A Surprising The resurrection and the Spirit within.
There is a paragraph in the Westminster Dictionary of Christian Theology that speaks of resurrection in the eyes of Jesus. “The concept plays little part in Jesus’ teaching, though He asserts it emphatically against the Sadducees on the ground that a relationship once set up between God and humanity cannot be temporary.” The Sadducees argued against a resurrection and considered the idea, that if one lived a good life, they would possibly be remembered by God. I can imagine a lot of people threw their hands in the air and said what’s the use? Pharisees on the other hand believed there was a resurrection, accomplished through law. Again, I can imagine people throwing their hands in the air and saying what’s the use? The blessed part about resurrection is that it is the power of God established in Genesis 1 and the truth of God satisfied in Revelation 21. Jesus said as is recorded in John 14, “I must go away so that I can send the Comforter, the Counselor, the Holy Spirit.” Therefore, resurrection is justified for the salvation all humanity in the moment when Jesus rose, the curtain was torn, and our sins were forgiven. Resurrection is sanctified in humanity when the Spirit of Pentecost harvested our souls and God’s people are promised eternal relationships.
The not so idle relationship with God.
Since I have been married, sitting on the couch, watching the grass grow and ordering fresh squeezed lemonade has not happened. Relationship has everything to do with interaction, appreciation, and accomplishment. The same is with the resurrection power revealed at Pentecost, its active Holy Living. Holy Living may be painted with a broad-brush stroke, although the sermon on the mount has a lot to say that helps us to pin point what is important to the Author of resurrection, Christ Jesus. Holy
14 The Connection
SPRING 2021
Living is a gift given to every believer at Pentecost. Like every gift it needs to be unwrapped, learned about in the owner’s manual (Bible), and then put into use. One of the books I read and enjoyed during seminary was titled Practical Divinity. It was a culmination of theological insights and practical insights. John Wesley learned from his mother Suzanna, that God is working in all believers at the right time, revealing the power of resurrection and Pentecost at the same time. It is Trinity at its best. God spoke, Jesus fulfilled, and the Spirit equipped.
The Gift in Genesis:
Genesis 3:22-24: “And the LORD God said, ‘The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.” So, the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.’” The text gives us insight that eternal life was in the Garden. It cannot be gained through sin; the Way is through faith and trust in God as revealed in Christ Jesus.
The Gift in Revelation:
Revelation 21:3-4: “‘And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.’” Revelation 3:20
The Gift of Pentecost:
