PASSOVER, EASTER, CRUCIFIXION DATE, AND OTHER CONTROVERSERIES

If you look carefully near where Joseph's hiding behind a post, you'll note the Easter Bunny joining in the nativity scene. Nah, it's a normal rabbit allowed out of its cage as the keeper cleaned up near this nativity scene at Cincinnati Zoo.

Unfortunately, Christmas and Easter and Passover become points of contention among believers. Allow me to share three issues and my response.

1. Do Christians ignore the Passover? No. Now, I did attend a couple of Seders put on by a Messianic Synagogue here in Indy. I also have heard one person say all Christians should keep Passover, based on 1 Corinthians 5:8. My response? Christians have freedom, but technically, Gentile Christians should not consider that holiday theirs, because when that day was instituted, God stated that a foreigner cannot participate unless circumcised (Exodus 12:43-49).
2. Should Christians celebrate Easter? Some point out that Easter is a pagan celebration, with fertility symbols like rabbits, ages, and chicks. Does that make it a pagan holiday? My response? 'Romans 14:5-6 states that holiday celebration is up to the believer. We need to remember it's not idols but the Lord who created rabbits and chicks.
3. Are the majority of Christians ignoring the Bible when they celebrate Good Friday on Friday and Easter on Sunday? There are two different references to the third day. Jesus said in Matthew 12:40 the Son of Man (Jesus) will be in the depths of the earth three days and three nights, which is longer than the traditional calendar, and fits with the length of time Jews considered the deceased as definitely dead. But there are references to the third day as being the day after tomorrow (e.g. Leviticus 7:17-18; 19:6-7). My response? I agree that Christ was crucified on Wednesday, but I know fellow believers hold to the traditional view. In putting all the words of the four gospels in a harmony, author Johnston M. Cheney, while holding to atypical views (e.g. Christ's ministry being 4 years, and Peter denying Christ 6 times) believes Christ was crucified on Friday. Thus, I don't think this issue is important enough to divide over.

It always discourages me when I see Christians look for something to divide over that doesn't change the fact that Christ died for our sins according to Scripture and was raised from the grave according to Scripture, and that we're saved by grace through faith and not of works.
 

EASTER CAROLING, ANYBODY? AND FAVORITE RESURRECTION SONGS.

Young Martin Luther and Carolers Sing For Mrs. Cotta in Eisenach by Ferdinand Pauwels

I will never forget one suggestion made by Leah Libresco in her book Building The Benedict Option: A Guide To Gathering Two Or Three Together In His Name: Easter caroling.

Why not? After all, we go Christmas caroling. Why not Easter Caroling? 

Now, while there are many great Resurrection Day songs (more on those later), I can only think of three that I'd use for Easter caroling. But do we need a long list? After all, we'd only sing at the most two or three songs at each place.

Plus, when we sing at shut-ins and the like, wouldn't they not only enjoy hearing familiar songs but being reminded that Christ has conquered sin and death?

Reminder - the blog title mentions two parts. Often in a two subject blog, you do one and then the other. In this case, though, I'll combine the topics, and start with three songs that are favorites on the resurrection and that would be great for caroling:

• "Christ Arose" (aka "Low In The Grave He Lay"). Isn't that a triumphant song for the season?
• "Christ The Lord Is Risen Today." Excellent and theologically deep and sound lyrics by Charles Wesley, as you'd expect. I did hear someone mention, though, that John Wesley did not include this song in early Methodist Hymnals. 
• To the more contemporary, how about "The Easter Song," written by Annie Herring, originally recorded by the 2nd Chapter of Acts (which includes Annie), and recorded by several others like Keith Green, Glad, and Jess Ray.

Now, there are other great songs for that time of year that I would not consider material for caroling, but other great resurrection songs. Pardon me for putting them in random order.

