| One Hundred and Twenty Names (Part 1) (Copyright 06-15-2024) by Warren Zehrung (Little Rock, Arkansas) |
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| Who was invited to the first Pentecost where God’s Spirit was given? Let’s pick up the time-line here: 1 Corinthians 15:20 Jesus Christ had just risen from the dead: It was only 24 hours since God the Father, with the exceeding greatness of His power, had revitalized, and re-energized (Gr. energeō) the dead body of Jesus Christ in the tomb. He resurrected Him up to God–Life with the glory which Jesus had before the world began (Ephesians 1:19-20, John 17:5). It was then that Jesus appeared among His disciples. He said to them, “Peace be unto you, …Peace be unto you.” John 20:22 … And when He had said that He breathed [audibly] on them, and said unto them, Receive you Holy Pneuma—Holy Breath: Jesus blew an audible puff of air from deep within His lungs through His lips in the direction of the disciples, and said, “Receive Holy Spirit.” It was their invitation for the coming day of Pentecost. Some have thought that the disciples received the Holy Spirit right then and there—but that was fifty days too soon, as it would take place at the coming Pentecost. The beloved apostle John was there that evening and heard Jesus say to all in attendance, “Receive Holy Spirit,” but to what extent were the disciples able to fathom what Jesus was telling them? What were their expectations? One Hundred and Twenty Names The Bible tells us that when the Day of Pentecost had fully come there were about 120 names at Holy Day services (Acts 1:15). What do we know about those people who responded to the invitation? Who were those people? Does the Bible tell us anything about them? We will find that many of them were just like us in many ways. How many of those one hundred and twenty names do you think you could name right off the top of your head? It is important because those people are our brethren—and they will be raised to eternal life in the family of God for all eternity with us at the First Resurrection. Their resurrection is our resurrection (1Thessalonians 4:15-17). This Feast Day of Pentecost is all about the coming of the Holy Spirit, but it also ties in closely with the First Resurrection and Eternal Life. The Lazarus Factor John 11:23-24 Jesus said unto [Martha], Thy brother [Lazarus] shall rise again. Martha said unto Him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection on the last day. The “Last Day” was not good enough for Martha—she understood that everyone will be in the general resurrection at the end of the Millennium—but Martha wanted her brother Lazarus to be in the First Resurrection—with Jesus. It was something that Martha, Mary, and their brother Lazarus had fully been counting on—and expecting—and hoping for, just like we do, brethren. Jesus eased her concerns and restored her hope: John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: Those 120 names at that first Pentecost were our brothers and sisters in Christ with whom we will spend all eternity to come. Those people will be our friends and relatives forever. We should revel in the expectation of the Godly friendship we will experience with them. Brethren, I’ll tell you this. I am looking forward to sitting down to a cup of good coffee with the Mother of Jesus and personally spending some quality time with her, and many others. I too have some questions that will finally be answered, because Mary has kept all these sayings in her heart (Luke 2:51). In her declining years shared her innermost feelings with Luke and also with John, her conservator, guardian and care giver (John 19:27). An Example of God’s Spirit at Work Now John 5:17 Jesus said, My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I too am working. In Acts 3 we read about a 40-year-old crippled man who was a paraplegic from birth. People mistakenly say, “Peter healed him.” Yes, Peter had just received the Holy Spirit, but on closer inspection we find that Peter did not heal the lame man—God the Father did. This fellow was at the mercy of others not only for his daily needs, but for a coin to buy a small fish, a slice of cheese, or a piece of bread (Acts 3:2). Acts 3:6-7 Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name (authority, power) of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. Certainly, Peter had the power (Gr.word dýnamis (δύναμις) of the Holy Spirit, to work the miraculous acts of God the Father at his disposal. [That is where our English word, dynamite derives from.] The power was of God the Father, because even Jesus always glorified and credited His Father for the miracles He performed (John 14:10). This man who had never stood on his feet before, not only stood, but walked, and jumped up and down for the first time in his life – praising God (Acts 3:8)! The miracle was for the purpose of praising God and giving glory to Jesus, His name, and His work of redemption. God the Father was glorifying Jesus’ name through the miracle: Acts 3:12-13 When Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? Or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His Son Jesus; Acts 3:15-16 Prince of Life, whom God has raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. And His name—through faith in His name has made this [lame] man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. Brethren, in today’s sermon we will look into the personalities of some of those 120 people who received the Holy Spirit at that first Pentecost. *** The Children of God.net Working together around the world Bringing the message of hope to a world in turmoil SabbathCoG.org Listen to Live Services at 2:00 PM Central Time by calling the Free Conference Call dial-in number, (667) 770-1685 and entering the Participant access code: 696903# The playback number is (667) 770-1688. ———————————————————————————————————- See Warren Zehrung’s other articles at: Zehrung, Warren – Church of God, Bismarck (church-of-god-bismarck.org) Reprinted with permission from: Sabbath Church of God http://childrenofgod.net/ ———————————————————————————————————- |
| One Hundred and Twenty Names (Part 2) (Copyright 06-29-2024) by Warren Zehrung (Little Rock, Arkansas) |
