How was Christ poor?

In recent years we've seen the birth of more successors to the English throne. Prince George was born in 2013 and princess Charlotte in 2015. As they are third and fourth in the line of succession to the British throne, I'm sure the very best physical care that England had to offer was provided for their birth and subsequent childhoods.

 

The birth and childhood of Jesus Christ was anything but similar. Even though Jesus was of royal blood and set to inherit the throne over all things, Christ's birth was associated with many signs of poverty.

 

For example, rather than being born to a royal queen, Jesus was born to a woman of no particular worldly significance. We read in Luke's gospel: '… God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary' (Luke 1:26-27). Note that Mary lived in the region called Galilee. This part of Israel was treated with contempt by the Jews living in the South. For example, later on in Jesus' life people consider it impossible for someone important to come from such a region. They ask: 'How can the Messiah come from Galilee? (John 7:41). But not only that, Mary is from Nazareth, a town in Galilee that was despised even by other Galileans. A Galilean is quoted in the gospel of John asking: 'Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?' (John 1:46). Thus, Jesus starts life in this world in the womb of a woman of no significance in a notorious town in a frowned upon state.

 

But Jesus' experience on earth didn't improve when it came to his actual birth. Rather than being born in the capital city of the Israelite nation, Jesus ended up being born in the small town of Bethlehem. We read: 'So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David' (Luke 2:4). Then, if matters couldn't get any worse for this prince of the world, he was born in the worst possible place for you to have a child: where the animals live. Rather than being born in a hospital or even a nice house, we read: 'While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them (Luke 2:6-7). Can you believe it? The future king of the world was placed in a feeding trough rather than an expensive cot. But why? Why would God allow his to be born in such an appalling way? Would we not be flabbergasted if Prince George was born in a barn in a small notorious town of England? Shouldn't we be shocked even more when we consider that Jesus was the future ruler over all things, not simply the British Kingdom? Why would God allow such a travesty?

 

None of this was a mistake. The humble birth of Christ was simply the first stage of a life filled with pain and suffering that God had planned for his Son. Christ's life did not improve after his birth, instead he went on to be tortured and crucified, even while the title 'King of the Jews' hung over his head. But why would God plan such a life of pain for his Prince? Peter tells us: 'For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God' (1Peter 3:18). Christ went through a life of humiliation, beginning with his birth, so that sinners could be in a right relationship with God.

 

The truth is, we all deserve to be punished for our sins. We deserve to experience poverty, suffering and excruciating death. But Christ willingly took that punishment so that, if we believe in him, we can live in heaven instead. This is why Christmas is so wonderful. Our king took on rags so that we could take on riches. Won't you trust in Christ as your King this Christmas?                     

Joel Radford

Why did Herod kill the baby boys? To protect his throne.

As we approach Christmas, we hear many familiar passages from Matthew's gospel about the birth of our Lord. These passages warm our hearts with affection for our God who came and lived amongst us so that we could enjoy peace with him.

 

However, not all the words of Matthew about this miraculous birth convey joy. In particular, the execution of the baby boys in Bethlehem by King Herod is not a pleasant account.

 

In Matthew chapter two we learn how the Magi came to King Herod and asked where the King of the Jews was to be born. King Herod was 'disturbed' and asked the Magi to report their findings to him. However the Magi are warned in a dream not to go back to Herod and so Herod is unable to kill Jesus directly.

 

Thus we read Herod's alternative solution to the problem: 'When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: "A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more" (Matthew 2:16-18).

 

But why would Herod wish to commit such an atrocity? Herod was afraid of losing his throne to Jesus. This violent act toward the residents of Bethlehem was merely one in a long of series of attempts to protect his throne. Out of fear, Herod killed most of his family including his favourite wife, brother-in-law, mother-in-law and three sons, along with other Jewish nobility and their families. Thus it was totally reasonable to Herod to execute a number of young boys in an effort to reduce the odds of a Messianic King growing up and taking his throne. Now we may be appalled at Herod's actions. But we are more like Herod than we may think. Jesus did come into this world to be king. And the sinful human heart hates the thought of it.

 

If we are honest, we prefer to be rulers of our own lives and follow our own laws. We don't want someone else to take us off our throne.

 

But that is precisely what Jesus has come to do. And so we often behave like Herod. We try to remove Jesus from our lives. Some may attack Jesus viciously, denying his existence altogether. Not content with that, they seek to remove Jesus from the lives of others (just as Herod did) by removing all mention of him from history – a recent example is even rewriting the calendar to remove the initials A.D. and B.C which refer to Christ. Meanwhile, some people are more subtle in their murder of Christ, they simply forget about him altogether. They go from one day to the next never thinking about their Creator and rightful ruler.

