Spirit of Heaviness

Part1

Depression can happen to anyone and everyone, no one is exempt. Many will turn to counselors or professionals, however many more will turn to addictive and harmful drugs. Some may work for a while, but have you ever read the warnings on the commercials? The fallouts can be far worse than the malady itself.
To be sure extended and extreme depression may cause suicide, weight loss, mental and or emotional instability, but are pills and potions the answer even if prescribed by your physician? Many who take prescription drugs neglect to inform their doctor of other medications whether prescribed or over-the-counter, which may very well cause harmful side effects, worse than the original malady! Is it worth it?
So what to do? 
The Bible has the answer for all of life's ailments. 
Because most depression is directly related to negative thinking 2 Corinthians 10:5 gives one factor in freeing ourselves from depression. Here negative thoughts may be referred to as imaginations [that is something that is not real] and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, (KJV).
Some versions may say vain or worthless imaginations. the point is that negative thoughts, if not checked and brought under control, will eventually lead to depression.
Its not enough to stop thinking negative of vain thoughts--they must be replaced with sound Godly thoughts else they will return twice and three times as deadly (bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ).
The second Rx for depression comes from Isaiah 61:5b the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. First of all we see that depression heaviness is a spirit, not a disease. A spirit cannot be seen, diagnosed, or palpated by a doctor, yet it is paralysing to the entire being, causing severe emotional, distress which leads to physical ailments, even suicide as the victim often feels useless and unworthy of love and lonely, as if no one cares about them.

Warning!!

When properly applied both 2Cor.19:5 and Isa.61:3 can become addictive, however without harmful the side effects of drugs!

Sin a Cause of Depression

A third Rx is found in Galatians 6:2 “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” although this passage is primarily speaking of a person who is overtaken with sin [a fault is something worthy of judgment] sin will cause depression if not properly exposed and dealt with. A trusted brother or sister in Christ must be a confident and faithful prayer partner.
2John 5:16-17 “If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. all unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.”
James 5:14-16 “Is there any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he shall have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults {worthy of judgment] one to another, that ye may be healed. The effectual and fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

These passages all admonish us to extend our hearts to one another in prayer and supplication, both hearing the confession and having compassion upon him. They also directly imply that sin is the root cause of the depression, for, as stated afore, sin can cause sickness and death, (see 1Corinthians 11: 26-32).

Faith Building Practice and Review

1.    What causes depression?

2.    What must the afflicted person do to obtain freedom from depression?

3.    What must we do if we see a brother sin a sin not unto death?

4.    What is the sin unto death?

5.    Why is it so important to read the labels on all drugs prescriptions and over the counter?

6.    Why is it so important to disclose all medications to your doctor?

7.    Why is it important to have a trusted friend of relative hear you?

Spirit of Heaviness

Part 3

I

n response to numerous comments on Parts 1 and 2 of this series, I thought it prudent to write part 3. While parts of it may seem a bit redundant, nonetheless I deem it to be invaluable to the human physic. There are those may who view my writings on the subject as trivial and over simplifying in response to aiding those who are oppressed with depression. Some may even assert, “It’s easy for you to say, ministers are exempt to such attacks”. My response to those who think accordingly is that in no way do I imply the topic at hand is trivial. To the contrary, I myself have experienced depression in varying degrees and offer my personal experience in the exploration of the depths of depression. Furthermore, it is shear fallacy to assert that ministers are exempt from such maladies, to the contrary, many times our adversary, the devil, is set out to snare those in ministry as a means of attacking and scattering the flock. Therefore, I earnestly solicit your prayers both for myself and for the countless members of the clergy throughout the world, yes even your own place of worship.

To be sure depression is waged in the hearts of men, women and children of all ages everywhere. Even staunch men and women of God. In 1Kings 19:1-14 the story of one of the greatest prophets of the Lord is told. He had just experienced a great “high”, so to speak, in the slaughter of the 450 prophets of Baal, in chapter 18:1-46, only to descend from the mountain to receive a death decree from Jezebel. This was so highly disturbing to Elijah that he literally ran for his life into the wilderness and stayed there, begging for God to take his life. He wanted to die, he was so despondent.

Please take note that while the prophet was in hiding the Lord was with him sending His angels to feed and water him. No matter what the depths of your despair, the Lord God is there to feed you, comfort and assure you.

