After the Resurrection

Johnny Harrell

April 6, 2013

Well, brethren, I do have a couple of announcements today. Beth from Cincinnati has been raised to a senior elder. And now I have an announcement from Ron and I'm going to read what he sent me today, this morning, and it says....

I really appreciate all the cards and letters from brethren. It is really good to hear how you are doing at this time and some of the lessons, understanding and personal examples that are impacting the lives of so many. It is always good to see how people are holding fast to what God has given them. I would also like to say that it would be impossible for me to write back to everyone so I simply will not try to do so.

Please know that my encouragement and admonitions to you come from God and Christ through the posts that I am able to still give you.

It came up in one of the areas where Laura visited that some brethren were not aware they could write. I'm not soliciting mail here but wanted to make sure that if it was something you wanted to do then the address is available from all who are in the ministry.

In addition, the primary reason I am giving this announcement through Johnny today is because of a ministerial letter I sent out this past week. I have told the ministry that it would be good if they made it available to all of you if want to read what was said as there is information there that should be instructive, inspiring and corrective in many cases. You can ask them to give you a hard copy or simply email it to you and they will be glad to do so.

If you do read that letter, please understand, this has nothing to do with my desire to receive something from you (although I do enjoy hearing from all), but it is fully about a powerful lesson you can learn as a matter of what it means to serve one another in a responsibility we all have before God and not take fellowship for granted or selfishly to ourselves. We are called to serve one another in the Body of Christ. It is often about the little things we do toward one another that truly count and add real value to life, just as such things should be a simple part of marriage in family.

Having said all this we continue to move forward as God continues to lead us and mold and fashion us to the degree we yield to Him in Christ.

I am doing quite well in every way considering the circumstances. It is all for a purpose and some of that purpose is for your sakes and your learning; some now and some in the future.

Please continue to hold fast to the truth God has given and remember that this way of life is not about how much truth and knowledge you know but it is about how you treat one another and live toward one another and all others; with mercy, forgiveness, kindness, care and all those things which reflect the true love of God, even to sacrificing of self and selfishness in order to give.

Laura and I love you all and deeply look forward to the day, whenever that day is, that we can once again work together in closer service and fellowship with you.

Love,

Ron

So, with that we will get into the sermon and I would like to say, "Welcome" to everyone today. It is God's Sabbath and this is the day that God chose to feed His flock.

In the past series of sermons, 'The Road to Crucifixion', we saw how God brought things to pass, the circumstances and the situations to fulfill the prophecies that were written in this book a long, long time ago. God brought them all to pass as we saw and God had a design and a plan of how it was going to be done, and He fulfilled it to the very hour; and it came to pass just as God said it would in His book.

So, let's turn over to John 19:32 and pick up the story flow. It's where the soldiers came and broke the legs of the thieves. Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who was crucified with Him, talking about Jesus Christ. But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs.  ...verse 35 - And he who has seen has testified and his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth so that you might believe. For these things were done that the scripture should be fulfilled, Not one of His bones will be broken. And again, another scripture says, They will look upon Him whom they pierced. So this is the occasion where this is happening and Jesus was crying out and Jesus knew that this was the end and He knew the prophecies and the things that had to be fulfilled, and He understood that someone had to pierce His side, He understood it was a part of prophecy.

And as we saw in the last sermon, it's recorded in Zechariah 12:10 (you don't have to turn there, but this is where it's recorded), where it talks about Him being pierced, and I'll just refresh you by reading this to you.

Zechariah 12:10 - And I will pour on the house of David and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem the spirit of grace and supplication: then they will look on Me, whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son and grieves for Him as one grieves for a firstborn.

So we can see that they would look upon Him whom they pierced. So let's turn over to the book of Revelation and lets see what's recorded in God's word for you and me. We know that He had to be pierced and spill His blood to the ground to fulfill prophecy that was written in this book; and in Revelation 1:7 we find it says... Behold, He comes with clouds; and every eye shall see Him, and they also who pierced Him, talking about Jesus Christ. We know that the ones who crucified Jesus Christ, that they would not see Him when He's coming in the clouds because they will be dead when this takes place. But it says, Behold, He comes with the clouds; and every eye will see Him, so we understand it's only those who are alive at this time when this event takes place, and they are the only ones that will be able to see Jesus Christ at that time. We understand when others are going to be able to see Jesus Christ in God's plan because we understand God's plan and we understand the sequence of events of God's plan, and we understand this and what it's talking about, and that everyone is going to be able to see Jesus Christ in time, whether it be those during the Millennium or those that are alive and live into the Millennium or those that maybe are born during the Millennium, and at the end of the Millennium, we understand about the hundred year period of time, and this is what this is talking about. We understand that even those that pierced Jesus with that spear are going to see Jesus Christ, eventually. And the soldiers, we understand that they're going to come back to life again and all those that were there and witnessed this...and they will see Jesus Christ again and this is what it's talking about. ...all kindred's of the earth will wail/lament/mourn because of Him, Jesus Christ. Even so, Amen.

Let's turn over to Matthew 27. After the soldiers pierced the side of Jesus Christ we know that it was at this time that Jesus died, because that's what this is talking about, when 'He yielded up the spirit'. When the spirit of God went to God, Jesus Christ was dead. Let's notice what took place: Matthew 27:51 - And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent/torn/ripped in two, that's what it means, from the top to the bottom; so something was taking place.

