Larry Lilly's Journal Vol 17 Issue 4 April 2017
Christ’s Resurrection: Power For Living! Larry Lilly D.D.
Larry & Joyce 50th Anniversary 8/29/14
Luke 24:1 Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared.
2 But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb.
3 Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
4 And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments.
5 Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead?
The question delves into the deepest longing of we fallen humans. For all practical purposes we still try to find comfort, purpose and meaning by searching among the dead. We do find comfort in pleasant memories of our departed loved ones, and a bit of comfort from the writings/inventions and examples of some who have gone on. Yet this feeling fades over time and we are left to ponder the question the angelic voices asked of the female followers from Galilee; “Why do you seek the living among the dead.”
The question was followed by instruction for the hour and for all time, “He is not here, but is risen!” This in accord with His Pre-Crucifixion teaching, called His words into their remembrance. Then they went to the others and told them. The first witnesses of His resurrection were comforted by His Words and they used this information to comfort other followers.
Mary Magdalene was there, saw Jesus, though others did not, and was so overwhelmed with grief that she failed to recognize Jesus. Supposing Him to be a gardener, poured her heart out to the supposed gardener. She offered to re-bury the body she thought had been stolen. Then Jesus comforted her, by simply speaking her name. If may be that no other human being in history ever heard their name called in such a manner. She was of His sheep and He knew her name and she recognized His voice! She then obeyed and told the disciples the comforting truth that He IS risen!
Later that day, in the evening, while the believers were gathered in the Upper Room, for fear, Jesus appeared. He spoke “peace” to them and they were glad. Many of them had been frightened in the storm on the Sea, when He walked to them on the water. They had thought he was a spirit, a ghost. Now they were glad, learning the difference between a “ghost” and the resurrected Savior. He assured, comforted them, with the truth that their life purpose of witnessing concerning Him was just beginning! He prepared them for His presence in the Person of the Holy Spirit and gave further instructions adding to their comfort.
A week later Jesus appeared again in the Upper Room and helped the man famously known as Doubting Thomas. Tragically, that’s what Thomas was, but the title fails to do what God does. Christ made the difference in the life of Thomas by presenting compassionate evidence that He, Christ, is raised from the dead.
The Spirit of God makes the Word of God come alive to those who want to be comforted by the truth. Doubting Thomas, the moment He believed, made one of the strongest statements of faith in the Bible and history. Christ still works His miracle of comfort to all who will seriously come to a meeting with Him. Isaiah presents this truth graphically here:
"Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18.
The appearance on the road to Emmaus is one of the best lessons in teaching through simple conversation. On the day Christ rose from the dead, he joined two disciples walking along the road. He asked, Hey, what are talking about? (Lilly’s version). They responded with an account of the events of the day, from the crucifixion to the resurrection, that had been told to them by the women of Galilee. He then explained the events from the biblical perspective, to which they evidently gave a nice nod. He asked three questions and they spent much more time letting Him know how much they knew.
At the end of traveling they sat down to eat, Jesus BROKE the bread for them, they ate, their eyes were opened, and He vanished. Sometimes the “bread” of God’s word must be ingested, and then our eyes are opened to its majesty. Their hearts were comforted by the burning truth of His presence!
Many comforting appearances, but one is classic Jesus caring for people who do things impetuously. You recall Peter followed Jesus afar off on the evening prior to the crucifixion, around the fire, denied Jesus three times. After the second Upper Room appearance, Peter met with several disciples and stated that he was going fishing. They went with him and fished all night and caught nothing. Jesus, unrecognized by them, told them to fish someplace else and they caught a ton of fish. Then Peter recognized Jesus was the Lord and jumped into the water and met Jesus at the seaside fire where they had breakfast.
Then Jesus comforted Peter tenderly leading him by introspection to see his own deep problem. Peter correctly concludes his love toward Christ was wanting and Christ comforted him by restoring him to feed His sheep, and assuring his future would be a future with Godly honor.
