GOOD NEWS IN A SIN-WEARY WORLD

By Rev. Warren Coe

First Copy of the Declaration of Independence Found

Over twenty years ago the New York Times (April 3, 1991) ran an article about a painting purchased at a flea market in Pennsylvania for four dollars.  The man purchased the picture because he wanted the ornate frame.  As he carefully removed the backing from the frame the owner made a startling discovery.  Stuck between the painting and the backing was an old document.  It was about one tenth of an inch thick and folded like a letter.

The man opened the manuscript and found these words, “In Congress, July 4, 1776.  The Unanimous Declaration of 13 united states of America.”  It was a first copy of the Declaration of Independence.  Of the twenty-four copies in existence, the flea market shopper now possessed one of them.  At an auction, a first copy of the Declaration of Independence would bring nearly one million dollars.  As a national treasure it is priceless.  Yet for generations it hung on someone’s living room wall hidden behind a not-so-impressive piece of art.

A Far Greater Declaration

In the pages of our Bible is a far greater declaration of liberty.  Jesus’ disciples saw it and believed it.  The early church heard it and proclaimed it.  An angry Jewish Rabbi fought against it and finally surrendered to its life-changing truth.  Down through the ages multitudes have experienced the transforming power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  This good news has freed many from the tyranny of sin, the power of Satan and the fear of death.

Saul hated Christ and Christianity until he met Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus.  He was completely transformed.  Later, he wrote these words.

“Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, ² and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you– unless you believed in vain.  ³ For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, ⁴ that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, ⁵ and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.  ⁶ Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.  ⁷ Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.

 ⁸ Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.” (1Cor 15:1-8 ESV)

This is the power of the Gospel.  This is the power of Jesus Christ.

Warren

The Resurrection Body of Believers

By Warren Coe

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the greatest event in human history.  It substantiates the claims and ministry of Jesus Christ.  Jesus died in space, time and history.  Three days later, in space, time and history, Jesus rose from the grave.  1 Corinthians 15:4, 5 declares that Jesus was “buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.”

For Christians the resurrection of Jesus Christ is more than an historical event.  The fact that Jesus rose from the dead means that we, too, will one day be resurrected.  1 Corinthians 15:20 says, “But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep.  For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead.  For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all shall be made alive.”  It is written in Revelation 20:4,5 “And they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years…this is the first resurrection.”

Imagine the glory of that day.  Bodies will be immortal.  Life without sickness.  No more disease, death or teary good-byes.  God’s presence enjoyed forever.

Joni Eareckson Tada is a quadriplegic and has been bound to a wheel chair for 30 years.  In Moody Magazine Joni recalled watching some old home movies of when she was 15.  She was walking a horse, bending down to pick up something in the dirt and with her hands held the reigns of the horse.

Later on, Ken, her husband, asked how she felt watching herself walk.  Joni thought for a moment and answered, “You know, there was a time I would have sighed, ‘Aw, that’s the way it used to be.  I wish I could go back to that.’  But now, 30 years later and almost as many years of sinking my heart and head into the Word of God, I can say, ‘Wow, this is the way it soon will be.  Heaven is coming, and I can look forward to having a body that works.  And I’ll do so much more than walk!’”

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is God’s down payment for all believers.