Let's turn over to Hebrews 9 and let's pick up the story flow now that we see what took place. And the first part of the tabernacle, as we know, was where the priests went in everyday to do their service, but the last part behind this curtain, this veil, there was the ark of the covenant and the high priest was only able to go in there once a year on the Day of Atonement. And so when that veil, that curtain, was torn from top to bottom it paints us a picture in the Church of God of why this took place and what it represents and why the veil, the curtain was torn in two from top to bottom. When it talks about this in Hebrews 9 and it talks about these various patterns of things in the Old Testament, it says in verse 23 - It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

Verse 24 - For Christ has not entered into the holy place made with hands, in other words, not into the second part of that temple to the place that's called the Holy of Holies, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, so something was taking place in what that curtain represented. And it says, now to appear in the presence of God for us: so this paints us a picture of what is taking place. Jesus Christ became our High Priest and this is what it's talking about here; Not yet that He should have offered Himself often, as the high priest entered in the holy place once every year with the blood of others. So it's talking about that which was taking place that was pictured once a year by the high priest, and it says, For then must He often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now in the end of this world He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the resurrection: so Christ has once entered, in other words, offered Himself to bear the sins of many; and to them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation. This is showing what was revealed.

So let's back up to Hebrews 9:1 - Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine services, so we understand that there were rituals that were done, in that worldly sanctuary, in the tabernacle. For there was a tabernacle made; the first wherein was the candle stick and the table and the showbread; which is the sanctuary. This is where all the priests went in and performed their services every day.

And after the second veil, that is the part that covers the ark of the covenant, and it is called the Holiest of all, or Holiest of Holies; Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant, talking about the 10 Commandments.

Verse 6 - Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle accomplishing the service of God. Every day they went in and they did their service, they performed their duties. But into the second went the high priest once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, so we can see that he went in with blood to offer for himself, and for the errors of the people. And let's notice the next verse - The holy spirit, this signifying, that the way into the Holiest of Holies, the Holiest of all, was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was yet standing.

In other words, here is the veil, and the Holiest of Holies is behind this veil, and the high priest could only go in there once a year, but once it was ripped in half it showed that now the way into the Holy of Holies has now been revealed, and it paints us a picture.

Jesus Christ, because He died for the sins of mankind - whereas before people didn't have the ability to go before God's throne in the presence of God - now they would have that ability to go before the presence of God, before His very throne. And so we in the Church now have that ability, those who are baptized and have God's spirit. Every time we pray we're going before the Holy of Holies through Jesus Christ, showing that now that way into the Holy of Holies is made manifest. Jesus Christ is the sacrifice that made this possible. No other sacrifices that were made before made any such a thing possible, and it was being revealed here that when that veil was ripped from top to bottom in the temple God the Father was making a way for our sins to be forgiven, and He was moving His plan forward and it paints us a picture of how, letting us see what the tearing of the veil from top to bottom represents. God is moving His plan forward as we can see.

Do we remember what Jesus Christ said to Peter? You can be turning to Mark 14. Jesus Christ said to Peter as He was telling Peter about what He would do... and we remember that He told Peter that he would deny Him, and Jesus Christ told Peter how many times he would deny Him in that very night, if we remember. But Jesus also told Peter something else and that's what we want to focus on.

Mark 14:27 - And Jesus said unto them, All you will be offended because of Me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd and the sheep will be scattered. And let's notice what else He says... But after that I have risen, I will go before you into Galilee. So the title today will be After the Resurrection.

And Jesus said, After that I have risen, in other words, after He is resurrected, I will go before you into Galilee. And they didn't know what He was talking about, they still didn't know that Jesus was going to die. So when they heard Him say this they believed He was the Messiah but they just didn't understand all of it and they couldn't see, and they didn't see, and they didn't get what He was talking about and they certainly didn't understand this, that He was going to die and be resurrected back to life. They had no clue! But Jesus was steadily telling them and He said, After that I have risen/after I am resurrected I will go before you into Galilee.

Mark 16:1, we'll pick up the story, and it gives us a better understanding of what was happening at this moment in time and it says, And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene - and we understand when this was because we understand the sequence of events and we understand that there was an annual High Day, the Day of Unleavened Bread, the  1st Day of Unleavened Bread, and that was on Thursday. So this is something that they did on Friday, the other preparation day, that it's called. So this was the preparation day for the weekly Sabbath  and this was when they went and bought the spices, on that Friday. And they couldn't buy it on that Thursday because, we understand, it was a High Day, it was a Sabbath. So they couldn't buy and they couldn't work on that day, so they couldn't prepare the spices on the Holy Day...so we understand that they did it on that Friday and that's what it's saying.

And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint Him. And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came to the tomb at the rising of the sun. So we can see the timeframe, 'at the rising of the sun' when they were bringing the spices.

So let's turn over to Luke 23 and let's see what took place with Luke's account. Luke 23:56 - And they returned and prepared spices and ointments; and after, Mark shows us when they went out and bought it, and they bought it on Friday, and rested the Sabbath day according to the commandment. They rested on the weekly Sabbath, just like you and me. And they didn't bring the spices to the grave, to the tomb, because they had to rest during that Sabbath day, so that's why they came in the morning on Sunday morning, and they were bringing what they had prepared on Friday to the tomb because, like I said, they had to rest on that Sabbath day according to the commandment.

Luke 24:1 - Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the tomb, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and we know that was done on the Friday, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. So we can notice that the stone was already rolled away when they arrived. And they entered in and did not find the body of Jesus. And as we've heard in past sermons, this is written in three different languages, and they were different people giving their account of what they saw.

And it says, verse 4 - And it came to pass as they were much perplexed about it, behold, two men...so they find that stone is already rolled away and that Jesus is not there, and so they were a little confused, it says 'perplexed', at what was taking place and they didn't understand what had took place and what had happened. And it says, so they were much perplexed about it all, and behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: and let's notice what's being said 'in shining garments'. So they looked, appeared like men, but it says their garments were shining, so they understand that this is not a normal situation.  ...and their garments are shining, and they were afraid...so we can understand when you see something like this, something that's not normal, you're naturally going to be afraid when you don't understand what is going on. It's not something that happens to us every day, when something is out of the ordinary.

