JESUS: God the Son, Savior, and Lord!

JESUS is the Greek translation of the Hebrew name Jehoshua (i.e. Joshua), which means Jehovah saved. God the Father prophesied through the prophet Isaiah, "...the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel [or Emmanuel]." (Isaiah 7:14) Then, 700+ years later, "...an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” (Matthew 1:20-23)

God the Father also prophesied through the prophet Micah, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.” (Micah 5:2) Then, 600+ years later, ...after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’”(Matthew 2:1-6)

Jesus' name explains who He is and why He came. Jesus was more than just a baby born in a manager over 2,000 years ago, but He was God with us and He saved us! No other religion or faith has a god who came to dwell with them nor gave his life to save them, no other. ...Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5-11)

This takes us to the final truth of who Jesus is; He was not just God with us and our Savior, but when He returns, He will establish His kingdom on earth, proving that He is KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. (Revelations 19:16) Therefore, while we look forward to this Christmas season and remember the birth of God the Son and our Savior, let's also prepare ourselves for His return as our Lord. Our preparation for His return in summarized in this, ...pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life,... 13 I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate,14 that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing, 15 which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen. (1 Timothy 6:11-16)

GETTING BACK ON TRACK!

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. (Psalm 51:12) It's difficult to stay motivated when things don't seem to be going the way we want, or when something devastating happens, or when life brings major changes we didn't expect or necessarily want. It's normal to feel disconnected from life, people and even God. But, God has said, 'Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ (Isaiah 41:10)

We have so many distractions today that cause us to take our focus off of God - social media, TV, movies, etc. - we spend more time on devices than we do studying the Word of God, and most of what we're looking at is not leading us towards God, but more away from Him and towards the world's way of thinking and behaving. Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, And revive me in Your way. (Psalm 119:37)

I want to encourage each of us to get back on track! We may have changed for many different reasons, but Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) If He feels more distant than He used to, it's because we've pulled away or turned away from Him. For He promised, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) We have to realize that once we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior by faith in His death on the cross and resurrection from the dead, ...in Him was Yes. 20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. 21 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, 22 who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. (2 Corinthians 1:19-22)

Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, (Hebrews 3:12-14) So, let's not turn away from God during the difficult times, but let's seek Him even more, through studying His Word daily; Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:1-5)

But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (II Peter 1:5-11)

HELP HAITI!

Most of us would agree that even though the recent natural disasters that have affected this country have been devastating, America has a system in place that will help us rebuild and continue to move forward.  However, many countries in the world aren't as fortunate, especially Haiti.

Jesus said, "For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good;..." (Mark 14:7) Those who are willing and able, follow this link for "Effective Aid for Haiti after Hurricane Matthew" to help find legitimate organizations on the ground using 100% of proceeds to help, NOW: https://www.facebook.com/EffectiveAidHaiti/

"I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35) He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given. (Proverbs 19:17)

"OPPOSITE OF HOMOSEXUALTY (OR ANY SIN) IS HOLINESS!" Message from Christopher Yuan

...Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,... 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. (Ephesians 5:25-27)

We all wrestle with sin in our lives, ...the sin which so easily ensnares us,... (Hebrews 12:1) Whether it be homosexuality, fornication, adultery, lying, stealing, cheating, murder, etc. - regardless of the sin, we all struggle, and we can all be delivered.  The problem is we try to become opposite of what we are, instead of becoming obedient to the Word of God, deny our self, and take up our cross daily, and follow Christ Jesus. (Luke 9:23)

Christopher Yuan, a homosexual male who became a Christian while in prison explained his deliverance and conversion in a way that is so powerful, I had to share it. You can listen to his video testimony or read his book, "Out of a Far Country": "... As I continued to read the Bible, I realized that my identity shouldn't be defined by my sexuality. Paul says in Acts 17, "for in Him we live and move and have our being." Christ should be everything, my all in all. My sexual orientation didn't have to be the core of who I was. My primary identity didn't have to be defined by my feelings or sexual attraction. My identity was not gay or homosexual, or even heterosexual for that matter. But, my identity as a child of the living God must be in Jesus alone. God said, "Be ye holy for I am Holy."

"I always thought that the opposite of homosexuality was heterosexuality. But, actually the opposite of homosexuality is holiness. God never said be heterosexual for I am heterosexual. But He did say, "Be holy for I am Holy." For the longest time I could never see myself becoming straight, it was a burden, because I felt I had to somehow become straight to please God. When I realized that heterosexuality should not be my goal, it was so freeing! The thing was that if I became straight, I would still deal with lust. Therefore, I knew that I shouldn't focus on homosexuality, even heterosexuality, but on the one thing God calls everyone too, namely, HOLY sexuality! Holy sexuality is not focused on orientation or change, becoming straight, but on obedience. And I realized that obedience means that no matter what my situation, no matter what my feeling, gay or straight, I must OBEY and be faithful to God!"

