com Deus.

Imortalidade

  • Diferente de animais e plantas – são temporários.

Muitos incrédulos acreditam na imortalidade. Apesar de manter a evolução. Basta ouvir como eles falam quando perdem um ente querido.

  • Faz parte da condição humana – sabemos instintivamente que a vida não termina no túmulo.
  • A maioria das pessoas tem esperança na vida eterna.
  • As pessoas acreditam em fantasmas, espíritos:
    • Em muitos países africanos, as pessoas acreditam que seus ancestrais ainda os veem, ouvem e orientam.
  • A Bíblia é clara sobre o assunto – assume a existência eterna de cada alma.
    • Nenhuma alma pode ser aniquilada.
    • A alma pode “morrer”, mas em nenhum lugar a Bíblia nos diz que ela entrará em um estado de não existência ou mesmo inconsciência.
    • Não há “sono da alma” na morte e nenhuma destruição da alma na eternidade.

Três tipos de morte

A Bíblia ensina que existem três tipos de morte e distingue claramente entre cada um.

  • Primeiro, existe a morte física ou a separação da alma do corpo.
    • Esta é a morte do corpo à qual se faz referência em Hebreus 9:27, “Foi designado aos homens que morressem uma vez”.
      • Jesus mostrou sua autoridade quando ressuscitou Lázaro.
    • Em segundo lugar, a Bíblia ensina que existe uma morte espiritual.
    • Este é o separador da alma de Deus, a condição de todos os incrédulos de quem Paulo diz que eles estão “mortos em ofensas e pecados” (Efésios 2: 1), e “alienados da vida de Deus” (Efésios 4:18 )
    • Terceiro, há morte eterna ou banimento de Deus.
      • Todos os que sofrem a morte eterna estão cônscios, mas “serão punidos com destruição eterna da presença do Senhor” (2 Tessalonicenses 1: 9), estes “têm sua parte no lago que arde com fogo e enxofre, que é o segunda morte ”(Apocalipse 21: 8).”

Através do pecado a morte entrou no mundo

  • – a imortalidade ganhou mortalidade.
  • Eterno tornou-se temporário. (1 Coríntios 15:22)
  • Toda a raça humana foi condenada à morte.
  • No entanto, Jesus redimiu o homem apresentando a Deus um sacrifício que era aceitável –
    • Seu próprio sangue.

10 mas agora foi revelado por meio do aparecimento de nosso Salvador, Cristo Jesus, que destruiu a morte e trouxe vida e imortalidade à luz por meio do evangelho. 2 Timóteo 1:10.

Jesus agora trouxe a imortalidade para todos os que crêem.

  • Por meio do triunfo da cruz, por Sua morte e ressurreição Jesus aboliu a morte. Hebreus 2: 14-15 diz:

14 Visto que os filhos participam da carne e do sangue, ele também compartilhou de sua humanidade para que, com sua morte, pudesse quebrar o poder daquele que detém o poder da morte, isto é, o diabo, 15 e libertar aqueles que durante toda a vida foram mantidos na escravidão por seu medo da morte.

Vida Eterna e Imortalidade

Vida eterna e imortalidade não são a mesma coisa.

  • A alma nunca perdeu a imortalidade e, portanto, mesmo os ímpios têm almas imortais.
  • Através do pecado, nossos corpos se tornaram corruptíveis e mesmo quando somos regenerados e nossos corpos se tornam herdeiros da imortalidade – eles ainda morrem.
  • Eles precisam ser ressuscitados para a imortalidade.
  • Nossa alma, entretanto, recebe vida eterna. João 3:36 diz:

36 Quem crê no Filho tem a vida eterna, mas quem rejeita o Filho não verá a vida, porque a ira de Deus permanece sobre eles.

Jesus disse: “Eu sou a ressurreição e a vida; quem crê em Mim, ainda que esteja morto, viverá. ” (João 11:25).

Ressurreição de nossos corpos

Depois da morte, a redenção da alma fica para trás, já aconteceu para o crente, mas a redenção do seu corpo ainda está no futuro.

  • Todas as três partes ainda precisam ser unidas para que ele possa refletir novamente a imagem da semelhança de Deus seu criador.
  • Isso ocorre na ressurreição.
    • No retorno de Cristo, que tornou tudo possível por meio de sua própria morte e ressurreição.
  • Jesus morreu e ressuscitou!