 

But the Lord will not be mocked. One day Christ's throne will be evident to all. Jesus will return and take his people to live forever with him. Meanwhile, those who have sought to rule their own lives will be punished forever. Jesus says: 'The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father' (Matthew 13:41-43).

 

So this Christmas, ask yourself are you like Herod? Are you trying to remove Christ from your life? Will you even go to desperate lengths to do so? Don't do it. Repent of trying to rule your own life. Trust in Christ as your savior and accept him as your loving ruler.

 

Joel Radford

How do you know Jesus was ‘God with us’?

The Bible refers to Jesus  Christ as 'Immanuel'. For example, we read in Matthew's gospel that Jesus was the fulfilment of a prophecy by Isaiah: 'All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" (which means "God with us")' (Matthew 1:22-23).

 

But what does it mean that Jesus was 'Immanuel'. The word 'Immanuel' is a Hebrew word that is translated 'God with us' (as shown in the above passage from Matthew). So when the Bible calls Jesus 'Immanuel', the Bible is saying that Jesus is God on earth. He is God, living as a human being.

 

But is there any evidence that Jesus was God living on earth? Yes. On a number of occasions, Jesus claimed to be God. For example, Jesus said: 'I and the Father are one' (John 10:30). Now, this might not sound like Jesus is calling himself God, but that was the understanding of his listeners at the time. We read in the next verses: '…his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, "I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?" "We are not stoning you for any good work," they replied, "but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God"' (John 10:31-33).

 

Jesus also made a claim to be God in his interactions with a paralysed man. We read: 'Some men came, bringing to him a paralysed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and  then  lowered  the  mat  the  man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralysed man, "Son, your sins are forgiven." Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, "Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, "Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier: to say to this paralysed man, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take your mat and walk'? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." So he said to the man, "I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home." He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!"' (Mark 2:3-12). Jesus claimed to be God by doing something that only God can do: forgive sins. And to prove that he can forgive sins, Jesus healed a paralysed man. If he was not God, then the paralysed man would not have been healed.

 

So Jesus is indeed 'Immanuel'. God lived with humans on earth for a time, and gave evidence of his divinity.

 

Why is that important? Well if Jesus is God then he can forgive us for our sins. And as we've seen, forgiving sins is something he does do. So how can you have Jesus forgive your sins? The apostle Peter says: 'everyone who believes in him [Jesus] receives forgiveness of sins through his name' (Acts 10:43).

 

Do you want forgiveness of sins from Immanuel? Trust Jesus without delay.

Joel Radford

What does it mean to be in Christ?

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in the 17th Century. Recently we've been answering questions about God's church. Last time we saw that Christians are united with Christ. But what does that mean?

Firstly, if you are 'in Christ', it means that you are in God's eternal plan. Paul says: 'For he [God] chose us in him [Christ] before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight (Ephesians 1:4). God has known about us for a very long time. Before the creation of the world, God has viewed us as in Christ.

Secondly, if you are 'in Christ' then you have been united with Christ during his life on earth. When Christ suffered on earth, Christians suffered with him. Peter writes: 'He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed' (1 Peter 2:24). If you believe in Christ, then you were in Christ when he suffered on the cross. Paul also says 'Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection' (Romans 6:3-5). We were not only united with Christ in his death, but in his resurrection too. So we share in the eternal life that Christ enjoys.

Thirdly, if you are 'in Christ' and alive today, then you are living 'in Christ' now. Once you come into physical existence, you are no longer simply in Christ in the mind of God, you live in Christ here and now. Paul says: 'Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!' (2 Corinthians 5:17).

So if you are 'in Christ' in this world, that means that all that you do for the Lord is done in Christ. Paul says 'I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength' (Philippians 4:12-13). Paul understood that whatever circumstances he was in and whatever he was called to do, he was able to do it because he was in Christ and Christ was continually at work through him.

Thus Paul exhorts Christians to live in Christ: 'So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness' (Colossians 2:6-7).

So do you have union with Christ? Are you 'in Christ'? Were you 'in Christ' before the creation of the world? Were you 'in Christ' when he was here on earth? Were you 'in Christ' when he suffered on the cross and then was raised to life? Are you 'in Christ' now?

If you fear that you are not 'in Christ', then turn from your sins and trust in his death for you. If you truly do that, then you are most assuredly 'in Christ'.

Joel Radford

What should you do about people who don't know Jesus?

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in the 17th Century. In previous weeks we've seen  that Jesus is the only way of salvation, which means those who haven't heard of Jesus are unsaved. This teaching should disturb us. So today we will look at what the Bible encourages us to do in light of such news.

 

If you knew that some people were living in ignorance to great danger, what would you do? You'd warn them of course! Even if they didn't want to hear the news, you'd at least try to make it known to them.