• "Tell The Whole World" by Becky Ugartechea. My all time favorite song. Upbeat, and the ending is enough to get you excited to tell the world. Unfortunately, I don't know how to access it if you don't have the project: not on Spotify, not on YouTube, not anyplace either. :( 
• "Star Of The Morning" by Leon Patillo. Great, powerful keyboards, great singing. It's also been covered by Shirley Ceasar.
  
• "The Victor" by Jamie Owens-Collins. This classic has been covered by the Green brothers: Keith and Steve. 
• "He Lives" by Erick Nelson. Yes, this is a more obscure one, but definitely a great song on the resurrection.
• "Love Crucified Arose" by Michael Card.
• "The King Is Alive" by Function. And you thought Erick Nelson was obscure? But you can find it on Spotify.
• "The Holy City" by Mahalia Jackson (and probably others). A classic.
• "The Roar of Love"/"I Heard The Stars Sing Before" by 2nd Chapter of Acts. This pair, back to back on their "Roar of Love" album based on C.S.Lewis' "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" refers to Aslan the Lion, but is the meaning different?
• "He Came, He Saw, He Conquered" by Petra. Energetic song with John Schlitt's exciting singing.
• "Graverobber" by Petra. This one is from the Greg Volx era, focusing not just on Christ's resurrection but ours as well.
• "What A Day" by Alisa Turner. A newer one.
• "Christ is Risen" by Mia Fieldes. Another newby. Check both her and Alisa out on Spotify.
• "Living Hope" by Phil Wickham; still another contemporary one, but I think it's better known. For example, we sang it this morning (Easter) at my church.
• "The Garden Tomb" by the Isaacs. Yep, it's time to get into Southern Gospel.
• "She Found Jesus Alive" by Carroll Roberson. This is a song I could never stay depressed listening to.
• "Last Night" by Karen Peck and New River. Very solid song.
• "Russian Easter Festival Overture" by Rimski-Korsokov. Okay, it's instrumental. Is it dealing with the Resurrection, or with festivals celebrated that time? After all, the composer was an Agnostic. But it makes me think of Christ's being raised. Very energetic, and I have a tradition of listening to it on Easter. I like it better than Mahler's Resurrection Symphony (I've never been able to get into Mahler.)

One last thought: Don't worry. I'm not going to suggest Good Friday caroling.

BOOK REVIEW - CHANGED INTO HIS LIKENESS: A BIBLICAL THEOLOGY OF PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION, BY J. GARY MILLAR

 

Why does it seem hard to make lasting change in our lives for the better? Is it impossible, or does it take, for lack of a better term, an act of God?

J. Gary Millar does an excellent job of dealing with the issue of personal transformation and what the Bible teaches on the subject in his book "Changed Into His Image: A Biblical Theology of Personal Transformation." He starts off with our desire for transformation but various reasons why we're not capable of it, including the influence psychology, neuroscience, quantum physics, and philosophical considerations.

He then goes into the Old Testament, pointing out that while there's a promise of transformation, there aren't any true examples. In the New Testament, Millar focuses on the Gospel and the Holy Spirit being the source of empowerment to be able to live a transformed life.

This is the sixth book of the New Studies on Biblical Theology series, and the second one penned by J. Gary Millar, both of which are among my favorites. I highly recommend this book.

You may realize that today is Maunday Thursday. Personal transformation is possible because Christ died for us, rose again, and sent His Spirit into those who put their trust in Him.

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 14 OF 48 (EASTER EDITION): PSALM 47

1   Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples!
    Shout to God with the voice of triumph!
2  For the LORD Most High is awesome;
    He is a great King over all the earth.
3  He will subdue the peoples under us,
    And the nations under our feet.
4  He will choose our inheritance for us,
    The excellence of Jacob whom He loves.
                                        Selah

5  God has gone up with a shout,
    The LORD with the sound of a trumpet.
6  Sing praises to God, sing praises!
    Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
7  For God is the King of all the earth;
    Sing praises with understanding.
8  God reigns over the nations;
    God sits on His holy throne.
9  The princes of the people have gathered together,
    The people of the God of Abraham.
    For the shields of the earth belong to God;
    He is greatly exalted.