A Bíblia nos ensina que:

20 Mas, na verdade, Cristo ressuscitou dos mortos, as primícias dos que dormem. 21 Porque, assim como a morte veio por um homem, a ressurreição dos mortos também veio por um homem. 22 Porque, assim como todos morrem em Adão, assim também todos serão vivificados em Cristo. 23 Mas cada um por sua vez: Cristo, as primícias; então, quando ele vier, aqueles que pertencem a ele. 1 Coríntios 15: 20-23

Por meio de Adão todos tiveram que morrer e em Cristo cada filho de Deus será ressuscitado, para nunca mais morrer.

Muitas coisas acontecem neste momento em que somos ressuscitados:

Quando formos ressurgir, s nossos corpos irão mudar:

  • Criado para ser como Jesus
  • Da Corrupção à Incorrupção –
  • Da Mortalidade à Imortalidade
  • Da Desonra à Glória
  • Da Fraqueza ao Poder
  • Do natural ao espiritual
  • Semeia-se corpo natural; e ressurge um corpo espiritual.

Não somos animais. Fomos criados por Deus e para Deus. Temos futuro. Todos os homens – salvos e não salvos têm um futuro. A questão é o que acontecerá depois que tivermos ressuscitado e onde passaremos a eternidade?

A seguir vem o Julgamento. Eu vou lidar com isso na próxima semana.

 

2308, 2020

The Truth (Part 7): Evolution and Immortality – Sermon by Steven Loots

August 23rd, 2020|

 

23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24.

In the next few messages focusing on the important truths of the Bible as opposed to the lies we face every day, I want to focus on death, dying and eternity. To do this we need to start at the core of who we are as humans.

One of the greatest lies of the past century attacks the very nature of who we are and what we are and what we will be.

Evolution is now taught in schools across the world. It is presented as a forgone conclusion, a scientific fact and as the only rational explanation for the existence of mankind and all of life on earth.

  • Most of the debate has been about the science, but I want to focus on the outcome, on what the conclusion is; what this had led to in terms of what people believe about life and death:
    • The evolutionists believe and propagate that man is just an animal,
      • just another species that inhabits this planet.
      • At most equal to all the other animals, but guilty of all things bad on earth.
      • Many want to see man as purely a physical being that lives on earth and then dies. End of story.
      • When you are dead you are dead! Part of the food chain.
      • Nothingness. At most a memory. No accountability, no judgement, no eternity.
      • Abortion apologists hold firmly to this view. Humans are nothing special.

The Bible teaches something very different:

Man Is A Trinity (Spirit, Soul, Body)

The Bible teaches that Man is more than just an animal. Man is created by God for a purpose and man is immortal.

To understand immortality – the fact that man has life after death; we need to understand that man is made up of a body, a spirit and a soul.

  • Some think there is just a body and a spirit, but the Bible makes a clear distinction between soul and spirit – they are hard to distinguish, but they are not the same.
  • We were created in the image of God. God is a trinity and so is man.

The Bible says:

23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24.

And in Hebrews 4 we read:

12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Heb. 4:12-13.

Many of the Cults dispute this fact and then use it as a basis to teach other false doctrines concerning death, resurrection and eternity –

  • especially in the denial of hell and eternal punishment – more on this later.

What does the Bible mean by spirit, soul and body:

The Spirit

When spelt with a Capital letter the word “Spirit” refers to the Holy Spirit. When spelt with a small letter in has one of many meanings. It can refer to the Devil or an evil spirit and it can refer to the spirit of man – one of the parts of his being.

“The threefold nature of man might be illustrated in several ways. Dr. Clarence Larkin uses three circles (Rightly Dividing The Word, page 86). The outer circle stands for the body of man, the middle circle for the soul, and the inner for the spirit.”

                                                                                                              

 

The body touches the outer world through the five senses – sight, smell, touch, taste and hearing.

Larkin says that: The Gates to the ‘Soul’ are ‘Imagination,’ ‘Conscience,’ ‘Memory,’ ‘Reason’ and the ‘Affections.’

The “spirit” receives impressions of outward and material things through the soul. The spiritual faculties of the ‘spirit’ are ‘Faith,’ ‘Hope,’ ‘Reverence,’ ‘Prayer’ and ‘Worship.’

