04/23/2017
Another Easter has come and gone. The trapping of the day have been put away and people return to their routines.Today, I am borrowing from Paul Harvey to share with you, "The Rest of the Story." One catches the outline of what happens next in the first chapter of the Book of Acts, some important Acts Facts.
First, Luke shares with us the reality of the resurrection as Jesus "showed Himself alive after His passion with many infallible proofs!" The importance of this cannot be minimized because our Christian faith is predicated upon the validity of Christ's resurrection. Talk about any other religious figure and we can visit his bones but the empty tomb and His appearances post burial are the bedrock upon which our faith is built.
Secondly, Jesus prepares the way for His life and message to be shared by the promise coming of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit's ministry empowers the believer, changes us from being sinners to saints, comforts, convicts, and guides, and enabling us to carry out the Great Commission.
Just as an aside, in the midst of this Satan shows up prompting the disciples to question when the promise of Jesus' return was going to take place. Through the centuries well intentioned Christians have tried to ignore the answer Jesus gave by trying to figure out a scheme for His return. Best to let the Scriptures speak and for us toi simple heed.
Finally, and here is the REST of the story, Jesus ascends back to glory and two messengers from God asked the disciple why they were star gazing? "This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as you have seen Him go."The return of Jesus will be climatic for the people of faith in Him will be caught up into the heavens with Him.
The troubling truth is also a part of the story and that is those who have ignored His person and His message will have missed the boat with judgment on their sins awaiting them.
So the story of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection are crucial elements of the Christian faith, what happens as the rest of the story unfolds is vitally important so everyone can be prepared for His return.
My prayer is that you will be ready, joyfully looking forward to the fulfillment of His promise. If not, speak with a Christian, visit a Bible believing church and you will receive instruction on how to be prepared.
