Tag Archives: Jesus

G*d’s Son, the second person of the Holy Trinity, Messiah, Savior

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:44 am on June 10, 2015
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Hope Beyond The Grave — Rev. David J. Schreffler

June 10, 2015

“For we know that when this tent we live in—our body here on earth—is torn down, God will have a house in heaven for us to live in, a home he himself has made, which will last forever.” 2 Corinthians 5:1

“Paul is tackling the topic of the Christian hope beyond the grave, and more specifically, what happens to the believer at the point of death. In our culture the subject of death holds a certain fascination as well as repulsion. On the one hand, we try to mask the fact of death with euphemisms such as “he passed on” and “she went to a better place” and with funeral rites such as viewing the body, remarking how well someone looks and placing flowers on the grave. On the other hand, our culture, especially in recent years, has displayed an attraction to the topic of death in the form of accounts of near-death experiences…

God’s intention for the believer is bodily existence, not disembodiment as some would claim. More specifically, those who face physical hardship and suffering as a result of their labors in the gospel ministry are assured that, come what may, a house of God’s own designing (ek theou–from God) awaits them. This house is distinguished in three ways. It is of heavenly versus earthly origin (in heaven). It is a permanent (eternal) as opposed to a temporary structure. And it is assembled by God rather than by human hands (not built by human hands).” The Christian Hope Beyond the Grave, BibleGateway

We can look at the home that G*d is preparing for us in two ways. In John 14, Jesus talks about a mansion, that has many rooms that awaits all of us when we die. Here, Paul is describing something more tangible — that our earthly bodies will no more be our “home”, but G*d will provide an “eternal” if not “permanent” structure for us all. Although what will happen exactly to us once we cross the threshold of death is uncertain, to say the least, we can at least expect the following:

First, through the resurrection we will experience a transformation.
Second, our “house” will involve some form of material existence.
Finally, through the Spirit we are insured continuity between present and future modes of existence.

To go beyond this is to speculate without more justification than what Paul could tell us. But if G*d promises existence beyond this earthly existence, then it will be most certainly true. And we can all wait for that day when Jesus ushers us to our new home.

Pastor Dave

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:44 am on June 9, 2015
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Climb Every Mountain — Rev. David J. Schreffler

June 9, 2015

“Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.” The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” Jesus replied, “You may go. Your son will live.” The man took Jesus at his word and departed.” John 4:48-50

“Some folks are desperate for signs and wonders. “Show me and I’ll believe,” they say. A miraculous sign may help convince the seeking but cautious heart, but it will add to the condemnation of the hard-hearted who are looking for excuses. Jesus said, “They have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father” (John 15:24). Many will believe and yet not confess, because they love their lives just as they are (John 12:42-43).
 The royal official may have had some doubts, but he was desperate for Jesus to save his child. He did not let the rebuke deter him. There was nowhere else in which he placed any hope. Jesus spoke the word, and it was done. Remember that whatever your situation, Jesus need only speak the word and it is done. If He doesn’t, there is a reason. The solution to every problem is a word from the lips of Jesus, but He will not speak it when He has better things in store for you.” Through the Bible Daily Devotions, June 9

How hard is it for many in this world to “take Jesus at his word”? Many do want to have more than just the promises that G*d has given us through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Do you trust Jesus with his word? Do you trust that the promises of G*d are promises for you, even though you will not receive some tangible proof or “miraculous sign”? Jesus said to Thomas, “Do you believe because you have seen? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet come to believe.” Thomas is like any of us in wanting to see for our own eyes — rather than having the trust of the royal official to turn from Jesus with only his word that “Your son will live.”

Our faith lives are a journey — and it is with each mountain top that we climb, each valley from which we ascend that our trust and faith grows. We are a project that is under construction until the day we die. And all along we learn to “take Jesus at his word”.

Pastor Dave