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| Our Creator God has taken some major steps in bringing about His Plan for mankind to join the eternal God Family. The first step, I suppose, was God’s decision to create man in the first place. The second step was to perfect His design to ensure that His Plan would eventually come to fruition. The third step, perhaps, was the creation of the angelic world for the purpose of being beneficial spirits attending to those who will eventually inherit salvation. There were many other, let’s say, minor steps God took that we almost overlook, but would be an integral part of bringing many sons and daughters to glory—little things like: God had to be a law giver to have rules that would govern His works, He had to create living life forms, there had to be viable reproduction routine so that there would be lots of us, and so forth. Then, He uttered the words, “Let there be Light,” which was a major first stroke in fashioning the universe, including the earth— which would become our home. Indeed, the creation of the entire starry universe is for the singular purpose of bringing His work in man to completion. When the earth was ready, God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” That was a pretty big step also, I believe, because God imbued man with a human spirit, the spirit of man which is designed to receive the Spirit of God. God has delighted in each miniscule development of His creation of man becoming a full member of the Eternal God Family. Other big steps would include God’s covenant with Abraham, and another with Israel. How many steps have I overlooked and left out of this Countdown to the Return of Jesus Christ—too many to count? Today, we are considering Pentecost, a most essential step in the Plan of God in that it represents God sending forth His Spirit in a very special way, and the establishment of a converted people—the Ekklesia. God’s Plan is to open His close-knit God-Family to others! It is the very act of God begetting a people through His Spirit. God is Spirit – eternal Spirit. The very purpose of man’s existence is to ultimately be born into the Family of God. In the same way that oxygen is the life of our blood, God’s Spirit is the Life of God. The sending of God’s Spirit at Pentecost was for the purpose of raising mere man’s human spirit to the heights of God-Life. With this earnest of God’s Spirit, we have our down-payment of eternal life. Ephesians 1:13-14 …ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory. God’s Spirit within us enables us to become like He is. 1John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the Children of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is. Brethren, Pentecost is such a big story that we could study it for years, but I thought that for the Sermon today we would look at how Pentecost impacted the personal friends and acquaintances of Jesus Christ—what they expected, what they knew, how they were invited, and what compelled them to actually be there on that momentous Pentecost Day when Pentecost fully arrived. Bringing the message of hope to a world in turmoil Jesus Christ said that the Good News of His Father’s coming Kingdom over all the earth was to be published among all nations. The original apostles did not fully complete that mission. “This Gospel of the Kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (Matthew 24:14) Pentecost 2024 (Sermon Notes) Offertory — Our Invitation There is so much information about Pentecost in the Scriptures. To those in the world, Pentecost is an enigma—difficult to understand or figure out. Acts 1:1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, Acts 1:2 Until the day in which He was taken up, after that, He through the Holy Spirit, had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen: That is quite a distinction—not only instructions by word of mouth teaching, but through the Holy Spirit! That is something notable for today. We are speaking today on the events surrounding the first New Testament Pentecost. This is the resurrected Jesus here in Matthew 28 giving commandments unto the apostles by way of the Holy Spirit. The Great Commission Matthew 28:16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. Matthew 28:17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke unto [the disciples], saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them [into] the name of the Father, and [into] the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Jesus Shows Himself Alive The timing is just 10 days away from Pentecost. Acts 1:3 To whom also [Jesus] shewed Himself alive after His passion [and resurrection] by many infallible proofs, being seen of [the apostles] forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God: Acts 1:4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but [Jesus said], “wait for the promise of the Father, which, He said, ye have heard of me.” Jesus, Himself, told the 12 apostles to remain in Jerusalem after His crucifixion. Wait for what? Wait how long? Brethren, we know that the promise of the Father had to do with the coming of God’s Spirit. What an Invitation! Can you imagine the great anticipation, the great expectation of the promise of the Father? They trembled in eagerness of receiving the promise from God. Jesus is still speaking here: Acts 1:5 “For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days hence.” [10 days] And brethren, mark your notes, the promise of the Father was not only for the One Hundred and Twenty Names. Notice: a page over: Acts 2:38-39: “Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.’” Brethren, the promise of the Father is to you and me today, and as many as the Lord our God will call, and you shall be witnesses unto Jesus Christ unto the uttermost parts of the earth. Luke 24:49 Behold, I send the promise of my Father [Holy Spirit] upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. Let’s look at who were invited to that first Pentecost service where God’s Spirit was given? Let’s pick up the time-line here from Paul: 1Corinthians 15:20 Jesus Christ had just risen from the dead. Pentecost is a Feast unto the LORD. All of the Appointed Feasts of the LORD point to Jesus, or His works. Pentecost is no different. Seven weeks ago, the Spring Holy Days of Passover and Unleavened Bread brought to our remembrance the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Today, this