One Dear Response

One dear insightful sister responded: “Have I been depressed? Probably, there are times in which I thought it was more like stressed or tired, but who knows. If I have, I am quick at realizing (God illuminates me), that the "spirit of heaviness" is my "imagination". And I definitely "fill up" my "prescription" of prayer, alone or in company. Furthermore, a good sleep, healthy nutrition and family and friends contribute to the "cure" or healing. So I reject that spirit of heaviness, I want to be and plan on remaining healthy.”

Note: the “spirit of heaviness” is not an imagination; to the contrary—it is very real! Depression is as real as the sky is blue, or the grass is green.

She goes on to say, however, that a good antidote for depression is a healthy dose of family love and support, a healthy nutritional diet, lots of prayer [alone or in prayer], plenty of good restful sleep, and the assurance of God’s provision are vital for defeating depression. These are the very things that depression robs us of. We don’t eat properly, neglect our prayer and study of God’s word, become insomniacs, we isolate ourselves, and focus on “Oh, woe is me” instead of turning our focus on Isaiah 26:3 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”

Now, that is no trivial Rx for depression, for it overtly implies summoning energy from within ourselves, as well as others, but most importantly, from the God of all creation.

Isaiah 26:3

Isaiah 26:3 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”

Examining this verse:

1.    The person who keeps his mind focused of the Lord is kept in perfect peace.

2.    The person who focuses on his or her problems does not have the promise of peace, because it is the problems of life that bring turmoil and depression.

3.    Focusing on the Lord is a lifestyle, not happenstance or whimsical.

4.    Focusing on life’s problems is also a lifestyle which brings depression and destruction.

5.    The ability to focus on the Lord is a demonstration of trust, whereas focusing on our problems denotes distrust and a lack of faith though we lay claim to faith [like it or not].

6.    It is not easy to change a lifestyle—but it can and must be done!

Philippians 4:8

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

If we were to then read verse 7 [it is not my normal practice to reverse the order of verses, however, in this passage I deem it to be advantageous only for the sake of clarification]; “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall guard our hearts, and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Verse 8 becomes a literal filter by which we can use to not only defeat depression, but also to prevent it from taking a foothold in our hearts in the first place. Then and then only can God’s peace guard our hearts and minds, the same way as Isaiah 26:3.

Help for the Depressed

What can you and I do to help the depressed? Here are some do’s and don’ts.

·         Be a good listener. Many times all the person needs is to have someone simply listen. Listening is an art form. It takes a lot of patience to sit quietly giving a loving ear to someone in need. Many times a listening ear is all that’s needed.

·         Hope: be ready to give plenty of hope. The depressed often cannot see beyond their immediate circumstances, all they see is perpetual turmoil, which adds to their malady. “What is my strength that I should hope? And what is mine end that I should prolong my life.” Job 6:11 those experiencing deep depression are likely ready to die, see 1Kings 19:1-14 Elijah, the prophet of the Lord sought to end his life seeing no hope.

·         Be compassionate: not superficial. Superficial people often belittle the situation, implying the person needs to “grow up”. Thus it becomes an attack on the person themselves.

·         Show pity or kindness: Job 6:14 “To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the almighty.” “To him that is about to faint and despair, kindness is due from his friend, lest he forsake the fear of the almighty.” Amplified Bible

Pity (KJV) is rendered kindness in the Amplified Bible. We need to be kind to those in need, not harsh and overbearing.

·         Honesty: not finger pointing. There is a way to be honest and sincere without accusing the person wrongfully. Remember Job’s friends falsely accused him of sin several times. Arguing exacerbates the situation; “How forcible are words of straightforward speech! But what does your arguing or your reproof reprove? Job 6:25 Amplified Bible. Many times depression comes upon a person simply because we live in a fallen world, and has nothing to do with a whether or not a person has sinned.

·         Bible answer person: Often it is tempting to have all the answers, after all, we reason. “I’m a minister or Pastor, or teacher, and I have all the answers”. In reality all the excuses we may conjure up are but like pouring salt on an open wound. Truth be known, we don’t have all the answers, like it or not. The person who plays God is full of unfounded accusations. Job 1:1 “There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.” Here we have the testimony of none other than the Lord God himself giving account of Job in His eyes. And we’re going to presume to tell someone that they are in sin?! I don’t think so.

·         Show understanding: understanding is closely related to compassion. The hurting can spot a phony a mile away.

