One of the main arguments by those opposed to the death penalty is that there is a terrible possibility of executing an innocent person. Can you imagine how you would feel if you pulled the switch and terminated the life of an innocent person? We have been studying the first sermon of the Christian church – the explanation given by Peter back on the Day of Pentecost regarding the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in such dramatic fashion. In addressing his targeted Jewish audience he lays the blame for the crucifixion of the most innocent man who ever lived directly at their feet.
His goal is not to alienate the crowd or stir up similar persecution against himself and the other 11 apostles. His goal is to bring conviction of sin and a sense of need of the deliverance that can only be provided by the true Messiah – the one promised in OT prophecy and now sent to earth to accomplish their salvation. It is interesting to see how Peter approaches this skeptical audience. He makes a very logical, reasoned argument – not just some emotional plea. And yet he is not here to refute all of their wild speculations and rabbit trail philosophical digressions. He knows that he has one very powerful trump card to play – an ace in the hole that cannot be refuted. That trump card is the reality of the bodily resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. A resurrection that he can personally testify to because he has seen the risen Lord on numerous occasions.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ must be the pivotal point in our presentation of the gospel to lost sinners. It constitutes the Supreme Court from which there can be no appeal to any higher authority. Once you have played this trump card the burden is on the listener to respond. How do you deal with the reality of the resurrection? Do you deny it? We live in the year A.D. 2010 – our very calendar marked by the life and ministry of Jesus Christ here on this earth. We rub shoulders with people who claim their life has been transformed by a personal relationship with this very Jesus who is alive today. As Christian disciples we do not follow some dogmas of an historical religious founder but we live by the power of the Holy Spirit to please our living Lord.
Such a life should be supremely joyful and hopeful as we are secure regarding our eternal destiny. How blessed is the man says the psalmist. We are the ones who have discovered true happiness in life. How happy is your life? How secure are you regarding your eternal destiny?
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One of the earliest TV game shows was “To Tell the Truth.” The show featured a panel of four celebreties attempting to correctly identify which of 3 contestants was truly who he said he was. So the show would begin with the 3 contestants each identifying themselves as the same individual — “I am Sam Jones”. The moderator would then read a brief statement describing some unique occupation or experience of Sam Jones. The true character was joined by two imposters who pretended to be that same central character. The celebrity panelists questioned the three contestants; the two imposters were allowed (if not encouraged) to lie, but the central character was sworn “to tell the truth”. The panelists voted at the end of the show secretly for #1, #2 or #3. Then the moderator concludes by asking “Will the real Sam Jones please stand up.”
How do you prove your identity? We live in the age of identity theft. What type of authentication can you offer that you really are who you say you are? You might point to your birth certificate; your social security number; your driver’s license; your passport – all documents that might lend some degree of credibility. Someone arrested just this past week because they were using the credentials of a dead man – caught because they had the wrong eye color. You might point to the testimony of those who know you personally: your parents, your family, your neighbors, your co-workers.
As we continue this week to reflect on the miracle of Pentecost – the coming of the Holy Spirit – keep in mind the primary mission of the Holy Spirit = to testify to Jesus Christ and exalt Him.
How can you be sure that Jesus of Nazareth is who He claimed to be? How can you be sure that the only path to fellowship with the eternal God is by becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ? How can you be sure that repentance of sins and faith in Jesus Christ will grant you the free gift by the grace of God of forgiveness of sins and eternal life and a rich inheritance in glory? It all comes down to the authentication of the person of Jesus Christ. Who is He really? Who is this Jesus of Nazareth? Who did He claim to be? Who do you recognize Him to be? Who does God say that He is?
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As we continue this week to reflect on the miracle of Pentecost – the coming of the Holy Spirit in great power – I want to focus on the greatness of our God. Often we are so self-absorbed with our own set of problems and what we want God to do for us in our situation that we lose sight of the greatness of God and what He wants to accomplish on a grand scale. His purposes are not limited to my personal needs. His purposes are not limited to Solid Rock Community Church and its struggles. His purposes are not limited to the United States of America and its moral deficiencies. His purposes are not limited to any one race of people. The Great Commission reflects God’s worldwide scope of kingdom expansion. If we are going to be in tune with the heart of God we must have a heart for worldwide missions.
How Great is God in your thinking? Are you overwhelmed with a sense of awe and amazement at His providential workings as He carries out His grand scheme in history? Does your heart overflow with a good theme – with worship and praise to your God? Are we filled with the Holy Spirit today in the sense of Ephes 5:19 “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father.”
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