  • God created the spirit of man to have fellowship with Himself
  • Sin closed off this fellowship:
    • When Adam sinned, a curtain was drawn across this window to God,
    • The spirit of man became a death chamber and remains so for all unregenerated hearts.
    • Rebirth pulls back the curtain and allows life and light to enter the spirit of man. The Power of the Holy Spirit gives new life in Christ.
    • The spirit of man is the sphere of God-consciousness, where the work of regeneration takes place.
    • This is the main theatre of the Holy Spirit’s activity in man, and the part of man’s nature with which He has peculiar affinity,

People who have not been reborn cannot know the things of God.

See 1 Corinthians 2:10 – 16

  • Being a church member does not mean you are regenerated.
  • Many come to church but do not understand the Word, or fellowship or worship.
  • They need to be reborn – made alive to the things of the Spirit.

The Soul

A soul is what makes a living being alive. It is our psyche, emotions, mind and conscience.

  • Our desires, affections and thoughts are not orientated to God or the things of God while our spirit is unregenerated.
  • When we come to Christ, we can for the first time love God, hear God and commune with God.

Immortality

  • Different to animal and plants – they are temporary.

Many unbelievers believe in immortality. Despite holding on to evolution. Just listen to how they talk when losing a loved one.

  • It is part of the human condition – we instinctively know that life does not end at the grave.
  • Most people hope on eternal life.
  • People believe in ghosts, spirits:
    • In many African countries people believe that their ancestors still see and hear and guide them.
  • The Bible is clear on the subject – it assumes the eternal existence of every soul.
    • No soul can ever be annihilated.
    • The soul can “die” but nowhere does the Bible tell us that it will enter a state of non-existence or even non-consciousness.
    • There is no “soul-sleep” at death and no soul destruction in eternity.

Three Kinds of Death

The Bible teaches that there are three kinds of death and it distinguishes clearly between each.

  • First, there is physical death, or the separation of the soul from the body.
    • This is the death of the body to which reference was made in Hebrews 9: 27, “It is appointed unto men once to die.”
      • Jesus showed his authority when He raised Lazarus.
    • Second, the Bible teaches that there is a spiritual death.
      • This is the separator of the soul from God, the condition of all unbelievers of whom Paul says they are “dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1), and “alienated from the life of God” (Ephesians 4:18).
    • Third, there is eternal death or banishment from God.
      • All who suffer eternal death are conscious, but “shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord” (2 Thessalonians 1:9), these “have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8).”[1]

Through sin death entered the world

  • – immortality took on mortality.
  • Eternal became temporary. (1 Corinthians 15:22)
  • The whole human race was sentenced to death.
  • However, Jesus redeemed man by presenting to God a sacrifice that was acceptable –
    • His own blood.

10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Saviour, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 2 Timothy 1:10.

Jesus has now brought immortality to all who believe.

  • Through the triumph of the cross, by His death and resurrection Jesus abolished death. Hebrews 2:14-15 says:

14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

Eternal Life and Immortality

Eternal life and immortality are not the same thing.

  • The soul never lost immortality and therefore even the ungodly have immortal souls.
  • Through sin, our bodies became corruptible and even when we are regenerated and our bodies become heirs to immortality – they still die.
  • They need to be resurrected to immortality.
  • Our souls, however, receive eternal life. John 3:36 says,

36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.

Jesus said: “I am the resurrection, and the life; he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” (John 11:25).

Resurrection of our bodies

After death, redemption of the soul is behind us, it has already taken place for the believer, but the redemption of his body still lies in the future.

  • All three parts still need to be united so that he can again reflect the image of the likeness of God his creator.
  • This takes place at the resurrection.
    • At the return of Christ, who made it all possible through his own death and Resurrection.
  • Jesus died and rose again!

The Bible teaches us that:

20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. 1 Corinthians 15: 20 – 23

Through Adam everybody had to die and in Christ every child of God will be raised, never to die again.

Many things happen at this moment when we are resurrected:

When we are raised our bodies will change:

  • Raised to be Like Jesus
  • From Corruption to Incorruption—
  • From Mortality to Immortality
  • From Dishonour to Glory
  • From Weakness to Power
  • From the Natural to the Spiritual
  • It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body

We are not animals. We were created by God and for God. We have a future. All men – saved and unsaved have a future. The question is what will happen once we have been resurrected and where will we spend eternity?