·         Golden Rule: Matthew 7:12 “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” So often quoted yet so often misunderstood, this passage, known as the “golden Rule”, really sets the standard for helping others. We must ask ourselves, “Is the way I would want to be treated if I were in the same situation?” That one question ought to inspire us to godly actions toward a person in need. And yet, why do we yet behave like the scribe and Pharisees who, when they were confronted, on the road to Jericho, with the man left for dead, beaten and robbed by thieves in Luke 10:30-32. Ought we not to be like the Samaritan, vs 33-35, stopped and gave aid, having compassion. To be sure, depression can and will leave us beaten, robbed and left for dead in the back-alleys, and thoroughfares of life.

·         Body Language: Just as the wise sister mentioned; she paid attention to what her body and emotions were saying to her.

Faith Building Practice and Review

1.    List at least five causes of depression.

2.    Have you ever been depressed?

3.    What was the greatest hindrance to your deliverance?

4.    What was the greatest aid to your healing?

5.    Study the 8 items listed for helping the depressed, and commit them to memory.

6.    Study your own body language. Do you cry or weep when depressed? Do you feel a dark cloud following you? Are you constantly rehashing negative thoughts and or actions?

7.    Make a list of what your body is saying to you.

8.    Go back to the list of helps and seek as many ways as possible to set yourself free from depression.

9.    Do the same for others in need.

10. You need not have a Phd. in counseling to help someone.

                                         Why should I buy Crossroads of Life?
That's  a question  often hear to which there are several reasons.
1. We live in a fallen world plagued with opportunities for failure, however, because our God loves us and desires for us to prosper and be successful, read Joshua 1:6-9, He has outlined principles in his book, the Bible, to insure our success and prosperity, and I'm not talking about the "name it and claim it message" we so often here about. It has been said that there are over 800 principles on finances alone in the Book of Books.
2. Because of our fallen world, many of us simply don't know how to make sound decisions. This can have devastating and perpetual affects. We tend to make decisions by habit expecting different results. Someone has called this insanity.
3. Life is short. Some of life's decisions don't come with the luxury of being able to fully recover. Especially in the latter years of our lives.
4. Many of life's decisions don't have to do with morality, but many do. Most are related either directly or indirectly.
5. Most of us have never been taught how to make good decisions. Therefore we are often unaware of the pitfalls lying in ambush for us.
6. Emotions play an integral part in decision-making, whether we realize it or not. We get emotional when purchasing a car, home, or clothes. Our heart skips a beat or more every time we meet a "good looking person", male or female, and we plunge into  the unchartered waters of matrimony simply because we're lonely. No one is exempt from making bad decisions, emotional or otherwise.
7. Crossroads of Life is full of useful tools to assist the reader in making great decisions. It is beneficial for all ages, for teaching younger generations, as well as changing bad decision--making skills of the aged adults.
8. We often choose a place of worship based on the premise that "if it was good enough for great, great, great grandma and grandpa, its good enough for me" mentality.
9. Contrary to what many believe, Life does come with a book of instructions--the Bible. If you pay heed to your doctor or dentist's instructions, why not listen to the Creator of Heaven and Earth? He wrote the instruction book for life, whether it be relationships, financial, worship, moral, ethical, it's all in there, so why ignore God's instruction book--the Bible!
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                                                       Feast of Pentecost
                                                          
                                                                      Part 4

1.   
 Can you see God’s divine plan throughout this study of the feasts?

a)    Divine architect?

b)    Divine rehearsal?

c)    Divine orchestrator?

2.    Are you looking forward to a fresh anointing from God on May 27^th?

The Feast of Pentecost was a time of great anticipation and personal reflection for the early believers. As a result God’s presence and power fell on them for they were ready—preparing themselves. Are you also ready and preparing yourself for a fresh anointing? 

Feast of Pentecost (Shavuot) Feast of Weeks
Part 4

Leviticus 23:15-16 “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: even after the morrow the seventh Sabbath shall ye number fifty day; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the Lord.”

Amplified Bible: “And you shall count from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, seven Sabbaths; (seven full weeks) shall they be; counting fifty days to the day after the Sabbath; then you shall present a cereal offering of new grain before the Lord.”

N

ote: with all the counting of days and Sabbaths it would be an easy matter to conclude they are merely “countdowns”, thus becoming ritualistic in nature, when in reality they are anticipations of God’s appointed work expected on the fiftieth day, the Day of Pentecost. These days mark the period from the cross to the beginning of the church and from the resurrection to the coming of the Holy Spirit. It is during these fifty days that we ought to give explicit attention to examining ourselves, while thoughtfully taking heed of our relationship with God and His Word, for it is Pentecost that ushered in the beginning of the new covenant and church. For whatever reason the contemporary church does not continually celebrate the Feasts of Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits or Pentecost, most likely because they are fulfilled in Christ.