 

That's the position of the Christian. The Christian knows that a fearful judgement is coming. The Christian knows that if people repent of their sins and trust in Christ's death for them, then they will be saved from that judgement. The Christian knows that he has a responsibility to take this message to people who have no idea about the judgement or the way to escape it. So the Christian takes the news to as many people as he can. The Christian uses every possible way of getting the news across.

 

This is what Paul is speaking about in Romans: 'For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless   they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"'  (Romans 10:12-15). Paul is clear -  people can't be saved without calling on the name of the Lord. But they can't call on the name of the Lord unless they believe. And they can't believe if they have not heard. And they cannot hear unless someone preaches to them. So what does Paul want you to do? Take the good news to others. Often they will be so pleased, that they will even praise your feet as beautiful!

 

Similarly, Jesus himself commanded his disciples to take the gospel to all nations right before he ascended into heaven. In Matthew we read: 'Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."' (Matthew 28:18-20).

 

As a result, myriads of Christians have gone throughout the world to warn people and explain the good news. And I join them now. If you're not a Christian, do you understand your situation? One day you will be punished eternally for your rebellion against God. But if you turn to Christ in repentance and faith you can be saved and enjoy peace and security forever. Save yourself now from this corrupt generation!

 

And if you are a Christian, do you worry about others missing out on salvation? Do you have beautiful feet because you are taking the good news to others?                      

 

Joel Radford

 

 

Can those who have never heard of Jesus be saved?

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in 1648. Last week I showed you that the Bible teaches that Jesus is the only way of salvation. This teaching usually leads to another question, 'Can those who have never heard the gospel, and so do not know Jesus  or believe in him, be saved by living according to the light of nature?'

The Bible teaches that those who have never heard the gospel about Jesus cannot be saved. Although people may know something of God, they suppress that truth and live in rebellion against God. The apostle Paul says: 'The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served  created  things  rather  than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen. Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them' (Romans 1:18-32).

Apologies for the lengthy quote. But again and again in this passage, Paul teaches us that people turn their backs on God despite knowing much about him. Which means no one has saving knowledge of God through the general revelation in nature. The only way to be saved is through special revelation about God's son, Jesus Christ.

So do you believe in Christ for your salvation? Or are you seeking  salvation in another futile way?

Joel Radford

Is Jesus the only way of salvation?

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in 1648. Today I want to look at the important question, 'Is Jesus the only way of salvation?'

There are many religions in the world and many of them claim to know a way to an eternal life in a heavenly paradise. But are they all valid ways? Some believe all ways are valid. For example, there is a teaching called universalism that accepts every way of salvation as equally true. Universalism is often held by Unitarian churches. For example, a Sydney Unitarian church  says about themselves on their website: 'Unitarianism is a liberal non-creedal faith that welcomes you with all your uncertainties, questions and doubts. With its historical roots in the Jewish and Christian traditions Unitarian Universalism is a liberal religion. That is; a religion that keeps an open mind to the religious questions people have struggled with in all times and places. We believe that personal experience, conscience and reason should be the final authorities in religion, and that in the end religious authority lies not in a book or person or institution, but in ourselves. We are a "non-creedal" religion we do not ask anyone to subscribe to a creed.' (http://www.sydneyunitarians.org/)

But are they right? Do all religions and all spiritual beliefs have a secure way to heaven? Is Christianity just one true religion among many true religions? Are all creeds equally valid?

No. The Bible is clear that Jesus is the only way of salvation. Jesus himself says to his disciples: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me' (John 14:6). If you want to go to the Father, you must go through Jesus.

Another example of this teaching occurs after Jesus ascends into heaven. Peter and John are brought before the rulers, elders and teachers of the law because they have caused quite a commotion in healing a crippled man. When the leaders ask Peter and John about the miracle, we read: 'Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.'  Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."'  (Acts 4:8-12).

The apostle Paul also says: 'For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time' (1 Timothy 2:5-6).

So Universalism is heresy. There is only one way to heaven and that is through Jesus Christ. If you wish to have eternal life, you must put your trust in Christ's work at the cross and have your sins washed away by his blood.

So have you trusted in Christ who is the only way of salvation?

Joel Radford.

How do we participate in the benefits of Christ?

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in 1648. Today I want to look at the questions: What benefits has Christ obtained by his death?; How do we come to be made participants of the benefits which Christ has obtained?; and, Who are made participants in the benefits which Christ has obtained?

So, firstly, what are the benefits that Jesus has obtained for humans? When Jesus Christ died he was obtaining eternal redemption for sinners. The author of Hebrews says about Christ: 'He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption' (Hebrews 9:12). So although we deserve eternal punishment for our sin, Jesus redeems us from the death that we deserve and gives us eternal life.  Jesus himself makes this point when he says: 'For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many' (Mark 10:45).