Next follows Judgement. I will deal with this next week.

[1] Strauss L

 

2008, 2020

S.O.S. Missions on Life Support

August 20th, 2020|

Vietnam childrenThere are many victims of COVID-19. As the pandemic spreads millions have been infected, hundreds of thousands have died, economies have been destroyed and most churches are not meeting. Lockdown restrictions and social distancing have affected billions and daily it seems as if the virus is getting closer to home.

Missions organisations and missionaries have not escaped the impact of COVID-19. Ministering the Gospel has been impacted globally. Travel restrictions have grounded many organisations and the impact of the virus has brought many projects to a grinding halt.  Thousands of missionaries returned to their home provinces or countries leaving local believers to fend for themselves. Despite this we still hear many incredible stories from the field as indigenous leaders pick up the slack. Thankfully, many of them are coming of age, showing great faithfulness, skill and anointing. We praise God for this.

The pandemic is having a huge impact on the sustainability of missions organisations and will continue to impact the work for years to come. Some will not make it. Much of this has to do with the financial impact of COVID-19.

Millions of people – including believers, have lost their jobs. Churches are under financial pressure and people who have income are reprioritising their giving. Even those who have remained employed are having to support family members who are not. Business owners are themselves struggling to survive financially and there seems to be little spare money to go around. Local issues and needs seem to be dominating giving trends. Helping the poor and supporting local churches has become a priority for many. Unfortunately, at the cost of missions.

When things get tough, it is usually the missions’ budget that gets cut first. This means that churches generally have cut their support adding to the woes of missionaries and mission organisations.

This all leads to the questions: Where do our priorities really lie? How important is the great commission really? This is important because when the pandemic finally fades, we may discover that the work force will have disappeared too. Organisations that have been doing tremendous work to win the world may have closed. Missionaries may have had to return to secular employment and projects that took years to establish across the world may be permanently damaged. Generations of work could be affected.

God is faithful, but God does not sign cheques or deliver cash by parachute. God entrusts His resources to humans who are to be good stewards, making sure God’s business on earth is done. We make decisions daily about where we will use whatever is available and if we hastily decide to cut off missionary support we must realise it will have long lasting impact. You cannot give what you do not have; but you must be wise with what has been entrusted to you. Now as never before the world needs to hear about Jesus. Now as never before we have the attention of people who would normally never listen to the Gospel. Now is the time to use whatever means to fulfill the great commission. We need to empower missions, not defund it.

My call to you is to prayerfully consider your giving and not to just consider the seemingly urgent but to give strategically with God’s plan for all mankind in mind. The world has changed, but the need for Christ has not. The Gospel has not changed, and the great commission has not changed either. Every cent you give will make a difference – an eternal difference for someone.

1808, 2020

Families in Madagascar are in Dire Need of Help

August 18th, 2020|

Madagascar is one of the world’s poorest countries and the COVID-19 pandemic had a terrible effect on this nation. The unemployment rate is also extremely high here.

The lockdown period has been extended in Madagascar and this has a very negative effect on people’s livelihood. Pastors were not able to have church services or meet with their congregations – they were unable to earn an income. They are truly suffering.

Many of the villagers testified about different pastors preaching to them and doing mission work, but not really lending a helping hand.

These struggling pastors, their families and communities were left to their own devices.

By the grace of God generous donors made it possible for Harvesters Ministries to send aid to Madagascar. Pastor Alain, a Hub-leader in Madagascar, was able to reach many pastors and their families with some much needed food.

The receiving of some much needed aid is a turning point for many pastors. This has put hands and feet to the Gospel. Many of these pastors and their families are on their last meals. To receive bags of maize and much needed vegetables is incredibly encouraging to them.

The majority of these pastors do not keep the food to themselves – they go out and share the little that they received with others in their communities who are in need. This is yet another opportunity for these pastors to share the Gospel and change their communities.

Pastor Alain, Harvesters Ministries Hub-leader in Madagascar, testified that the funds that were received helped 40 pastors and their families. These pastors were able to buy much needed medication and food. There are however hundreds more who are in dire need of food and other supplies.