                    Psalm 47:1-9, New King James Version

 

Normally, the Psalm that one would associate with Jesus' resurrection would be Psalm 16:10. Both Peter and Paul quoted from it in dealing with Christ being raised (Acts 2:25-38 and 13:35). However, in doing this series, I chose 48 Psalms I wanted to deal with and then choosing which one of those I wanted to do on Easter.

I chose Psalm 47, because I see a comparison of the LORD Yahweh being the King of the earth, and the resurrected Christ being the ruler of all, having conquered death.

One item I found interesting, besides the urging to sing in verses 6 and 7 is the reference to "the people of the God of Abraham" in verse 9. It isn't "The God of Israel" or "The God of Jacob." When you compare this with the New Testament, I see a hint that God's people is not restricted to Israel but is broader than that.

Hallelujah! He is risen! And the answer to "He is Risen!" is... 

MATTHIAS - MAN'S CHOICE TO REPLACE JUDAS? OR GOD'S?

 

St. Matthias, by Peter Paul Ruben

 

This Pentecost Sunday, I thought I'd look at one of the Apostles who took part of the first Pentecost. Or was he really an apostle and not counted among the Twelve solely due to the rashness of Peter, occupying a spot that God had designated for Paul?

Let's look at what Scripture says about the choice of Matthias and the circumstances. Namely, we need to turn to Acts 1. Here's a brief outline of that chapter:

1. Luke addresses this book to Theophilus. (1:1)
   
2. Jesus, after the resurrection, instructed His apostles, telling them to remain in Jerusalem until they receive the Spirit, and commissioning them as witnesses. (1:2-8)
3. Jesus ascended, and the angels tell the apostles He will return in the same manner (1:9-11)
4. They returned to Jerusalem, and were in prayer and supplication with the women, Mary, Jesus' brothers, and the rest of the disciples (total about 120). (1:12-16)
5. Peter addressed the need for someone to fill Judas Isacariot's place, gave qualifications, nominated Justus and Matthias, prayed, cast lots, and selected Matthias. (1:17-26)

When I read this, I just see a historical account. It tells what happened. There was no voice from heaven confirming they did the right thing, nor was there a rebuke either from God or in the writing of Luke.

Does that keep Christians from reading between the lines? I wish. I've heard several, including some of my favorite teachers, saying that the disciples should have held off and let Jesus/God clearly reveal His choice. These propose that Paul was God's choice to fill that role. Here are some of the reasons for that thought:

• Paul had a prominent place in Acts and in Church History. Matthias didn't.
• Eschatologically, there are two references to twelve followers: Jesus' promise to His followers to sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel (Matthew 19:28) and the names of the twelve apostles written on the twelve foundations of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:14). Thus there should only be twelve apostles: Both Matthias and Paul could not be apostles, and others like Barnabas and James the Lord's brother could not either.
• Peter was the one introducing the concept - no record of that idea being mentioned earlier. And we know Peter could be rash and put his foot in his mouth. So who's to say Peter wasn't exercising authority that didn't belong to him?
• Finally, they cast lots to choose Matthias, or in modern terms, throwing dice. Is that how God speaks?
  

Are any of these points irrefutable? I don't think so. Allow me to share my thoughts on why we should just leave Scripture alone and allow Matthias his place among the twelve.