Exodus 19:5-6 “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people; for all the earth is mine: and ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.”

Relationship with Fire

Exodus 19:18-19 “And Mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke [engulfed in smoke], because the Lord descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly. And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice.”

Just as God descended with fire on Mount Sinai, so also the Holy Spirit descended on the Day of Pentecost with fire! Therefore, fire also signifies the presence and power of the Spirit of God! Fire is very important in the church. There are numerous passages which contain elements of fire and all are relevant serving a definitive purpose.

{Compare with}: Acts 2:1-5 “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there coma a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.”

Wow! What a powerful comparison. The infant church experienced what ancient Israel anticipated!

Now the infant church became the peculiar nation of holy priests Moses spoke of concerning ancient Israel! Exodus 19:6.

Not only that but according to Acts 2 there were Hebrew men gathered because they were required to bring an offering to the Temple on Pentecost.  Acts 1:12-14 records that men and women were gathered in the upper room, on the eve of the Feast of Pentecost  praying with supplication and were all of one accord

Location of the upper room: Acts 1:13 indicates that was the place where Peter, James, John Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James, son of Alphaeus, Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James abode or lodged awaiting the day of Pentecost. It was therefore, most likely the house of a believer and not the temple. It must have been a fairly large room to have housed so many, as later in vs. 14-15 it is stated that there were about one hundred twenty.

Mark 14:13-16 and Luke 22:10-12 tell the likely whereabouts of the room, which was the same room the twelve disciples had shared the Passover meal with Jesus before his crucification. It was described as a large guestchamber, an upper room.

There is little evidence to support an upper room in the Temple as the only upper rooms mentioned would have been on the north wall, third floor of the temple, and far too small to support such a gathering. Furthermore, there is no mention in scripture to support that theory, plus the upper rooms were used for storage of temple items which required security.

Supplication: humble or earnest prayer; petition; a particular need or want; petition for oneself; petition on behalf of others.

This was a deep attitude of prayer as opposed to being superficial, thus in keeping with the nature of the Feast of Pentecost.

Peter’s Sermon

Acts 2:14-40 records Peter’s first sermon to those gathered in the upper room in the Temple, [see Matthew 16:18] Peter is now fulfilling Christ’s proclamation that Peter would begin the church

Note also: in Exodus 32:28 3000 men died at Mount Sinai for worshipping the golden calf, but on Pentecost 3000 were saved when Peter preached the first sermon.

The Promise of the Father

Isaiah 28:9-13 times of refreshing; 32:15 spirit be poured upon us from on high; 59:21 my words have I put in thy mouth; Ezekiel 39:29 I have poured out my spirit upon the house of Israel; Joel 2:28-29 I will pour out my spirit; Zechariah 12:10 I will pour upon the house of David; Luke 11:13 heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask; 24:49 endued with power from on high; John 7:39 Holy Spirit was not yet given; 14:16-17 he shall give you another Comforter, even the Spirit of truth; Acts 1:4-8 receive power; 2:16-20, 38-39 gift of Holy Ghost; 3:19 times of refreshing.

Note: there are several terms and phrases used to convey the same promise of the Father.

Pentecost Signaled

1.    The beginning of the church.

2.    The beginning of the new covenant.

3.    The beginning of a new kingdom on earth established by the Spirit of God, not man.

4.    The beginning of a new order of priests, a holy nation, a peculiar people  Ex.19:6; Isa. 61:6; 1Pet.2:5; Rev.1:6

5.    The promise of God being fulfilled.

6.    The fulfillment of Jeremiah 31:31.

7.    The fulfillment of Joel 2:28-29.

8.    A new harvest of 3000 souls of man from which would reproduce thousands of times over and over, in stark contrast to the 3000 slain for idol worship in Exodus 32.

Seven Weeks

F

rom Easter [resurrection Sunday] forward for seven weeks [in 2012 from April 8^th to May 27^th] is the Feast of Weeks, during which time the Jews prepare themselves inwardly expectantly awaiting God’s promise on the Day of Pentecost. Rather than continue to take these days for granted—what would happen if we [the church both collectively and individually] with sincerity of heart would consecrate ourselves with great expectation for a fresh anointing and power within each of us?