The enemy is trying to attack the ministry and believers. The lockdown in Madagascar did not stop the ministry. Pastor Alain testified that even though there is a lockdown in Madagascar the pastors and student pastors are still working for the Lord. They are sharing the Good News with those who are still unsaved.

This much needed aid has really opened the way for these struggling pastors to regain strength to go out and do what the Lord has called them for.  Your support made this possible.

You can help those who are still struggling. Many pastors do not know where their next meal will come from. Harvesters Ministries cannot reach these suffering families without you. We need the help of generous believers like you to reach those in need.

 

Donate today

 

1708, 2020

Lesotho Needs your Prayers

August 17th, 2020|

Continue to pray for sustainable provision for church leaders in Lesotho. The need is great due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 1 Chronicles 16:34 the Bible reminds us to always give thanks to the Lord, “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.”

This month a wonderful testimony from Lesotho was shared. Pray that many more wonderful testimonies will come from Lesotho – testimonies that will show God’s supernatural provision.

Church leaders and their families in Lesotho are rejoicing. Thanks to the hard work of Francois Snyman, full time missionary and HLT (Harvesters Licensed Trainer), and the generous donations of loyal donors it was possible to hand out food parcels to more than 130 families.

Each family received maize meal, beans, salt, soya mince, cooking oil and washing powder. These are some of the most basic necessities that Lesotho families need.

It was amazing to see how believers saved their fellow brothers and sisters from starvation – even though they are complete strangers. God is good and faithful – always!

On the last trip to deliver aid, Francois and his family travelled for more than 11 hours to deliver the much needed aid to church leaders and their families.

“Some of these churches are situated beyond rural, where only donkeys feel comfortable to tread and my years of off-road experience and my vehicle’s capabilities were pushed to its limit,” said Francois Snyman.

Church leaders were overwhelmed, very thankful and appreciative of the generous gifts. There are many church leaders and church members that really struggled due to the impact and after effect of the nationwide lockdown in Lesotho. Many church leaders have really been hit hard and they urgently need prayers and support to stay strong for their congregations.

“May our Lord truly bless those who will receive and those who gave so generously,” Francois Snyman said.

Continue to pray for Lesotho and the more than 60 countries where Harvesters Ministries is sharing the Gospel and making disciples. Believers and non-believers all across the globe need your prayers.

Church leaders in Lesotho had their prayers answered. In Romans 12:12 we are reminded to pray faithfully, Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

1608, 2020

A Verdade – Parte 6: O Poder da Ressurreição

August 16th, 2020|

Texto: 1 Coríntios 15: 1-8 e 12-19

1Agora, irmãos e irmãs, quero lembrá-los do evangelho que preguei a vocês, que vocês receberam e no qual se posicionaram. 2 Por este evangelho vocês são salvos, se vocês se apegarem firmemente à palavra que eu preguei a vocês. Caso contrário, vocês acreditaram em vão.

3 Pois o que recebi, passei a vocês como de primeira importância [a]: que Cristo morreu pelos nossos pecados segundo as Escrituras, 4 que foi sepultado, que ressuscitou ao terceiro dia segundo as Escrituras, 5 e que ele apareceu para Cefas, [b] e depois para os Doze. 6 Depois disso, ele apareceu a mais de quinhentos irmãos e irmãs ao mesmo tempo, a maioria dos quais ainda está viva, embora alguns já tenham adormecido. 7 Depois apareceu a Tiago, depois a todos os apóstolos, 8 e por último também a mim, como a um nascido anormal.

 

12 Mas, se é pregado que Cristo foi ressuscitado dos mortos, como alguns de vocês podem dizer que não há ressurreição dos mortos? 13 Se não há ressurreição de mortos, nem mesmo Cristo ressuscitou. 14 E se Cristo não ressuscitou, nossa pregação é inútil, assim como sua fé. 15 Mais do que isso, somos então considerados falsas testemunhas de Deus, pois testemunhamos a respeito de Deus que ele ressuscitou Cristo dentre os mortos. Mas ele não o ressuscitou se de fato os mortos não ressuscitam. 16 Porque, se os mortos não ressuscitam, também Cristo não ressuscitou. 17 E se Cristo não ressuscitou, a vossa fé é fútil; vocês ainda estão em seus pecados. 18 Então também os que dormiram em Cristo estão perdidos. 19 Se esperamos em Cristo apenas para esta vida, somos os mais dignos de lástima.