And they bowed down their faces to the earth and they said unto them, Why do you seek... so this is what the angels were asking, Why do you seek the living among the dead? So this is what was asked, "Why do you seek the living among the dead," He is not here, He has risen. And it says in the King James, 'He is risen'. I think the old King James, that's the way it's stated, but we understand the sequence of events, so we understand that it's past tense; and he said, He has risen, He is not here. But the world of traditional Christianity - and they don't have any idea where they get this from, but they have their Friday to Sunday count that they do...but the angel simply told them, He is not here, He has already risen. And you and I know that He was resurrected at the end of the 7th day Sabbath, that's when He was resurrected. And if you go from Wednesday, to Thursday, to Friday, to the Sabbath, you get three days, three full days when you do the count. And we  understand that it was just before sunset on that Sabbath when He was resurrected.

So He was resurrected before Sunday, before the 1st day of the week, and we know that the world cannot accept this one. They don't grasp it and they don't comprehend it, so they hold to the Friday to the Sunday resurrection, and it's only a day and a half but they hold onto it anyway. And they just don't understand the sequence of events, but we do. God has revealed it to us, His Church, and we understand what took place.

And he said, He is not here, He has risen. Remember how He spoke to you when He was yet in Galilee, saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be hung upon a pole/impaled on that pole and the third day rise again. And they remembered His words: it was at that moment that God must have given them a little bit of an ability to put some of it together, but it says they remembered these words; and they returned from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven, and to the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them which told these things to the apostles. And their words seemed as idle tales to them, so they really didn't believe at that time, and we can understand that, when you say somebody was dead and somebody is alive...so some started running at that time, but their first reaction was that this was not true, it couldn't be, this couldn't have happened, and they did not believe them at the first.

So let's go over to Matthew 28 and let's pick up the story flow there. Matthew 28:1 - I think the New King James says, Now, after the Sabbath. And the Old King James says, In the end of, I believe. But in the Greek it literally means 'after', 'in the end of the Sabbaths.'  And it's good to note that this word is plural. It just says Sabbath, 'in the end of the Sabbath', but the word in Greek is plural. So it shows us in the Greek that it's 'Sabbaths'; in other words, it's more than one, and we understand that it's two. It's referring to two different Sabbaths, more than one, because there was a High Day, there was an annual Sabbath and there was also the weekly Sabbath. So you might want to note that in your Bible.

So, better said, At the end of/After the Sabbaths as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, and we understand these two Sabbaths because we understand the Holy Days. So, After the Sabbaths, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week - so it's talking about the dawn, 'to grow light', and that's what it means, Mary Magdalene came, and the other Mary, to see the tomb. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone from the door and sat upon it. So it's telling us what had already taken place, brethren. Before they got there the stone was already rolled away, as we know. So it's telling us about what happened to this stone. And as you remember, in the last sermon, Pilate had them secure that stone, and it tells us here that there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled back the stone from the door and sat upon it. And now it's telling us that, let's notice, his countenance was like lightning and his clothing was as white as snow. So we can see that this is not normal, and even though they looked like men they knew something was taking place and they knew that this was not flesh and blood now.

And let's notice what happened, it's telling us what took place, And for fear of him the keepers did shake, remember that Pilate had sent these to guard that tomb because of what Jesus had said, and let's notice what it says, and became as dead men. And if we saw something like this happen and all of a sudden you have this earthquake and this takes place and you see someone shining, it says, like lightening, I can understand why they were filled with fear. And when they saw these things take place God had it written, they became as dead men. In other words, they were afraid to move so they froze; they were as dead men. And when you're like a dead man you don't move and you're kind of frozen in that state. That's how fearful it was and that's what it's talking about here; and they just stood still when they saw these angels, and what they did, they were afraid to move.

And the angel said unto the women, Do not fear, for I know that you are seeking Jesus, who was impaled upon the pole/upon the stake. Let's notice, He is not here, for He has risen as He said. Come and see the place where He was laying. So we can see Matthew's account and how it's being described. And he said, the angel said, let's notice, Go quickly and tell the disciples that He has risen from the dead; and, behold, let's notice, He goes before you into Galilee; there shall you see Him: just as Jesus had told Peter, as we read earlier. Jesus told Peter that He would go before him into Galilee. ...for now I have told you. And they departed quickly. So, they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy and did run to bring the disciples word.

So now let's go over to Mark 16 and we'll pick up the account there. All this is a very moving story when you put all the events together, brethren, in what actually took place. The protestant world and the Catholic world, and most of us were advised by some of those, or touched by some of those teachings in our life, but it's a very moving story when you put the truth together in what actually took place, and when we listen to the witnesses that were there and what they had, what they said and what God had written in this book so that we could understand, that God had recorded for you and me.

Mark 16:1 - When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint Him. And very early in the morning the first day of the week they came to the tomb, so let's notice the time frame as it's being stated, at the rising of the sun. So it makes it very clear that they began before the sun was coming up.

And they said among themselves, let's notice what the conversation was, because they knew that stone had been secured, Who is going to roll way the stone from the door of the tomb? The women understood that they would not be able to do this and so that was the conversation on the way. And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. And if we remember, they had secured that stone very securely, because Pilate had given the guards permission to secure it, and it was a great stone, something that they would not be able to move.

And entering into the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right hand clothed in a long white garment; so this is this account; and they were afraid. And he said to them, Do not be afraid; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth who was impaled/hung on the pole: He has risen; past tense; He is not here. Look unto this place where they laid Him. In other words, see where He was; this was where He was lying before. But go your way and tell His disciples, and let's notice... and Peter; let's notice what's stated, and Peter, that He goes before you into Galilee: just what Jesus told Peter before He was crucified. There you shall see Him, as He said to you. So again, Jesus Christ told them that they were going to see Him again.

