There is More to Life

“I Believe in the Resurrection” By Jim Howe

In the Apostle’s Creed we have a list of the essentials of our faith.  It concludes: “We believe in…the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.” Listen to what the Bible says about this:

“But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?” You foolish person! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. And what you sow is not the body that is to be, but a bare kernel, perhaps of wheat or of some other grain. But God gives it a body as he has chosen, and to each kind of seed its own body. For not all flesh is the same, but there is one kind for humans, another for animals, another for birds, and another for fish. There are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the glory of the heavenly is of one kind, and the glory of the earthly is of another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory. So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit. But it is not the spiritual that is first but the natural, and then the spiritual. The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven. Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.” (1 Corinthians 15:35–49, ESV)

God’s revelation begins with a question that still is with us today. “How are the dead raised?” Most Americans still believe in eternal life.  For many it is the memory of loved ones that live on. Religious ideas are a regular spiritual smorgasbord.  Some think in terms of reincarnation of transmigration or souls moving through time to purification. For others the Spirit lives on beneath the illusion of the temporal and material. Others believe that we leave behind individual consciousness to be united with a spiritual Godhead. The options may sound good but they are not in line with what Jesus taught and what God has revealed in the Bible. 

Paul begins with an illustration from creation that we might overlook.  A grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies.  A grain of wheat looks nothing like a living green fruit bearing stalk of wheat. So, that is the first thing we learn about the eternal life that Jesus promises. Resurrection is nothing like the ever fading existence we face every day.  The life and kind of resurrection body we are given is the gift of God: “God gives it … as he has chosen.” We can expect that the resurrection body we receive will be in >some ways continuous, but in others it will be so different that a child could not ever dream that a grain of wheat has anything to do with a living green stalk that blows in the wind.  The living stalk that blows in the wind is far more glorious that the kernel of grain. The resurrection of our bodies will be like that.  This is the content of eternal life.

But there is more, because flesh is different between humans, animals and fish. Then he lays out the most substantial difference between this temporal body and that which Christians receive when they see Jesus; one is earthly and the more glorious is heavenly. We do so much to our bodies to fend off death and decay. We bathe, we brush our teeth, we roll on deodorant and spray cologne or perfume.  Why?  Because of the smell of the decay that leads to death. When I look in the mirror, what I see is a constant reminder of aging that draws me nearer the grave every day.  Freezing my body and reviving me later is not resurrection; it is fending off the inevitable. As the wise man Solomon wrote, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: A time to be born and a time to die…(Ecclesiastes 3:1-2a)  The earthly and heavenly contrast is displayed in the difference between what is perishable and that which is imperishable.  The kind of life Christ gained for us at the cross imparts life eternal, not just continuation of decay.   It is so much more glorious that only the word “eternal” can begin to capture what Christ has in store for those who believe in him.  Paul stated it clearly, “we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.”  

The contrast between Adam and Christ points us to contemplate the meaning of eternal life: “The Scriptures tell us, “The first man, Adam, became a living person.” But the last Adam—that is, Christ—is a life-giving Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 15:45, NLT) This does not mean that we are disembodied spirits floating around on a cloud in the resurrection.  It means that we share with Christ, not only the humanity he took on in the incarnation, but also a new body that is equipped for heaven.  Ray Stedman suggested that we think of our new body as having abilities like a space suit that enables an astronaut to live in space.  But it is more. We are given a body that no longer decays and that is cleansed from all sin and death so that we can breathe the same air God breathes, and so that we can live in the presence of Holiness.  

C. S. Lewis was a heaven minded realist that spoke well to modern man.  He wrote in his essay “The Weight of Glory”,

“It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, to remember that the dullest most uninteresting person you can talk to may one day be a creature which, if you saw it now, you would be strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. All day long we are, in some degree helping each other to one or the other of these destinations. It is in the light of these overwhelming possibilities, it is with the awe and the circumspection proper to them, that we should conduct all of our dealings with one another, all friendships, all loves, all play, all politics. There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilizations - these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit - immortal horrors or everlasting splendors.”

This Christian belief in the resurrection and eternal life matters. Just consider how it speaks to the way we treat those who are most susceptible to the virus.  Or consider how this impacts the call to racial equality or loving our neighbor despite the color of their skin. Resurrection gives hope for the future and it makes a huge difference in how we live our lives every day. 

