Aliens, facts and faith

No, this isn't an alien from the planet Gorp, its either a freak of nature or perhaps an successful photoshop experiment.  However, when I looked at it, just for a second... I wondered.  What we believe, what we have faith in, is grounded by solid evidence.  Oh, once in awhile we can be fooled for awhile, but Christianity is founded on both FAITH AND FACTS.  This passage from the book of John illustrates what I am talking about...

John, Chapter 20

  11  But Mary was standing outside at the tomb weeping. So, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb,  12 and she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head, and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.  13 They told her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” 

She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I don’t know where they have laid him.”  14 When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, and didn’t know that it was Jesus. 

  15  Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?” 

She, supposing him to be the gardener, said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 

  16  Jesus said to her, “Mary.” 

She turned and said to him, “Rabboni!”^*n1 which is to say, “Teacher!” 

  17  Jesus said to her, “Don’t hold me, for I haven’t yet ascended to my Father; but go to my brothers, and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 

  18  Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had said these things to her. 19 When therefore it was evening, on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were locked where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be to you.” 

  20  When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus therefore said to them again, “Peace be to you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.”   22 When he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit!   23  If you forgive anyone’s sins, they have been forgiven them. If you retain anyone’s sins, they have been retained.” 

  24  But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, wasn’t with them when Jesus came.  25 The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord!” 

But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” 

  26  After eight days again his disciples were inside, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, the doors being locked, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace be to you.”   27 Then he said to Thomas, “Reach here your finger, and see my hands. Reach here your hand, and put it into my side. Don’t be unbelieving, but believing.” 

  28  Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 

  29  Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen me,  you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen, and have believed.” 

Mary Magdalene had seen the risen lord.  He had spoken with her and given her an assignment: tell the brethren.  She did and whether or not they believed her isn't stated.  But Jesus came and all doubt was removed.  But Thomas wasn't there for some reason and just would not believe what they told him.  It wasn't until he physically touched Jesus that he believed.  We don't have the blessing of seeing the risen LORD, but until that day we will just have to rely on our faith.  Faith that the witnesses concerning the risen Christ are true.  Faith in the FACTS, attested to by a myriad of witness.  Here is how the apostle Paul puts it..

1 Corinthians, Chapter 15

 1 Now I declare to you, brothers, the Good News which I preached to you, which also you received, in which you also stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold firmly the word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.  3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,  4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,  5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers at once, most of whom remain until now, but some have also fallen asleep. 

Enough witnesses for you?  No?  Well, then you will just have to rely on faith.  Only, do not delay, because if you don't respond to the Gospel (Acts 2: 37, 38) you are without hope.  And don't say in your heart, I will wait until I die, because then it will be too late!!!  Your call, your life, your fate.  Make the right choice- Choose Jesus!!!

Bible Reading, Feb. 24

Feb. 24

Exodus 5

Exo 5:1 Afterward Moses and Aaron came, and said to Pharaoh, "This is what Yahweh, the God of Israel, says, 'Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness.' "

Exo 5:2 Pharaoh said, "Who is Yahweh, that I should listen to his voice to let Israel go? I don't know Yahweh, and moreover I will not let Israel go."

Exo 5:3 They said, "The God of the Hebrews has met with us. Please let us go three days' journey into the wilderness, and sacrifice to Yahweh, our God, lest he fall on us with pestilence, or with the sword."

Exo 5:4 The king of Egypt said to them, "Why do you, Moses and Aaron, take the people from their work? Get back to your burdens!"

Exo 5:5 Pharaoh said, "Behold, the people of the land are now many, and you make them rest from their burdens."

Exo 5:6 The same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying,

Exo 5:7 "You shall no longer give the people straw to make brick, as before. Let them go and gather straw for themselves.

Exo 5:8 The number of the bricks, which they made before, you require from them. You shall not diminish anything of it, for they are idle; therefore they cry, saying, 'Let us go and sacrifice to our God.'

Exo 5:9 Let heavier work be laid on the men, that they may labor therein; and don't let them pay any attention to lying words."

Exo 5:10 The taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and they spoke to the people, saying, This is what Pharaoh says: "I will not give you straw.

