EMPTY TOMB

Matt. 28: 5-8 (KJV)

5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.

7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.

8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

28:2 The stone was rolled away, not that Jesus might escape, but that witnesses might see the evidence of an empty tomb.

·        He arose upon the first day of the week: on the first day of the first week God commanded the light to shine out of darkness; on this day therefore did he who was to be the Light of the world, shine out of the darkness of the grave; and the seventh-day Sabbath being buried with Christ, it arose again in the first-day Sabbath, called the Lord’s day (Rev. 1:10), and no other day of the week is from henceforward mentioned in all the New Testament than this, and this often, as the day which Christians religiously observed in solemn assemblies, to the honor of Christ, John 20:19, 26; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2. If the deliverance of Israel out of the land of the north superseded the remembrance of that out of Egypt (Jer. 23:7, 8), much more doth our redemption by Christ eclipse the glory of God’s former works. The Sabbath was instituted in remembrance of the perfecting of the work of creation, Gen. 2:1.

·        Man by his revolt made a breach upon that perfect work, which was never perfectly repaired till Christ arose from the dead, and the heavens and the earth were again finished, and the disordered hosts of them modelled anew, and the day on which this was done was justly blessed and sanctified, and the seventh day from that. He who on that day arose from the dead, is the same by whom, and for whom, all things were at first created, and now anew created.

In Christ,

Janet Irene Thomas

Playwright/Director/Screen Writer/Producer/Lyricist

Founder/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

info@biblestoriestheatre.org

www.biblestoriestheatre.org

THE LORD’S PRAYER

PRINCIPLES OF PRAYER

Matthew 6:5-15

King James Version (KJV)

Prayer and Intercession.

• Jesus’ words “Thy kingdom come,” are more than a suggestion to pray for a distant millennial day, for everything in this prayer is current. This prayer is not a formula for repetition so much as it is an outline for expansion. Worship is to be longer than a sentence. Petitions are not confined to bead. Forgiveness is to be requested in specifics, not generalities, and prayer for the entry of God’s kingdom into present earthborn situations is not accomplished in a momentary utterance. The verb mood and tense of “Thy kingdom come” essentially says, “Father, let Your Kingdom come here and now!” 

• Such prayer intervention is called intercession. Motivation toward such prayer occurs when we recognize the importance Jesus placed on prayer in helping us serve in our roles as ‘kingdom administrators.” Without the intervention of God’s kingdom rule through prayer, Earth’s circumstances will succumb to inevitable consequences. Earthly scenes of need must be penetrated by God’s” WILL here as in heaven.”

KINGDOM DYNAMICS

 

Although Jesus says we are actually to say this prayer (v. 2), He does not intend that His prayer be used as a mere rigid ritual, but that it be a guide to prayer as well.  Also, Jesus teaches importunity (that is persistence) in prayer, along with a sense of urgency and boldness.  He does not suggest that we must overcome God’s reluctance to respond to our request, but that we must be earnest and wholehearted in prayer.  The persistence is necessary for our benefit, NOT for God’s.

6:9 Father. A new role of personal intimacy with Yahweh originates with Jesus (see Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4: 6) Hallowed be establishes the principle of prayer on the precept of worship.

6:10 Thy Kingdom come: The petitioner asks for the establishment of God’s rule, not only in its consummation in the Age to Come, but in lives and situations now.  This further defined as God’s will being done in earth.

6:11  Jesus encourages prayer for physical needs, which are vitally linked with kingdom concerns.

6:12  Prayer for forgiveness is qualified by a readiness to forgive personal injury (see v. 14, 15).

6:13  The final petition requests God’s strength to withstand moral peril lest the petitioner fail or be overwhelmed by temptation of evil.

In Closing

D

ear Friends, please know and understand that either the weakness of man’s rule (the flesh) or the viciousness of hell’s works (the Devil) will prevail.  God’s power alone can change things and bring heaven’s rule (kingdom) instead, and the honor and the glory for prayer’s answers are His.  

However, the praying is ours to do: unless we ask for the intervention of His Kingdom and obey His prayer lessons, nothing will change.  All kingdom ministry begins with, is sustained by, and will triumph through prayer.  

In Christ,

Janet Irene Thomas

Playwright/Director/Screen Writer/Producer/Lyricist

Founder/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

info@biblestoriestheatre.org

www.biblestoriestheatre.org

WISDOM BENEFITS

 TRUST IN THE LORD

Proverbs 3:5-6

King James Version (KJV)

5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

• Study God’s Word and listen to the Holy Spirit.  Believe God’s prophets.  Understand that these are the true sources of godly knowledge.

REFLECTION

Many of us are acquainted with the Book of Proverbs; however, we are especially familiar with Chapter 3, verses 5 and 6. I remember as a young girl, I memorized these chapter and these two (2) verses. The operative word here is ‘memorized’. With the thoughts of a child, it was very ‘important’ for me to memorize scripture because this is something that I was taught in Sunday School. 