In this day it greatly disturbs me that we take for granted that which the early church earnestly sought for and subsequently received on the day of Pentecost.

F

rom this day forward, I therefore challenge each one reading this study, to begin to inwardly search your hearts with prayer and supplications, even as they did in Acts 1, and expect God do bring a fresh anointing upon you. An anointing with power, such as you’ve never experienced before.

Expect God to pour out a fresh anointing with power upon each of us on May 27^th, 2012 as we seek His face.

Join us please!

Faith Building Practice and Review

3.    How many weeks between Easter and Pentecost?

4.    Name five things Pentecost signaled.

a)     

b)     

c)     

d)     

e)     

5.    What were the early Christians expecting on Pentecost?

6.    What was ancient Israel expecting?

7.    Why is the Feast of Pentecost also called the Feast of Weeks?

8.    What is the location of the upper room?

9.    Is the fire associated with the Feast of Pentecost some weird phenomenon?

10. What other passages containing fire can you find?

11. What is the significance of that fire in the passages you found?

Part 3

Feast of Firstfruits (HaBikkurim)

Leviticus 23:9-11 “The Lord spoke to Moses saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf if the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest: and he shall wave the sheaf before the Lord, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it.”

Notice: this feast was not celebrated until after Israel entered into the Promised Land, some 40 years after the Exodus. The reason being was Israel’s disobedience and rebellion kept them in the wilderness much longer than it should have [approximately two weeks]. Once in the Promised Land they began harvesting and observing the Feast of Firstfruits on the day after the Sabbath. Passover was on a day when no common work was to be accomplished, so it was observed the day after the Sabbath or the 15^th day of Nisan.

Sheaf: a bundle, or basket

The firstfruits was a bundle or sheaf of the first fruit harvested from the land, usually barley grain, as that was the first crop to be harvested. It might be a basket of fruit or whatever represented the first of the harvest. It thus became a tithe and offering to the Lord.

The sheaf was to be given to the priest to wave it before the Lord as an acceptable offering. Each family was required to have a wave offering to present to the priest. Read Deuteronomy 26:5-10.

Mere Ritual or Tradition

As with most any sacred thing it is easy for it to become a simple ritual or tradition to be followed. However the tithe and offering is also a remembrance of God’s mighty deliverance from the bondage of sin and,  the deliverance from Egyptian slavery for the Jews.

Jesus our Firstfruits [Harvest]

1Corinthians 15: 20-24 “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.”

Just as the firstfruits was given to the priest to be offered as a wave offering so also Christ became our “wave offering” or firstfruits when he rose victorious from the grave. Christ was in fact the firstfruits of those yet to come.

Note: remember the Jews are still looking for their Messiah/firstfruits.

With Jesus as our firstfruits:

·         It guarantees our resurrection to eternal life 1Cor.15:23

·         Firstfruits is always a token of that which is yet to follow

·         Firstfruits is also an offering of praise and thanksgiving

·         The firstfruits was to be waved, by the priest, before God for his acceptance; likewise Christ was waved before the Father and accepted for our salvation. Rom.4:24-25. Isaiah 53:1-12 (10) [it pleased the Lord to bruise him].

J

esus arose from the grave on Sunday the day after the Sabbath [the Sabbath is always on Saturday, Sunday is always the first day of the week].

 Matthew 28:1 “In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulcher.

He arose on Jehovah’s intentional design, the Sunday after Sabbath. Therefore, it was not coincidental for him to rise on that particular day. Jesus rose from the grave to fulfill the holy Torah—on HaBikkurim—the day of life and everlasting freedom.

Resurrection Predicted in Old Testament and Christ in New Testament

·         Exodus and Leviticus, to begin with, have already established and foretold of Christ’s resurrection.

a)    Psalm 16:10; 22:12-21; 49:15; 71:20

b)    Isaiah 53:1-12

c)    Daniel 12:2

d)    Hosea 13:14

·         Numerous times Jesus foretold of his death, burial, and resurrection and subsequently ours.

a)    Matthew 24:1-3; 27:63

b)    John 5:25; 640; 11:25; 12:1-8;14:1-7

c)    Acts 2:23-24; 3;14-15; 4:33; 10:39-41; 17:2-3

d)    Romans 1:4; 4:25; 10:9;

e)    1Corinthians 15:4

f)     Ephesians 1:20

g)    1Thess.4:14

h)   1Peter 1:3

Matthew 28:6 “He is not here: for he is risen, as he [Jesus] said. Come see the place where the Lord lay.”

