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Jesus was declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. 1 Corinthians 15:29 “What will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead?” Derek Prince says that there is no absolutely guaranteed explanation of this verse, but his understanding of this is a situation in which a person is saved through faith in Jesus but cannot be baptized, as for instance a criminal awaiting execution. The man is led to the Lord in the execution area, but he cannot be baptized so another person can, by proxy, be baptized for him. Prince says that is his theory.  But Paul says, “If there is no resurrection, why do we bother about this man that has been executed. Just let him be die.” This verse causes me to think of the practice of the LDS (Mormon) faith who routinely are baptised for countless dead people over many years. 1 Corinthians 15:30 “And why do we stand in danger every hour? I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.” The Apostle Paul did not unduly worry about all the many dangers constantly in his life because he was certain that after death he would be resurrected. 1 Corinthians 15:35 “But someone will say, ‘How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?’” 36 “Foolish one, what you sow is not made alive unless it dies. And what you sow, you do not sow the body that shall be, but mere grain—perhaps wheat or some other grain. But God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body.” So, the resurrection is like putting a grain of wheat or other seed into the ground. The body that you bury is not the body that is going to come up. There is a relationship but there is more difference than there is similarity. And when you put that precious form into the earth, you are sowing it, but it is going to come up altogether different, something glorious! 1 Corinthians 15:38 “But God gives it a body as He pleases, and to each seed its own body. 39 All flesh is not the same flesh, but there is one kind of flesh of men, and another flesh of beasts, another of fish, and another of birds.” 40 “There are also heavenly bodies and earthly bodies; but the glory of the heavenly is one, and the glory of the earthly is another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory.” Daniel 12:2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever. v.38 So there are different kinds of flesh. We are buried with one kind of flesh. We are raised with a different kind of body. And Paul says there are different kinds of bodies.  So, in the resurrection there are going to be many different kinds of stars. Some will be brighter and more glorious than others. The resurrection predicted in Daniel chapter 12:2-3. So, Paul is referring to that when he says, “As stars different from one another in magnitude and glory and brightness, so will be the resurrection.” Every one of us will have glory, but those who have turned many to righteousness will shine as the stars forever and ever. One thing we need to bear in mind is God is a Rewarder. We do not work for rewards, but there is a reward. We are not working for the sake of what we get but what we get will be in exact proportion to our faithfulness in this life; every one of us including you and me. The resurrection body shows 5 major changes. 1 Corinthians 15:42 “So also, is the resurrection of the dead.     1]The body is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption.”      2] v43 “It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory.”      3] “It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power.”      4]  v44 “It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body.”     v53 “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, [we have already seen that]      5] and this mortal must put on immortality.” Change 1: Corruption means it is perishable. It decays. The body that is buried is a decaying body. The body that will be resurrected does not decay. It is incapable of decay. It will last for eternity. Change 2: Really there is nothing honourable about a human corpse. Let us be honest. It is not something we want to think about or dwell on. It is the result of human sin. It is sown in dishonour but praise God it is raised how? in glory! Amen. What a change from dishonour to glory. Change 3: How weak we are. The strongest of us is so weak. And when we pay our last debt to sin, we die, that is the ultimate expression of weakness. There is nothing weaker than a dead body. “It is sown in weakness, but it is raised in power.” Change 4: There is a natural body and there is a spiritual body. Now unfortunately the English translation is misleading. The word that is translated natural is directly derived from the Greek word for soul. It is sown a soulish body; it is raised a spiritual body. Natural does not tell us anything. Soulish is what we need to know. It is sown a soulish body; it is raised a spiritual body. Change 5: That is a change from mortal which is subject to death to immortal which is not subject to death. When we are resurrected - no more death. Moving on from 1 Corinthians Chapter 15 we now turn to Romans. Romans 1:1 Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God 2 which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, 3 concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, 4 and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. v.3 Jesus Christ naturally speaking was the son of David or the son of Man but after the resurrection the Father calls him the Son of God. God sent his son Jesus Christ into the world born of a woman with a natural family tree of the seed of David and was born under the Law. This Jesus Christ was obedient to Father God through all his short life even unto his sacrificial death on the cross but when God raised him from the dead, he was declared to be the Son of God. v.3+4 show the hypostatic union, Jesus is both man and God. v.4 At the moment of resurrection, God the Father and God the Holy Spirit fully endorsed him as the only begotten Son of the Father giving Jesus Christ a unique status and hence mighty power. The Resurrection is God’s solemn ‘Amen’ to the tremendous claims which Christ had made (McLaren’s Commentary). And now moving to 1 Thessalonians 1Thessalonians 4:13 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. Paul is reassuring the Thessalonian Christians about what happens to believers who die before the return of Jesus Christ. Unlike the unbelievers, who have no hope of seeing their loved ones again, those who trust in Christ are only temporarily separated (1 Thessalonians 4:13). The hope of life beyond the grave rests firmly upon the belief that Jesus conquered death by rising from the dead. Amen Personal Prayer     Materials Consulted Alexander McLaren’s Commentary Derek Prince The Resurrection https://www.derekprince.com/sermons/331