"... God's faithfulness is proved, not by the elimination of hardship, but by carrying us through hardship. Change is not the absence of struggles, change is the freedom to choose holiness in the midst of my struggles. I realized that the ultimate issue had to be that I yearned for God in total surrender and complete obedience. Sexual orientation isn't really the issue, it's whether or not you're willing to be holy." 

POWERFUL! Listen or read more of "Out of a Far Country" by Christopher Yuan

Consider listening to Skip Heitzig "Jesus Loves Homosexuals":
http://skipheitzig.com/radio.asp#!y%3D2017%26m%3D5%26BroadcastID%3D2794%26type%3DajaxBroadcast

"RACISM" Message from David Swaim

There is so much going on in the world regarding race - police shootings, black lives matter, not standing for the national anthem, etc. "Our world doesn't look like it's supposed to." 

I wanted to share this message from David Swaim of Highrock Church (Arlington, MA), "Racism". This is the most powerful message I've heard, explaining the problem we have and God's way of dealing with it. Please listen by clicking the title "Racism".

Text: But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace,16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near.18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. 19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, (Ephesians 2:13-19)

WHO CHOOSES WHOM?

The LORD looks down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there are any who understand, who seek God. (Psalm 14:2; Psalm 53:2) And unfortunately, the answer is no. None of us by nature seek God. “There is none righteous, no, not one; There is none who understands; There is none who seeks after God. They have all turned aside; They have together become unprofitable; There is none who does good, no, not one.” “Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit”; “The poison of asps is under their lips”; “Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.” “Their feet are swift to shed blood; Destruction and misery are in their ways; And the way of peace they have not known.” “There is no fear of God before their eyes." (Romans 3:11-18)

Most people say, "I chose God." And that's partly true, but we only chose God as a response to Him first choosing us. Christ Jesus concluded the parable about the wedding feast that a king gave for his son by saying, “For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14) God calls every single human being He's ever created or ever will create; Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. (Revelations 3:20) He calls everyone, but not everyone will respond to the call; therefore, they are not chosen.

Jesus called each of His twelve disciples individually, and they responded by walking away from whatever they were doing and following Him; And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles: (Luke 6:13) But there were many other disciples in the beginning of His ministry; however, ...many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. 67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” (John 6:66-67) Jesus later made it clear to His twelve disciples, You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. 17 These things I command you, that you love one another. (John 15:16-17) 

Even though Jesus chose each of the twelve disciples individually, He knowingly chose Judas Iscariot also, the one who would betray Him; “I do not speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen; but that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me.’ 19 Now I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He. 20 Most assuredly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.” (John 13:18-20)

This is just like the parable Jesus taught about the wedding feast: “The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, 3 and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding;... “But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. 12 So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:1-14)

The perfect example of this are the children of Israel: “For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth. ... “Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments; 10 and He repays those who hate Him to their face, to destroy them. He will not be slack with him who hates Him; He will repay him to his face. 11 Therefore you shall keep the commandment, the statutes, and the judgments which I command you today, to observe them." (Deuteronomy 7:6-11)

God chose the children of Israel, all of them, just like Jesus chose the twelve disciples, just like He explained in the wedding feast that all the guests were chosen; and included in all those groups were some who would not believe, not obey, not accept the Truth, therefore they were eventually discovered, revealed and destroyed. Jesus explained why this happens in the parable about the wheat and the tares: Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; 25 but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way.26 But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. 27 So the servants of the owner came and said to him,... ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.”’” (Matthew 15:24-30)

God knows who are His, For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. (Romans 8:29-30) God predestined, or predetermined that through His Son, Christ Jesus we could be saved, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. ... In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, 12 that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.(Ephesians 1:4-12)

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6) If we want to know if we're predestined, chosen or not? Then, all we have to do is accept the call of Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; 11 for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:10-11) But, how do we make sure? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” ... For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:8-13)

SPIRIT, SOUL, BODY - WHAT HAPPENS AFTER PHYSICAL DEATH? (Part 2)

...spirit, soul, and body... (I Thessalonians 5:23) ...the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it. (Ecclesiastes 12:7) But as for the soul, it's most clearly depicted when Rachel, Jacob's wife died; And so it was, as her soul was departing (for she died),... (Genesis 35:18) King David used this phrase, "But truly, as the Lord lives and as your soul lives,..." (1 Samuel 20:3, 25:26) The soul is what continues to live after our physical deaths.