Luke 24:5 “And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek the living among the dead?”

John 20:3-7 “Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulcher. So they ran together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulcher. And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet he went not in. then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulcher, and seeth the linen clothes lie, and the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.”

Recall: how the unleavened bread was broken, and one half was wrapped in fine linen hidden then later sought after. So also, the body of Christ was wrapped in linen [the ancient custom for burial] (Matthew 27:57-60) hidden in the tomb, and later sought after only to find the tomb empty and the linen or burial cloths lying by themselves. HE IS RISEN AS OUR FIRSTFRUITS!

Leviticus 23:15 “you shall count for yourselves from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering: seven Sabbaths shall be completed.

1Corinthians 15:1-26 this is the power chapter regarding the resurrection or firstfruits, for it is the apology for Christ’s resurrection and seals ours.

Note: there are those who believe Christ arose in spirit form only, denying the bodily resurrection. They are among those in the series “Spiritual Mirages”, and are not Christian in the strictest sense of the word, for they deny the bodily resurrection of Christ. Hence, Paul’s treaty in 1Cor.15 plainly declares such individuals as having a vain [worthless] faith, still in their sins, and most miserable vs.19, and they also declare there is no resurrection of the dead vs.12. see also Romans 10:9.

T

he Feast of Firstfruits, therefore, is a pinnacle doctrine for the Christian faith. We, who are believers, are indeed freed from our sins through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus the anointed Son of God!

Romans 10:9 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

Hebrews 7:1-28 explains the change of the priesthood from the tribe of Levi, to the Jesus Christ being order after Melchisedec [not Levi or Aaron] who became our high priest vs. 26 who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens. Therefore, He, being the firstfruits, offered himself up as a wave offering [as high priest] to the Father.

Indisputable Evidence of the Resurrection

1.    Jesus spent much time predicting his own death, burial and resurrection.

2.    Tomb was carefully guarded by Roman soldiers [penalty of death if they failed] Matthew 27:64-66.

3.    A great stone, hewn out of rock (Matthew 27:60) was placed over the tomb entrance.

4.    Stone rolled away.

5.    Empty sepulcher and linen wrappings.

Numerous witnesses:

6.    Rose the third day as predicted.1Corinthians 15:3

7.    Seen of Cephas, then twelve. 1Cor.15:5

8.    Seen of five hundred. 1Cor.15;6

9.    Seen of James, then apostles 1Cor.15:7

10. Last seen of Paul 1Cor.15:8

Intricate details of God’s timing:

Spring Feasts (four) [historical events; Jews still looking for Messiah]

·         Exodus 12:1 new year for Hebrews

·         Vs.3 10^th day to take a lamb

·         Vs.5 firstling of goats or sheep; without spot or blemish [sinless Christ]

·         Vs.6-7 14^th day to kill, roast, eat, blood on doorposts

·         Vs.8 at even or night

·         Vs.15 unleavened bread begins the day after Passover, for seven days

·         Vs.19 no leaven in houses for seven days.

·         Vs.35-36 Egyptians spoiled

Fall Feasts (three) [future or end time events]

·         Leviticus 23:11 firstfruits offering the day after the Sabbath

·         Vs.16 fifty days after the seventh Sabbath is the feast of Pentecost

·         Vs. 24 feast of trumpets;  first day of the seventh month

·         Vs. 27 feast of atonement; tenth day of seventh month

·         Vs.34 feast of tabernacles; fifteenth day of the seventh month.

Faith Building Practice and Review

1.     Why is the Feast of Firstfruits such an important doctrine to the Christian faith?

2.    If a person claims to believe in Jesus the Christ, but does not believe in the resurrection of the dead—are they truly a Christian? Explain.

3.    What does the resurrection of Christ guarantee for believers?

4.    Give three evidences of his resurrection.

a)     

b)     

c)     

5.    Can you discover any others? If so list them.

6.    List four Old Testament predictions of His resurrection.

                a)

              b)

              c)

              d)

 7. From these three studies, can you begin to see God’s intricate design and timing?

 8. What once seemed mundane and taken for granted now has become real and powerful. Do you agree?

 9. God, in His infinite wisdom, provided numerous witnesses of the resurrection. List them here.

10. Can you find any more? If so list them.

11. Are the Spring Feasts history or future? Explain.

12. To whom are they history and to whom are they future events? Explain.

13. What does a sheaf represent?