Day of Pentecost contains many lessons revolving around our relationship with Jesus and with each other. As we saw seven weeks ago on the ‘morrow after the Sabbath,’ the Wave Sheaf offering was the first day of the count to Pentecost. That was when we began to count fifty. It was evening at the close of that first day of the count, when Jesus appeared in a room where His disciples had gathered together. It had only been 24 hours since God the Father, with the exceeding greatness of His power, had revitalized, and re-energized (Gr. energeō) the dead body of Jesus Christ in the tomb. God the Father resurrected Jesus up to God-Life to the glory which Jesus had before the world began (Ephesians 1:19-20, John 17:5). When Jesus appeared in that room among His disciples, He said to them, “Peace be unto you, …Peace be unto you.” John 20:22 … And when He had said that, He breathed [audibly] on them, and said unto them, Receive you Holy Pneuma — Holy Breath: Jesus blew an audible puff of air from deep within His lungs through His lips in the direction of the disciples, and said, “Receive Holy Spirit.” It was their invitation to become Children of God on the coming day of Pentecost. Jesus breathed (that is the only occurrence of the Greek word emphusao in the New Testament). That is where we get our medical term, emphysema. It has to do with His breath coming from deep within Himself: John 20:22 reads, the Holy Spirit, but there is no specific article “the” in the Greek language in this verse: Jesus simply said, “receive Holy Breath.” — or, as we understand it correctly…, Receive God’s Holy Breath…, Receive God’s Holy Spirit. Just as in John 4:24, we read, “God is Spirit.” Not, “God is – There is no general article there in John 4:24 either. Jesus gave Adam his first breath, yes, but here Jesus is pointing to something much more— Holy Breath: The Septuagint translation often used by Jesus and His disciples uses the exact same word for breathed in Genesis 2:7 for Adam, as we are looking at here in John 20:22! The Greek Septuagint translation of the Old Testament was widely used in Israel at the time of Jesus and His disciples. Human breath is an analogous type of Holy Breath which is the Bible’s way of saying, God’s Holy Spirit. One is the type, and the other is the antitype. [The Septuagint, (the Roman numeral LXX (seventy) is the common abbreviation), the “Translation of the Seventy,” is the earliest extant Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible from the original Hebrew Scriptures, which were translated into the Greek language at the request of Ptolemy II Philadelphus (285–247 BCE) by seventy-two Hebrew translators—six from each of the Twelve Tribes of Israel.] To those assembled, living…, breathing…, disciples at the end of the Wave Sheaf Day, Jesus was able to say, “receive Holy Breath,” in expectation of receiving the Holy Spirit. Certainly, back at creation, Jesus could not have told lifeless Adam to expect breath, because Adam was still dust. But…, the concept of a greater kind of breath was not lost on those assembled apostles and brethren who were intimately familiar with the Old Testament Scriptures… where it says… Genesis 2:7 … The LORD God [Jesus] formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into [Adam’s] nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. Now, in expectation of Pentecost, Jesus simply adds the word Holy (hagion) to (pneuma). Where Jesus’ (Jehovah Elohim) blast of breath (naphah), made Adam a living soul (nephesh), God’s Holy Breath with power from on high, gives man of His Divine Life (Luke 24:49). Brethren, what is Holy Spirit? This Holy Spirit is the Breath of God, the Life of God the Father and Jesus Christ. The world has no idea of what the Bible means by, “God’s Holy Spirit.” God’s Holy Spirit is the Power…, the Wisdom…, the Mind…, the Holiness…, the Love…, the Mercy…, and a multitude of Divine characteristics which God uses to achieve and accomplish His will. God’s Spirit is every attribute of God – even His Eternal Life. It is His Affectionate Character, His all Loving Heart, His Omnipotence (He is all powerful), His Omniscience (He is all-knowing), His Omnipresence (His existence supersedes time and space), His Righteousness, His Gentleness, His Peace, His Compassion, His Excellence, His Generosity, His Quality, and His Sovereignty… the list is endless, because God is infinite. God’s Spirit is the Empowering Force by which He creates all things—as when the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters Genesis (1:2). The comprehensive attributes and characteristics of God’s Holy Spirit are far beyond the grasp of our finite minds because God is far too great. The beloved apostle John was there that evening and heard Jesus say to all in attendance, “Receive Holy Spirit,” but to what extent were the disciples able to fathom what Jesus was telling them? That day that Jesus breathed [blow sound] on them, and said unto them, receive you Holy Breath, was the very first day of counting to Pentecost—and you can be sure that the disciples had just counted “Day One:” Leviticus 23:15 And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the Sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven Sabbaths shall be complete: Leviticus 23:16 Even unto the morrow after the seventh Sabbath shall ye number fifty days; Brethren, that count of 50 days brings us up to today – Pentecost – day 50. When Jesus said to those disciples, “Receive ye the Holy Spirit,” He was issuing an invitation to be present at the Pentecost service—50 days later—for a most momentous event — the receiving of His Holy Spirit—which will make them Children of God: Galatians 4:6 And because ye are Children, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Some people have concluded that Jesus gave them the Holy Spirit right then and there on day-one when He said, “Receive ye the Holy Spirit,” not understanding that we are to count 50 days from that ‘morrow after the Sabbath’ to get to Pentecost — when the Holy Spirit would be sent. Brethren, we were not alive back at the time of the First Century Church, but we have received the exact same invitation to receive God’s Spirit at our calling. Now, we are receiving our greater invitation, and that is to be a part of the