Listen to Stephen Curtis Chapman sing about the grief he experienced after his daughter was accidentally killed by his son and the hope that arose: Heaven is the Face https://youtu.be/Z9JTwJ_1lzE

Father, we are so prone to think of life like there is nothing beyond the grave. When unbelief sucks out all that is real about the resurrection of Jesus, we are left with all the problem of our times. But when Christ rose from the dead, he opened a door not to just more of the same, but the heavenly Son of God gave us a new heavenly life.  We confess that we are sometimes overwhelmed with the decay and death that is part of our earthly life. Turn our eyes to the Risen Lord and flood us with hope that is the answer our world is longing for. In Christ’s Name Amen.  

The Difference Resurrection Makes Now

By Jim Howe

Resurrection makes a difference in life today. Resurrection is a comfort when we think of death. It gives hope and assurance. Resurrection mobilizes and motivates Christian living during racial unrest and so we can be empowered to live without fear in the face of Covid19. My college roommate Terry Shultz was diagnosed with the virus and needs our prayers. A young black football player from College of the Siskiyou’s now living in Florida told me recently how scary it is not to know what might happen or how he will be treated if he were pulled over by a police officer.  We have the only message that can heal this wound. A message that values law and justice for all. Paul wrote boldly of the mission to spread the gospel and how resurrection made him take risks previously unimaginable.

“Otherwise, what do people mean by being baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf? Why are we in danger every hour? I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day! What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.” (1 Corinthians 15:29–34, ESV)

The text begins with the obscure reference to baptizing the dead. We don’t know exactly what Paul had in mind. It is speculated that those who had confessed Christ but had not been baptized were cared for by someone being baptized in their stead. Mormons have picked up the practice but it is not encouraged anywhere else in the New Testament.

Here is the point. Paul basically asked if the resurrection is not a reality then why do he and others in his company risk life and limb to declare Jesus Christ?  Do you see the connection between resurrection hope and attempting it all to further the mission of Christ? Belief in the resurrection is meant not just to give you comfort; it is meant to propel you in Christ’s mission.  When was the last time we risked anything to declare to our friends and family that Christ died, and He is risen so that they might graciously believe and trust Jesus as their Lord and Savior?  Rupesh and Susanna our missionaries do it all the time.  Paul did, too.  Resurrection is far more than relief in the face of death; it is motivation to be involved in the mission of Christ to our neighbors. 

Have you considered social distancing and inviting your neighbors over to share a glass of ice tea so that you could tell them that there is more to life that just surviving the pandemic? We can risk a little to reach out, after all Paul went to the lion’s den for the gospel in Ephesus. 

There is a verse in our text that describes so many Americans now. “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” Hope for the future should make us different. Have we become so cozy in this world that we have become like our neighbors? God warns us, “Bad company ruins good morals.”  Resurrection hope that comes from knowing God leads to a resurrection ethic. If we really know God and believe, then our living by faith should make us bold to declare that Jesus Christ is the hope for America. Our friends and neighbors are watching the news and hoping the politicians, or some political ideology will cure police violence or racial unrest. No, it is Christ who raises the dead that mobilizes us to reach out to other human beings in love and compassion.

So, know God and live as people of light amid dark and hopeless time.  We have the power of God in us when we look to our resurrected Lord Jesus and trust Christ.  That power is for the good of your block, your family, and your city. The world thought Paul was dangerous and a threat to the status quo. All who believe in Jesus Christ and live accordingly are a threat to hatred, violence, and despair.

Father, give us the hope of Jesus Christ and give that hope wings to change the way we speak the gospel truth to our friends. Father, comfort us and more. Make us a comfort to the broken hearted and encouragement to those in despair. Make us less concerned about our comfort and more concerned about your glory and the love for our neighbor. In Christ’s name, Amen.

Blessings, Jim

King and Country, “O God Forgive Us” https://youtu.be/5-lSe4earII

The Politics of Jesus John 12:27-36

Not Black, No White But a New Humanity

Not Black, Not White, But, Human

We Need a New Man

By Jim Howe

              The ongoing drama of politics with the pandemic, and now the death of George Floyd, has deepened the crisis America is facing. America needs prayer and we need a new humanity. I miss my friends Rev. Isaiah Jones and Rev. Henry Gaines. These outstanding men of God were great, not because they were black, but because they were men who knew how to talk to Jesus. Both were covenant brothers I shared life with at different times.  They talked to Jesus like he was in the room.  Of course, Christ IS with us as the Spirit of God lifts us to approach the throne of God.  Underlying all this is the deep reality that we need a whole new humanity.  The human dilemma in America needs a new creation.  The problems we face are so deep that nothing less than a rescue from God can save us now.