A study of 1 Corinthians 15-the Resurrection Chapter The most puzzling thing about the resurrection of Jesus Christ is why Christians tend to only speak about it at Easter. This was not the case when the Apostle Paul was preaching. The Church is increasingly changing the expression Easter to Resurrection, e.g. Resurrection Sunday etc. I welcome this. Jesus is the risen King who is victorious over death, recognized by His disciples, validated by Scripture, and enthroned over all creation. That truth changes our faith, theology, and life. The resurrection also changes our practical living. The resurrection is not just a doctrine to believe, but a truth should change our behavior. Prophecy about the Resurrection Hosea 6:1 Come and let us return to the Lord; For He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up. 2 After two days He will revive us; On the third day He will raise us up, That we may live in His sight. (NKJV) Hosea chapter 6:2 says specifically the third day, and it says not merely that He will be resurrected, but that we will be resurrected because His resurrection is the guarantee of our resurrection. Commentators apply various themes to this passage. However, many (including Derek Prince) believe this is talking about the resurrection by which believers will live again in the presence of God. Possible other analogies to the Resurrection include 3 days in the belly of the great fish (Jonah) etc.     We now turn to the Resurrection chapter of the Bible i.e. 1 Corinthians 15. 1 Corinthians 15: 3 “For I delivered to you first of all [or as the first importance] that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, And that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” Notice the highest single authority for the resurrection is the Scriptures. That is always the highest authority for any truth. And Paul says twice, according to the Scriptures, according to the Scriptures. And the final authority is the Scriptures. Amen 1 Corinthians 15:5 “And that He was seen by Cephas [that’s Peter] then by the twelve [apostles]. 6 After that he was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. 7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. 8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.” According to Jewish law two dependable male witnesses are sufficient to attest the truth of any. And God has given us far more than two dependable witnesses. On top of the witness of the Scriptures we have the witness of the people who actually saw Jesus after He was risen from the dead, more than five hundred persons. 1 Corinthians 15:12 “Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some of you say that there is not resurrection of the dead? [This was a false teaching which had already crept into the church in the time of Paul that there is no resurrection.] 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. 14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is vain, and your faith is also vain. 15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. 16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!  18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.” Faith in the resurrection is essential for salvation. If you do not believe in the resurrection, you are not saved, and you cannot be saved. Remember that Romans 10:9 (says) 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. 1 Corinthians 15:22 “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. [All will be resurrected eventually.] 23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, [that’s number one] [number two] afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. [Number three] 24 Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father...” The Resurrection has abolished death. Hallelujah!So, there are three successive main phases. Number one is Jesus the firstfruits, the guarantee of our resurrection. Number two those who are Christ’s at His coming. When He returns, they will be caught up to meet Him in the air and will be with Him forever. And finally, as described in Revelation chapter 1 there is the judgment of the Great White Throne when all the remaining dead are called forth to appear before God and answer for the lives that they have lived. Amen Personal Prayer In Part 2 we consider the changes that occur with the resurrected body. Materials Consulted Alexander McLaren’s Commentary https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/sermon-resurrection-changes-everything-luke-24 published by LIFEWAY. Derek Prince The Resurrection https://www.derekprince.com/sermons/331

The Status and Responsibilities of Citizens in the Kingdom of Heaven: Ambassadors for Christ 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. In the same way that Queen Esther obtained royalty for such a time as this so that we as the church of Jesus Christ have also obtained royalty for such a time as this. Let us examine the key phrases in 1 Peter 2:9: 1. Chosen Race : Being part of a “chosen race” means that God selected His people for a special purpose. This is not about ethnicity but about belonging to God’s family. 2. Royal Priesthood : This signifies that believers have direct access to God. We are called to serve Him and represent Him to the world. 3. Holy Nation : As a “holy nation,” we are called to live according to God’s standards, setting an example for others. 4. People for His Own Possession : This indicates that we belong to God. Our lives are not our own; they are meant to glorify Him. 5. Proclaim His Praises : The ultimate purpose of our identity as described in this verse is to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others. 