Watch this video and be inspired.
A Discussion of Luke 24:44
Yesterday Bill, David, Joe and I sat down to discuss the significance of Luke 24:44. This is one of my favorite verses in the NT. Join the discussion by leaving a comment.
Understanding the Depth of Luke 24:44 as it Relates to Christ in the Old Testament
And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
The significance of Luke 24:44 cannot be overstated. In this statement, Jesus is either a liar or He is the central figure of the majority of the prophecies found in the Old Testament.
The inclusion of the word “fulfilled” lets us know that Luke is referencing prophecy. Prophecies are fulfilled through Jesus. Notice the words “must be.” These words are foundational. He did not say “may be.” He said “must be.” The Sovereign God of the Universe is assuring that all that was prophesied of the coming Messiah either has been or will be fulfilled.
Notice that at a minimum Jesus is making reference to 5 plus 17 plus 1 or 23 OT books. Of course, if Psalms is more than just the book of Psalms then Jesus could be referring to the number of songs Israel sang about the coming Messiah. Therefore, books like Song of Solomon, as well as songs found in the historical books, could also be included in making the scope of His statement even more significant.
Think about the promises that are found in the law concerning Jesus. We can start with the promise found in Genesis 3:15 and move forward. In Deuteronomy 18:15 and 18, specific references are made to God sending a Prophet. Stephen understood this promise to be Jesus.
Referring to Jesus, He said, “This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.”
Seventeen prophetical books, five major and twelve minor, all contain prophecies about Jesus. Certainly, one of the most importance chapters of prophecy concerning Christ is found in Isaiah 53 where Jesus, the suffering servant, atones for the sins of the world.
A famous example of a minor prophet’s reference to Jesus would be Micah’s reference to the birthplace of Jesus.
But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
Micah 5:2 is incredible in its depth. A ruler from the tribe of Judah, from everlasting, as in preexisting, will be born in Bethlehem. Of course, this is Jesus.
Stephen, Peter, Paul, and others all expected the Jews to recognize that they had made a colossal mistake in crucifying the Messiah. Yet, they also understood this was God’s predetermined will.
Of course, there are so many more prophecies found in the seventeen prophetical books—hundreds upon hundreds, and I would be remiss if I did not mention Isaiah 7:14 as one of the most crucial.
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
In addition, Malachi 3:1 predicts that God would send a forerunner before Jesus who we now know to be John the Baptist.
Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.
Finally, the Psalms are filled with references to Christ. Think about Psalm 22.
My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?
But, perhaps the most significant of all is Psalm 110.
The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath. He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries. He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head.
Again, Stephen (in Acts 7) and the author of Hebrews (throughout the letter), both provide commentary on this passage for us. Both make it clear that Jesus of Nazareth is the man (God-man) who is being referenced in this prophecy of a priest after the order of Melchizedek who sits on the right hand of the Lord, as both a priest interceding and a king awaiting his kingdom.
It is critical that the student of the Old Testament recognize that the Old Testament was written with Christ in mind from the beginning to the end.
Understanding the Depth of Luke 24:44 as it Relates to Christ in the Old Testament
And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
The significance of Luke 24:44 cannot be overstated. In this statement, Jesus is either a liar or He is the central figure of the majority of the prophecies found in the Old Testament.
The inclusion of the word “fulfilled” lets us know that Luke is referencing prophecy. Prophecies are fulfilled through Jesus. Notice the words “must be.” These words are foundational. He did not say “may be.” He said “must be.” The Sovereign God of the Universe is assuring that all that was prophesied of the coming Messiah either has been or will be fulfilled.
Notice that at a minimum Jesus is making reference to 5 plus 17 plus 1 or 23 OT books. Of course, if Psalms is more than just the book of Psalms then Jesus could be referring to the number of songs Israel sang about the coming Messiah. Therefore, books like Song of Solomon, as well as songs found in the historical books, could also be included in making the scope of His statement even more significant.
Think about the promises that are found in the law concerning Jesus. We can start with the promise found in Genesis 3:15 and move forward. In Deuteronomy 18:15 and 18, specific references are made to God sending a Prophet. Stephen understood this promise to be Jesus.
Referring to Jesus, He said, “This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.”
Seventeen prophetical books, five major and twelve minor, all contain prophecies about Jesus. Certainly, one of the most importance chapters of prophecy concerning Christ is found in Isaiah 53 where Jesus, the suffering servant, atones for the sins of the world.
A famous example of a minor prophet’s reference to Jesus would be Micah’s reference to the birthplace of Jesus.
But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
Micah 5:2 is incredible in its depth. A ruler from the tribe of Judah, from everlasting, as in preexisting, will be born in Bethlehem. Of course, this is Jesus.