              A new Adam in Christ is precisely what the Jewish Apostle Paul preached to Jews and Gentiles in the 1^st century when another racial divide ripped the Roman world wide open.  Let the Word of God inspire hope as you read:

“But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.” (1 Corinthians 15:20–28, ESV)

Paul had just explored the implications of Christian faith without the resurrection.  Now he turns our attention to the reality “the fact” of resurrection.  He saw Jesus alive and so did the other apostles. This reality gives us home because the new man is now seated in heaven.  And through faith in Him we are made new.  O, how we need this miraculous new birth.  Jesus Christ is the new humanity we desperately need. When we put our faith in Him, and not in our former way of living, life from the future of humanity floods our lives. Paul put it this way: “…we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” (Romans 8:23, ESV)  The Holy Spirit that dwells in every real Christian is assurance of a better way.  There is more of Jesus to come as we live by faith and invite the Spirit into our lives. As the Church on our knees, there is a way forward, and it is as we go to our knees.  The Spirit works in us God’s way of bringing heaven close.  Instead of talking about peace, we taste it and display Jesus to one another.

              All around us are the signs of Adam. Death, hatred, violence, and disease.  They all are inherited from our common root in Adam. The only recourse for the power of man is to destroy and tear down. These forces are strong in America currently. It is loose in so many on both sides of the issues.  It is at work in me as a sinner.  It has to be confessed and overcome by the work of the cross. 

But more is coming in Christ as we grow.  Those who are “in Christ” through faith and baptism are being made into the new humanity.  Any sign of hope, mercy, life comes from Jesus Christ. Our solidarity with Jesus Christ is hope of a bright future. My prayer for us as a people is that we pass over into the spiritual reality of life in Christ so that we grow in grace.  Praying this morning when I woke up that I want to live in God. To actually live in the Father, by the Son, through the Spirit.  To experience life in Christ alive with me.

              Violence breeds violence and death bears more death.  Rioters and reactionary hatred breeds a boiling pot of more death. That is man’s way of fixing things. It is so sad.  Tit for tat. But there is more.  God has put the number one enemy to death, by the death of His Son, so that we can have hope and so that in us we display the first sign of what is to come. Jesus is alive as the first fruit.  Like the first blossom in spring with more to come.  Instead of living in the darkness overcome by despair, faith calls us to look to Christ who is alive.  There is more life to come.  The one who believes and lives by faith in Christ will be made alive with Him. This is just as true as all in Adam die; all who are in Christ live.

              There is nothing I need more than for God to be my “all in all.”  How about you?  When I go to the store and rub shoulders with others, do people just see me or do they see Christ living in me? As we await the day of reopening worship and being together, do we long for the manifest presence of Christ among us that is unique to gathered worship?  I can taste the longing.  But, this is just the first taste of the final wedding feast of the Lamb when we all will be together with God.  It is in prayer that I am closest to that coming reality. May I live in prayer more, so that I can taste this “more” that Christ gives. May you as a people experience Him in a deeper way today as this reality opens before you as you trust him and live.

              When the congregations I served in Waldport and Siskiyou County worshipped with Rev. Isaiah Jones and Rev. Henry Gaines, there was more going on than we saw.  New life from Christ was at work making the people of God to be the Church in which there is no Jew nor Gentile and no black or white. May we be such a foretaste in Redding and Weed that there is more to come.  It is Christ’s work to tear down evil forces and to do it in such a way that there is more life, not death. Extremist politics grab and force their way.  They tear down instead of buildup. Jesus Christ is alive, and he brings together all things in Him.  

Stephen Curtis Chapman, Beauty will Rise https://youtu.be/rJynET3b3PM

God, help us all to pray continually. Live in us Lord Jesus. Holy Spirit fall upon us leave the mark of the of new life. When the Church first began the gathering of Jew and Gentile demonstrated to the Roman Empire that there is a third race. We are already that new people. But Father move in us to be more alive in Christ than we are alive in the politics of man. For the sake of Your glory, glorify Your Son in us.  Father, we pray that out of these ashes all around that you will bring beauty. In Christ’s name, Amen.