2 Corinthians 5:18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ , as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. An ambassador lives in the foreign country, but he/she absolutely, in every way, represents his home country. Ambassadors must live, behave, and speak to remarkably high standards as they represent their home nation at all times whilst they are in another country. If ambassadors attend a royal event, they will wear the absolute best clothes and have the best cars e.g. a Rolls Royce. Why does everything need to be the best because they are representing their country. Now, if that is true of us in the natural, how much more is it true of us as far as the Kingdom in God/heaven is concerned? How much more should the Church today represent the Kingdom of God here on this earth? We as ambassadors of The Kingdom of God need to face up to our responsibilities and do nothing to give a bad witness to the people of this world. Perhaps suggesting the Church of Jesus Christ is anything but glorious, victorious, and powerful body of people. As ambassadors we ought to be continually thrilled by what King Jesus is saying about his kingdom and church. And only say that about the church and the gospel which Jesus says. Amen Even a sales representative today will only show you his/her best products and services. We have received the Spirit of Adoption Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. Note the balance in the Kingdom of God, if we suffer with Him, we may also be glorified together. May the Kingdom of God be seen is us and through us. Kingdom Prayer Abba Father, we come to you in the precious name of Jesus Christ and thanking you for being part of your church (your called out ones). We thank you that you have made us citizens of your Kingdom.     Lord, we thank you for making us part your glorious church and that you have made us a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.     Lord, we thank you that you have entrusted us with wonderful ministry of reconciliation of the lost and indeed you have made us ambassadors for Christ.     Abba Father help us to be faithful in all that you have called us to and to bring glory to you in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen Personal Prayer

The resurrection changed everything Perhaps the most puzzling thing about the resurrection of Jesus Christ is why Christians tend to only speak about it at Easter. This was not the case when the Apostle Paul was preaching; Acts 17:16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols. 17 Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there. 18 Then [ b ] certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, “What does this babbler want to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods,” because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection. Paul mentioned the resurrection and Jesus so much that these pagans thought he was talking about two Gods, one called ‘Jesus’ and the other ‘Resurrection’! An American pastor has rightly said ‘ the resurrection changed everything’ ! After the resurrection Jesus’ ramshackle band of disciples began to ‘turn the world upside down’. There are perhaps different approaches we can take when we consider the resurrection. Today I want to focus in on a few scriptures that give insight into its meaning and purpose. Death the last enemy has been destroyed by the resurrection of Jesus Christ 1 Corinthians 15:20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the first fruits 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 first fruits, 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. 27 For “He has put all things under His feet.”[ a ] But when He says “all things are put under Him, ” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. 28 Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all. Effects of Denying the Resurrection 1 Cor 15:29 Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead? 30 And why do we stand in jeopardy every hour? 31 I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. 32 If, in the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me? If the dead do not rise, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!” Paul is saying if there was no resurrection then we are simply wasting our time and we would be as well simply leading natural lives the same as the unbelievers. The Father God has declared that Jesus Christ is His Son by resurrecting Him from the dead. Romans 1:1 1 Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God 2 which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, 3 concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, 4 and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. Jesus Christ naturally speaking was the son of David or the son of Man but after the resurrection the Father calls him the Son of God. God sent his son Jesus Christ into the world born of a woman with a natural family tree of the seed of David and was born under the Law. This Jesus Christ was obedient to Father God through all his short life even unto his sacrificial death on the cross but when God raised him from the dead, he was declared to be the Son of God. At the moment of resurrection God the Father and God the Holy Spirit fully endorsed him as the only begotten Son of the Father giving Jesus Christ a truly unique status and hence power. That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection Philippians 3:4 though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection , and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. Please note that Lazarus was resuscitated i.e. he came back to a natural life and eventually died. Jesus Christ was resurrected into a new type of life which would never see death again and conferred various supernatural powers such as being able to appear in locked rooms. v10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection , Paul longed to progressively and intimately come to know Jesus Christ (the Greek word for know is ginosko and was used to describe the relationship between a husband and wife) and the power of his resurrection. This power was much more than needed to simply resuscitate someone like Lazarus i.e. simply recombining his spirit and body to form a living soul but the power to raise Jesus Christ from the dead into an indestructible and everlasting life. If the resurrection power of God is still available to God’s people then just think what this level of power might be able to achieve in other areas of our lives such as in failed relationships, healing of the body and mind, and to bring all sorts of dead situations back to life! What do you think? Amen Prayer