Verse 8 - And they went out quickly and fled from the tomb; for they trembled and were amazed: so we can understand with these events that were taking place why they would be afraid and why they would be amazed - in other words, astonished - better said, I guess, at what had just taken place, and neither said they anything to anyone; because they were afraid.

Now when Jesus had risen, and the Greek says it better, having risen, is the way it's stated, early in the first day of the week, so the Greek makes it clear that this has already happened. We know that in some of these English translations, we know what their motive was, because of Easter, and we understand that, I think it's the Old King James even, they translated Passover as Easter because of their biases. But it says, Moreover, having risen early, the first day of the week, having risen, better said, early the first day of the week He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons. And she went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen of her, let's notice, they didn't believe her.

So let's turn over to John 20:1 and let's pick up the account there. It says, The first day of the week Mary Magdalene came early, when it was yet dark, so this is this account. So we can see that the sun was not yet up when they started out to the tomb, and some of the other accounts say that the sun was rising at this moment, and they saw the stone taken away from the tomb. Then she ran and went, let's notice, to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and we know that this is John speaking of himself in this account, and she said to them, They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb and we don't know where they have laid Him. Peter therefore went forth, and the other disciple, and came to the tomb. So they both ran together, and the other disciple did outrun Peter and came to the tomb. So we can see that they were both anxious to get there and see for themselves.

And as he stooped down he saw the linen cloths lying there; yet he didn't go in. Then Simon Peter following him, went into the tomb and saw the linen clothes lying there, and the napkin that was about His head, and it was not lying with the linen clothes but was wrapped together in a place by itself.

Verse 8 - Then the other disciple went in also, talking about John, who came unto the tomb first, and he saw and believed. So we can notice that it's saying here that's when he believed. So this was the moment in time when John started to understand some things and so John is telling of how it affected him.

Now, let's notice the next scripture, For as yet they did not know the scripture that He must rise again from the dead, even though Jesus had been telling them all the time what would take place. Then the disciples went away again unto their own home. But Mary stood outside the tomb weeping: and as she wept she stooped down into the tomb and saw two angels in white sitting here; so we can see that everyone is telling their account of what they saw and it says that they saw two angels in white sitting here, one at the head and the other at the feet where the body of Jesus had been laying. And they said to her, Woman, why do you weep? And she said to them, Because they have taken away my Lord and I don't know where they have laid Him. And when she had said this she turned herself back, and let's notice, and saw Jesus standing, and did not know that it was Jesus. So this is her account and she's telling it.

And Jesus said to her, Woman, why do you weep? So He asked, Whom do you seek? And she, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, Sir, if you have carried Him away from here, tell me where you have laid Him and I will take Him away. And Jesus said to her, Mary. And she turned herself and said unto Him, so she saw it was Him and she said, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

And Jesus said to her, Do not touch Me; and in Wayne's sermon he addressed some of this, and it's about the wave sheaf that was to take place. And we understand why Jesus said, "Do not touch Me." Because He had to fulfill something else in prophecy, and this is that moment in time where He'd been resurrected already and He makes it very clear here and He told her, He said, I have not yet ascended to My Father: and you are not to touch Me...because He hadn't fulfilled this prophecy in what the wave sheaf represents. Jesus Christ had to ascend to the Father first to be accepted of the Father, and that's what this is picturing. It paints us a picture.

So let's hold our place here and go over to Leviticus 23:4. It's telling us about the Passover and Unleavened Bread, and we read these at this season of the year every year. It says, Leviticus 23:4 - These are the appointed times of the Eternal, holy convocations, which you shall proclaim in their appointed times. On the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the Eternal's Passover. And on the fifteenth day of the first month is the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the Eternal: seven days you must eat unleavened bread. On the first day you shall have a holy convocation and you shall do no servile work in it. But you shall offer an offering made by fire to the Eternal seven days: and the seventh day shall be a holy convocation and you shall do no servile work in it.

And in verse 9 we find... And the Eternal spoke to Moses, saying, Speak to the children of Israel and say to them, When you come into the land which I give to you and reap it's harvest, then you shall bring a sheaf of the beginning of your harvest to the priest: And he shall wave the sheaf before the Eternal, so let's notice what is being said and what is being represented, to be accepted on your behalf: on the day after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it. And you shall offer on that day, when you wave the sheaf, a male lamb of the first year without blemish as a burnt offering to the Eternal.

And verse 13, we'll go on through because we have entered a count. And it says, And the grain offering thereof shall be two-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil, an offering made by fire to the Eternal for a sweet aroma: and the drink offering shall be of wine, the one-fourth of a hin. And you shall eat neither bread, nor parched grain, nor fresh grain, until the same day that you have brought an offering to your God: it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.

Verse 15, let's continue, because we have entered, we have begun the count to Pentecost: And 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. Count fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath; then you will offer a grain offering to the Eternal. You shall bring from your dwelling, let's notice, two wave loaves of two-tenths of an ephah: they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baked with leaven; and let's notice, they are the first fruits to the Eternal.

So now let's go back to John 20:17. Jesus is telling Mary, and He tells her what to do and He says,  go to My brethren and say unto them, I ascend to My Father, and your Father; and to My God, and to your God. And He said, "I have not yet ascended to My Father," then He says, "go to My brethren and say to them, I ascend to My Father and your Father, and to My God and to your God." And Mary Magdalene went and told the disciples that she had seen Jesus Christ and that He had spoken these things to her. Telling her what He was going to do, to fulfill the prophecy that we just read about, the prophecy of the wave sheaf.