first resurrection with Jesus Christ. Brethren, do not let this concept escape you: Jesus Christ is the Firstfruits of the First Resurrection. We, too, are receiving our greater invitation, and that is to be a part of the first resurrection with Jesus Christ. Let’s ask ourselves this question: Will our name be listed – not among the 120 at the first Pentecost – but, will our name be listed with the 144,000 and the great multitude of resurrected saints (Revelation 7:9)? We have received our invitation to be there: Remember that Jesus said: Luke 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the [evil] spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. End Offertory Special Music The title of today’s sermon is: One Hundred and Twenty Names Acts 1:15 …the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty. Brethren, in today’s sermon we will be looking a little bit into some of those personalities of those 120 people who received the Holy Spirit at that first Pentecost. Have you ever wondered who those people were that were in attendance at that foundational Holy Day service when God sent His Holy Spirit on the New Testament Church brethren? It was a fantastic day; it was a great day; it was a pivotal day in the entire Plan of God. Many invitations to Pentecost were issued besides the ones we saw in the offertory. The Bible tells us in Acts 1:15 that when the Day of Pentecost had fully come there were about 120 names at the Holy Day services (Acts 1:15). What do we know about those people who responded to the invitation? Who were those people? Does the Bible tell us anything about them? We will find that many of them were just like us in many ways. How many of those one hundred and twenty names do you think you could name right off the top of your head? There were the 70 who were sent out; there were the 12 apostles—that is 82 already! The Bible tells us a lot about many of those who had the opportunity to be there that day. It is important because those people are our brethren—and they will be raised to eternal life in the family of God for all eternity with us at the First Resurrection. Their resurrection is our resurrection (1Thessalonians 4:15-17). They are one and the same. They will not be raised one scintilla of a second before us, or after us—but at the exact same moment. That word “scintilla” is a real word—meaning in a flash! This Feast Day of Pentecost is all about the coming of the Holy Spirit, but it also ties in closely with the First Resurrection and Eternal Life. Those 120 people will be our friends and relatives forever. We should revel in the expectation of the Godly friendship we will experience with them. Brethren, I’ll tell you this: I am looking forward to sitting down to a good cup of coffee with Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and personally spending some quality time with her, and many others. I too have some questions that will finally be answered, because Mary has kept all these sayings in her heart (Luke 2:51). Questions like, what did the holy man Simeon mean when he told you, Yes, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul (Luke 2:35)? Simeon was referring to Mary seeing her firstborn Son die on the cross. What a treasure trove Mary will be to all of us. In her declining years Mary shared her innermost feelings with Luke and also with John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, who was Mary’s conservator, guardian and care giver (John 19:27). Remember when Jesus said: John 19:26 [From the cross Jesus said to His mother] “Woman, behold thy son!” John 19:27 Then said He to the disciple, “Behold thy mother!” How Does the Holy Spirit Come to Us and How is God’s Spirit Received by Us God can only use words our limited minds can grasp when conveying the action and motivation of His Spirit in working with us. John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, which the Fatherwill send in my name [In Jesus’ name], shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Luke 11:13 …the Father who is in heaven will give Holy Spirit to those asking Him!” Acts 1:5 “For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with Holy Spirit. Joel 2:28 It shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh. God’s Spirit works in marvelous ways — bringing things to our remembrance. John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and born of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. Word certainly got around to at least 120 disciples! Not all of the 5,000 who were fed, healed, and raised from the dead were there for that first Pentecost, but a closer contingent of believers. Who were they – specifically? Let’s see how many we can find—you might want to keep a running total of those who were invited to Pentecost: The identities of the 70 disciples are never given in Scripture, but we can rest assured that they, too, were looking forward to Pentecost. Luke 10:1 After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent [apostello] them two and two before His face into every city and place, whither He himself would come. The Twelve Apostles Matthew 10:1 And when He had called unto Him His twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Matthew 10:2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Matthew 10:3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Matthew 10:4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. (1) Peter [Simon, Cephas-a stone], (2) Andrew his brother, [Barjona] the sons of Jonas (John 21:15); (3) James [Boanerges] Mark 3:17 The sons of thunder (4) John [Boanerges], sons of Zebedee; The sons of thunder (5) Philip; (6) Bartholomew [Nathanael of Cana (John 1:43-51)]; (7) Doubting Thomas [Didymus]; (8) Matthew [Levi]; (9) James [the Less], the son of Alphaeus; and his brother, (10) Thaddaeus [Lebbaeus], Judas the son of James; (11) Simon the called Zelotes the Canaanite; (12) And last of all, (12) Matthias, was added to the 12 – Acts 1:25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship. Jesus’ mother Mary was there at Pentecost, and her Son was dead: But before a shadow of sadness crosses your lips, remember this: Mary is well aware that He has risen and is alive ever more. Perhaps Jesus had appeared to His mother and spoken with her as He did to so many – I would not be at all