Citizens of the Kingdom of God have direct access to our King Jesus Our Citizenship The Church is a nation. Acts 15:13 And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: 14 Simeon (Simon Peter) hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. God’s church comes from many nations. The church is not the Kingdom but rather the fruit of the Kingdom. Often the best people to evangelize any nation is usually nationals from that country. The church of Jesus Christ is multinational and together we form a new nation. God has called out his church (ekklésia) to serve his Kingdom. The value of Citizenship in the Roman/Greek Empires Acts 22:26 When the centurion heard that, he went and told the commander, saying, “Take care what you do, for this man is a Roman." 27 Then the commander came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman?” He said, “Yes.” 28 The commander answered, “With a large sum I obtained this citizenship.” And Paul said, “But I was born a citizen.” 29 Then immediately those who were about to examine him withdrew from him; and the commander was also afraid after he found out that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him. Paul states his Roman citizenship repeatedly in Acts of the Apostles. When he does, the reactions of those around him are very telling. When Paul and Silas are released from prison in Acts 16, Paul declares that both he and Silas are Roman citizens. Paul says that the magistrates “have beaten us in public, uncondemned, men who are Roman citizens, and have thrown us into prison; and now are they going to discharge us in secret? Certainly not! Let them come and takes us out themselves!” When Paul’s words are relayed to the magistrates “they were afraid when they heard that [Paul and Silas] were Roman citizens; so [the magistrates] came and apologized to them.” Similarly, when Paul is accused of bringing gentiles into the Temple and arrested, he tells the Roman tribune of his citizenship. Paul is about to be flogged and had been “tied…up with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, ‘Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who is uncondemned?’” The centurion fetched the tribune who “asked Paul, ‘Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?’ And [Paul] said, ‘Yes.’” The tribune, still suspicious, states that “it cost [him] a large sum of money to get [his] citizenship.” Paul, however, states that he was “born a citizen.” The reaction among the Romans was instant. “Immediately, those who were about to flog [Paul] drew back from him; and the tribune also was afraid, for he realized that Paul was a Roman citizen and that he had bound him.” Roman Citizens were of remarkably high status and had various privileges, the highest of which was the right to appeal to Caesar in person! You could even say the right to speak to Caesar! Paul did eventually appeal to Caesar. Citizens of the Kingdom of God NIV Philippians 3:20 But our citizenship  is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,                                           versus KJV Philippians 3:20 For our conversation  is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:              Phil 3:20 citizenship/conversation =  politeuma When we were born again, we immediately had citizenship of the Kingdom of God/Heaven conferred on us. What a privilege! Although the NIV is more accurate for this verse, it is interesting the KJV of Philippians 3:20 reflects well our ability to speak to our King- King Jesus. We can appeal to King Jesus as part of our Kingdom rights and come boldly into the holy of holies in time of trouble! Proof that the Church is a Nation Here are 3 pieces of evidence that the Church is a nation. 1.    It has a king: King Jesus 2.    It has a capital city: Revelation 21:2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. It was prepared like a bride dressed for her husband. Galatians 4:26 but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all. 3.    All born again believers have citizenship in the Kingdom as in Philippians 3:20. Amen Personal Prayer In Part 3 we explore the believer’s status in the Kingdom of God

The Kingdom of of God and the Church God always has had his witnesses throughout history First, Adam and Eve. Then, individual family members e.g. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. From Genesis 12 due to apostasy, God decides to use a whole nation i.e. Israel. In Acts 2 enters the Church of Jesus Christ. The church did not replace Israel but expanded the reach of God’s witnesses around the nations of the world. The church of Jesus Christ was God’s master plan. Not any one nation or people but God’s chosen people scattered across the nations! Having believers of every nationality helps our evangelism in each nation due to the removal of language barriers. Different views of the Church Acts 15:12 Then all the multitude kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring how many miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles. 13 And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, “Men and brethren, listen to me: 14 Simon has declared how God at the first visited the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His name.   Matthew 16: 16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it . 