As I read through the teaching outline prepared by Bro Emma Okorie (Apostle/President LWM), it dawned on me that of a truth. It took the appearance of our LORD Jesus Christ to Peter and the rest of the apostles before they believed that He had risen. In the Book of Luke 24:8-12, NKJV, And they remembered His words. Then they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who told these things to the apostles. And their words seemed to them like idle tales, and they did not believe them. But Peter arose and ran to the tomb; and stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying by themselves; and he departed, marveling to himself at what had happened. Now watch this: the Bible records in John 20:24-25, NKJV, that: Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said to him, We have seen the Lord.” So he said to them, Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” In Mark 16:14, NKJV, Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. Even the two disciples who were on their way to Emmaus from Jerusalem; Cleopas and his friend in Luke 24:13-34, NKJV, did not believe until their eyes of understanding were yanked open by the Holy Spirit after their personal encounter with the LORD Himself when He blessed and broke bread. If those who were evangelized, saved, and discipled by the LORD Jesus Christ found it difficult to believe that He has risen after His crucifixion, death and resurrection until He appeared to them Himself, isnt it mind-blowing when one attempts to understand the work of the Holy Spirit in soul winning and evangelism today? You can then imagine the courage it took for Apostle John to write in 1 John 1-4, NKJV, that: That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life—the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us—that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. Glory to God. Of a truth people of God, we are truly who we are as declared by 1 Peter 2:9, NKJV: But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; We are a special people who have the Holy Spirit as our Teacher in Jesus name, Amen. Thank You LORD!!!
Posted on: Sat, 17 May 2014 15:20:37 +0000
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