And let's pick up the story in Luke 24:13. The account with Mary is the first account of Jesus revealing Himself to someone that recognized Him, and He told her not to touch Him, that He was going to ascend to the Father to fulfill the scriptures concerning the wave offerings and then to return to this earth. Luke 24:13 - And behold, that same day two of them went to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs, that's about seven miles, if you want to note it. And they talked together about all the things which had happened. And so we can see that they were carrying on a conversation about what had taken place, and let's notice what took place... And it came to pass, that while they were talking and reasoned, Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes, let's notice, were held fast so that they were not able to know Him. So there are things that we cannot see until God allows it, brethren, and it's a good lesson for us because sometimes we just want to know. We just want to know, and you can't always know before it's time. And you can't know the truth and you can't see it until God opens your mind, until God opens the mind and it's just there all of a sudden and you understand certain things. And this is the exact same thing that was taking place here.

And He said to them, What kind of conversation are you having with one another as you're walking and are sad? So Jesus was telling them, "I see you are sad. What are you talking about? What's the conversation about?" And one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered and said to Him, Are you alone a stranger in Jerusalem, in other words, he's asking Him, "Don't you know what took place? Are you the only one in Jerusalem that doesn't know what's going on?" ...haven't you known the things that have come to pass in these days? And Jesus said to them, What things? And they said to Him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and the word before God and all the people: and how the chief priests, let's notice, the government of that day, and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death and have impaled Him on a pole. But we trusted, let's notice, that it was He who should have redeemed Israel: They're saying, "We trusted Him. We trusted that He was who He said He was. That's what we believed; we believed He was the One but they came and impaled Him upon a pole and He died." That's what they were saying. ...and besides all this, let's notice, today is the third day, not a day and a half, three days since these things were done. Three days since this thing was done. So three days had gone past since this had taken place.

And certain women also of our company made us astonished, who were early at the tomb, and when they didn't find His body they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels. So this is how it's being described, who said that He was alive. So they're telling the story to Jesus about what happened and what they knew. And certain of them who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said: but Him they did not see, in other words, Jesus Christ was not there.

And let's notice, Then He said to them, O foolish and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: shouldn't Christ have suffered these things and then entered into His glory? And let's notice what Jesus did. And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded to them all the scriptures of the things concerning Himself. So let's see what's taking place and let's notice, Jesus Christ told them about all the things that had been fulfilled. That's what He was telling them. And He told them about what He had went through and gave the accounts of things that were fulfilled about the different prophecies written in this book, God's book. And as they drew near to the village where they went, He made out as though He would have gone further. But they constrained Him, saying, Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is nearly over. And He went in to stay with them.

And it came to pass, as He sat at meal with them, He took bread, and blessed it, and broke it, and gave to them. And let's notice what took place, And their eyes were opened, better said, their minds were opened so that they could see even more. They were walking together, now they were sitting down for a meal together, and after this prayer that Jesus Christ did... Jesus gave a prayer and it says, He blessed it, and then they knew who He was; they knew who He was in this moment in time, and let's notice what took place next, and He vanished out of their sight. He disappeared. He let them recognize who He was and then He just vanished out of their sight.

Brethren, this had to give them a lot of strength to continue to do the things that were ahead of them. Can you imagine being in this situation and seeing this take place. Can you imagine sitting in that room? ...to be there and see Him disappear. It would make an impression, even without God's spirit.

Verse 32 - And they said to each other, let's notice, Didn't our hearts burn within us when He talked to us on the way, and while He opened up to us the scriptures? In other words, He was telling them about the meaning of the scriptures - better translation of what was said. All the prophecies from Moses and all the prophets - so He opened their minds to what was prophesied about Him. And they rose up the same hour and returned to Jerusalem, and they found the eleven gathered together, and those who were with them, saying, Jesus has indeed risen and has appeared to Simon.

And in verse 35 - And they told about the things along the way and how He was known of them in breaking bread, how they knew Him. So they told the story and how their mind had been opened up to see who He was; and they couldn't wait to get back to the others and tell what had just taken place.

And let's notice what took place...And as they were still speaking, Jesus Himself stood in the midst of them, can you imagine the strength that it would give you to see these things? We see these things on science fiction movies where they just pop in and out, and here it says this is what took place. Most of us remember 'Star Trek' and "Beam me up Scottie" and such, and because of this we can relate to this a little bit, and most of the children can. Jesus said to them, Peace be to you. But they were frightened, and we can understand why they were frightened, why they were afraid. They'd never seen anything like this, where a person could just appear in front of you, and it scared them; and let's notice, and thought they had seen a spirit. All of a sudden Jesus Christ just appears while they are telling the story, and it made them all afraid.

And He said to them, Why do you look so troubled? ...why do such thoughts arise in your mind? ...better said. He knew that they were afraid and He knew what they were thinking. We would call it a 'ghost', I guess, in our time, and here they thought He was a spirit and was not real. He said, Look at My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself: touch Me and see, because a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have. So this is far above our understanding. We can kind of understand the spirit part, but now He's saying, "Feel!" So we can see how Jesus Christ manifested Himself to them, and He told them, touch Me, feel Me.

And when He had said this He showed them His hands and His feet. And as they were in disbelief, in other words, how can this be? ...just pop in and out and yet He's saying, "Touch Me."...and yet filled with wonder, and we can certainly understand that. ...and yet filled with wonder and joy. He said to them, Do you have any food here? And they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. And let's notice, it's an amazing and inspiring thing that took place, And He took it and did eat before them. And He said to them, These are the words which I spoke to you, in other words, this is what I told you before. I've already told you these things while I was yet with you, and He did. As we went through 'The Road to Crucifixion' we saw where Jesus was continuously telling them, but it was not their time to understand, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the law of Moses and in the prophets and in the psalms concerning Me. And we just went through some of these in the sermon series, 'Road to Crucifixion'. And He is telling them the plan of God and they didn't understand; they didn't understand that He had to die as the Passover and be resurrected and then come back to life.  And He's coming back once again as King of kings to set up God's Government upon this earth, to set up God's Kingdom.