19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Many unbelievers think the church is a lonely-hearts club full of losers and misfits, who can’t deal with life or the people in society. Even amongst some believers their view of the church seems to be that the church is God’s last outpost or something which is hanging by a thread from disappearing all together. Others think the church is an organisation that Satan kicks around when he pleases. However, Jesus Christ sees his church as something that is powerful, glorious, mighty, and invincible! The church is the manifestation of the Kingdom of God to the unbelieving world. The Church of Jesus Christ Strong's Greek: 1577. ἐκκλησία (ekklésia ) = Church, or assembly,            Ek = out     Klesia =called Ekklesia  means the ‘called out’ ones. In ancient Greece, the cities often had an ekklésia of citizens who could vote in important matters for the city. They were given a white stone (to vote yes) and a black stone (to vote No). In this way a democratic system of voting was introduced to make collective decisions for the city. Not everyone was allowed to vote. People not allowed to vote in Ancient City Elections 1. Non-Citizen 2. Criminal Record 3. Slave or in bondage Citizenship in the Kingdom of God is wonderful. Our citizenship is much better than the ancient Roman/Greek one because we are a) born again into the Kingdom of God-immediate citizenship b) we have no criminal or sin record because it is all forgiven. c) we are not slaves or are in any bondage because Jesus Christ has set us free. You might want to check out Revelation 2:17 where the believers in heaven are given a white stone. God voted for you and me or at least he has acquitted us! Amen Personal Prayer In Part 2 we discover that the Church is a nation with 3 proofs

Prodigal does not mean wayward but means extravagant The Parable of the Prodigal Son... first, everyone thinks that "prodigal" means "wayward". The rock group Kansas made a nice-sounding tuneful song around 1977 called "Carry On, My Wayward Son", that I quite like. But "prodigal" actually means "extravagant"... related to the word "prodigious". As in "prodigal giving to the poor"... extravagant giving. Of course, THIS son was prodigal with his spending his inheritance BEFORE the time. Second, he had demanded that he have his inheritance NOW. WHAT AN INSULT to the Father! He was saying, "I can't wait for you to die-- I want it NOW!" How many Christians erroneously think that they are asking for their "Rights" when actually, they are being like the son in this parable? Just make sure WE are not like that... keeping everything submitted to God. Third, "When he was a long way off, the Father ran out to meet him." This meant that the FATHER WAS WATCHING for him! He was anxiously scanning the horizon-- His heart was so involved in loving His lost son... that when He saw him "a long way off", He instantly recognised his WALK. Why do I say "walk"-? Because, from a great distance, one MIGHT recognise someone's profile-- but if a long period of time has passed, they might have gained or lost weight... BUT, a person's WALK, their gait, is able to be recognised. It holds loads of meaning for us... Fourth, the Father HAD to get to him BEFORE he reached the village. Otherwise the village Elders would have performed a "ceremony of shame" called the "kezazah” where they would have formally disfellowshipped him from the community because of the disgrace he brought on their name by his immoral actions. What the Father did, was to get to him with His grace, BEFORE the Law could judge him-- and giving him not only a "party"-- but a RE-INSTATEMENT as a proper SON! He clothed him with a goodly robe-- the BEST robe ("of Righteousness")... put a ring on his hand (the Signet Ring that 1-enables him to do Business in his father's stead, and 2- identifies him as belonging to THIS family name)... and put shoes on his feet. (1-so FIRST his feet, his "daily walk" would have to be WASHED, and 2- "our feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace" - protection and enabling to WALK in this new and living Way). THEN they killed the fatted calf, and there was Music and Dancing, in great rejoicing, "...for this thy BROTHER was 'dead' and is Alive again! --and was 'lost’ and is FOUND!" Some people say, "Have you found Jesus?" -- "Why, was he lost...?" NO! It should be, "Has Jesus found YOU--?" The three parables are: The Lost Sheep... ONE out of a Hundred. (Luke 15:3-7) The Lost Coin... ONE out of Ten (Luke 15:8-10) The Lost Son... ONE out of Two (Luke 15:11-32) Notice that THIS parable has the longest section of verses. Does that mean that the details are MOST important--? Notice that the Elder Brother had a Double Portion of the inheritance (Hebrew custom: if you had two sons, you would divide the family inheritance THREE ways, and the First Born would get the "Double Portion". So, with four sons, they would divide it Five ways, and the First Born would get two portions [he double portion] and all the others would get one each.) But he was upset at the "party"... and would not go in! The Father's appeal, "Son, all I have is yours, and you are always with me!" Shouldn't THAT have warmed his heart--? He complained that he had SERVED many years, and NOT TRANSGRESSED his commands... yet had not been "given so much as a kid" (a young goat). He was saying, "I believe in the LAW, and the rewards of the Law. Yet, it has not been forthcoming... not even inferior meat, for me to make merry with my friends!" He was completely missing the point that the Fatted Calf was not a REWARD to the younger brother, nor was it WAGES...! It was a celebration of LIFE!!! L'Chaim! Let us rejoice in LIFE from the Lord! Guest Blogger Alex Smith A couple of additional notes. 1) The shoes - sons wore shoes; servants went barefoot. So the Father was giving him not only foot-wear, but making the statement by it "You're NOT just a servant, you are my SON."  2) The fatted calf: when they would raise cattle, they of course would bear forth calves, which would grow up to add to the herd. But, they would set aside ONE calf in a special paddock by himself, and feed him with a special diet to fatten him up. Why? Because fatty beef TASTES BETTER than lean beef. I was once at a fairground where there was a kiosk selling "Buffalo Burgers" ! Intrigued, I bought one... but was disappointed at the lack of flavour. When I went back to the kiosk, the man said "Well, if you wanted flavour, you should just get a regular beef burger! Buffalo (or, Bison, more properly) is a good lean meat. It's better for you, but isn't as tasty!"  But the "fatted calf" was still a CALF - not yet full grown, like veal - maybe only a few months old. How would the Father have known that there would be a special celebration coming up?  Answer: Isaiah 46:10 "I declare the End from the Beginning..." (says YHWH).