Exo 5:11 Go yourselves, get straw where you can find it, for nothing of your work shall be diminished."

Exo 5:12 So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble for straw.

Exo 5:13 The taskmasters were urgent saying, "Fulfill your work quota daily, as when there was straw!"

Exo 5:14 The officers of the children of Israel, whom Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and demanded, "Why haven't you fulfilled your quota both yesterday and today, in making brick as before?"

Exo 5:15 Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried to Pharaoh, saying, "Why do you deal this way with your servants?

Exo 5:16 No straw is given to your servants, and they tell us, 'Make brick!' and behold, your servants are beaten; but the fault is in your own people."

Exo 5:17 But he said, "You are idle! You are idle! Therefore you say, 'Let us go and sacrifice to Yahweh.'

Exo 5:18 Go therefore now, and work, for no straw shall be given to you, yet you shall deliver the same number of bricks!"

Exo 5:19 The officers of the children of Israel saw that they were in trouble, when it was said, "You shall not diminish anything from your daily quota of bricks!"

Exo 5:20 They met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way, as they came forth from Pharaoh:

Exo 5:21 and they said to them, "May Yahweh look at you, and judge, because you have made us a stench to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to kill us."

Exo 5:22 Moses returned to Yahweh, and said, "Lord, why have you brought trouble on this people? Why is it that you have sent me?

Exo 5:23 For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble on this people; neither have you delivered your people at all."

Feb. 24, 25

Matthew 28

Mat 28:1 Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.

Mat 28:2 Behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from the sky, and came and rolled away the stone from the door, and sat on it.

Mat 28:3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow.

Mat 28:4 For fear of him, the guards shook, and became like dead men.

Mat 28:5 The angel answered the women, "Don't be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who has been crucified.

Mat 28:6 He is not here, for he has risen, just like he said. Come, see the place where the Lord was lying.

Mat 28:7 Go quickly and tell his disciples, 'He has risen from the dead, and behold, he goes before you into Galilee; there you will see him.' Behold, I have told you."

Mat 28:8 They departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring his disciples word.

Mat 28:9 As they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, "Rejoice!" They came and took hold of his feet, and worshiped him.

Mat 28:10 Then Jesus said to them, "Don't be afraid. Go tell my brothers that they should go into Galilee, and there they will see me."

Mat 28:11 Now while they were going, behold, some of the guards came into the city, and told the chief priests all the things that had happened.

Mat 28:12 When they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave a large amount of silver to the soldiers,

Mat 28:13 saying, "Say that his disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept.

Mat 28:14 If this comes to the governor's ears, we will persuade him and make you free of worry."

Mat 28:15 So they took the money and did as they were told. This saying was spread abroad among the Jews, and continues until this day.

Mat 28:16 But the eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had sent them.

Mat 28:17 When they saw him, they bowed down to him, but some doubted.

Mat 28:18 Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.

Mat 28:19 Therefore go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Mat 28:20 teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

UNIFORMITY by Gary Womack

UNIFORMITY

"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit."

(1 Pet. 3:18) In these words of Peter, we hear the simplest explanation of God's purpose in sending His Son to this earth. It was a rescue mission designed by the Father, "according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Eph. 3:11) It was a mission aimed at bringing us back home to our Father. Isaiah said, "All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Why? Because, as Isaiah also said, "your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you..." (Isa. 53:2)

Indeed, Christ is the "Just One" who was sent here for us, "the unjust ones." We are undeserving of such a sacrifice (which makes us "unjust") and are therefore subject to honor Him as our King. As citizens in His kingdom, we sustain a relationship to Christ (the anointed One) and to the Father to whom He brings us. And as fellow-citizens in His kingdom, we also enjoy a bond with one another as a result.

This relationship with our heavenly King and with one another is born out in Jesus' words found in Mt. 16:18-19. Jesus said (based on Peter's good confession that Jesus was the Christ), "on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven..." In speaking of His kingdom, He was emphasizing our relationship with our King as citizens in His kingdom. At the same time He was also emphasizing our relationship with one another as fellow-citizens when He made reference to building His church (ekklesia: "called out" or "assembly") Paul alluded to this same idea when he made reference to the assembling of the saints at Corinth for the purpose of worshipping God; "...when you come together as a church..." (1 Cor. 11:18) In both cases, Jesus was emphasizing our relationship with Him and with one another.