However, today I realize that as I was memorizing scriptures, I WAS NOT learning or committing God’s Word to my heart, soul, mind, and spirit. Friends, I tell you, little did I know that daily reading of God’s Word …especially Proverbs would endow me with Godly and life wisdom!  

Read HIS WORD!  It is not just enough to memorize the WORD of GOD. There must be clarity, understanding, application and meditation of what we read. There are 31 verses in Proverbs, a verse for every day of every month of the year.  Repetitious reading of proverbs (i.e. today is the 7^th and we will read Proverbs 7) every month will soon reveal/manifest to us that there is guidance and direction for every facet of our lives, thereby we are begetting WISDOM!

Intimacy and Spiritual Breakthrough.

Two words in this passage are especially significant-the words “ways” and “acknowledge.”

           

The word “ways” (Hebrew derek) means “a rod, a course, or a mode of action.”  It suggests specific opportunities a person may encounter on a recurring basis.  The most common “segment of opportunity” we experience regularly is each new day. It is as if this passage suggests that in all our “days” we should acknowledge God and in so doing He will direct our paths.

Of equal significance is the word “acknowledge” (Hebrew yada’). Elsewhere "yada” is translated “know,” meaning to know by observation, investigation, reflection, or firsthand experience. But the highest level of yada’ is in “direct, intimate contact.”  This refers to life-giving intimacy, as in marriage.  Applied to a spiritual context, it suggest an intimacy with God in prayer that conceives and births blessings and victories.  Joined to our Prov. text, we might conclude that if in all our “days” we maintain yada’ (direct, intimate contact with God), God promises to direct our paths toward fruitful, life-begetting, endeavors.

Some of us have heard this expression many times: “Ignorance is not an excuse.” This is a statement that I heard over and over again from my Dad, and now I try to apply Godly wisdom to my life daily. And I’d like to share the below with you that you now may enjoy the fruits of the Godly Wisdom of Proverbs 3:5 and 6:

• 3:5 – Lean:  “Support yourself!” expresses the thought.

• 3:6 – Direct: (Hebrew yah-shar): Strong’s #3474. To be straight, right, upright, pleasing, good. Yashar appears in an intensive form here and means to “make straight and right.”  God will “straighten out” the path of His devoted, trusting servants.  From the verb comes the noun yosher, “uprightness” (Ps. 119:7) Job is described as blameless and upright (Job 1:1).  God’s promises to Cyrus was that the crooked places would be mad straight (Is. 45:2).  Finally, from yashar comes the poetical name “Jeshurun” (“Upright One”), a name always applied to Israel as God’s righteous nation (Deut. 33:5; Is. 44:2)

• 3:6 – Acknowledge: This suggests being fully aware of and in fellowship with Him.

S

o, I pray to our wonderful God Almighty, that today we simply pause and talk to God: ask him to guide us down the right paths, listen to what he is saying and seek his strength for all the pathways we are led down in life. We will also use Proverbs 3:5-6 as a meditative thought before beginning to pray:

H

elp to change me Lord. Please work in me so I will have a good testimony in all areas of my life. Allow me to acknowledge your works as you lead me in the right paths. Alert me to anything I may be hanging onto and trying to lead on my own.  Thanks for allowing me to be your child and being my father – I love you! I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to walk toward the purpose you have for me. In Jesus Name, Amen

In Christ,

Janet Irene Thomas

Playwright/Director/Screen Writer/Producer/Lyricist

Founder/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

info@biblestoriestheatre.org

www.biblestoriestheatre.org

BE STRONG AND OF A GOOD COURAGE

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

                                                                                                Joshua 1:9 NIV

Be strong and of a good courage: This phrase occurs four times in this chapter (vv. 6,7,9,18) and is God’s encouragement to Joshua concerning his future task. Moses had previously received a command from god to encourage Joshua (Deut. 1:38; 3-28).

WORD WEALTH

Strong. Valiant, strengthened, established, firm, fortified, obstinate, and mighty. This word occurs nearly 300 times in the OT; for example, "to encourage," as when David encourage himself (literally, "made himself strong”) in the Lord (1 Sam. .30:6). Chazaq is the root of several Hebrew names, including "Hezekiah," meaning "Strengthened by Yahweh."

KINGDOM DYNAMICS

Courageousness. LEADER TRAITS. Courageousness is often the fruit of encouragement. Joshua is a marvelous example of a leader who is exhorted to be courageous. 

His first exhortation comes from his mentor Moses; here it is a courage to lead God’s people into the Land of Promise (Deut. 31:7).  The second exhortation comes from Moses as well but this one is related to Moses’ charge to Joshua and lends emphasis to the seriousness of the task ahead (Deut.31:23). The third exhortation comes from the Lord Himself, here the issue is Joshua’s need to go beyond Moses’ leadership and take the land from the Lord’s enemies (Josh. 1:6). 