Luke 24:5 “Why are you looking for the living amongst the dead” Guest blogger Jacky Wilson This portion of Scripture details how the women go to the Lord’s tomb very early in the morning taking with them the spices they had prepared. (Passover had now finished, when the Israelites remember their freedom from under the yoke of slavery to the Egyptians.) These women all have names, and they all have stories. Mary Magdalene was among them. The Lord had cast seven demons out of Mary; then there was Joanna, whom Jesus had healed, a wealthy woman in her own right who helped support Jesus’ travels and preaching from her own financial means. Her husband was a manager in King Herod’s household. Then there was Mary, the mother of Jesus. From the cross Jesus entrusted his widowed mother to John’s care, and she was to live in his home. Also, Salome (the mother of James and John). Then there was Mary the mother of James and the mother of another apostle chosen by Jesus who also walked to the tomb with the other women. What was going through their minds? Were they remembering and talking about the events of the past few days? Just three days earlier Jesus had been betrayed and sentenced to death. The betrayal had broken their hearts. First, their long-awaited Messiah was dead. Second, one of their trusted leaders, one of the Twelve, had sold Jesus for just 30 pieces of silver. Were they concerned how they would roll the very heavy stone away, or did it not enter their minds, were they just concerned with anointing Jesus' body with spices as was custom for the Jewish People as they did not embalm the dead? As the women approached the tomb, they found the stone rolled away. What was going through their minds? Panic? Fear? Has anything happened to Jesus’ body? Mary Magdalene took off running; she ran to Peter and John. The other women stayed. Then suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. The women bowed their faces to the ground. They bowed in reverence. The men said to the women “Why are you looking for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you these things, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’” Then the women remembered Jesus words …. Amen Prayer

Reflections for Lent by Guest Blogger Jacky Wilson Scripture reference Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” The Race of faith ! Our Scripture from Hebrews 12:1-3 says - we are in a race, but not a race in the sense of racing to work or to the shops to get that item we forgot to complete the meal, or racing home to cook that dinner. The race we are running is the race of faith that began the moment we asked Jesus into our lives, whom the author of Hebrews calls both “the pioneer and perfecter of our faith”. So the race we are running has: ✓ a starting line , where Jesus is present (coaching us for the race ahead / firing the starting gun) as the pioneer of our faith ✓and a finish line, where Jesus is waiting for us (cheering us on) as the perfecter of our faith . ✓And on top of all that there is a prize that will help us be serious in running our race in order to finish it well. So like any athlete, we will need to be disciplined , to stay focused and to make sacrifices in order to finish the race in the way Jesus intends us to. Obstacles on the way As we all know too well, life itself will provide us with plenty of obstacles along the way, distracting us with all that the world wants to offer us - things that seem more appealing and alluring. And then there’s sin - the sin in our lives holding us back, entangling us as if somebody had tied the shoelaces of our running shoes together when we weren’t looking, it's sin that comes to entice us with the promise of something more gratifying or rewarding, but in the end it’s real aim is to disqualify us completely and take us out of the race. In the meantime, perhaps some of us will not have even realised we are actually in a race, wondering why everything is so tiring and why we haven’t progressed in our faith as we would have hoped to; others will be running at a good pace, calm, focused and in for the distance. Encouragement on the way: the cloud of witnesses The writer of Hebrews in 12:1 tells us that “… since we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses …" What does that mean? - Have you ever wondered who this great cloud of witnesses might be? People today assume, I think, generally speaking that in this cloud are those who have died who we all know: family, friends, and acquaintances, and they are watching us from above ... but this is not what the Bible tells us. The "great cloud of witnesses" mentioned here are actually those first introduced to us in Chapter 11 of Hebrews. The ones who have run the race before us, living lives of faith and dependence on God, until they crossed the promised finish line. Runners like Moses, Joseph, and David, Sarah, Rahab, Esther and Mary - those who triumphed in reaching their goal through their focused faith and trust in God. Their faith was shown in what they did, not only in what they said: Noah built the ark; Abraham dwelt in a tent; Rahab hid the Israelite spies; Sarah gave birth in her old age. Not one these heroes was perfect, all had their flaws and weaknesses (read their stories in the Bible) because all were just like you and me. Why were they mentioned in Scripture? Because they all put their trust in God and watched Him do amazing things - in God’s eyes they’re all champions! Yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. We are running that same race now, in whatever way God has called us to serve Him, so let us stay faithful as they stayed faithful! R un the race of faith like Jesus! The scripture says Jesus went to the cross for you and for me, despite the shame and humiliation he chose to run His race, He kept His eyes on the prize. “WHY?” the Word says “for the joy set before Him” He saw the prize! His prize - He completed His mission to save us sinners and to accomplish the will of His Father, and He is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. In James 1:2-4, we as followers of Jesus in the race are encouraged to stay the course: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Look to Jesus … and win the prize! Let us make Jesus our only prize, our aim, our life. Colossians 1:18 says that He is to have first place in everything. We are to set our eyes on Jesus always - confident in the knowledge that there’s no better trainer who could have prepared us, no better coach who could be egging us on, and no better champion gone before us and waiting for us at the finish line, than Jesus himself. 1 Corinthians 10:13 exhorts us as w e go the distance : “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” ” So with the help of the Holy Spirit let us stand on this truth - God does not abandon us because we have weaknesses. He works through our weaknesses because He knows we are a work in progress. In other words, the longer the race goes, the better we get! “Wow, what a prize!” And let us pray that we will not grow weary , we know we run this race as individuals but along the way let us encourage those who are struggling, both those starting the race and those tiring midway, remembering always to fortify, comfort and build up in Christ. So this Lent, as we reflect on what Jesus endured for each and every one of us individually on the cross let us keep reminding ourselves of the priz e, and that Jesus is both the Author and Finisher of our faith. In Him we live and move and have our being and, as one more great reminder of who He is: He will not start something He will not finish. AMEN. Personal Prayer