For the purpose of this article, our attention is drawn to that relationship that God's people sustain and are to enjoy with one another within the body of Christ. We first see that bond between the redeemed taking place on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2 as ":...they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers..." (vs. 42) and in their "...continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking of bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." (vss. 46-47) This was a bond that was so tightly knit together that it was said that "...the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common." (Acts 4:32)

Sadly, this unity did not sustain itself in every place that the gospel went. The church at Corinth had their problems of selfishness and disregard for one another which was already beginning to erode that bond. In addressing that problem Paul said, "Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." (1 Cor. 1:10) This was not a suggestion! It was a command, given by the authority of God which had been given to Paul and through which He wrote. In the giving of these instructions it is to be understood that the command to do so was within the realm of possibility. God never commands us to do anything that is not possible to accomplish. Therefore, despite what the rest of the world may say, it is possible for unity among God's people to exist and for divisions (denominationalism) to be avoided. In fact, it is not only possible, but it is essential in order for God to be glorified in His body, the church.

It was with this same purpose in mind that Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus, saying, "I...beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Eph. 4:1-3) In the following verses he emphasized the unity (oneness) that characterizes the Godhead, the body of Christ, and the faith and hope that binds us together. (vss. 4-6)

After the persecution that arose in the early days of the church that resulted in "...those who were scattered [going] everywhere preaching the word" (Acts 8:4), churches began to spring up in the surrounding regions of where it had its beginning. Therefore, "...when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them." (vs. 14) Therein we see the beginnings of a unity that was to be maintained throughout God's kingdom from city to city so that as one might travel from one place to another they would see a uniformity in doctrine, worship and purpose. This unity was accomplished without a hierarchy being established as later occurred during the "falling away" (see 2 Thess. 2:3; 1 Tim. 4:1-3) that spawned the Catholic ("universal") religion.

How was this possible? It was possible only based on the principle that David issued when he wrote, "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it." (Psm. 127:1) In making this point to the church at Corinth, Paul wrote, "For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field; you are God's building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." (1 Cor. 3:9-11) Because of this, Paul could also say, "Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord." (Eph. 2:19-21)

In the early days of the church, there was a unity among God's people that captured the attention of the general populace of Jerusalem by which it could be said that they were "...having favor with all the people" (Acts 2:47) and "...the people esteemed them highly." (Acts 5:13) This was a unity that was in keeping with Jesus' prayerful words; "I do not pray for these (the apostles, gvw) alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me." (Jn. 17:20-21)

Jesus prayed for the unity of all who would follow the gospel message that was proclaimed by the apostles beginning on that first Pentecost after His death, burial and resurrection. Those words of Jesus reach all the way to the present moment in time - to all who hear that same message today and surrender in obedience to its call. Even today, in the midst of rampant religious confusion and division, those who hear its message and come out of the quagmire of religious denominationalism can know this same unity among the saved. Even today those who remain outside this sanctified body of believers can look on with wonder and respect for the God of heaven who has bought us with the blood of Christ.

One of the greatest testimonies to God's sovereignty is the unity of His people, the church. It is the ground upon which "...the world may believe..." (Jn. 17:21) that God sent His Son to redeem man. The reason this is so is because such unity is only possible as a result of God's pattern for the church being honored. If the "blueprint" of His new covenant is followed, the "Architect" of this "building" will be glorified. Only then can the church be proclaimed as "the pillar and ground of the truth." (1Tim. 3:15) If it is not built according to the pattern of God's design, the world would look on and discern a "flawed" building and have reason to disbelieve in the credibility of its Creator. Truly, "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it." (Psm. 127:1)

But how did the early church maintain the unity that we find from its beginning? Keep in mind that unity can only be had if it is built upon the foundation of truth. Anything else is a perversion. Therefore, it is imperative that wherever the Lord's church is located, the same truth must be taught, believed and followed. When the same pattern of truth is embraced by multiple congregations of God's people, the result will not just be similarity but duplication.