Verse 45, let's notice what took place - Then He opened their understanding, He opened their minds. It's just like when God opened your mind and you experienced it and you could see, you could understand the Sabbath, then you could understand the Holy Days. And when we're first called I think most of us just could not understand why others could not see what was written in this book, because you could just point and say, "Can't you see this? It's written; it's so plain." I think most of us experienced that and yet now we understand they're blinded by it, they can't see it, it's not their time. The Catholic and protestant world still believe in a Friday and a Sunday resurrection...and you and I are in wonder how they can do this, because we understand. And we understand it's only a day and a half, but they can't see it, they don't know the plan that you know because your understanding has been opened, just like Jesus was opening theirs that we're reading about. And it says, that He, Jesus, opened their understanding. In other words, He gave them the ability to understand so that they might understand the scriptures, and said to them, Even so it is written, and even so it was necessary for Christ to suffer, to rise from the dead the third day, to fulfill these scriptures, brethren, to fulfill the plan of God, to fulfill the meaning of Passover so that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, let's notice, beginning at Jerusalem. And we see they didn't understand that God had such a plan, and they certainly didn't understand it had to start in Jerusalem, and you and I understand that it did and it was eventually to go into all, the whole world as much as God wanted it to.

Neither did they understand, and wouldn't understand in their lifetime, that it was going to be for the next 2,000 years, that there was 2,000 years in which these things had to take place.

Verse 48 - And you are witnesses of these things. And that's what Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are about, a witness from God to mankind.

Verse 49 - See, I send forth the promise of My Father unto you. So He's telling them about the holy spirit that would be given to them on the Day of Pentecost, and He's telling them to wait in the city of Jerusalem until you have been clothed; in other words, until you're able to put on, clothed with power from on high, is what He's telling them. So they were to remain, to be there for Pentecost, because we understand that's when the holy spirit was going to be given to them. And He says, I've told you of My Father what would be given to you, and that's when we understand the Church began, in 31 A.D., on the Day of Pentecost. And they had to wait and do the count just as we do, and we have entered that count.

Verse 50 - He led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. And it came to pass, when He had blessed them He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. This time He didn't vanish, this time He was carried up into the heavens. And they worshipped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: and let's notice what took place...and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. So it really solidified them in their minds, that Jesus Christ was who He was, who He said He was.

So let's go to John 20:19 and let's pick it up there - Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, while the doors were shut where the disciples were gathered together for fear of the Jews, let's notice what's being said, for fear of the Jews. They had went through some horrific events. They had saw how Jesus Christ was crucified, hung on that stake, impaled. They saw how He was beaten. And now they were gathered together for fear of the Jews, because they probably understood they were next, they were coming after them next. And so this was on the first day of the week, later in the day, while the doors were shut, where the disciples were gathered together for fear of the Jews, let's notice what took place, Jesus came and stood in the midst and said to them, Peace be to you. And when He had said this He showed them His hands and His side. He had already gone to the Father. Remember He told Mary He had to ascend to His Father to be accepted, so now He can be touched. He couldn't be touched before because He had to fulfill prophecy, to fulfill the prophecy of the wave sheaf. And now He'd come back and now He was revealing Himself to them.

And then the disciples were glad when they saw Jesus. Then Jesus said to them, Peace be to you: as My Father has sent Me, let's notice what's taking place, God is moving His plan forward once again, even so I send you. So Jesus is telling the disciples about what they are about to be given. He's telling them they have a job to do and this is what He's telling them.

And we understand that some of this is written in awkward English, and when He said this, He breathed/blew upon them and said to them, Receive the holy spirit: So brethren, this is not the impregnation of the holy spirit, but this was that account of when it said He gave them understanding, as we read about earlier. That's what it's talking about. And it's like when you're being drawn, when you're first being drawn there are things you see because you're not yet impregnated with God's spirit, but all of a sudden you can understand, all of a sudden your mind is open to what God gives you at that time. And this is the same account that John is giving, but it's written a little differently than Luke stated it. Luke stated it in the sense of understanding came to them, and that's better said.

And it says, blew upon them and said to them, Receive the holy spirit. Whosoever's sins you remit, in other words, who sins, you forgive. So He says, I'm sending you out, you have a job to do, and whatsoever sins you forgive they are forgiven unto them; so this has to do with the apostles of God and the job they were given, and the disciples who were first, as far as the government and organization of God's Church and the structure - Jesus is giving it to them - and He's making it clear to them what their job will be and what they can do. ...and who's sins you retain, hold fast, they are held fast. They're not forgiven, in other words. It's powerful, what's being said. So He's showing something that's given to the Church that comes from God the Father. God the Father is the only one who can do this, but there is that that has to do with government and an administration of God's government within the Church that shows that God has given as to how that government is to be structured. God the Father - we know the order - God the Father, Jesus Christ, the apostles, the prophets, and then on and on it goes. We understand that and we understand the structure.

Verse 24 - But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. Therefore the other disciples said to him, We have seen Jesus. But he said to them, Except I see the hands and the print of His nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails and thrust my hands in His side, I will not believe. He had enough, brethren. He'd believed that Jesus Christ was the Messiah and they took Him out and killed Him, hung Him on a pole. So he said, "I'm not believing anything else until I see it for myself." That's what he's saying. It's a dangerous state to be in. And Thomas is pretty adamant here, and that's why it's called 'Doubting Thomas' to this day. And he said, "You know," that's what Thomas was saying, "it was just hard to believe," and he said, "You're going to have to show me." And that was the attitude that Thomas had and we can really understand because of everything that he had gone through. They thought that Jesus Christ was going to restore the Kingdom during their time, but they had impaled Him on the pole and He had died.