2Corinthians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
The word comfort, which I have over used, means “encouragement.” Christ really goes out of His was to encourage us as we serve Him, even when we do so weakly.
Power living by believing in the resurrection of Jesus is demonstrated powerfully by these words from Bill and Gloria Gaither:
“God sent His son, they called Him Jesus; He came to love, heal and forgive. He lived and died to buy my pardon; an empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.
Because He lives I can face tomorrow; Because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future; And life is worth the living Just because He lives.”
John’s Gospel records the final words of Jesus on the cross: “It is finished.” John 10:30. The Greek has in one word, Tetelestai, an accounting term meaning “Paid in Full!” The old account really is settled! He paid it in full long ago!
Got trouble? Standing somewhere in the shadows you will find Jesus. Talk to Him. LML
2 But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb.
3 Then they went in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
4 And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments.
5 Then, as they were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, they said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead?
The question delves into the deepest longing of we fallen humans. For all practical purposes we still try to find comfort, purpose and meaning by searching among the dead. We do find comfort in pleasant memories of our departed loved ones, and a bit of comfort from the writings/inventions and examples of some who have gone on. Yet this feeling fades over time and we are left to ponder the question the angelic voices asked of the female followers from Galilee; “Why do you seek the living among the dead.”
The question was followed by instruction for the hour and for all time, “He is not here, but is risen!” This in accord with His Pre-Crucifixion teaching, called His words into their remembrance. Then they went to the others and told them. The first witnesses of His resurrection were comforted by His Words and they used this information to comfort other followers.
Mary Magdalene was there, saw Jesus, though others did not, and was so overwhelmed with grief that she failed to recognize Jesus. Supposing Him to be a gardener, poured her heart out to the supposed gardener. She offered to re-bury the body she thought had been stolen. Then Jesus comforted her, by simply speaking her name. If may be that no other human being in history ever heard their name called in such a manner. She was of His sheep and He knew her name and she recognized His voice! She then obeyed and told the disciples the comforting truth that He IS risen!
Later that day, in the evening, while the believers were gathered in the Upper Room, for fear, Jesus appeared. He spoke “peace” to them and they were glad. Many of them had been frightened in the storm on the Sea, when He walked to them on the water. They had thought he was a spirit, a ghost. Now they were glad, learning the difference between a “ghost” and the resurrected Savior. He assured, comforted them, with the truth that their life purpose of witnessing concerning Him was just beginning! He prepared them for His presence in the Person of the Holy Spirit and gave further instructions adding to their comfort.
A week later Jesus appeared again in the Upper Room and helped the man famously known as Doubting Thomas. Tragically, that’s what Thomas was, but the title fails to do what God does. Christ made the difference in the life of Thomas by presenting compassionate evidence that He, Christ, is raised from the dead.
The Spirit of God makes the Word of God come alive to those who want to be comforted by the truth. Doubting Thomas, the moment He believed, made one of the strongest statements of faith in the Bible and history. Christ still works His miracle of comfort to all who will seriously come to a meeting with Him. Isaiah presents this truth graphically here:
"Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18.
The appearance on the road to Emmaus is one of the best lessons in teaching through simple conversation. On the day Christ rose from the dead, he joined two disciples walking along the road. He asked, Hey, what are talking about? (Lilly’s version). They responded with an account of the events of the day, from the crucifixion to the resurrection, that had been told to them by the women of Galilee. He then explained the events from the biblical perspective, to which they evidently gave a nice nod. He asked three questions and they spent much more time letting Him know how much they knew.
At the end of traveling they sat down to eat, Jesus BROKE the bread for them, they ate, their eyes were opened, and He vanished. Sometimes the “bread” of God’s word must be ingested, and then our eyes are opened to its majesty. Their hearts were comforted by the burning truth of His presence!