The stepwise progression of the Beatitudes in Salvation We now conclude our study of the beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) which describe the type of character, standards, and behaviours that are lived out in the Kingdom of God. This is what all believers should be experiencing in our lives. They are like a new law that is applied in our hearts. v.9 Blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called the sons of God . The Son of God came to reconcile sinful man to a Holy God; He is the ultimate peace maker giving us peace with God and the peace of God. As we are purified so we become peaceable towards men and the desire to witness and evangelise grows i.e. to preach the gospel of peace.  Like Father like Son, .... like sons. We must bring the peace of God to the unbelieving out of a pure heart, with correct motives and a lifestyle which is above reproach. v10. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. All that live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution! I call it 'negative confirmation ' that you are in the will of God! It seems that every step of faith we take in God that there is a persecution raised by the enemy.  Remember Nehemiah, at first, they mocked and then progressed through various steps to threatening to murder him. (Nehemiah is a good study in which to see Satan's strategy of discouragement of believers). As we step out into God's plan, we will consider ourselves as blessed (and not be discouraged) in that we have been considered worthy to be persecuted for Jesus sake. v.11 Blessed are you when men cast insults at you and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely on account of Me Bible-bashers, Jesus freaks, God-squad, nutters and worse, if you have or are being called such, rejoice Jesus says you are blessed. Do you believe Him? We are called to make up or share in the sufferings of Christ, who for the joy that was set before Him endured death, even death on the cross. Not just insults but nails and death. We must consider ourselves blessed as the inevitable persecutions come forth and be of the same mind as Christ. v12 tells us: Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Stepwise summary of the Beatitudes in Salvation Here is how the lesson of the Beatitudes can be applied to our salvation. Only admission of our poverty in spirit to God can enable Him to breathe His life into us. When we reach the point of mourning over our sins God can do something with us. God begins to work in us producing meekness and humility. Meekness with humility removes paralysing fear from us and produces courage in us to go and possess the land, to begin to fulfil all our destiny in Christ. God begins to fill us with a hunger and thirst for His things. We begin to hunger for His Word and to thirst for God’s presence. We also begin to long for the things that God longs for. As we allow our hearts to be purified our motives will become godlier and will begin to see God in others and in situations in our own lives. Having received the peace of God, we must bring it to the unbelieving out of a pure heart, with correct motives and a lifestyle which is above reproach.  We must consider ourselves blessed as the inevitable persecutions come forth and be of the same mind as Christ and remember to rejoice and not be discouraged. We no longer try to do things in our own strength. Our tastes and likes to begin to change. Let us now turn this lesson into a prayer. Beatitudes Prayer  Lord, we come to you in Jesus name, confessing our poverty and inability to do anything for you in your kingdom. We realise that we are weak and sinful people and are fed up with our own powerlessness.  Lord, as we mourn over our sins, forgive, and cleanse us and produce meekness and humility in our lives. Free us from paralysing fear and enable and empower us to possess the land and fulfil all our destiny in Christ. Take away the desire to do things in our own strength but fill us with a hunger and thirst for you and your things. Let us be a people like David, men, and women after your own heart. Purify our hearts, motives, and lives that we might begin to see you and bring the unbelievers to your wonderful salvation.  Cause us to rejoice and consider ourselves blessed when the inevitable persecution and reviling comes. Amen Personal Prayer Endnote: Any spiritual project that the Lord gives you can be subject to the stepwise progression of the Beatitudes. Try it and see using the Beatitudes Prayer (above) as your guide.

Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth The Beatitudes are the inner abilities and character we express living in the Kingdom of God. We continue our study with the next 4 beatitudes in Matthew 5 v5 Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth . Meekness is not weakness. Meekness incorporates strength and gentleness and includes humility (paradox). It is the branch that bears most fruit that bows the lowest on the tree. Humility is to see your true standing before God. To recognise His power and majesty (the surpassing beauty of holiness) and yet at the same time to realise his great love for you. In meekness we stop telling God how to do it and submit to His will. We then enter His strength and ability, as we become lesser in our own eyes, so He becomes greater and brings all his abilities into the situation. Meekness with humility removes paralysing fear from us and produces courage in us to go and possess the land, to begin to fulfil all our destiny in Christ. We no longer try to do things in our own strength. The picture here is that of a broken-in stallion with tremendous strength but fully under control of the rider. v6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Now that we are no longer bound in fear or in self-sufficiency (due to meekness with humility) we can ask God to fill us with a hunger and thirst for His things. Having confessed and turned from our sins and admitted our inadequacy before Him He is ready to create these desires in our heart: To hunger for... • The Word of God • opportunities to minister • opportunities to serve To thirst for • His presence • His Spirit • His power in revival No more yesterday’s manna but hungering and thirsting for a freshness each day with God.              We begin to long for the things that God longs for. Amen v7 Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy. The Lord is our Shepherd and He leads us on into the area of forgiveness. He showed us how it is done and now expects us to give it in the same way. We must show that same mercy to others especially the poor! In everyday terms this means dealing with offences, resentments, and even full-blown hate. Hurt produces anger and then resentment manifesting in grudges and thought and/or acts of hatred. Mercy costs us the sinful fleshly pleasure of revenge. The seeds of resentment will produce a bitter harvest in our lives. Resentment is like an addictive drug... We must sow mercy and forgiveness and then the world will see Christ in us because it knows the thrill of revenge. v8 Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. We must lift clean hands to God flowing out from a pure heart. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks! Create in me a clean heart Of God. We must purify our hearts by washing with the Word of God, which is sharper than a two-edged sword' piercing even to the division of the soul and spirit, joints, and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4 v12.). We need to bring all our ugliness, prejudices, mental barriers and even our very motives to God having the removed and replaced by that which is truth. As our hearts are purified so the desire to see God grows. The Lord can only be revealed to those whose hearts are pure as only they have the correct motives and perspective to see Him. To see His hand, the finger of God moving, to see His Modus Operandi to see His motive is always Love. As we allow our hearts to be purified our motives will become godly and will see God in others, in situations in our own lives and of course eventually we will see Him face to face. Amen Personal Prayer In our final Part (6/6) we consider the last 4 beatitudes and then look at the stepwise progression of the Beatitudes.