Jesus ensured that the early church did exactly this by guiding the apostles in what they would teach. Jesus told them that "...when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you." (Jn. 16:13-14) This insured that the message that the apostles taught was always the same and not subject to any human error.

This message and pattern of truth was taught everywhere. We see this to be the case in the words of Paul as he wrote to the church at Corinth; "For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church." (1 Cor. 4:17)

We have an example within this same letter of Paul teaching God's divine pattern regarding how the Lord's supper was to be observed when the church assembled for worship. He reminded them of the source of this truth that he had taught them; "...For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you..." (1 Cor. 11:23) Beginning from verse 17, this chapter is devoted to those instructions wherein Paul rebuked some who were failing to follow this pattern and were therefore guilty of "...[despising] the church of God..." (vs. 22). Those instructions serve as a pattern that every congregation is to follow in order to fit the pattern of God's will.

In the early days of the church, as the canon of the New Testament Scriptures were still in the process of being written in the form of these divinely inspired letters, these communiques served as authoritative instructions (doctrine) to whom they were written. This is readily seen in Paul's instructions regarding the letter that he wrote to the church at Colosse; "Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea." (Col. 4:16) Herein we see the uniformity of instruction as the same thing was communicated in every church. As they would comply with such doctrine, there would be uniformity throughout all of the churches in the their worship, their work and in their very purpose.

There is to be no doubt that these letters were to be regarded as "Scripture." Paul wrote at least 13, and probably 14 of the letters that are included in the New Testament. Peter declared Paul's writings to be "Scripture" as he referred to Paul's letters as sometimes being "...hard to understand which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures." (2 Pet. 3"15-16) This would be to say that what Paul wrote was authoritative and the churches throughout which they were circulated were subject to heed.

Does it matter what churches proclaim as "doctrine?" Indeed it does! This is made clear in the letter that John was instructed by Jesus to send to one of the seven churches of Asia - namely, Pergamos. Notice His displeasure at them "...because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam..." and "...you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate." (Rev. 2:14-15) While we don't know what that doctrine involved, we do know that it was not of God because He said "I hate it." The solution? "Repent, or else ..." (vs. 16) The church is to be "...subject to Christ" who is her Head (Eph. 5:24).

Contrary to popular belief, the church is duplicatable in every age when the pattern is followed.

- Gary V. Womack - November 2005

Why Are There Atheists? by Jim McGuiggan

Why Are There Atheists?

Most of us like to think we believe what we believe because we've thought it through and have clear rational grounds for our convictions though why we should exalt reason above emotions isn't clear. Without going into needless details on that let me simply say that if it's true at all it's only true about a very few and very specific convictions. We draw conclusions not only based on "facts" but on the weight we give to some facts more than others. And we relate facts to other facts in different ways, don't we? If you live in a run-down area of high unemployment you don't deny the unemployment figures you insist on them! And they generate a higher level of passion with you than the same figures generate in a politician who lives on Silk-Stocking Row. The reasons for this aren't surprising. But this passion (or lack of it) leads us to weigh differently any proposals on how to handle the problem. Emotions, personality, experiences, environment and a host of other factors affect and shape our beliefs. For good or ill we're not breathing logic-boxes or human computers. (I'm glad we're not those.)

Our parents shape us long before we know it. Friends we greatly admire, teachers we esteem, experiences we've been subjected to, dreams we dream, social conditions that frighten or sadden us these and more we can't fathom affect how we think and feel and come to believe. Should that surprise or worry us? It should not. We're human and there's no way for us to step outside of (our) humanity and see the whole spectrum of things.

Should we despise our rationality because all this is true? That would make no sense and no one should be encouraged to park his or her brain or let it degenerate into mush for want of exercise. Though reasoning to conclusions is only a part of who and what we are it's still a part of us and we ought to respect it--and why wouldn't we?