Many comforting appearances, but one is classic Jesus caring for people who do things impetuously. You recall Peter followed Jesus afar off on the evening prior to the crucifixion, around the fire, denied Jesus three times. After the second Upper Room appearance, Peter met with several disciples and stated that he was going fishing. They went with him and fished all night and caught nothing. Jesus, unrecognized by them, told them to fish someplace else and they caught a ton of fish. Then Peter recognized Jesus was the Lord and jumped into the water and met Jesus at the seaside fire where they had breakfast.
Then Jesus comforted Peter tenderly leading him by introspection to see his own deep problem. Peter correctly concludes his love toward Christ was wanting and Christ comforted him by restoring him to feed His sheep, and assuring his future would be a future with Godly honor.
2Corinthians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
The word comfort, which I have over used, means “encouragement.” Christ really goes out of His was to encourage us as we serve Him, even when we do so weakly.
Power living by believing in the resurrection of Jesus is demonstrated powerfully by these words from Bill and Gloria Gaither:
“God sent His son, they called Him Jesus; He came to love, heal and forgive. He lived and died to buy my pardon; an empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.
Because He lives I can face tomorrow; Because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future; And life is worth the living Just because He lives.”
John’s Gospel records the final words of Jesus on the cross: “It is finished.” John 10:30. The Greek has in one word, Tetelestai, an accounting term meaning “Paid in Full!” The old account really is settled! He paid it in full long ago!
Got trouble? Standing somewhere in the shadows you will find Jesus. Talk to Him. LML
Letters & Comments
Hi Larry & Joyce,
I finally found your mail envelope, it got lost in a slew of requests from Christian and other organizations. Hope you are enjoying the early signs of spring. Please pray that my children and grandchildren and great grandchildren would surrender to our great Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It gets lonely sometimes being the only one who wants to please Him! (In my family that is). I have many faithful brothers and sisters in Christ… Much more than me.
Our pastor’s wife left him last month for another man. They have been married for 30 years. So, our church is praying for a pastor as ours felt that he should resign.
Keep watch! It may be today! Love and prayers, B.M.
Editor’s Note: Please hold this dear sister and the church in your prayers. She is a real trouper for Jesus having been married to a pastor who used a fictitious name, and was kept trucking with Jesus. When we preachers appear at the Bema, there will be some weeping! LML.
Here’s a note from J.W. the author of the book Joyce reviews in this issue:
“To soon to be released prisoners: This advice and tools that I will share with you will sustain you and deepen your relationship with God.
1. You must make amends* for your crime. This involves more than saying you’re sorry. It means taking responsibility for what you have done and doing everything in your power to make it right. Remember these four steps when making an apology:
2. Acknowledge and take full responsibility for your actions.
3. Expression of sorrow.
4. Make an effort at repairing the damage as much as possible.
5. Assurance that it will not happen again.
*Remember, that making amends takes time, it is a process and does not happen overnight. Sometimes the other party is not ready to forgive, this is their choice. It belongs to them.
Albert Schweitzer said, “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: The only one’s among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” J.W.
Editor’s Note: Reads like very good advice to everyone on the outside too. LML***
I finally found your mail envelope, it got lost in a slew of requests from Christian and other organizations. Hope you are enjoying the early signs of spring. Please pray that my children and grandchildren and great grandchildren would surrender to our great Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It gets lonely sometimes being the only one who wants to please Him! (In my family that is). I have many faithful brothers and sisters in Christ… Much more than me.
Our pastor’s wife left him last month for another man. They have been married for 30 years. So, our church is praying for a pastor as ours felt that he should resign.
Keep watch! It may be today! Love and prayers, B.M.
Editor’s Note: Please hold this dear sister and the church in your prayers. She is a real trouper for Jesus having been married to a pastor who used a fictitious name, and was kept trucking with Jesus. When we preachers appear at the Bema, there will be some weeping! LML.
Here’s a note from J.W. the author of the book Joyce reviews in this issue:
“To soon to be released prisoners: This advice and tools that I will share with you will sustain you and deepen your relationship with God.