But how do we come to be made participants in the redemption that Christ has obtained? The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit makes us participants in the redemption of Christ. Paul says: 'But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,  whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life' (Titus 3:4-7). No one is redeemed without the Holy Spirit applying the work of redemption to them.

So then, how do you know who the Holy Spirit has applied redemption to  so that they have been redeemed from sin by Christ? Once the Holy Spirit has applied the work of Christ to someone, he enables them to believe in Christ. Paul teaches us: 'For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast' (Ephesians 2:8-9). God gives the gift of faith to those who have been saved through Christ. So when someone believes, they demonstrate that they have had the work of Christ applied to them by the Holy Spirit. Paul makes this point when he writes to the church in Corinth. He says: 'It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence' (2 Corinthians 4:13-14).

So how can you enjoy the benefit of redemption that Christ has obtained through the cross? Believe that Jesus Christ has died for you at the cross. If you truly believe, then you are revealed as one who Christ has ransomed and who has had the Holy Spirit apply that work to you.

So believe, in Jesus Christ and you will be saved.

Joel Radford.

How was Jesus exalted? By his second coming with power

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in 1648. In particular, we've been looking at how Christ was exalted by  resurrection and his sitting at God's right hand. Another way that the Christ is exalted is by his coming again to judge the world. And that's what I want to begin looking at this week.

When important people arrive somewhere, they often make a grand entrance. They may arrive in a very expensive vehicle (possibly by a helicopter) and have a nice red carpet to walk on. They know that the style of their entrance exalts them.

So in which ways will Christ's second coming be an exalted entrance? Firstly, Jesus will come with great power as he arrives from the skies (and not simply using a helicopter!). Jesus himself tells us about that day:  'At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory' (Matthew 24:30).

How else will Christ's second coming be an exalted entrance? Jesus will come with all his holy angels. When important people go somewhere, they very rarely go alone. They at least have bodyguards with them, if not members of the police force or military. When Jesus comes he will come with a heavenly army: 'If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels' (Luke 9:26). And: 'When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all  the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory' (Matthew 25:31).

How else will Christ's second coming be an exalted entrance? Jesus will come with loud exclamation. When celebrities arrive somewhere, loud announcements are often made by microphone; music may be played;  fireworks may explode. When Jesus comes it will be with a loud shout and the noise of the trumpet of God. Paul says: 'For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first' (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Jesus himself also says in Matthew's gospel: 'And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other' (Matthew 24:31).

So the return of Christ will be an exalted entrance indeed. A descent with power, with a heavenly army and with lots of loud acclamation! There has been no entrance like it in all of human history, even by the most powerful of people. No one will miss the entrance of Jesus!

So what should you do in light of this prophecy about the second coming of Christ? If you wish to be able to run toward Christ in love on that day and not run away from him in fear, you need to turn from your sins and trust that he died for you. Don't delay. And then look forward to that day when your saviour will be exalted as he deserves to be.

Joel Radford.

How was Jesus exalted? By sitting and interceding

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained
in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in 1648. In particular
we've been looking at how Christ was exalted by sitting in God's
presence – known as his session. We've seen that Christ's session at
God's right hand exalts him as it means Jesus has all favour from God,
fullness of joy and power over all things. This week I want to show you
that Christ should be exalted because he is at God's right hand making
intercession

If you are able to sit in the presence of someone important you should
be exalted. But how much more should you be exalted if you take that
time to intercede on behalf of others. For example, imagine you had been
given time with the Prime Minister of Australia and he was willing to
listen to you and maybe grant some of your requests. Now you could speak
about your own needs and hopefully get some help with them. Or you could
choose to talk about some of the needs of people who have much greater
problems than you do. If you did the former, that would be fine. But if
you did the latter and spoke about the needs of others, quite a few
people would want to honour you – particularly those you tried to help!

Now that is what Jesus has done. Jesus has been exalted to God's right
hand which means he has complete access to God the Father. And the Bible
tells us that,while he is there, Jesus makes requests for us: 'Christ
Jesus, who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right
hand of God and is also interceding for us' (Romans 8:34).

What is Jesus interceding about? The verse before tells us that Jesus is
answering charges against us. See the verses together: 'Who will bring
any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.
Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died--more than that, who was
raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for
us' (Romans 8:33-34). Satan is the great accuser but whenever he brings
a charge against us it is dismissed because God is the one who justifies
and God has Christ right there ready to intercede on our behalf.

What does this mean? Paul tells us in the next verses that we have
nothing to fear: 'For I am convinced that neither death nor life,
neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any
powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation,
will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus
our Lord' (Romans 8:38-39). If Christ is at God's right hand interceding
for you, then you will never be separated from God's love – what
marvelous news!