Introdução:

Um dos maiores enganos do mundo e da igreja hoje diz que Jesus não venceu fisicamente a morte.

  • Jesus pode ter morrido, mas ele não ressuscitou.

Desta mentira muitos outros seguem. Se alguém não acredita na ressurreição física de Jesus, o resto de sua visão bíblica e de mundo são distorcidas. Como uma verdade fundamental das Escrituras, a ressurreição de Jesus dentre os mortos guia nosso pensamento sobre todo o restante da Bíblia.

  • Se errar, você acabará em um engano profundo, em um evangelho que não é evangelho de forma alguma.

De onde vem a mentira?

Os judeus após a ressurreição. Mateus 28: 11-15

11 Enquanto as mulheres estavam a caminho, alguns dos guardas foram à cidade e relataram aos principais sacerdotes tudo o que havia acontecido. 12 Quando os principais sacerdotes se encontraram com os anciãos e traçaram um plano, deram aos soldados uma grande quantia em dinheiro, 13 dizendo-lhes: “Vocês devem dizer: ‘Seus discípulos vieram durante a noite e o roubaram enquanto estávamos dormindo . 14 Se este relatório chegar ao governador, iremos satisfazê-lo e mantê-los longe de problemas ”. 15 Os soldados pegaram o dinheiro e fizeram conforme as instruções. E esta história tem circulado amplamente entre os judeus até hoje.

  • Falsos professores.
    • Nos tempos bíblicos e hoje.
  • Teólogos liberais.
    • Professor de ilustração: Ele na verdade ressuscitou em seu coração …
  • Cristãos progressistas.
    • Envergonhados com a morte e ressurreição.
    • Preferem acreditar no poder dos cristais e óleos essenciais do que no poder de Deus para superar a morte
  • Místicos
    • por exemplo Richard Rohr: Um dos professores mais perigosos da cristandade hoje. Tudo parece muito bom, mas em sua essência ele nega a verdade bíblica sobre Quem é Jesus e o que Ele fez. Sua visão da ressurreição é uma revisitação do gnosticismo antigo misturado com o universalismo e a estupidez da nova era. Tudo isso de um professor muito inteligente, muito articulado e muito popular. Ilustração: Câmera na tumba… Ele fala muito sobre a ressurreição, mas tudo se torna uma metáfora para sua crença no Cristo cósmico e uma rejeição de uma ressurreição física de Cristo.

Verdade bíblica

  • Estamos diante de um túmulo vazio
  • Estamos diante de Múltiplas testemunhas, tal como está em 1 Coríntios 15: 3-8

3 Pois o que recebi, passei a vocês como de primeira importância [a]: que Cristo morreu pelos nossos pecados segundo as Escrituras, 4 que foi sepultado, que ressuscitou ao terceiro dia segundo as Escrituras, 5 e que ele apareceu para Cefas, [b] e depois para os Doze. 6 Depois disso, ele apareceu a mais de quinhentos irmãos e irmãs ao mesmo tempo, a maioria dos quais ainda está viva, embora alguns já tenham adormecido. 7 Depois apareceu a Tiago, depois a todos os apóstolos, 8 e por último também a mim, como a um nascido anormal.

  • Estamos lidando com a Base da pregação dos Apóstolos – em Atos somos informados de que eles pregaram a ressurreição de Cristo várias vezes. O núcleo da mensagem de missões
  • Estas são as boas novas.

Por que isso Importa?

A ressurreição é algo com que geralmente lidamos apenas na Páscoa. É uma verdade importante?

Alicerce de nossa fé.

1 Coríntios 15: 13-19:

13 Se não há ressurreição dos mortos, então nem mesmo Cristo foi ressuscitado. 14 E se Cristo não ressuscitou, nossa pregação é inútil, assim como sua fé. 15 Mais do que isso, somos então considerados falsas testemunhas de Deus, pois testemunhamos a respeito de Deus que ele ressuscitou Cristo dentre os mortos. Mas ele não o ressuscitou se de fato os mortos não ressuscitam. 16 Porque, se os mortos não ressuscitam, também Cristo não ressuscitou. 17 E se Cristo não ressuscitou, a vossa fé é fútil; vocês ainda estão em seus pecados. 18 Então também os que dormiram em Cristo estão perdidos. 19 Se esperamos em Cristo apenas para esta vida, somos os mais dignos de lástima.