When the Lord God commanded the children of Israel to make sacrifices for sin while they were in the wilderness, He instructed them: 10 ‘And whatever man of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who dwell among you, who eats any blood, I will set My face against that person who eats blood, and will cut him off from among his people.11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.’ 12 Therefore I said to the children of Israel, ‘No one among you shall eat blood, nor shall any stranger who dwells among you eat blood.’ (Leviticus 17:10-12)

That system of redemption for the soul was temporary because it was an imperfect system, For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins. (Hebrews 10:4) Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us;... but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. 27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, 28 so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation. (Hebrews 9:23-28)

The final questions we were answering in the previous study is where does the soul go? And, when does it, or does it reunite with the body? Christ Jesus taught, "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10:28) For the Christian, the soul goes to be with the Lord in Paradise (Luke 23:43); as for the unsaved, their soul goes to Sheol (Hebrew name) or Hades (Greek name).  Again, Christ Jesus made this clear in the story about the rich man and the beggar, Lazarus, "So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom." (Luke 16:22-23)

Hopefully it's very clear that our souls are our spiritual bodies and will continue to live after our physical bodies die. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; (Psalm 19:7) The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, And none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned. (Psalm 34:22) And the redeemed saved soul goes to be with the Lord, but the unsaved soul goes to Hell. O Lord, You brought my soul up from the grave; You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. (Psalm 30:3)

But regarding the resurrection and the soul's reuniting with the body, Jesus taught, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. 25 Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, 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 to have life in Himself, 27 and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice 29 and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. 30 I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me." (John 5:24-30)

The angel told the disciples after Christ Jesus' resurrection and ascension, "...why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11) What is He doing while He's in heaven? What He told the disciples He would be doing, when He reassured them before His crucifixion: “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." (John 14:1-3)

...now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. 24 Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. (I Corinthians 15:20-26)

When Christ Jesus returns, we will experience what Job described, "For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth; 26 And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God," (Job 19:25-26) Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. (1 John 3:2) And that's as clear as it is for us right now, For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. (1 Corinthians 13:12)

For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, 3 if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. 4 For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life. 5 Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. (2 Corinthians 5:1-5)

9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:9-10) So when Christ Jesus returns, we will be judged based on what we did while in the body; If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. (1 Corinthians 3:14-15) 

But, it's our souls that will be saved and clothed in our transformed bodies. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. (Philippians 3:20-21) And we will be in Paradise with Him until He returns to judge the living and the dead, and establish His kingdom on the earth. (Revelations 6-22)

SPIRIT, SOUL, BODY - WHAT HAPPENS AFTER PHYSICAL DEATH? (Part 1)

I attended a service at a church whose denomination teaches that when a person dies, their body lies in the grave and they "R.I.P." until Christ Jesus returns, based on 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17: 13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

However, God created us ...spirit, soul, and body... (1 Thessalonians 5:23) God told us through Solomon ...the dust [body] will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit [breath of life, Genesis 2:7, Job 26:4] will return to God who gave it. (Ecclesiastes 12:7) ...the body without the spirit is dead,... (James 2:26) That explains what happens to our spirits and bodies. But what about our souls? Jesus said, "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matthew 10:28)  The service I attended never addressed what happens to a person's soul.

The Apostle Paul taught in 2 Corinthians 5:6-8: 6 So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. Paul, inspired by God, taught that there is no delay in being present with the Lord upon our death.  

Jesus taught about a rich man and a poor man, Lazarus who died. He said, "So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom." (Luke 16:22-23) While hanging on the cross, Jesus told one of the criminals hanging beside Him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43) 

Upon death, all bodies are either laid in a grave or returned to dust by cremation, so the soul must be what goes to be with the Lord. Our bodies are a shell that houses our souls. It's a vessel given to us by God so that we can live on this planet. These bodies are corruptible, and ... flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. (I Corinthians 15:50) So when we die, our souls go immediately to be with the Lord in Paradise, but our bodies return to the dust.  

However, Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” (I Corinthians 15:51-54)

This takes us to the final point, there will be a reuniting of our souls with our bodies when Christ Jesus returns. Our bodies will be changed to an incorruptible body. Christ Jesus the Son believed this promise of God the Father, For You will not leave my soul in Sheol [Hebrew or Greek "Hades"], Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. (Psalm 16:10) And the Father kept His promise to the Son, because after His crucifixion and burial, ...the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. ... But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for He is risen, as He said." (Matthew 28:1-6)

The promise the Father made to the Son, that His soul and body would not see corruption was also for all who died in faith before Christ Jesus crucifixion.  That's why when Jesus was hanging on the cross, Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. 51 Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, 52 and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53 and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. (Matthew 27:50-53)

All those risen saints went to be with the Lord in Paradise, just like the criminal who hung beside Jesus, and just like the poor beggar, Lazarus.  All who've died since Christ's resurrection are also with the Lord. Paul said it best, For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. ... 23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. (Philippians 1:21-23)

The study of the resurrection continues in the next lesson...

For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding;... (Proverbs 2:6)

I love studying the Word of God, and I enjoy engaging in conversations with others who feel the same. This blog is for that purpose, to share whatever the Spirit of God puts on our hearts, and I pray as many of you as are willing will comment and add to the discussion.

...rightly handling the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15) ...always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,... (1 Peter 3:15) "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32)

I look forward to seeing how God uses this forum to bring wisdom, knowledge and understanding of His Word! The EARS TO HEAR study of the Bible in chronological order will resume soon!