Foundation scripture
”But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.“
Hebrews 11:6 NKJV
To come to God requires believing that has a foundation of knowing that
⁃ he is sovereign,
⁃ all knowing
⁃ All powerful
⁃ All present
”He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”“
Psalms 91:1-2 NKJV
⁃ the psalmist introduces God to us as
⁃ The Most high and Almighty indicating His placement above all things
He then goes on to personalize The Most high and Almighty God as
⁃ The Lord
⁃ He is my Refuge and my fortress
⁃ my God, in Him I will trust
Many Christians today do not know God on a personal level, there is only the general knowledge about God and His son Jesus.
Many Christians today if they are confronted to give information about Jesus will have very little to say about him.
Jesus asked his disciples one time “whom do men say that I am? –
Jesus was interested in finding out what He was known for
For many in his day and now
⁃ Jesus is still hanging on the cross depicted by the images around us.
⁃ For many he is Joseph and Mary’s son
⁃ For some he is the wine maker who turned water into wine.
⁃ For many Christian’s now he is the answer to their problems
⁃ He is a sure banker to breakthroughs
Jesus died, he was buried but He rose again to bring us victory:
The Bible speaks of 8 different occasions where Jesus revealed himself to his disciples at various times over a forty day period before He ascended into heaven.
⁃ Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene . Mark 16.9, john 20.14 this brought victory over despair
⁃ Second, Jesus appeared to other women as they were leaving the tomb (Matthew 28:9-10). They thought he was dead, but he appeared to them, and they worshipped Him there. Jesus brought victory over death.
⁃ Third, Jesus met up with two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-32). These men were talking about all the week’s events surrounding Jesus. They didn’t understand what had happened. Jesus talked with them and stayed with them until they understood. Jesus brought victory over confusion.
⁃ Fourth, Jesus appeared to 10 disciples who were hiding together (Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-25). These disciples were afraid of what might happen to them since Jesus had been killed. Jesus brought victory over fear.
⁃ Fifth, Jesus appeared to all 11 remaining disciples (Mark 16:14; John 20:26-31). Thomas, who had doubted Jesus’ resurrection, was with them this time. Jesus brought victory over doubt.
⁃ Sixth, Jesus appeared to seven disciples, including Peter, who had denied Jesus three times (John 21). At this appearance, Jesus puts Peter back into ministry. Jesus brought victory over failure.
⁃ Seventh, Jesus appeared to the 11 disciples at a pre-arranged location on a mountain in Galilee (Matthew 28:16-20). There Jesus told them He had been given all power and authority. He gave His followers the great commission to make disciples. Jesus brought victory over any other power.
⁃ Eighth, Jesus finally appeared to as many as 500 of His followers at one time. He confirmed the completion of His mission and the promise of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:1-8). Jesus had victory over all things.
Jesus shown himself alive by many proofs
⁃ speaking the things concerning the God and charging them to wait for the promise of the Father.
To be continued…
Shalom!
Rev. Ron Chiarelli
Virtuous Living 