• Just because Matthias was not as prominent as Paul did not mean he wasn't God's choice. True, Matthias was only mentioned by name twice in Acts (both in Acts 1). But how does he compare? Not counting Paul and assuming the Phillip in Acts 8 and 21 isn't the Apostle Phillip, then Matthias would be tied for third place among the twelve for most mentions. Peter, of course, was first, and John was second (though he got those mentions by being with Peter at the time). Matthias was tied with James the son of Zebedee with two mentions, and the second mention of James was to inform us he was killed. The lack of prominence is not proof he didn't belong.
• There are two other references to "the twelve." One is in Acts 6:2. The other is Paul mentioning who the risen Jesus appeared to in 1 Corinthians 15:5. Was Paul among the twelve in either reference? Furthermore, was Matthias? Considering he was a disciple from Jesus' baptism to the resurrection, he could be.
• Yes, Peter opened his mouth a lot. Sometimes it was rash. Sometimes, it was in faith, like when Jesus walked on water. Peter was the one who said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God (Matthew 16:16). When Jesus asked the twelve if they were leaving Him as other disciples were, Peter was the one who said, "To who shall we go? You have the words of eternal life? Also we have come to believe that You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God." Peter took the role of spokesperson, good as well as bad.
• We may joke about casting lots, but God used it four times. He Himself ordered lots to be used to identify Achan when he sinned (Joshua 7). He also told Samuel to use lots to determine the first king - Samuel knew who it was, but the people didn't (1 Samuel 10). The third and fourth times were more suspect (Saul calling for lots to reveal who violated his rash curse in 1 Samuel 14, and Jonah's boat buddies determining who was responsible for the storm in Jonah 1), but God showed the truth by the method regardless. 
• Back to Peter. It doesn't tell us where the idea came from. Was it his own? Did Jesus mention finding a replacement for Judas to Peter either individually or with the others? Or could it be mentioned among the group and Peter addressed it? We don't know.
• Related to the above: Remember Jesus sending the 12 out in pairs? Matthew and Luke, in listing the Apostles, it gave them in 6 groups of two. Four of the six pairs were identical in the two lists; the only question is which one was paired with James the son of Alpheus and which was with Judas Iscariot. Now, just prior to the ascension, Jesus told them they'd be witnesses. They may have assumed it was the same teams. Thus, Simon the Zealot or Thaddeus went to Peter, addressing he didn't have a teammate.
  
• The objectors ignored that Acts 1:15 stated that they were praying during that time. 
  
• Les Feldick stated that the ministry of the Twelve was as a witness primarily to Israel. Paul had a unique call, primarily to the Gentiles. There is no reference of Paul ever serving as part of the twelve. 
• Related to the above, J. Gary Millar in Calling on the Name of the Lord: A Biblical Theology of Prayer stated that the believers were the new Israel, and the twelve apostles mirrored the twelve sons of Jacob, so a twelfth apostle was needed prior to Pentecost. 

No, this is not a salvation issue. True Christians can disagree. Scripturally, as I mentioned, we just have a summary of what happened without telling all the whys and giving no positive or negative commentary either in Acts 1 or elsewhere in Scripture.

So with that, have a happy Pentecost!

THE LIE OF "ARBEIT MACHT FREI" AND THE TRUTH OF THE EMPTY TOMB

Gate at Jourhous building, Dachau Concentration Camp. By Dorsm365 - Photographed by Dorsm365, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4526036

One of the highlights in my life was the two months in '80 when I served on a mission trip with Mission To Europe's Millions. We worked in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland working with Yugoslavs who worked in these Western countries to save up enough money to build houses back home.

Of course, we did some sightseeing. I was at a gift shop where they had postcards for the Oberammergau Passion Play, which takes place every ten years (including '80). We visited Neushwanstein Castle in Bavaria, which inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle, and Slovenia's Postojna Cave. And one afternoon we stopped at Olympic Stadium in Munich after a morning at the most memorable site: Dachau.

How can someone not be moved after visiting a former concentration camp? If you don't believe that people have the capability of being evil, remember the Holocaust. You see the evil from those who committed atrocities against fellow human beings, and you see evil from those who ignore what's happening.

The one item that made the biggest impact was the gate the prisoners entered into the camp. Over it were the words "Arbeit Macht Frei" - "Work makes you free."