1. You must make amends* for your crime. This involves more than saying you’re sorry. It means taking responsibility for what you have done and doing everything in your power to make it right. Remember these four steps when making an apology:
2. Acknowledge and take full responsibility for your actions.
3. Expression of sorrow.
4. Make an effort at repairing the damage as much as possible.
5. Assurance that it will not happen again.
*Remember, that making amends takes time, it is a process and does not happen overnight. Sometimes the other party is not ready to forgive, this is their choice. It belongs to them.
Albert Schweitzer said, “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: The only one’s among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” J.W.
Editor’s Note: Reads like very good advice to everyone on the outside too. LML***
Dr. Tom Wallace
"This Resurrection season as we turn our thoughts to Christ’s resurrection, I’m reminded of the scoffer who was trying to dampen a little girls belief in Christ.
He said to her, My poor little girl, you don’t know what you believe. There’s been many Christ’s in the world, which of them do you believe in?”
The little girl thought for a moment and said, “I believe in the Christ who died on Calvary and rose from the dead!” The scoffer was speechless."
Dr. Tom Wallace in his book, Morning Devotions, pg 72. Order all 366 devotions for $12 from Wallace Ministries 425 Sharondale Dr. Murfreesboro, TN 37129.
He said to her, My poor little girl, you don’t know what you believe. There’s been many Christ’s in the world, which of them do you believe in?”
The little girl thought for a moment and said, “I believe in the Christ who died on Calvary and rose from the dead!” The scoffer was speechless."
Dr. Tom Wallace in his book, Morning Devotions, pg 72. Order all 366 devotions for $12 from Wallace Ministries 425 Sharondale Dr. Murfreesboro, TN 37129.
The Book Worm's Corner! Joyce Lilly TgB
Joyce Lilly TgB
Finding Freedom Where You Are. John Wallace/Jim Elliott Servant Ministries. P.O. Box 3 Carbon, IN 47837. Freewill offering. Jim Elliott is a volunteer prison worker, John Wallace has 17 years into a 65-year sentence.
Larry said; “This is most powerful and practical book I have ever read on the subject of being in prison and on coming out of prison. This small book’s advice will help any new or grown cold Christian to be set ablaze for Jesus!”
I promise it is a page turner! John has invested his time behind the fence wisely and his writing is clear and to the point. It is first hand advice from the pages of God’s Word.
Freedom, is in two sections, #1 deals with Winning in prison, and #2 Winning upon release. It’s not strange that winning inside and winning outside follow the same basic principles. Here’s a sample: Attitude, Associates, Spiritual Growth, Program Participation, Work Ethic, Education, Exercise, Helping Others.
You must know the above list must be a part of a winning program no matter what your environment may be. John covers each word briefly, but fully. He makes much of quitting the blame game. On the importance of Attitude, he quotes Charles Swindoll and Dale Carnegie. Here’s the line, “The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day… we cannot change our past” Dale Carnegie stated, “Two men looked through the same bars, one saw mud, the other stars.”
John’s testimony of conversion to Christ is clear and his reaching out to help others is well documented. Get a copy of this book. Get one for someone going to, or coming out of prison. Joyce Lilly TgB
Larry said; “This is most powerful and practical book I have ever read on the subject of being in prison and on coming out of prison. This small book’s advice will help any new or grown cold Christian to be set ablaze for Jesus!”
I promise it is a page turner! John has invested his time behind the fence wisely and his writing is clear and to the point. It is first hand advice from the pages of God’s Word.
Freedom, is in two sections, #1 deals with Winning in prison, and #2 Winning upon release. It’s not strange that winning inside and winning outside follow the same basic principles. Here’s a sample: Attitude, Associates, Spiritual Growth, Program Participation, Work Ethic, Education, Exercise, Helping Others.