Verse 26, let's notice - And after eight days, so eight days had gone past, then again His disciples were inside and Thomas with them: and we find, Jesus came, and it says, the doors being shut, so there were no openings, the doors were closed, Jesus appeared in the midst of them and said, Peace be to you. So we can see things happening more than once. Jesus Christ is appearing and disappearing, and let's notice what took place; Jesus said to Thomas, Reach your finger in here and look at My hands and reach your hand in here and thrust it into My side; and don't be without faith, but believe. That's what He told him just point blank. So Jesus knew what he was thinking, and Thomas, let's notice, answered and said to Him, my Lord and my God. He believed. When he finally saw Jesus Christ, and his eyes were opened to see it, and he said, My Lord and my God. Jesus said to him, Thomas, because you have seen Me and have believed: blessed are they who have not seen and yet have believed.

He's talking about you and me, brethren, talking about the Church of God and all those that God has worked with down through time. And there are some of you sitting here that just read a book and your mind was opened and you understand and you believe what God says, and God says you are blessed because of it. It says they are blessed...blessed are they who have not seen and yet have believed.

And many other signs, let's notice the rest, it's not written about...And many other signs Jesus truly did in the presence of His disciples which are not written in this book: so there is a lot that took place that is not recorded, but there is enough recorded. But these are written that you might believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ, the Son of God; the one who came as the Passover and died for our sins and for the whole world, eventually; and these are written that you might believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ, and that believing, let's notice, you might have life through His name. So Jesus is saying it's why these things were written in this book, God's book, and it's a witness to us and it's been written in this book, written so you might believe Jesus is who He said He was.

Jesus is going to appear one more time in just a short while; it won't be long.

John 21:1 - After these things Jesus again showed Himself to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this occasion that He showed Himself, together there were Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of His disciples. And Simon Peter said to them, I am going fishing. And they said to him, We'll go with you, and then they went fishing. So they're going to go out fishing and try to gather some food. And it says, they went immediately and entered into a ship; and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning had come Jesus stood on the shore: and let's notice what took place, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. And then Jesus said to them, Children, do you have any meat? They answered Him, No. And He said to them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship and you will find it. And therefore they cast there, and they didn’t know it was Jesus standing on the shore, and He told them to cast the net on the other side. And so they cast it and they were not able to draw it in for the abundance of fish. Therefore, that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, so we know it's John, It is Jesus. That's what he said.

Now, when Simon Peter heard that it was Jesus he put on his fisher's coat (for he was not clothed), he had removed it, and he dove into the sea. And the other disciples were coming in a boat; (because they were not that far from land), and they were dragging the net with fish. So there were so many in the net they were just having to drag it through the water. And as soon as they had come to land they saw a fire of coals and fish thereon, and the bread. Jesus said to them, Bring of the fish which you have caught. Simon Peter went and drew the net to land, full of great fish, a hundred and fifty-three: kind of sounds like Paul and Doris when they go fishing, and for all those that were so many, yet the net was not broken. Jesus said to them, Come and dine. So they'd drawn these fish in and Jesus is telling them it's time to eat. And none of the disciples dared to ask Him, it's the way it's written, Who are you? In other words, "How are you able to do all these things?" That's what they're saying, but they don't really want to ask Him, but they want to, knowing that it was Jesus. They knew it was Him, they just couldn't understand how He could do these things. But it's saying they knew who He was.

Jesus then came and took the bread and gave it to them, and also fish. And let's notice, This is now the third time that Jesus showed Himself to His disciples, after He has risen, after the resurrection from the dead. So we have the three accounts and this is one of them, and they knew that it was Jesus.

Verse 15 - So then when they had dined, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, do you love Me more than these? So something else was taking place; and sometimes when we read through these scriptures we just don't realize this is the resurrected Jesus Christ talking at this time. He had died, and now He had come back to life and this is being recorded about a resurrected Jesus Christ now, and He's actually giving instructions.

And He asked, Do you love Me more than these? Jesus said to him. And he said to Him, Yes, Lord; you know that I love You. And He said to him, Feed My lambs. And He said to him again the second time... Brethren, do we remember that Peter denied Him three times? This is the second time that Jesus told Peter in front of all the rest of them, they were all sitting there, so I can imagine what this did to Peter's mind, and he probably flashed back to the times when he had denied Christ three times. But Jesus kept asking, "Peter, do you love Me?" And we know that Peter went out and cried bitterly because of what he had done, we read those accounts, and now here is Jesus, kept asking him...so can you imagine what was taking place in his mind, and they know that it's Jesus Christ asking these questions and He's doing it in front of all of them.

And he said to Him, Yes, Lord; you know that I love You. And He said to him, Feed My sheep. And let's notice...He said to him a third time, Simon, son of Jonas, do you love Me? And Peter was grieved; You know why he was grieved? He reflected back on the three times that he had denied Jesus Christ, and here Jesus was asking him these same questions over and over, the three times... because He said to him a third time, Do you love Me? So Jesus is making a point and He's telling him the importance of what He's telling him and He wants his attention because it's very important; because God is moving His plan forward once again, and He says, feed My sheep. And Jesus kept asking him, "Do you love Me?" And He said, You know all things; you know that I love You. And Jesus said to him, Feed My sheep.