Stephen, Peter, Paul, and others all expected the Jews to recognize that they had made a colossal mistake in crucifying the Messiah. Yet, they also understood this was God’s predetermined will.
Of course, there are so many more prophecies found in the seventeen prophetical books—hundreds upon hundreds, and I would be remiss if I did not mention Isaiah 7:14 as one of the most crucial.
Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
In addition, Malachi 3:1 predicts that God would send a forerunner before Jesus who we now know to be John the Baptist.
Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.
Finally, the Psalms are filled with references to Christ. Think about Psalm 22.
My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?
But, perhaps the most significant of all is Psalm 110.
The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool. The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: rule thou in the midst of thine enemies. Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath. He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries. He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head.
Again, Stephen (in Acts 7) and the author of Hebrews (throughout the letter), both provide commentary on this passage for us. Both make it clear that Jesus of Nazareth is the man (God-man) who is being referenced in this prophecy of a priest after the order of Melchizedek who sits on the right hand of the Lord, as both a priest interceding and a king awaiting his kingdom.
It is critical that the student of the Old Testament recognize that the Old Testament was written with Christ in mind from the beginning to the end.
An Interview with Lecrae and Trip Lee
This interview is about 45 minutes long, but the point of the interview that I want to bring to your attention is in the beginning of the interview. Notice the manner in which two men nearly 10 years apart, in different parts of America, both experienced the same "pray this prayer for conversion experience." Listen to them in their own words. For it is a compelling reason to get the gospel right with students! Listen for words like "robust theology" and you will realize even children are desiring depth in their walk with the Lord. Sunday school teachers, youth workers, AWANA leaders, Pastor David, Pastor Bill, Pastor Steve, Nate, let's give it to them.
I found this interview exceptionally encouraging as it reveals the scope of God's work of redemption in America.
An Interview with Lecrae and Trip Lee
I found this interview exceptionally encouraging as it reveals the scope of God's work of redemption in America.
An Interview with Lecrae and Trip Lee
Sharing the Gospel with Children
Wednesday night I think we had an exceptionally profitable seminar in preparing for the new AWANA year. The training was well attended but for those who were unable to be present we recorded the audio and videotaped the seminar. The camera icon below lets you watch the video and the red icon lets you download the transcript as a pdf. Additionally, from sermon audio (www.sermonaudio.com/bereanbaptistch) you can also send it to your Kindle.
This seminar puts clear focus on teaching children to trust in the Person and Work of Jesus Christ and the Promise of the eternal life to all who will repent and believe in the gospel. I hope you will listen or watch.
This seminar puts clear focus on teaching children to trust in the Person and Work of Jesus Christ and the Promise of the eternal life to all who will repent and believe in the gospel. I hope you will listen or watch.
WallBuilders - Issues and Articles - The Founding Fathers on Jesus, Christianity and the Bible
WallBuilders - Issues and Articles - The Founding Fathers on Jesus, Christianity and the Bible
Anyone who has been convinced that all of the America's founding fathers were deists who denied the Lordship of Jesus Christ as Freemasons--should read this article. As Freemasons they were wrong but that doesn't mean they were not influenced by the Bible.
No one knows whether these men were born again or not. That is not the issue in this argument the primary issue is: Was the Bible an influence in the lives of the founding fathers? Did Christian values and morals influence the governing documents of America?
It appears to me the answer is yes. This is not a biblical debate. It is simply an observation about the foundation of America. What do you of this article?
Anyone who has been convinced that all of the America's founding fathers were deists who denied the Lordship of Jesus Christ as Freemasons--should read this article. As Freemasons they were wrong but that doesn't mean they were not influenced by the Bible.
No one knows whether these men were born again or not. That is not the issue in this argument the primary issue is: Was the Bible an influence in the lives of the founding fathers? Did Christian values and morals influence the governing documents of America?
It appears to me the answer is yes. This is not a biblical debate. It is simply an observation about the foundation of America. What do you of this article?
What about a 90 minute Worship Service
Recently a visitor to Berean let me know that they would not attend a church that had a 90 minute worship service. Wow! Consider what a statement like that is saying. “God, I don’t have 90 minutes for you.” Think about everything the typical America is willing to do for over 90 minutes. They will attend a sporting event that could easily last 90+ minutes. Americans will attend a movie what will also easily exceed 90 minutes—but the preaching of the Word, worship, fellowship, Bible study, announcements, baby dedications, a call to repent, and a baptism are not worth 90 minutes of my time once a week.
It is no wonder that America is in its current state, and the fundamental/evangelical church is in its current state in the USA. “I will not go to a church that has a service that lasts 90 minutes” is indicative of a failure to disciple people into a full level of commitment or a lack of genuine conversion.
