Sermon Central
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What Really Happened?
Contributed by Eric Aschendorf on Jun 23, 2003 (message contributor)
Summary: Is it really possible for GOD to forgive me after all that I have done?
Tree Of Life Ministries Association
http://www.treeoflifeinc.org
What Really Happened?
Pastor Eric Aschendorf 4/20/2003
Pastor@treeoflifeinc.org
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Mat 28:11 Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done.
Mat 28:12 And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers,
Mat 28:13 Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him [away] while we slept.
Mat 28:14 And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you.
Mat 28:15 So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
Is this the truth? Did the Disciples really come by night and steal the body of JESUS? In verse 15 it says, “This saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.” If that is true and this is GOD’s word then can and shouldn’t we believe it as well? Of course not! It is obvious in these verses that the story of the Disciples having come in the night and stealing JESUS’ body was a fabrication of the Jewish, religious leadership.
If this is a fabrication, then what really happened? The HOLY SPIRIT happened! GOD happened!
In Gen 1:2 when the earth (that was created in verse 1) was “without form (time – structure), and void (without GOD’s SPIRIT) ‘darkness’ (Heb –choshek-fig. Misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness or in other words, all the attributes of satan) was upon the face of the waters.” At this point GOD is stating that satan was the ruler of the earth prior to what HE is about to describe. This time prior, is the time that scientist and children alike find evidence of still today. It is the time of the dinosaurs. It is the time when what we call fossils were still alive. It is the time of pre-historic earth, including pre-historic man. Pre-historic man was being which possessed a body and a soul but NOT a spirit. Man is not given a spirit until Gen 2:7 when GOD breathes into his nostrils.
As we read further in verse 2 we see that “The SPIRIT of GOD moved upon the face of the waters.” GOD intervenes! Prior to this scientist tell us the earth existed for possibly millions or billions of what we now call years. This is a bit of a misnomer since until this point, time, as we know it did not exist upon the earth. Thus to use the word “time” to describe it is fallacious. However it is a convenient way to describe it. It is convenient because it is a method that we can comprehend. The point, however, is that GOD happened!
When HIS SPIRIT started to move on the earth, HE also set time in motion. At this point is basically when the Bible starts! Prior to this, since HIS SPIRIT or HIS essence and power were not active here, HE didn’t have “much” of a concern as to what was happening here.
This same power or essence that starts to move on the earth in Gen 1:2 and changes the structure of the earth. That puts time in motion! Which later in Gen 1 creates new life, including the first three-part being (body soul and now spirit), Adam is also what “happens” in Matt 28 and brings JESUS back to life!
In Matt 3:13-17 we have the account of JESUS’ baptism by John, HIS cousin. Read with me verses16-17?
Mat 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
Mat 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Note in verse 16 how we have the portrayal of The HOLY SPIRIT descending, coming upon or lighting upon JESUS. Then in verse 17 we read of GOD, The FATHER speaking over HIM. This is when “GOD Happens!” In Gen 1:2-3 we see the same thing! In verse 2, The SPIRIT moves! Then in verse 3, GOD, The FATHER speaks when HE says, “Let there be light”! As it was in the events of the earth prior to Gen 1:1 it is also true in the life of JESUS prior to HIS baptism. That is, that prior to HIS baptism, when The HOLY SPIRIT descends upon HIM and The FATHER speaks over HIM, there exists a dispensation of “relatively” no importance. HE is “similar” to any other person growing up prior to this. HE can and is tempted prior to this in like manner, as would be you or I.