surprised – but we are not told. Mary was about 50 years old at the time of Pentecost – having raised a home full of kids. We suppose that her husband Joseph had been deceased for a while—unless he was one of those resurrected for the purpose of being in the first resurrection—the Bible does not say. Wouldn’t that be something. Matthew 1:19 Joseph her husband, being a just man, [faithful to God’s Law] As we will see, there are some notable exceptions. Paul was called later, and not at that first Pentecost. Everyone who was called by God the Father to receive Holy Spirit—was also being called to the First Resurrection as well—just as we have been. We find that many of Jesus’ personal friends, relatives and acquaintances were at that first Pentecost. Some of those people were very close to Jesus and were with Him continuously throughout His public ministry. John 19:25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus, His mother, and [His aunt] His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas [possibly the apostle Alphaeus?], and Mary Magdalene. (Luke 24:18) Mary Magdalene was first to discover Jesus missing from the grave (Mark 16:9). Mary was lamenting at the tomb over the terrible death and loss of Jesus. Jesus had not yet ascended to His Father on the Wave Sheaf morning. John 20:17 Jesus said unto [Mary Magdalene], Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene, but no one believed her report. (Mark 16:9). Then, Jesus appeared to other women as they were departing from the tomb (Matthew 28:9-10). They knew that Jesus had died, but when He appeared to them, they worshipped Him there. Luke 8:3 And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered [financially] unto [Jesus] of their substance. There was an entire faithful entourage of disciples, men and women, who followed Jesus continually in His public ministry—many of whom were at that first Pentecost. Mark 15:40 There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome; Mark 15:41 (Who also, when He was in Galilee, followed Him, and ministered unto Him;) and many other women which came up with Him unto Jerusalem. There were some prominent men such as Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea. Mark 15:42 And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathea, an honorable counsellor and just, (who had not consented to the evil counsel and death of Jesus) who also waited for the Kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus. (Luke 23:50-51) It was Joseph of Arimathea who bought fine linen, and took [Jesus] down, and wrapped Him in the linen, and laid Him in his own new tomb, which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulcher (Mark 15:46-47, Matthew 27:57-60). Nicodemus also expressed belief in Jesus, as One who was sent by God (John 3:2). Nicodemus came to Jesus at night. He was a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin. Who did Jesus Christ show Himself to first after His resurrection? I personally believe it was those to whom Jesus felt a special closeness. The Bible records many appearances of the resurrected Jesus to different people at various times and locations over that 40-day period before He ascended into heaven. These are the saints we are told about, but it certainly is not a comprehensive list. On the day after Jesus’ resurrection, His disciples Peter and John, and some un-named women went to the tomb and saw that Jesus’ body was missing (Matthew 28:1–10; Mark 16:1–8; Luke 24:1–12; John 20:1–8). Most of Jesus’ followers, including Cleopas, still did not understand exactly what had occurred (John 20:9). John 2:19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. The followers of Jesus would understand – only after the Holy Spirit would open their minds on Pentecost. The news that Jesus’ body was not in the tomb traveled rather quickly, and, that same day, Cleopas and an unnamed companion [possibly the apostle Peter – we are not told] were discussing Jesus’ death and the mystery of His empty tomb as they traveled from Jerusalem to the town of Emmaus, about a seven-mile trip – two hours each way. Jesus also appeared to Peter in the upper room and at the sea of Tiberius also called the sea of Galilee or Lake Gennesaret (John 21:1). Luke 24 reveals so much about the personality of Jesus. I think that a case could possibly be made that the other apostle on the road to Emmaus was the apostle, Simon Peter. We will see the humor and love of Jesus that just exudes off the pages of the Bible: Luke 24:14 And [the two men] talked together of all these things which had happened. Jesus snuck up on them and joined in as these two men spoke of all the things that had happened to Jesus since His Passover with the apostles; like Jesus’ passion; the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot; Jesus being taken down off the cross; and Jesus’ burial in the stone tomb. Luke 24:15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus Himself drew near, and went with them. Jesus closed their eyes and opened to them the scriptures Luke 24:16 But their eyes were [miraculously] prevented from knowing who He was. Jesus prevented them from recognizing Him as He had done a little earlier that same morning at the tomb to Mary Magdalene. The Bible says that “as they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus Himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him” (Luke 24:15–16). It is just like Jesus was toying and sporting with the men on the road to Emmaus – pretending not to have even heard about the crucifixion. Jesus even pretended that He was on a longer trip than they were – having to be persuaded to stop and have supper with them. Luke 24:17 And [Jesus] said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad [dismayed]? Cleopas had hoped Jesus would, “liberate Israel” from its Roman oppressors (Luke 24:21). Let’s put ourselves into the shoes of these two men on their way to Emmaus. They were heartbroken, their countenance had fallen. They were thoroughly defeated. Jesus was dead… His body was gone… there was no one they could turn to for answers… they were bumfuzzled! confused, perplexed, flustered and flabbergasted. Their entire lives were on reset. They had no concept in their minds of a vibrant, growing, Spirit led, New Testament Church. It was time for