In the Revelation of Jesus Christ by the Apostle John, Jesus expresses his disdain for “lukewarm” Christians.
Jesus says that because they are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, he will spew (vomit) them out of his mouth (Rev 3:16). What a graphic picture of disdain! Spitting something out of one’s mouth is what a person may do when they just can’t suffer the taste of something. Neither of the polar extremes of lukewarm are acceptable. Hot water when I am cold is wonderful and ice cold water when I am hot is so refreshing. So, both are excellent, but what about lukewarm water? It is not quite as warming or refreshing.
Unfortunately, I am afraid lukewarm is where many so-called Christians are living.
Lukewarm Christians want “sermonettes” delivered on perceived needs, not to exceed 30 minutes in length. Hard exegesis of the whole counsel of the Word of God are avoided at all cost. Lengthy sermons that explore the holistic message of the text beginning with the author’s original intent may simply take too long.
All this creates a world in which the majority still claims to be Christians, but an alien visiting America for the first time would conclude that America is not a Christian nation. Instead, it is apparently that the citizenship is worshipping at the altar of “what is best for me” without regard for anyone else. This polarization is contrary to the Word of God, but so-called Christians more concerned with political correctness and Sunday afternoon lunches and naps rather than a worship service that pleases the Lord and challenges the soul don’t care about anyone but themselves.
This manifests itself in a visible sense in those who arrive late and leave early. But, even those who arrive early and stay after can be present for the wrong motives. Treasuring Christ above all else must be the driving force for participation in corporate worship services and the preaching of the Word of God.
“90 minutes is too much” is reflective of a heart that needs to be challenged to recognize the work of the Lord in a worship service. Certainly there are exceptions for those who have back injuries and such who need to get up and stretch or those who are sick, but the general statement taken at face value does not reflect a heart that desires to experience God’s best each week in the assembly of the people of God.
Finally, there is nothing special about 90 minutes; God can work in 60 (or 76, for that matter) minutes as well as 90 minutes. That isn’t the point. The point is that 90 minutes isn’t a long time when we’re watching a great movie or a good high school basketball game when our child is playing. In the same way, when God is working in the church, 90 minutes flies by, but that’s only when Christ is treasured in the way basketball is treasured by a true “Tar Heel.”
It is no wonder that America is in its current state, and the fundamental/evangelical church is in its current state in the USA. “I will not go to a church that has a service that lasts 90 minutes” is indicative of a failure to disciple people into a full level of commitment or a lack of genuine conversion.
In the Revelation of Jesus Christ by the Apostle John, Jesus expresses his disdain for “lukewarm” Christians.
Jesus says that because they are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, he will spew (vomit) them out of his mouth (Rev 3:16). What a graphic picture of disdain! Spitting something out of one’s mouth is what a person may do when they just can’t suffer the taste of something. Neither of the polar extremes of lukewarm are acceptable. Hot water when I am cold is wonderful and ice cold water when I am hot is so refreshing. So, both are excellent, but what about lukewarm water? It is not quite as warming or refreshing.
Unfortunately, I am afraid lukewarm is where many so-called Christians are living.
Lukewarm Christians want “sermonettes” delivered on perceived needs, not to exceed 30 minutes in length. Hard exegesis of the whole counsel of the Word of God are avoided at all cost. Lengthy sermons that explore the holistic message of the text beginning with the author’s original intent may simply take too long.
All this creates a world in which the majority still claims to be Christians, but an alien visiting America for the first time would conclude that America is not a Christian nation. Instead, it is apparently that the citizenship is worshipping at the altar of “what is best for me” without regard for anyone else. This polarization is contrary to the Word of God, but so-called Christians more concerned with political correctness and Sunday afternoon lunches and naps rather than a worship service that pleases the Lord and challenges the soul don’t care about anyone but themselves.
This manifests itself in a visible sense in those who arrive late and leave early. But, even those who arrive early and stay after can be present for the wrong motives. Treasuring Christ above all else must be the driving force for participation in corporate worship services and the preaching of the Word of God.
“90 minutes is too much” is reflective of a heart that needs to be challenged to recognize the work of the Lord in a worship service. Certainly there are exceptions for those who have back injuries and such who need to get up and stretch or those who are sick, but the general statement taken at face value does not reflect a heart that desires to experience God’s best each week in the assembly of the people of God.
Finally, there is nothing special about 90 minutes; God can work in 60 (or 76, for that matter) minutes as well as 90 minutes. That isn’t the point. The point is that 90 minutes isn’t a long time when we’re watching a great movie or a good high school basketball game when our child is playing. In the same way, when God is working in the church, 90 minutes flies by, but that’s only when Christ is treasured in the way basketball is treasured by a true “Tar Heel.”
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