Did it? How much work would it take to be released from Dachau or the other Concentration Camps? Not enough. The goal of the Camps was to exterminate the undesirable. When Germany was defeated, the camps were given the orders to kill all the prisoners.

Even then, I realized the spiritual parallel. Are we saved by Grace or by works? One is a gift, the other is wages. If you pay for it, it's not a gift. "And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise, grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise, work is no longer work." Romans 11:6, NKJV.

Can we make ourselves free from sin? Both the Old and New Testament make it clear we can't.  

• "None of them can by any means redeem his brother, Nor give to God a ransom for him - For the redemption of their souls is costly, And it shall cease forever." (Psalm 49:7-8) 
• "Who can say, 'I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin'?" (Proverbs 20:9)
• "Jesus answered them, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.'" (John 8:34-36)
• "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him." (Romans 5:8-9) 
• "Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father." (Galatians 1:3-4)
  
• "For there is one God and one Mediator between God and man, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time." (1 Timothy 2:5-6)
• "Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." (1 Peter 1:18-19)
  

 Is this enough? Or do you need more? Because there's a lot more!

We serve a living Savior. 

Happy Resurrection Day.

 

 

WHAT DAY DID CHRIST DIE? WHEN DID HE RISE? AND IS THIS SOMETHING TO ARGUE ABOUT?

Christ Crucified Between Two Thieves, by Rembrandt

 I'll never forget my surprise one Good Friday when I worked in downtown Indianapolis. As I was out of the building for lunch, I saw a gentleman who was always handing out tracts. Well, I wished him a happy Good Friday.

His reply? "Every Friday's a good Friday."

Really? From a person who's trying to tell others the Gospel, and how Christ's death, celebrated that day, would give them life?

Allow me to give you some news that would surprise some people and not surprise others: Not all Christians observe Good Friday or even Easter. It's not that they minimize Christ's Substitutionary Atonement on the Cross or deny His resurrection from the dead. Rather, they see these days, as well as the Lent season and Christmas, as started by the Catholic Church and borrowing pagan traditions.

What day should we celebrate Easter? Most holidays are either celebrated on the same date (Christmas, Independence Day, Groundhog Day) while others are celebrated on the same day of the week on a set week of the month (Thanksgiving, Memorial Day, Mother's and Father's Day). Not Easter. Don't ask me how they determine when it should be celebrated. Yes, it's always on Sunday, but it could be any time from mid-March to late April. 

You may be aware that not all Christians agree how the date should be calculated, with Orthodox Easter celebrated later than Catholic and Protestant Churches. And none of them seem to consider connecting it to Passover, as the original Easter was. 

At least they agree that Easter is on Sunday, or at least the first day of the week (some will say that Christ rose not on Sunday morning but after sunset on Saturday, which is when Jews believe the first day begins). There is not the same agreement on the day Christ was crucified. Sure, most of the organized church believe it was on Friday. But did Jesus rise on the third day, counting the tail end of Friday as day one and the beginning of the first day as the third? Or did He spend three days and three nights in the earth as the sign of Jonah (Matthew 12:39-40)? If the latter, then He would have been crucified Wednesday, which doesn't fit the traditions we have.

As I asked in the title, is this something to argue about? Of course... NOT!!!

The Gospel is contained in the first few verses of 1 Corinthians 15, which mentions that Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures and was buried and rose the third day according to the Scriptures. The focus is on Jesus' death and His resurrection. The day He was crucified doesn't change the fact, and when we celebrate the Resurrection doesn't either.

So why don't we plan on celebrating Jesus' substitutionary death for our sins and His victory over the grave with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, both in our local church and those we know outside the church? And maybe borrow the idea of author Leah Libresco in Building the Benedict Option and go Easter caroling?! (Wouldn't your neighbors like to hear you singing "Christ the Lord is Risen Today" and "The Easter Song?")