Thus Jesus deserves our exaltation. Not only is he at God's right hand,
but Jesus is interceding for us while he is there!

But how do you have Jesus intercede to God on your behalf? If you trust
that Jesus died for you then he intercedes to God for you by presenting
his life as a sacrifice for your sins. You are allowed to go free.

So have you trusted that Jesus died for your sins and now lives at God's
right hand to intercede for you? Do you exalt him accordingly?

Joel Radford.

How was Jesus exalted? By sitting with all power

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in 1648. In particular we've been looking at how Christ was exalted by his sitting in God's presence – known as his session. We've seen that Christ's session at God's right hand exalts him as it means Jesus has all favour from God and fullness of joy. This week I want to show you that Christ's session exalts him as it also grants him power over all things.

An online dictionary defines a right hand man as a person's most valuable assistant or supporter. For example, I would consider my wife, Jill, to be my 'right hand man' as she certainly is my most valuable assistant and supporter. And I'm sure she would say that I am her 'right hand man'.

Now if someone is your most valuable assistant, then you must have granted that person specific powers. If my wife is my 'right hand man' yet I don't allow her any power to make any decisions and take any actions, then she isn't my right hand man!

So if Jesus is God's right hand man, then God must have granted great power to Jesus so that Jesus can be of assistance.

And that is exactly what the Bible tells us. Peter describes Jesus as one 'who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand--with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him' (1 Peter 3:22). Peter is clear that Christ's session in heaven is one that grants him power over all created beings.

Moreover, the apostle Paul also describes Christ as having complete dominion whilst he sits at God's right hand. Speaking of God's power, Paul says: 'That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way' (Ephesians 1:19-23).

And the fact that the Christ is sitting at God's right hand with all power is not a new idea. It is known as far back as Psalm 110 where we read: 'The LORD says to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." The LORD will extend your mighty scepter from Zion; you will rule in the midst of your enemies. Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy majesty, from the womb of the dawn you will receive the dew of your youth' (Psalm 110:1-3). Christ's dominion over his enemies fulfils this great prophecy.

And if Christ is sitting with all dominion, then he is exalted indeed.

So what are you going to do about the news that the Christ has been exalted to the right hand of God and now sits there with power over all things? The Bible encourages you to exalt Christ by submitting to his rule with repentance and faith. And if you do, then one day you will be resurrected to live forever with him.

Joel Radford.

How was Jesus exalted? By sitting with fullness of joy

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in 1648. In particular we've been looking at how Christ was exalted by his sitting in God's presence. We've seen that Christ's session at God's right hand gives him all favour from God. This week I want to show that Christ should be exalted because he has fullness of joy at God's right hand.

When people are exalted and then experience great joy in the situation, it gives them further exaltation. Whereas if someone is in a place of honour and they are sour about it, we don't feel that we should honour them. I saw a recent example of this when our family went on a cruise ship for our recent holidays. There was a competition that involved the whole ship and surprisingly my children won! When the winners were announced, Joshua and Philippa were allowed to go up on the stage to receive trophies. My wife commented that I got some good photos of them while they were up there, but it wasn't that hard – they didn't stop smiling the entire time they were on stage! And I think that when people saw their joy in exaltation, they clapped all the more.

When Jesus sat down in God's presence he did so with great joy. Peter says in Acts 2: 'But God raised him [Jesus] from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. David said about him: " 'I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.  You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.' "Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay.  God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact.  Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear' (Acts 2:24-33).

Peter quotes from Psalm 16 and proves that David was talking about Jesus. David prophesied that the Christ would be raised to life, go into God's presence and have great joy. And this is what he has done.

So Jesus deserves our exaltation by his sitting at the right hand of God. But he also deserves our exaltation because he sits there with joy. He certainly deserves the place of such favour.

So what are you going to do about the news that the Christ has been exalted to the right hand of God and now sits there with fullness of joy? The Bible encourages you to exalt him by submitting to his rule with repentance and faith. And if you do, then you also will be resurrected, ascend into God's presence and be filled with joy one day too.

So will you exalt Christ by submitting in repentance and faith?

Joel Radford.

How was Jesus exalted? By sitting at the right hand of God

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in 1648. In particular we've been looking at how Christ was exalted. We've seen that he was exalted by his resurrection and  ascension into heaven. Last week we also saw that Christ was exalted by his sitting in God's presence. This week I want to show that Jesus is exalted by sitting at the right hand of God.

If you are allowed into the presence of someone important, you are exalted. But your exaltation also depends on what you are allowed to do in their presence. If you are invited to take a seat, it signifies further favour. If you are allowed to sit near them it means you have been shown even more favour. So what is Jesus allowed to do in God's presence? Jesus is allowed to sit at God's right hand. But what does that mean? It shows that Christ is in the greatest of all positions of favour.