them to change gears in their minds—and start thinking… and to start putting the pieces together. They were on the wrong page in their thinking… Even though Jesus had told them that He must go away they did not expect events to happen as they had (John 14:28, John 16:7). As late as 40 days later at Christ’s ascension into heaven, it was commonly misunderstood by some of the apostles that Jesus’ purpose was to physically restore the kingdom to Israel at that time (Acts 1:6). They expected Jesus to lead an uprising and empower Israel into national greatness. They expected Israel to overpower the Roman authorities and ascend once more to its Golden Age as seen in the days of David and Solomon. A suffering, dying Messiah was far from their expectations. Back on the Road to Emmaus Luke 24:18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto Him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? [Jesus had been crucified a full three days before on Wednesday and it was now Sunday.] Jesus, toying with them said, “What happened three days ago?” Luke 24:19 And [Jesus] said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: Cleopas showed he believed Jesus to be sent from God. Luke 24:20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death and have crucified Him. Luke 24:21 But we trusted that it had been He which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, today is the third day since these things were done. Luke 24:25 Then [Jesus] said unto them, [You are not thinking, wake up, pay attention], and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Luke 24:26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory? Jesus was saying, “Are not these the things the Scriptures tell us?” And He explained the Messianic Prophecies to them. Luke 24:27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Jesus referred to all the Old Testament Messianic prophecies which spoke of His coming, His suffering, His death, and His resurrection. Like the well-known Isaiah 53 where the role of the Messiah was to: …be despised and rejected of men; …be a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: …Struck down by God the Father, and afflicted. …be a man wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities: …be a man who would receive stripes for our healing. …a man who would bear the iniquity of us all. Isa 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. Isa 53:8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. Isa 53:9 And he made His grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Back to the saga of the men on the road to Emmaus where Jesus pretends to want to keep heading on into Emmaus: I suppose that Jesus had made up His mind way before this to have a fellowship meal – a breaking of bread – with these men whom He loved. Luke 24:28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and He made as though he would have gone further. Luke 24:29 But they constrained Him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And He went in to tarry with them. They Fellowshipped with Jesus over a Meal Luke 24:30 And it came to pass, as He sat at [supper] with them, He took bread, and blessed it, and broke, and gave to them. Jesus revealed Himself to the two disciples while they were eating. There was something strangely very familiar to them – the way that He prayed and gave thanks to God – and the way that He divided a portion of bread to them. Luke 24:31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew Him; and He vanished out of their sight. Luke 24:32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the Scriptures? Luke 24:33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, Luke 24:34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon [quite possibly the other man on the road to Emmaus]. Either that or, Jesus would have had to appear to Peter before these two men embarked on their journey to Emmaus. Paul mentions that Jesus appeared to Cephas, Peter, early on. 1Corinthians 15:5 And that [Jesus] was seen of Cephas [Peter], then of the twelve [of which Peter was one]: Otherwise, the Bible is mute on Christ’s early appearance to Peter. Others who were Invited to Pentecost Jesus appeared to 10 disciples who were hiding together (Luke 24:36-43; John 20:19-25). These disciples were afraid of what might happen to them since Jesus had been killed. Jesus appeared to all 11 remaining disciples (Mark 16:14; John 20:26-31). Thomas, who had doubted Jesus’ resurrection, was with them this time and upon seeing the resurrected Jesus worshipped him. Jesus appeared to 7 disciples, including Peter, who had denied Jesus three times (John 21). Jesus Appears to Seven of His Disciples John 21:1 After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias [also called sea of Galilee or Lake Gennesaret]; and on this wise shewed He Himself. John 21:2 There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. John 21:3 Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. John 21:4 But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. John 21:5 Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any food? They answered him, No. John 21:6 And He said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. John 21:7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher’s coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. John 21:8 And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes. John 21:9 As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. John 21:10 Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. John 21:11 Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. John 21:12 Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. John 21:13 Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise. John 21:14 This is now the third time that Jesus shewed Himself to his disciples, after that He was risen from the dead. Jesus and Peter – One on One John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto Him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs… Jesus finally appeared to as many as 500 of His followers at one time. The Surprising Lazarus’ Factor Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. These are people who are near and dear to Jesus. Lazarus was raised to physical life for the purpose of being in the first resurrection. Jesus corrected Martha