Part of the reason I'm a Christian is because I was born and raised in a part of the world where the Bible was revered and proclaimed. Closer to home, I am a Christian in part (chiefly) because of influences in my home and then because of other significant people who were Christians. Significant events occurring at critical moments, the right people or the right result at the right time all this and more has played its part in my being a Christian. (At this point I won't try to make the case that I believe God was at work in all this, bringing me to faith in Jesus Christ.)

Non-believers are non-believers for similar reasons. In early childhood influences of home and the wider environment had their effect. Kind and caring people who were non-believers showed that you didn't have to be a believer in God to be gentle and socially useful. Perhaps parents never spoke of God and much less did they attend church assemblies so the child never went to Sunday school. Some painful disappointments at critical moments made the universe seem unfriendly and the thought of God's non-existence began to nibble at the edges of the mind. The pain and suffering in the world that Christians keep "explaining" (rather than alleviating) add to the picture. Unanswered prayers (prayed at a time before faith was lost) made you wonder if any prayer, however selfless it appeared, would get a "yes" vote from the great Manager of Blessings in the sky. And then there was the disgraceful behaviour and attitudes of a lot of church-going people. Add to all that some fearful doctrines like eternal conscious torment for all non-Christians and a hyper-Calvinism that says God created multiplied millions of humans for no other reason than to eternally torture them "according to the good pleasure of his will." An atheist is made!

©2004 Jim McGuiggan. All materials are free to be copied and used as long as money is not being made.

Many thanks to brother Ed Healy for allowing me to post from his website, the abiding word.com.

Greater Than John The Baptist? (11:11) by Mark Copeland

                        "THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW"

                 Greater Than John The Baptist? (11:11)

INTRODUCTION

1. At the height of His earthly ministry, Jesus was approached by two
   disciples of John the Baptist - Mt 11:1-6
   a. John was in prison, and had sent the two disciples to Jesus
   b. Perhaps troubled by his own imprisonment, he wanted affirmation
      that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, the Coming One
   c. Jesus pointed to His works, and spoke of the blessedness of those
      not offended because of Him

2. Jesus used this opportunity to tell the multitudes about John the
   Baptist - Mt 11:7-10
   a. That he was not some easily shaken reed or man in soft clothing,
      but a prophet
   b. Indeed, he was the prophet foretold by Isaiah and Malachi - Isa 40:3; Mal 3:1      ; 4:5

3. But then Jesus made two remarkable statements - Mt 11:11
   a. First, that no one had been greater than John the Baptist
   b. Second, that one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater
      than he!

4. It is the second statement that has perplexed many...
   a. For the kingdom of heaven is the church that was about to be 
      established
   b. And in the church there are many people who do not seem to 
      measure up to a man like John the Baptist!
   -- How can any of us be greater than he?

[When we know the answer, it should fill us with humility and 
gratitude, and encourage us to greater dedication in our service to the
Lord.  Before we consider the answer, let's review...]

I. THE GREATNESS OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

   A. HE WAS GREAT AS A MAN...
      1. Enduring a life of austerity, with voluntary simplicity 
         - Lk 1:80; Mt 3:4
      2. He showed courage before king Herod, condemning his unlawful
         marriage - Mt 14:3-4
      3. He possessed humility, showing deference at the height of his
         own ministry to a New Comer - Jn 1:19-37; 3:22-30

   B. HE WAS GREAT AS A PROPHET...
      1. His influence brought people throughout Judea into the desert
         - Mt 3:1-2,5
      2. They were moved to be baptized and confess their sins - Mt 6:6
      3. Yet He did not weaken his message to accommodate his audience
         - Mt 6:7-8

   C. HE WAS GREAT IN PREPARING THE WAY FOR CHRIST...
      1. Such was his particular mission - Mt 3:3; 11:9-10
      2. And when Jesus came, he pointed people to Him - Jn 1:29,34-36;
         3:30,36
         a. "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the
            world!"
         b. "I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God."
         c. "He must increase, but I must decrease."
         d. "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life..."

[In light of his mission, and the faithful manner in which he carried
it out, no one had arisen greater than John (not even Moses, Elijah,
etc., though they might be consider "as great as" John).

But again, Jesus says that the least in the kingdom is "greater" than
John.  How can that be...?]