The fourth exhortation is joined with the commandment not to fear (Josh. 1:9). 

The fifth exhortation comes from the officers of the children of Israel encouraging Joshua to take the leadership (Josh 1:18). The last exhortation comes from the now encouraged Joshua, who is now able to encourage the children of Israel (Josh. 10:25). It is interesting to see that this attribute was present in Joshua’s life during his entire walk with Moses.

The Standard for Moral Courage. BIBLICAL MANHOOD. Our society is declining morally at an alarming rate. While giving in to the overwhelming decadence in our world is generally far easier than standing against the tidal wave of indifference, the man of god had been given power to withstand the flood of evil. To take a moral position in a quiet yet "steadfast" way is a thoroughly "manly" act (John 18:4). The courage to do this comes from a conviction that God is sovereign and in control, no matter how bad things may look.

Moral choices fail to all of us. The man who is willing to accept the consequences of his stand is courageous indeed. Although he may seem to stand alone, god has promised to be with him (2 Chr. 19:11).

In Christ,

Janet Irene Thomas

Playwright/Director/Screen Writer/Producer/Lyricist

Founder/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

info@biblestoriestheatre.org

www.biblestoriestheatre.org

APOLOGY HOTLINE

 At the heart of all conflict is a selfish heart.

Leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. —Matthew 5:24

What do you suppose would happen if this world were to create a world-wide 911 Apology Hotline?  No, really: think about it. What do you suppose would happen, if anything if were actually generated all over the world?  Wouldn’t that be awesome! We have in-place now an emergency 911 for fires, sickness, crime, animal cruelty, terrorism, and murder (which comes under crime), but absolutely nothing for apology.  Why is that?  Perhaps now would be a good time to explore the idea.

Chitchat with me for a moment --

I recently read an old 2008 "Daily Bread" story about a gentleman by the name of Jesse Jacobs. Jacob’s story so intrigued me that I thought I’d explore his original idea of an apology hotline before sharing the story with you.

In his story (Oh, I must mention that Jacobs actually created an apology hotline), the hotline was made so it was possible for callers to apologize without actually talking to the person wronged. Sounds pretty good, right?  You don’t have to face the individual! Kool!  Noooooooooo, friends; don’t say that. Please don’t. Remember, we a believers of Christ, and that means we can do ‘all’ things through Christ who strengthens us.... even face those we’ve hurt; yes; it will be hard, but doesn’t that make it all worth -while?  Of course it does.

So, what we have in Jesse Jacobs’ story, people who were unable or unwilling to unburden their conscience in person would call the hotline and leave a message on an answering machine. Each week, 30 to 50 calls are logged, as people apologize for things from adultery to embezzlement.  This is what Jacobs said: “The hotline offers partici-pants a chance to alleviate their guilt and, to some degree, to own up to their misdeeds.”

The apology hotline 'may seem' to offer some relief from guilt, but this is not how Jesus instructed His followers to handle conflict.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told us to deal with conflict by taking the initiative and going to the offended brother to apologize for the offense (see also Matt. 18). Plus, Jesus teaches us that the problem of human estrangement is so serious that we should even interrupt our worship to go on a personal mission of reconciliation (Matt. 5:24). WOW! Oh, to be like Jesus! Christ Jesus encouraged His followers to be reconciled with one another eagerly, aggressively, quickly, and personally (v.25). Hey, I’d say this calls for a 911 Apology Hotline, wouldn’t you?

·         God cannot prosper those who try to cover sin and wrong deny; But all who humbly will confess, the Savior with His love will bless.  —D. De Haan 

 Here’s What Jesus taught:

                  Matthew 5:21-26 (NIV)

21 "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.

23 "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

25 "Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 I tell you the truth; you will not get out until you have paid the last penny. ..."

In Christ,

Janet Irene Thomas

Playwright/Director/Screen Writer/Producer/Lyricist

Founder/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

info@biblestoriestheatre.org

www.biblestoriestheatre.org

CHRIST THE CORNERSTONE

An Interpretation from Ephesians

Ephesians 2:20
So, we are no longer strangers and aliens, but are citizens with the saints and members of the household of God; built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is jointed together and grown into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God."

Can you believe it? One cannot find the cornerstone for the U.S. Capitol in Washington. But back in the early days, a cornerstone was laid; and then, over the years, with the sinking of the building, and the surrounding alterations, nobody can recall exactly where it is.