about overemphasizing the physical household duties to the neglect of spiritual matters. Luke 10:42 But one thing is needful [you need to consider how]: and Mary has chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. Mary was rightly joining herself to Jesus and learning from Him. Martha then began to also sit at Jesus’ feet and hear His words—she heeded the advice of Jesus. John 11:23-24 Jesus said unto [Martha], Thy brother [Lazarus] shall rise again. Martha said unto Him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Martha knew about the resurrections: She knew that Jesus was the First Resurrection and that the Saints would be a part of that First Resurrection. She knew that all those not called by God (John 6:44) would be relegated to the General Resurrection at the end of the Millennium. The “Last Day” was not good enough for Martha—she understood that everyone will be in the general resurrection at the end of the Millennium—but Martha wanted her brother Lazarus to be in the First Resurrection—with Jesus. It was something that Martha, Mary, and their brother Lazarus had fully been counting on—and expecting—and hoping for, just like we do, brethren. Jesus eased her concerns and restored her hope: John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: Luke 10:38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that He entered into a certain village [Bethany]: and a certain woman named Martha received [Jesus] into her house. Luke 10:39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard His word. Martha had an attitude because of her obsession with housekeeping. Luke 10:40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to Him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. Luke 10:41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: Luke 10:42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. The beloved apostle John, writing much later, saw the need to exonerate Martha’s good name and reputation: We learn from Jesus’ conversation with Martha that receiving Holy Spirit qualifies one for the first resurrection and eternal life. This Feast Day of Pentecost is all about the coming of the Holy Spirit, but it ties in closely with the First Resurrection and Eternal Life. Jesus had taught His disciples all about the resurrections—the Better Resurrection of the Firstfruits, the General Resurrection of the Last Day, and the Resurrection of those incorrigibles who reject God’s calling. I would like you to notice how well Martha had been instructed about the resurrections. And, not only Martha, but also the disciples, and I’m sure that most, if not all, of the 120 brethren at Pentecost had been instructed about the resurrections: John 11:1 Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. John 11:2 (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) John 11:3 Therefore his sisters sent unto [Jesus], saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. John 11:4 When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. Jesus was demonstrating to them – and to us, that He is the Resurrection and the Life, He is the source of Life. John 11:14 Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. John 11:15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. Martha thought that Lazarus was dead and gone – until the end of the millennium – the second resurrection. John 11:21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. [She is crestfallen and greatly disappointed that Lazarus has missed out on the firstfruits resurrection with Jesus] Martha’s expectation and understanding was to be in the first and better resurrection along with her sister Mary and brother Lazarus. John 11:22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. John 11:23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. John 11:24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the Last Day. John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: John 11:26 And whosoever lives and believeth in me shall never die. Do you believe this? John 11:27 She saith unto Him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. Invitation to the Kingdom of God Lazarus, I believe, received Holy Spirit at that first Pentecost – became converted, and met the requirements for the first resurrection. Brethren, it would have been a wonderful thing to see and partake of the events of that First Pentecost, but let’s realize the importance of our not missing the soon coming First Resurrection. Postscript: We find Lazarus alive and well six days before Jesus’ last Passover! John 12:1-2 Then Jesus six days before the Passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom He raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with Him. ———————————————————————————————————- See Warren Zehrung’s other articles at: Zehrung, Warren – Church of God, Bismarck (church-of-god-bismarck.org) Reprinted with permission from: Sabbath Church of God http://childrenofgod.net/ ———————————————————————————————————- |
| Iron Sharpening Iron In regard to: One Hundred and Twenty Names Article by Warren Zehrung Comments by Laura Lee (Bismarck, North Dakota) |
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| I have gone over these Holy Days numerous times, quoting scripture so I will try to make this a short version. My suggestion is that you study these Holy Days from scripture and not from what you have been taught in a former church organization because if you have them wrong, you will be keeping the wrong Passover which is breaking the Law of God, and you will be keeping the wrong Pentecost which will cause you to miss the first fruits resurrection. This is a salvational issue. From the Article: As we saw seven weeks ago on the ‘morrow after the Sabbath,’ the Wave Sheaf offering was the first day of the count to Pentecost. That was when we began to count fifty. It was evening at the close of that first day of the count, when Jesus appeared in a room where His disciples had gathered together. Laura writes: Jesus did not appear in a room with His disciples on the first day of the count to Pentecost. Christ was dead and in the tomb on the first day of the count to Pentecost. Historically, see Josephus and Edersheim, both have written that the Wave Sheaf was always done on the 16th of Nisan, the day after Passover. From the Article: