I have always enjoyed the preaching of the Rev. Dr. Gardner C. Taylor. He is articulate but even more, he is authentic. I discovered this sermon on YouTube. It is based on a famous text from Job, “I Know that My Redeemer Liveth.” It is in two parts. I am linking to the first, and the second will play automatically. Click here to be encouraged!
The Pastor
Last week we saw that the resurrection of Jesus is the massive sign that God has not abandoned our little world of time and space, but penetrated it, shattered it, and begun its transformation. This transformation is not just for the human family.
In Romans 8:21 St. Paul says, “the whole will be set free from its bondage to decay to obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God.” What does this mean? It means that people who have heavenly bodies (as opposed to earthly bodies) will live in a heavenly environment, an environment that is at least akin to the world we have known.
In 1st Corinthians 15, the apostle assumes that it is when Christ comes back for his church on earth that the resurrection harvest will take place, and those who belong to Christ will receive their new bodies. In the early days of the church, people thought that Christ would come back, soon, any day, and few expected to die before Christ’s return.
Of course, people continued to die. In 1st Thessalonians 4:13-18 St. Paul wrote to comfort those who had lost loved ones saying: Continue reading
We are trying out a new editor. It should make posting to the blog much easier for both Heather and Worth. I have posted this under “Thanksgiving,” because I am so pleased to have access to the Classic Word Press Editor. Over the next several weeks readers should be able to access additional features on this blog. Look back here for updates. The sun is rising on a new day. Ha!
John 3:1-17 Want to see why I am excited? Click on the Link labeled John 3:1-17. It should run to Bible Gateway. You can then choose the version you wish to read! Thanks for trying this. Please let me know if it works (or does not work) for you.
The Pastor
1Cor. 15:12 Now if Christ is preached as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised; 14 if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified of God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised. 17 If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. 1Cor. 15:20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. 24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
The Greek idea of “the immortality of the soul” is based on the idea that the individual human soul cannot be destroyed and must of necessity survive the death of the body which is “the prison of the soul.” It is at the death of the body that the soul is finally set free. Ultimately, this freedom means that the individual human soul, which is a little spark of the Eternal Flame that is “god,” is free to return its Divine Origins.
The Bible, especially the New Testament, sometimes seems to support the idea of “the immortality of the soul,” at least in part. Certainly, you will remember the words of Jesus to the dying thief in Luke 23:43, “Truly I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Shamrock Shredding will be shredding documents on-site in the church parking lot. Donations of $5 per file box or bag, Cash or Check.
Due to the overwhelming response at our June Shred Event we are unable to accommodate walk-ups to drop off bags/boxes.
