April Beacon

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.  Do you believe this?’”  John 11:25

At the heart of Christian faith is a belief in eternal life in heaven.  It is not just a want, but rather, a confident assurance unlike what those of the world hold on to.  Many today believe that after this life, they will be in heaven.  Who would not want to believe this! But what are they clinging to? On what basis do they think they will spend eternity in heaven?

Too often people live with what might be called a ‘heavenly entitlement.’ They have vague ideas about God, but they are pretty sure that they will be with Him forever. Their rationale or mindset is that: we are born; we live; we die; we go to heaven. That’s just the way of life. ['I live, therefore, I live eternally. I deserve to!'] That may be modern-day human thinking, but it is just not Biblical thinking.

In I Corinthians 15 we are reminded of the gospel. Paul said in verse 2, ‘By this gospel you are saved.’ Then he recounted the essence of it with how Christ died for our sins, was buried, was raised on the third day, and appeared to many. Later, He was taken up to heaven, with a promise to one day return.

Are you waiting for Him? Do you believe in the gospel, and are you living it out? The early church showed signs of ‘gospel life.’ Acts 4:32 begins with, “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.” The remainder of this section tells how there were no needy among them. They helped each other out in a generous manner.

Notice also what was at the core of their efforts, or how they were living. Verse 34 exposes them with the words, “With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.” Grace was abounding among the believers. A unique power was at work within and through them. It was because of the resurrection of Jesus. They believed the good news about the Lord, and they pointed to Him and His resurrection power with how they lived.

Stuart and Jean are in the midst of a difficult time. Jean had a stroke a few weeks ago. As of this writing, she is in a hospital bed. A tracheotomy has helped her breathe. She has made some progress. Stuart continues to watch over her. They both appreciate your care and concern, and especially your prayers.

I want you to know too, that they are pointing to the cross. They are submissive to God and His will for them. But they cling to Jesus and His resurrection power. They believe Jesus was raised from the dead and that His resurrection power is still at work.

“With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.” Is your life pointing to the empty cross?

March Beacon

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” James 5:16
A young boy saw a pack of cigarettes on the ground and decided to try them. He went to a [...]

February Beacon

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20
Would it be fair to call her, ‘Reluctant Rhoda?’ King Herod was on a rampage. He was arresting and persecuting those belonging to [...]

January Beacon

“In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again.  You need milk, not solid food!”  Hebrews 5:12
Will it be milk or solid food for you in 2010?  Maybe you are not only a consumer, but also a provider [...]

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