Throughout the Bible, the right hand of someone is often seen as their instrument for conveying favour. For example, when Joseph's sons are blessed by Israel (their grandfather), we read: 'Now Israel's eyes were failing because of old age, and he could hardly see. So Joseph brought his sons close to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them. Israel said to Joseph, "I never expected to see your face again, and now God has allowed me to see your children too." Then Joseph removed them from Israel's knees and bowed down with his face to the ground. And Joseph took both of them, Ephraim on his right toward Israel's left hand and Manasseh on his left toward  Israel's  right  hand, and brought them close to him. But Israel reached out his right hand and put it on Ephraim's head, though he was the younger, and crossing his arms, he put his left hand on Manasseh's head, even though Manasseh was the firstborn. Then he blessed Joseph and said, "May the God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, the Angel who has delivered me from all harm--may he bless these boys. May they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they increase greatly upon the earth." When Joseph saw his father placing his right hand on Ephraim's head he was displeased; so he took hold of his father's hand to move it from Ephraim's head to Manasseh's head. Joseph said to him, "No, my father, this one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head." But his father refused and said, "I know, my son, I know. He too will become a people, and he too will become great. Nevertheless, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his descendants will become a group of nations"' (Genesis 48:10-19).

This text illustrates the significance of Christ's exaltation to the right hand of God – the Bible could not describe Jesus in any greater place. Jesus has been given the highest of all favour by God the Father.

So what are you going to do about the news that the Christ has been exalted to the right hand of God? If God has shown him all favour then, you should too. And such favour begins by repenting of your sins and trusting that he died for you. So will you?

Joel Radford.

How was Jesus exalted? By sitting in God's presence

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in 1648. In particular we've been looking at how Christ was exalted. We've seen that he was exalted by his resurrection and  ascension into heaven. Another way that Christ is exalted is by his sitting at the right hand of God – also known as his session.

In our society, we recognise that those who are exalted are people who are allowed to be close to the rich and powerful. If a certain celebrity or powerful politician permits you to come into their presence and sit next to them, you are an exalted person. Otherwise their bodyguards would repel all your attempts to get near them.

So if Jesus is allowed to sit down at God's right hand, then God has exalted him. And that is exactly what Christ has done.

Jesus knew he would sit at God's right hand and told others this truth. In fact, it was Jesus' prediction that he would sit at God's right hand that led to his execution. At his trial before the Jewish priests, we read: 'The high priest said to him, "I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God." "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied. "But I say to all of you: In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven." Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, "He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy.  What  do  you  think?" "He is worthy of death," they answered' (Matthew 26:63-66).

The Jewish priests knew exactly what Christ was claiming by saying that he would sit at God's right hand. Jesus was claiming a level of exaltation that they simply could not believe or tolerate. And so they killed him.

But the right hand of God is exactly where Jesus went. Peter tells the crowd: 'God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear' (Acts 2:32-33). And as a result we read people were 'cut to the heart ' and became Christians.

Moreover, Stephen actually sees Christ at God's right hand: 'But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him' (Acts 7:55-58). Once again we see that the Jews knew what sitting at God's right hand meant and couldn't bear the thought of such exaltation.

So what are you going to do about the news that the Christ has been exalted to the right hand of God? Are you going to react violently to such news as some of the Jews did in the Scriptures? Or are you going to believe in Christ and exalt him too?

Joel Radford.

How was Jesus exalted? By ascending to prepare a place for us

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in 1648. In particular we've been looking at how Christ was exalted by his visible ascension. We've also seen that the purposes behind Christ's ascension exalt him further, namely his giving gifts to humans and his raising our thoughts heavenward. This week I want to look at another reason Jesus ascended to heaven: to prepare a place for us.

People often exalt those who prepare a place for them to live. Architects who design beautiful houses and builders who build them are given great honour.

Thus Jesus also naturally deserves our praise once we understand that part of the reason for his ascension into heaven was to prepare a place for us. Jesus says: 'Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am' (John 14:1-3).

The apostle Paul also describes this heavenly home built by God: 'Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked' (2 Corinthians 5:1-3).

Sometimes we  might  be  tempted  to think that it would have been better for Jesus to stay here on earth with us. But he tells us in that passage in John's gospel that we should not be troubled in his absence. Why? Because his ascension means he has gone to prepare our new home in heaven.

The burning question then is, how do I make sure Jesus prepares some real estate in heaven for me? Jesus goes on in the same passage in John's gospel to answer this question. He tells his disciples they know the way and then clears up some confusion: 'You know the way to the place where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me"' (John 14:4-6).