Kingdom Living is described in the Beatitudes The Kingdom of God in us: the Beatitudes Matthew 5:3-11 In Part 1 we asked the question; how should born again believers live out their lives in the Kingdom of God? The beatitudes describe the type of character, standards, and behaviours that are lived out in the Kingdom of God. This is what all believers should be experiencing in our lives. They are like a new law that is applied in our hearts. The beatitudes can only apply to born again believers as no one else would have the enabling of the Holy Spirit to perform such acts. The beatitudes are part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, and today we take a detailed look at each of the beatitudes. In the meantime, here is a definition:  Beatitudes; (Latin) blessedness. Blessed: def. happy, to be envied and spiritually prosperous (that is with life joy and satisfaction with God's favour regardless of the outward conditions). This is the state of heart and mind we all long for! It is the attitude of heart or mind that is fulfilled in God. Blessed: Makarios; Gr. used to describe God himself; it is enjoying life as God enjoys it! v3. Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4.Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted. 5.Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth. 6. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7. Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy. 8. Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God. 9. Blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called the sons of God. 10. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. v.11 Blessed are you when men cast insults at you and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely on account of Me So how should born again believers live out their lives in the Kingdom of God/Heaven? The beatitudes describe the type of character, standards, and behaviours that are lived out in the Kingdom of God. This is what all believers should be experiencing in our lives. They are like a new law that is applied in our hearts. The beatitudes can only apply to born again believers as no one else would have the enabling of the Holy Spirit to perform such acts. The beatitudes are part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, and we will next time be taken a detailed look at each of the beatitudes. In the meantime, here is a definition:  Beatitudes; (Latin) blessedness . Blessed: def. happy, to be envied and spiritually prosperous (that is with life joy and satisfaction with God's favour regardless of the outward conditions). This is the state of heart and mind we all long for! It is the attitude of heart or mind that is fulfilled in God. Blessed: Makarios ; Gr. used to describe God himself; it is enjoying life as God enjoys it! Jesus departed from the crowds and went up the mountain, the disciples came to him. This in a sense represents going on with Him i.e. a step of consecration, coming out of the crowd to follow Him. Being a disciple means to follow the Master and obey his teaching and commands. Come and meet Christ on the mountain if you want to be his disciple. Why go to the mountain; to get away from distractions and closer to God. Only disciples can disciple others and here is one of the major teachings to make us into disciples. Consider a step wise progression of the Beatitudes. They represent the starting point and how to make progress in coming to maturity. Maturity in Christ is our vision. Fully engaging with the Kingdom of God/Heaven. It might also be that the beatitudes may give us the pattern of tackling every project in our spiritual lives! We now consider the beatitudes in order and detail. v3. Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. v.3 We must admit our inadequacy and failure to God (sin, shame, pride, fear, insecurity, self-sufficiency). All our (own) righteousness, all our own good deeds are as filthy rags to God. This is the starting point. This poverty of spirit (attitude of heart/mind) opens the door to the kingdom of God. It is impossible to enter the kingdom in any other state of heart. The kingdom of God is within you i.e. when the love of Christ that is shed abroad in our hearts and influences our whole life, thoughts, and actions. Only admission of our poverty in spirit before and to God can enable Him to breathe His life into us (c.f. salvation experience). 4.Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted. v.4 This means mourning over our sins to go on with God we must firstly confess our sins and express sorrow on an ongoing basis before God. The Greek word for mourn is used in the New Testament in the context of mourning over sins. James 4:8-11; v.9 mourns and weep for your sins. 1 Cor 5:1-2; v2 Church had failed to mourn over incestuous immorality. 2 Cor 12:21; Paul mourns over churches unrepented sin. We might need to ask Him to take away any enjoyment of the sin. We then ask for forgiveness and the grace to avoid falling into the same trap. When we reach this point of mourning over our sins God can do something with us. We must mourn for our own sins, for the church’s sins and those of the nation. God does comfort the bereaved, but this verse is not talking about that kind of mourning. Amen Personal Prayer Next time in Part 5 We consider the beatitudes in Matthew 5:5-8