N

ow, a cornerstone is laid at the beginning, in the foundation of a building. You build everything else upon this one cornerstone. And the letter to the Ephesians, using an architectural metaphor, Jesus says that is the cornerstone of the Church. Everything is built upon him. More to the point of Ephesians, a cornerstone is where two intersecting walls meet. In Christ, the walls between Jew and Gentile have been pulled down, and now the two meet in the cornerstone, Jesus.

Christians are those who believe that when we look at this Jew from first century Nazareth, we see as much of God as we ever hope to see. We believe that when he looks at us, he sees us as we really are. Our life is known only in his light. So, the whole Church, our faith, our relationship to God rests upon this foundation, this cornerstone. All the upward thrust of our spiritual aspirations meet at this capstone.

The Book of Isaiah has many references to the Messiah to come. In several places, Jesus is referred to as “The Cornerstone,” such as in Isaiah 28:16-17: So, this is what the sovereign Lord says: "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed. I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line." God is speaking to scoffers and boasters when He refers to the Cornerstone—His precious Son—who provides the firm foundation for their lives, if they would but trust in Him. Isaiah uses construction terminology (measuring line and plumb line) to make his point; these are things the people would understand.

In the New Testament the cornerstone metaphor is continued. This time, however, the Apostle Paul is preaching to the Ephesian Christians for the purpose of helping them know Christ better. In Chapter 2, verses 19-21, the comparison between Jesus and Cornerstone becomes very clear: “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 

In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.”

Furthermore, in the 1 Peter 2:6, what Isaiah said centuries before is affirmed in exactly the same words.

Verse 14: He tore down the wall we used to keep each other at a distance. (Differences between all the nations)

Verse15: Instead of continuing with two groups of people separated by centuries of animosity and suspicion, he created a new kind of human being, a fresh start for everybody. (Gentiles and Jews now followed Jesus, should still be following Him as if one)

Verse 16: Christ brought us together through his death on the Cross (Jew and Gentile one in Jesus)

Verse 18: and have equal access to the Father (through Jesus)

Verse 20: He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation (Built on their preaching and testimony) with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone (The most important stone. The stone giving support. Jesus  supports the church)

Verse 22: We see it taking shape day after day--a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home. (By the Holy Spirit living in us)

In Christ,

Janet Irene Thomas

Playwright/Director/Screen Writer/Producer/Lyricist

Founder/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

info@biblestoriestheatre.org

www.biblestoriestheatre.org

THE RIVER

DROWNING

Walking through the forest, a seasoned hiker came upon a broad, slowly moving river. He stopped to gaze over the waters, appreciating the beauty, when suddenly he heard a faint cry coming from upstream.

Looking in the direction of the noise, he saw an obviously drowning man floundering in the river and drifting slowly toward him.

The hiker was stunned momentarily, but he sprang into action when he saw the man disappear beneath the waters. Throwing off all of his cumbersome gear, he dove into the river and swam like a madman toward the spot where the man went under.

Upon reaching the spot he plunged below the surface and frantically hauled up the helpless man. He then laboriously towed the victim to shore. Heaving the lifeless body up on the riverbank, the hiker attempted to revive the man, who eventually spit up water and began to breathe.

Relieved, the hiker paused to catch his breath. But no sooner had he done so than he heard another voice out on the water. Another drowning person!

Once again, he swam out and pulled the person to shore, a little more slowly this time. As the hiker-turned-lifeguard revived the second victim, he heard yet another cry for help.

All day long the hiker worked, rescuing one person after another as they came drifting down the river. There seemed to be no end of drowning victims, and the hiker didn't think he could keep it up.

Just when he was about to collapse from exhaustion, he spotted another man walking rapidly beside the river, headed upstream. "Hey mister!"  He cried out. "Please help me! These poor people are drowning!"

Amazingly, the man kept walking upstream. The astonished hiker called out again. Without even acknowledging the cry, the man kept going.

Indignant and angry, the hiker leapt to his feet, ran toward the uncompassionate man, stood directly in his path, and in a loud voice demanded, "Sir! How can you possibly walk past all these drowning people? Have you no conscience? Must I force you to help me save these people?"

The stranger stopped, looked at him for the first time and said with a calm, focused voice, "Sir, please get out of my way. I am headed upstream to stop the guy who is pushing all these people in."

Each of us has a role to play in rescuing those who are drowning in sin. Some of us pull people from the water and resuscitate them with counseling, food and shelter, a rehabilitation program, a support group, or financial aid. Affirm those doing these important ministries.

Others of us find our place of ministry upstream, opposing the one pushing people into the river. We do this by introducing those people to Jesus Christ. Knowing Christ sets a person free from sin and releases them from Satan's power over them.

By itself, pulling people from the water isn't enough.We need to help people deal with the problem of sin at its source.

In Christ,

Janet Irene Thomas

Playwright/Director/Screen Writer/Producer/Lyricist

Founder/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

info@biblestoriestheatre.org

www.biblestoriestheatre.org