So Jesus is the way to heaven. But how do we walk in Christ to heaven? By faith. Jesus says earlier in John's gospel: 'For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day' (John 6:40). If you believe in Jesus' death for you, you are on the path that leads to a heavenly home built by God.

So how is Christ exalted in his ascension? By going to heaven to prepare a place for you to live in for eternity.

So do you praise Christ for his ascension? Do you exalt him because you believe in him which means he has gone to prepare a place for you in heaven?                        Joel Radford.

How was Jesus exalted? By ascending to raise our affections

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in 1648. In particular we've been looking at how Christ was exalted by his visible ascension. Last week we started to look at the purposes behind Christ's ascension, which then exalt Christ even further. Namely we saw that one of the reasons Christ ascended was to give gifts to humans. This week I want to show you that Jesus also ascended to raise our thoughts toward heaven.

If someone is able to focus your attention onto what is good and true, you usually will praise them for it. This principle may be seen by the way children praise school teachers who were able to help them greatly in understanding the world. Or how people will exalt artists who have heightened their joy about beauty.

When Jesus ascended into heaven, he went with the purpose of raising our thoughts toward heaven. The apostle Paul says: 'Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived' (Colossians 3:1-7).

Thinking about Christ should make us think about things above because that is where Christ is. It is kind of like if someone you love goes away on holidays. You will think of them from time to time and you will inevitably think about where they currently are. And so if we think about Christ, we will think about heaven – an excellent place for our minds to get lost in meditation. Paul then goes on to say that such thinking will also lead to putting to death the behaviours of the sinful nature as your mind will be focused on good things, not evil things. For example, if you're thinking about Christ and heaven you won't be thinking about  sexual immorality and greed.

Paul says something similar in his letter to the church in Philippi: 'For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body' (Philippians 3:18-21).

So how is Christ exalted in his ascension? Well, one way is by focusing our attention on where it should be, his reign in heaven.

So do you praise Christ for his ascension? Do you exalt him because he encourages your thoughts to rise heavenward?

Joel Radford.

How was Jesus exalted? By ascending and giving gifts

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in 1648. In particular we've been looking at how Christ was exalted by his ascension. Last week we saw that Christ was exalted by visibly ascending into heaven. This week I want to show that Christ is exalted in his ascension by giving gifts to humans.

When you ascend higher than others there is a feeling of exaltation. An example of this is kids in playgrounds shouting 'I'm the king of the world' from the tip of the play equipment.

Now when Christ ascended to heaven, he certainly was exalted by being physically higher than us. But ascending to higher levels often serves a purpose, it is not simply a demonstration of status. For example, I don't like climbing the stairs in our home unless it serves a purpose. I go upstairs when I need to get something that belongs in our upstairs bedroom, like a jacket. Otherwise, it's too much effort.

When Jesus ascended into heaven, he went with a purpose. One of those purposes was to give gifts to his church. Paul says: 'But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: "When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men." (What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) It was he who gave some  to  be  apostles,  some to  be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up  until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ' (Ephesians 4:7-15).

This passage teaches us that Christ's ascension led to Christ giving grace to his church in the form of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. The allusion is to the triumphal entry of Roman conquerors into their cities with captives in chains and free gifts for the cheering crowds.

So Christ gave much more in his ascension than I achieve by going upstairs to get a jacket. He gave people to his church who would help it mature and grow. Thus Christ is greatly exalted by his ascension. Yes, it was quite an achievement for him to go up to heaven in the first place, and for that, he is worthy of praise. But he is all the more praiseworthy for the gifts that he has blessed the church with as he ascended.

So do you praise Christ for his ascension? Do you praise Christ for the gifts that he has given to his church as part of his ascension?

Joel Radford

How was Jesus exalted? By ascending visibly

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained
in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in 1648. In particular
we've been looking at how Christ was exalted by his resurrection. This
week I want to begin looking at how Christ was exalted in his ascension,
namely, by ascending visibly.

After Jesus was raised from the dead he often and appeared to his
apostles and spoke with them. Luke tells us this in Acts: 'After his
suffering, he [Jesus] showed himself to these men and gave many
convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period
of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God' (Acts 1:3).

But what happened after that? Jesus ascended into the heavens. Luke
tells us: 'On one occasion [after his resurrection], while he was eating
with them, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait
for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.
For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized
with the Holy Spirit." So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord,
are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" He said to
them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set
by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit
comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all
Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." After he said this, he
was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their
sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going,
when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. "Men of
Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This
same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in
the same way you have seen him go into heaven"' (Acts 1:4-11). Luke's
other account of the ascension reads: 'While he [Jesus] was blessing
them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him
and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at
the temple, praising God' (Luke 24:51-53). It is clear that Jesus
ascended into heaven, and he did it visibly.