II. THE GREATNESS OF THOSE IN THE KINGDOM

   A. WE ENJOY GREATER KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST...
      1. John's limited knowledge of Christ is implied by his question
         - Mt 11:2-3
         a. He had not seen what Jesus' disciples had seen
         b. He had not heard what Jesus' disciples had heard - cf. Mt 13:16-17
      2. Through the further teaching of Christ and His apostles...
         a. We know the wonderful story of the cross!
         b. We know the nature of the kingdom, its establishment, its
            future glory!
         c. We know "many things" which even Jesus Himself had not
            taught His apostles until after the Holy Spirit was sent!
            - cf. Jn 16:12-13
      -- Even "he who is least in the kingdom" knows things about Jesus
         and His church that John did not know!

   B. WE ENJOY A GREATER STATION IN THIS LIFE...
      1. John was not in the kingdom of heaven (or church) during his
         life
         a. He proclaimed it was "at hand" - Mt 3:1-2
         b. Jesus and His apostles were still preaching it as being 
            "at hand" - Mt 10:7
         c. Jesus would later speak of building His church - Mt 16:18
      2. But with the establishment of the church, those who are in
         it...
         a. Have been translated into the kingdom of God's Son - Co
            1:13; cf. Re 1:9
         b. Have been made a royal priesthood and holy nation - 1 Pe 2:9
      -- John lived under the Old Covenant; even "he who is least in
         the kingdom" lives under the New Covenant with its better 
         sacrifice, hope, and promises - He 7:9; 8:6

   C. WE ENJOY GREATER PRIVILEGES...
      1. John certainly enjoyed wonderful privileges
         a. He was filled with the Spirit from his mother's womb - Lk 1:15
         b. Who certainly helped him fulfill his mission
      2. But Jesus offers things which John did not have; e.g...
         a. A gift (or measure) of the Spirit that was not given until
            after Jesus was glorified - Jn 7:37-39
            1) Something other than inspiration or miraculous powers,
               for many had enjoyed that before Jesus was glorified
               (ascended to heaven)
            2) Because of the outpouring of the Spirit on Pentecost,
               all who are saved have experienced "the washing of 
               regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit" - Tit 3:5-7
            3) John was born of woman, but those in the kingdom are
               "born of the Spirit"! - cf. Jn 3:5
               a) We therefore receive "the gift of the Spirit" - Ac 2:38
               b) A gift that helps deliver one from the power of sin 
                  - cf. Ro 8:11-13
               c) A gift not enjoyed by those under the Old Covenant 
                  - cf. Ro 7:14-8:4
         b. The fellowship of the church, the body of Christ - Ro 12:5
            1) Remember that John spent his life in the desert, and
               then in prison
            2) He did not enjoy the blessings of fellowship available
               to the "least" in the kingdom
            3) As promised by Jesus, we have a "hundred-fold" family
               members in this life, something John never had - Mk 10:
               28-30
         -- Many other privileges peculiar to the New Covenant could be
            mentioned, all of which are enjoyed today by "he who is 
            least in the kingdom"!

CONCLUSION

1. In at least three ways, then, we are "greater" than John the 
   Baptist...
   a. In our knowledge of Jesus Christ
   b. In our station of life by being in Christ
   c. In our privileges offered by Jesus Christ
   
2. As per J. W. McGarvey:  "We find from this passage that all true
   greatness arises from association, relation and contact with Jesus
   Christ" (The Fourfold Gospel)
   a. As the forerunner of Christ, John was as great as any other 
      teacher, prophet, priest, lawgiver, and king
   b. As the beneficiaries of Christ, even the least of those in His
      kingdom are greater than he

3. Should this not fill us with humility, gratitude, and a desire to
   greater service?
   a. That Jesus would bestow such great blessings upon us?
   b. That we ought to be more dedicated in our service to Christ?
      1) Producing the fruit of the Spirit in our lives
      2) Nurturing and enjoying the fellowship of the family of God
      3) Proclaiming the gospel of Christ and the kingdom in its
         fullness

If John was so faithful in that which is less, should we not be more
diligent when we have that which is more?

      "For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be
      required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they
      will ask the more." (Lk 12:48)

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011