 

  • A ressurreição é nossa única esperança.
  • A ressurreição mostra o poder de Deus sobre a morte.
  • A Ressurreição é o meio pelo qual Deus lidou de uma vez por todas com as consequências do pecado.
  • A morte e ressurreição são o cumprimento de todas as promessas de Deus para reconciliar o homem com ele.

O Teste Litmus

O modo como alguém vê a ressurreição determina toda a sua teologia.

  • Pergunte: Você acredita na ressurreição física de Jesus dentre os mortos?
    • Faça esta pergunta ao seu pastor – muitos no púlpito hoje NÃO acreditam na ressurreição física de Jesus.
  • Faça pesquisas sobre qualquer professor e faça a mesma pergunta. Se não … corra para as colinas!
    • Se alguém não acredita na ressurreição, não tem lugar no púlpito, ou na igreja ou na sua estante ou em qualquer lugar perto dos seus ouvidos !!!
  • Alegre-se no poder de Deus que venceu a morte e salvou você por meio da ressurreição.
  • Aguarde a promessa de que nós também seremos ressuscitados.
1608, 2020

The Truth (Part 6): Resurrection Power – Sermon by Steven Loots

August 16th, 2020|

Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 and 12-19

Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance[a]: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas,[b] and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

And

12 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15 More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

Introduction:

One of the biggest deceptions in the world and in the church today says that Jesus did not physically overcome death.

  • Jesus may have died but he was not resurrected

From this lie many others follow. If someone does not believe in the physical resurrection of Jesus the rest of his biblical and worldview are skewed. As a foundational truth of Scripture, the resurrection of Jesus from the dead guides our thinking about all of the rest of the Bible.

  • Get this wrong and you will end up in deep deception, in a gospel that is no gospel at all

Where does the lie come from?

The Jews after the Resurrection. Matthew 28:11-15

11 While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, 13 telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ 14 If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.

  • False teachers
    • In biblical times and today.
  • Liberal Theologians
    • Illustration Professor: As long as he rose in your heart…
  • Progressive Christians
    • Embarrassed by the death and resurrection
    • Would rather believe in the power of crystals and essential oils than in the power of God to overcome death
  • Mystics
    • Richard Rohr: One of the most dangerous teachers in Christendom today. It all sounds so good, but at its core he denies biblical truth about Who Jesus is and what He has done. His resurrection view is a revisiting of early Gnosticism mixed with universalism and new age mumbo jumbo. All of this from a very intelligent, highly articulate and very popular teacher. Illustration: Camera at the tomb… He speaks a lot about resurrection, but it all becomes a metaphor for his belief in the cosmic Christ and a rejection of a physical resurrection of Christ.

Biblical Truth

  • We are faced with an Empty tomb
  • We are faced with Multiple witnesses as it stands in 1 Corinthians 15: 3 – 8

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance[a]: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas,[b] and then to the TwelveAfter that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostlesand last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

  • We are dealing with the Basis of the preaching of the Apostles –in Acts are we told that they preached the resurrection of Christ several times. The core of the message of missions
  • This IS the Good News.

Why does it matter?

Resurrection is something we usually only deal with at Easter. Is it an important truth?

Foundation of our Faith.

1 Corinthians 15: 13-19:  13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. 15 More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. 19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

 

  • The Resurrection is our only hope.
  • The Resurrection displays the power of God over death.
  • The Resurrection is the means by which God dealt once and for all with the consequences of sin.
  • The death and resurrection are the fulfillment of all the promises of God to reconcile man to Him.

The Litmus Test

How someone views the resurrection determines all of his theology.

  • Ask: Do you believe in the physical resurrection of Jesus from the dead?
    • Ask your pastor this question – many in the pulpit today do NOT believe in the physical resurrection of Jesus.
  • Do research on any teacher and ask the same question. If not… run for the hills!
    • If someone does not believe in the resurrection, they have no place in the pulpit, or the church or on your bookshelf or anywhere near your ears!!!
  • Rejoice in the power of God which overcame death and saved you through the resurrection.
  • Look forward to the promise that we too will be resurrected.

 

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