Why does such an act exalt Christ? Most people would agree that going
into heaven is a praiseworthy act. Most of humanity is trying to get
into some form of paradise and would praise anyone who makes it there.
But why is it important to note that Christ's ascension was visible?
Lots of people claim to have gone to heaven. Many Christian bookstores
will happily sell you books written by people who make such a claim
(although one popular one was pulled from publication this year as its
author, Alex Malarkey, recanted his testimony). But to my knowledge,
none of those who claim to have been to heaven also claim to have
ascended visibly into heaven while others watched. Jesus' visible
ascension to heaven is unique and as a result he has received exaltation
through history.

So do you praise Christ for his visible ascension like the apostles did
many years ago?

Joel Radford

How was Jesus exalted? By rising to be head of the church

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in 1648. In particular we've been looking at how Christ was exalted by his resurrection. We've seen that  Christ was exalted by moving from a dead state to a living state and by the fact that all three members of the Trinity raised him. We've also seen that Christ's resurrection declared that he was the Son of God and the Lord of the living and the dead, and that he had satisfied divine justice and publicly defeated death and Satan. This week I want to show that Jesus was exalted by his resurrection as his resurrection accomplished great things for his church.

If you do something powerful, people will exalt you easily enough. But if you are able to demonstrate excellent reasons for such a powerful action,  then people will exalt you even more.

For example, if I can leap buildings in a single bound like Superman claims, that is marvellous. But it is even more marvellous if I leap buildings in a single bound not simply to help myself, but to  help others.

As we've seen in previous weeks, Christ's resurrection is marvellous for many reasons. But Christ's resurrection is even more marvellous if we consider that he was raised from the dead for the benefit of his people.

How does Christ's resurrection benefit his people. Firstly, Paul says that Christ's resurrection was for our justification: 'He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification' (Romans   4:25).   What does this mean? At his death, Christ became our sin and paid the penalty for sin. Christ's resurrection then demonstrated that payment for sin had been made – if something more was owing because of our sins, then Jesus would have stayed dead. But because he was raised, we know we are justified (right with God).

Secondly Christ was raised from the dead to raise us from the dead too. As Christians, Paul says that we have been 'raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead' (Col 2:12). We have new life in Christ.

Thirdly, Christ was raised from the dead to give us assurance of our own resurrection. In 1 Corinthians Paul states that if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. But then Paul says that Christ has been raised and many will follow him: 'But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep' (1 Corinthians 15:20). Because of Christ's resurrection we can know that those who have 'fallen asleep' will one day be raised too. And that includes us when we eventually 'fall asleep'.

So Christ's resurrection exalts him in many ways, particularly when we consider that his resurrection benefits those who believe in him: Christ's resurrection justifies Christians, makes Christians alive and gives assurance of our own resurrection.

So do you exalt Christ because of his resurrection? Do you take comfort in the fact that his resurrection was for your justification, to make you live and give you assurance?

Joel Radford.

How was Jesus exalted? By rising publicly

We've been going through an old list of questions and answers contained in the Westminster Larger Catechism published in 1648. In particular we've been looking at how Christ was exalted by his resurrection. We've seen that  Christ was exalted by moving from a dead state to a living state and by the fact that all three members of the Trinity raised him. We've also seen that Christ's resurrection declared that he was the Son of God and the Lord of the living and the dead, and that he had satisfied divine justice and defeated death and Satan. This week I want to show that Jesus was exalted by his resurrection as it was a public event.

If you want to do something to exalt yourself then you need to do it publicly. You're not going to get much praise if you are able to walk on fire in the privacy of your bedroom. If you wish to be exalted as the greatest fire walker ever, eventually you're going to have to go public.

As we've seen previously, Jesus' resurrection from the dead certainly exalts him. It is the most stupendous event of history. Pretty much everyone is interested in a way to defeat death. That's why a billionaire like Peter Thiele  has dedicated millions to extending life through anti-aging research.

But if Jesus did come back from the dead, it is not going to get him much credit if it was a private event that no one knows about. Yet, the Bible tells us repeatedly that Jesus' resurrection was a public event. The apostle Paul gives a summary of Christ's resurrection appearances in his letter to the Corinthians: 'Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the  gospel  I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand.  By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.  For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles,  and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born' (1 Corinthians 15:1-8).

Jesus' resurrection was not a small affair. It was witnessed by many and the news spread like wildfire. Paul is able to claim the public knowledge of the resurrection to King Agrippa. He said: 'What I am saying is true and reasonable. The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner' (Acts 26:25-26).

And as a result of the public nature of his resurrection people have exalted Christ ever since. They've also seen fit to trust in his death for them so that they will be raised from the dead too.

So do you exalt Christ because he was raised from the dead, publicly? Do you trust him so that you will be publicly raised too?

Joel Radford.