And He said, Truly, truly, I say to you, When you were young, so Jesus is going on and telling him something else that would happen, you girded yourself and walked where you desired. So He's telling Him when he is young he would be able to do these things whenever he wanted to; in other words, he could clothe himself, put on his own clothes. And let's notice what else Jesus was telling him. He said, when you become old you will stretch forth your hand and another will clothe you and carry you where you don't want to go. In other words, there is going to come a time when you are old and you're not going to have that freedom, something is going to happen and someone else is going to have to lead you about. And thus He spoke, signifying, let's notice what He told him, by what death he should glorify God. And as we know, most all of them died a horrible, horrible death. They went through some horrifying things in their lives, as we know. And thus He spoke, let's notice what's being said, signifying by what death he would glorify God. Because later on we know it makes it clear that Peter was to die for what he believed. And when Jesus spoke this He said to them, Follow Me. So He was giving them instructions and God was moving His plan forward.

Verse 24 - This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these things: and we know that his testimony is true. So John is saying this about what he wrote, you know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which, let's notice, if they should be written, every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. So there was a lot going on during this time and there was a lot of interaction that Jesus did with those disciples, and there is much that took place and it's not written about. But one day we'll find out, as Paul Harvey used to say, the rest of the story. We will find out one day.

Let's go over to the book of Acts. Acts 1:1 - The former account I have written, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach until the day in which He was taken up, after that He, through the holy spirit, had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen: So we can see what was being said and what was being done. Jesus Christ taught them until the day in which He was taken up.

After that, He through the holy spirit, had given commandment to the holy apostles whom He had chosen. To whom also He showed Himself alive after His suffering through many infallible proofs, so there were many. They were not all written down in this book but there were enough. ...being seen of them, let's notice, forty days, so they were able to see Jesus Christ at different times, and we just read about some of them; they saw Him at different times for forty days, and speaking of those things, let's notice what was being taught, of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God: Same thing you hear about every Sabbath, brethren, to move God's plan forward. And that's what was being taught.

So Jesus Christ Himself taught them in that period of time, for forty days after the resurrection, after He was brought back to life.

Verse 4 - And being assembled together with them commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, so Jesus was telling them they were to stay there and wait for the next Holy Day, the next one that you and I are waiting for, the Day of Pentecost. And He was with them for forty days...and we know the count for Pentecost, the count was fifty from the Feast of Unleavened Bread when the wave sheaf was offered, and He told them, wait for the promise of the Father which you have heard from Me. So He told them about it. He told them what was going to take place. For John truly baptized with water, but you will be immersed/baptized with the holy spirit not many days from now. Jesus Christ was with them for forty days, and we can do the count from there.

Verse 6 - Therefore, when they had come together they asked of Him, saying, Lord, let's notice what they asked, will You at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? After all they had been taught they are still asking this question, will You at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? They knew that there was a Kingdom coming, and here they're asking the same question again. And we can see that they did not have a clue about the timeframe of what was about to take place and what was going to take place. It's the beginning of the ministry, and here they were talking about the end when Jesus Christ will return to this earth to set up the Kingdom of God upon this earth.

And here you and I are 2,000 years later and we are preparing for that Kingdom that is coming to this earth. But here they were asking, "Would You at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?" So He's telling them that they have work to do and they are still wondering, "Is it going to be at this time?" So they did not comprehend it all, and let's notice what Jesus told them. And He said to them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons when [which] the Father has kept in His own power. It hadn't been revealed yet, it hadn't been given, and it's in God's time, in God's power when He gives it. And that's what Jesus is making clear. But you will receive power, after that the holy spirit does come upon you: let's notice what He's telling them, and you will be witnesses of Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and let's notice the rest... and into the uttermost part of the earth. And it did. Mr. Armstrong carried that gospel to the world to the extent that God wanted it.

And when He had spoken these things, while they yet believed Him, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfast toward the heavens, so Jesus, the way it is written, says a cloud received Him, He just didn't disappear. He let them see Him as He left, and it says a cloud received Him - and that's how He leaves and He disappears into the sky. And He went up and all of a sudden two men stood by them in white apparel; and they said, You men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into the sky? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into the sky will so come in like manner as you have seen Him go into the sky/into the heaven.

So, be turning to Revelation 14. Brethren, this is telling us exactly how Jesus Christ is coming back, in that same manner, and Jesus is going to appear in the sky and there are those that will be able to see Him, and as we know, eventually those that pierced Him will be able to see Him. And it's revealed in this book, God's book, in the book of Revelation, and we understand that there will be 144,000 returning with Jesus Christ when He returns.

Revelation 14:1 - it says, And I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father's name written on their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven like the voice of mighty waters/many waters, and like the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the sound of harpers playing their harps: they sung as it were a new song before the throne, before the four creatures, and the elders: and no one could learn that song, let's notice; no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth. And these are the ones who were not defiled by women; and we know it's talking about the religions of the world, for they are virgins; that's how it's described. These are the ones who followed the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being first fruits to God and to the Lamb. Just like we read about the wave sheaf; Jesus Christ fulfilled the first part of that. There's a second part that's got to be fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost.

And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God. And this is what you and I are preparing for, the return of Jesus Christ to this earth to set up the Kingdom of God upon this earth, the very Kingdom that the disciples were asking about, that they thought would be in their time.

But here we are at the end of an age waiting for the return of our Saviour Jesus Christ, and we should be preparing for that Kingdom, therefore our name, Church of God - Preparing for the Kingdom of God that is coming to this earth. And it should bring you to your knees to know what you have been offered, to be able to see these things that take place during that thousand years, the Millennium, to be able to live into that time.

The disciples were privileged to see some awesome sights. Can you imagine what you will be able to see just during the Millennium, not even counting the hundred year period? Be a shame to miss that period of time, but I understand some will miss it, some will give up, some will not be preparing as it says in our name, 'Preparing for the Kingdom of God' that is coming to this earth. But that is what you and I are waiting for, the return of our Savior as King of kings and Lord of lords to set up God's Government upon this earth.

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