That day that Jesus breathed [blow sound] on them, and said unto them, receive you Holy Breath, was the very first day of counting to Pentecost—and you can be sure that the disciples had just counted “Day One:” Leviticus 23:15 And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the Sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven Sabbaths shall be complete: Leviticus 23:16 Even unto the morrow after the seventh Sabbath shall ye number fifty days; Laura writes: A better reading of this verse would be as follows: Lev 23:15 And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven weeks shall be complete: Many Bible Translations use the term weeks in this verse, listed below are only a few: Lev 23:15 “Starting the day after the Sabbath, count for yourselves seven weeks from the day you brought the sheaf of wave offering. They are to be complete. International Standard Version Lev 23:15 And let seven full weeks be numbered from the day after the Sabbath, the day when you give the grain for the wave offering; Bible in Basic English Lev 23:15 And ye shall number to yourselves from the day after the sabbath, from the day on which ye shall offer the sheaf of the heave-offering, seven full weeks: Brenton Lev 23:15 And ye shall count from the morning after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave-offering, seven weeks; they shall be complete; Darby Lev 23:15 You shall count therefore from the morrow after the sabbath, wherein you offered the sheaf of firstfruits, seven full weeks. Douay-Rheims Bible Lev. 23:15 does not tell you to use the Weekly Sabbath. Historically the Sabbath used for the Wave Sheaf offering was always Passover/First Day of Unleavened Bread. And if you used that Sabbath as the Orthodox Jews do, there would not be all this Holy Day confusion where you are trying to figure out which Weekly Sabbath you are to count from. Again, this verse does not tell you to use the weekly Sabbath for the count to Pentecost. Look at a couple of Old Bibles for Lev. 23:15: Matthew’s Bible 1537 And ye shal count from the morow after the Sabboth: euen from the daye that ye brought the shefe of the waueoffrynge seuen wekes complete: Coverdale Bible 1535 Then shal ye nombre (from the nexte daye after the Sabbath, whan ye brought ye Waueshefe) seuen whole wekes, Then look in your own King James Bible: Deu_16:9 Seven weeks shalt thou number unto thee: begin to number the seven weeks from such time as thou beginnest to put the sickle to the corn. Deu_16:10 And thou shalt keep the feast of weeks unto the LORD thy God with a tribute of a freewill offering of thine hand, which thou shalt give unto the LORD thy God, according as the LORD thy God hath blessed thee: Pentecost has many names, one of which is Feast of Weeks. And here in Deuteronomy it is telling you to number weeks and not Sabbaths. So is the Bible confused or are many people confused as to what is being talked about here. From the Article: Jesus had not yet ascended to His Father on the Wave Sheaf morning. John 20:17 Jesus said unto [Mary Magdalene], Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. Laura writes: Adam Clarke best explains John 20:17. The only reason Christ told Mary at this point not to touch Him (cling to Him) was because he wanted her to go tell everyone He was risen and that there would be plenty of time later to see Him before He ascended to His Father in Heaven. Christ was accepted by the Father when the vail in the Temple was ripped immediately after He died. Christ did not leave the earth until 40 days after He was resurrected. Adam Clarke John 20:17 Touch me not – Μη μου ἁπτου, Cling not to me. Ἁπτομαι has this sense in Job_31:7, where the Septuagint use it for the Hebrew דבק dabak, which signifies to cleave, cling, stick, or be glued to. From Mat_28:9, it appears that some of the women held him by the feet and worshipped him. This probably Mary did; and our Lord seems to have spoken to her to this effect: “Spend no longer time with me now: I am not going immediately to heaven – you will have several opportunities of seeing me again: but go and tell my disciples, that I am, by and by, to ascend to my Father and God, who is your Father and God also. Therefore, let them take courage.” Christ’s Ascension into Heaven. Luk 24:50 He led them out as far as Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. Luk 24:51 While he blessed them, he withdrew from them, and was carried up into heaven. Luk 24:52 They worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, Luk 24:53 and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen. From the Article: Jesus snuck up on them and joined in as these two men spoke of all the things that had happened to Jesus since His Passover with the apostles; like Jesus’ passion; the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot; Jesus being taken down off the cross; and Jesus’ burial in the stone tomb. Laura writes: The meal Christ had with the apostles before He died was not a Passover Meal. I am not sure why so many do not understand this point. Most everyone in the Church of God, understands that Christ was the Passover Lamb and that He was killed with the Passover Lambs but then they go tilt and believe for some reason that the Lamb was somehow eaten before it was killed. The Passover is a Holy Day and it took place the evening after the Passover Lambs were killed. Eze 45:21 “‘“In the first month, in the fourteenth day of the month, you shall have the Passover, a feast of seven days; unleavened bread shall be eaten. Luk 22:1 Now the feast of unleavened bread, which is called the Passover, was approaching. From the Article: We find Lazarus alive and well six days before Jesus’ last Passover! John 12:1-2 Then Jesus six days before the Passover came to Bethany, where Lazarus was which had been dead, whom He raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with Him. Laura writes: It clearly says in John 12:1-2 that Jesus came six days before the Passover which would have started at sunset as the 14th of Nisan turned into the 15th of Nisan. This is not talking about the meal that Christ ate with His disciples before He was crucified. Christ did not eat the Passover meal that year because He was the Passover as in Passover Lamb. |
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