 Resurrection - Part 10
. There are several positions taken when applying John 5:25-29 to believers. One thought is there is a resurrection of believers to life that have done good, and a
resurrection of believers to damnation who have done evil. The other position does not put any believer in a position of damnation since they are
made justified by Christ. Which resurrection belongs to whom? Right division teaches us to study scripture in context
and compare the things that differ. John 3:16 identifies two classes of people: those who have everlasting life and those who perish. The proper
way to understand the two resurrections is in the context of salvation and inheritance (or reward). There are three important points covered in this
followup lesson to the resurrection series. 1) There is only one way of salvation and that is in Christ. 2) There is a resurrection of believers and
non-believers. The believer is raised and put before the Bema seat of Christ while the non-believer is raised and set before the great white thrown judgement. 3) There are rewards given by Christ for faith obedience and these rewards can be lost if you become
shipwrecked in your walk. However you don’t lose your salvation, just your inheritance. The lesson on April 6, 2003 is an important follow up lesson to the resurrection audio series and helps clarify questions on the two resurrections mentioned in John 5:29.   Click here to listen now.
 Jesus Enters Jerusalem
. The Sunday before Easter is celebrated as Palm Sunday which signifies Jesus’ triumphant entry into
Jerusalem. The gospel of Matthew has four occurrences that tells of the suffering Jesus has to encounter leading up to the resurrection.
Matthew 16:21 is the first occurrence that tells of Jesus going into Jerusalem, foretells of his suffering, his eventual death, then reveals the fact that he will rise
on the third day. Each occurrence in Matthew tells something a little different about Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. The same is true in the other three gospels.
The gospels tell of four primary ministries of Jesus to the nation of Israel. These four ministries are: 1) The proclamation of the Kingdom, 2) the proclamation of the
King, 3) the rejection of the King, and finally, 4) the rejection of the Kingdom. Matt 16:21 signifies the beginning of the third ministry which is the rejection of the
King. Why must Jesus go to Jerusalem? For it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem. Jesus is declaring that he is the Prophet. The second occurrence is in
Matthew 17:22 which adds the fact of his betrayal. Matthew 20:17 is the third reference telling of his entry into Jerusalem.
This passage adds the detail about gentiles mocking him. The final declaration is in Matthew 20:28 and tells why he would
give his life as a ransom for many to take away the sins of Israel. It’s not until later in Ephesians do we learn of God’s plan
for the gentiles. Jesus wept twice in the Bible. Once he wept for those who mourned for Lazarus because they
demonstrated their unbelief in the power of God. The second time was on his way to Jerusalem when he approached the
city, he wept over it saying “if thou had known the time of thy visitation” in Luke 19:41. The lesson on April 13, 2003
studies the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and prepares us for the resurrection story on Easter. Click here to listen now or go to the lessons available for the month.
 Easter Sunday.
In three days time Satan was defeated when Christ Jesus rose again. The resurrection is the turning point in human history when Christ defeated Satan and death. This is
the event that keeps Christianity from being a warm hearted fairy tale. Satan is still working to keep those from learning about the resurrection with the Easter Bunny and other pagan traditions. The lesson on Apr. 20, 2003 speaks to two kinds of people: The “Saints” and the
“Aints”. The “Aints” need to know that Christ died for your sins and God loves you. The claims
of Christ are for the “Aints” to hear: Claim #1 - There is a God. Claim #2 - The Bible is the Word
of God. Claim #3 - Living a religious life is not enough. Claim #4 - Christ died for you and He is
the only way to God. There will be a time that he will hold you accountable for the decision you
made. Did you follow Him? Claim #5 - The righteous one died for the unrighteous. Christ was crucified for our sins
whereas Christ knew no sin. Claim # 6 - Have you made a decision? A decision must be made to make Christ Jesus your
Lord. The “Saints” are encouraged to remember His words and keep them in their heart. The “Saints” have placed their
hope and trust in Christ and have not done so in vain because in Christ, the child of God has been made alive and their sins
have been forgiven. The “Saints” are called to walk worthy of the vocation that they have been called, be fruitful in every
good work, and increase in the knowledge of Him. Click here to listen to the lesson on Apr 20, 2003. You may also want to listen to other lessons on Easter as well.
 Christian Prayer.
May 1, 2003 is recognized as the  National Day of Prayer in America. What is
prayer? Prayer simply stated is “talking to God”. What a privilege we have to be
able to talk directly to God. We don’t have to go through an intermediary like a minister or priest because Christ paved the way through His shed blood. He
became the one mediator between God and man, so the way to God is open for anyone to approach Him. Even if we don’t know how or what we should pray
for, God takes care of it as we learn in Romans 8:26-27 (KJV) ”Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we
ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And
he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” Yet, as we study scripture, God teaches us about prayer so we learn the answers to the
why and how, who to pray for and when. Paul exhorts us in 2 Tim 2:1-2, to first of all, (notice this is the first thing, not the
last thing) to pray and he gives us four categories of prayer. 1) Supplications - This is about a need that you have (not
wants but needs). 2) Prayer - When we pray, we should think of God first just like Jesus told the disciples to pray in Matthew 6:9 (KJV) “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” Further,
you should pray for things that God can give like love, wisdom, and understanding as Paul demonstrates in Phil 1:9 and Col.
1:9. 3) Intercessions - This is the prayer you have for others and when you religate yourself to the background. And
finally, 4) The Giving of Thanks. The lesson on Apr 27, 2003 teaches on prayer. Click here to listen now or go to the audio lessons for the month.
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Audio Lessons for this Month