You must know the above list must be a part of a winning program no matter what your environment may be. John covers each word briefly, but fully. He makes much of quitting the blame game. On the importance of Attitude, he quotes Charles Swindoll and Dale Carnegie. Here’s the line, “The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day… we cannot change our past” Dale Carnegie stated, “Two men looked through the same bars, one saw mud, the other stars.”
John’s testimony of conversion to Christ is clear and his reaching out to help others is well documented. Get a copy of this book. Get one for someone going to, or coming out of prison. Joyce Lilly TgB
Page Four! New Life in Christ Dale Byers
Bible Teacher Dale Byers
NEW LIFE IN CHRIST 2 Cor. 5:17 Dale Byers
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
The world has many things to offer us as being new, but as soon as we purchase them they decrease in value. We may purchase a new car but as soon as our signature is on the line it becomes a used automobile. Every worldly thing decreases in use and value. Such is the nature of this world but when God gives you something new it increases in purpose and value. God’s provisions never wear out but become more useable every day.
When you became a Christian, there were certain possessions that God gave you which never wear out. They are never exhausted and you will never out-live your need of them. Every Christian is issued the following possessions from God.
1. You now have a friend who will never leave you or forsake you. Others may have failed you. The longer you walk with Him the more valuable He becomes to you:
Heb. 13:5; Matt. 28:18-20; Isa, 41:10; Exodus 33:14; Psalm 23:4;
*He is there when you feel alone. He loves and cares for you..
2. You now have a source of power that never fails or diminishes: He will never fail you. You may fail Him, but He will never fail you. Many have tested His strength only to find: Ex. 9:16; Deut. 8:18; 2 Sam. 22:33; Ecc. 9:10-11; Eph. 3:16; Col. 1:11; Phil. 4:13
*He is there when you are weak and weary. The weaker we become, the closer He will be. Draw your strength from Him. You can lean on Him.
3. You now have a supply that never dries up or diminishes but increases with need:
Jeremiah 33:3; Phil. 4:19; Matt. 6:31-34;
* He is there when we have no other resources. To have Him is to have all you need.
4. You now have a promise that even the bad things that happen to you will turn into blessings: Rom. 8:28-34; 2 Cor. 12:6-10:
*He is there to remind us that even the hard things in life have been designed for our good. Through those trials we become richer and wiser.
Not richer in worldly trinkets but in eternal everlasting values. Not wiser in worldly experiences but in spiritual and eternal principles.
Blogsite for past articles: http://dalebyers.wordpress.com/
Editor’s Note: Dale Byers is a faithful preacher of God’s Word who has suffered much, but keeps on walking with Jesus. Your spiritual life will be richer from reading his regular blog. LML
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
The world has many things to offer us as being new, but as soon as we purchase them they decrease in value. We may purchase a new car but as soon as our signature is on the line it becomes a used automobile. Every worldly thing decreases in use and value. Such is the nature of this world but when God gives you something new it increases in purpose and value. God’s provisions never wear out but become more useable every day.
When you became a Christian, there were certain possessions that God gave you which never wear out. They are never exhausted and you will never out-live your need of them. Every Christian is issued the following possessions from God.
1. You now have a friend who will never leave you or forsake you. Others may have failed you. The longer you walk with Him the more valuable He becomes to you:
Heb. 13:5; Matt. 28:18-20; Isa, 41:10; Exodus 33:14; Psalm 23:4;
*He is there when you feel alone. He loves and cares for you..
2. You now have a source of power that never fails or diminishes: He will never fail you. You may fail Him, but He will never fail you. Many have tested His strength only to find: Ex. 9:16; Deut. 8:18; 2 Sam. 22:33; Ecc. 9:10-11; Eph. 3:16; Col. 1:11; Phil. 4:13
*He is there when you are weak and weary. The weaker we become, the closer He will be. Draw your strength from Him. You can lean on Him.
3. You now have a supply that never dries up or diminishes but increases with need:
Jeremiah 33:3; Phil. 4:19; Matt. 6:31-34;
* He is there when we have no other resources. To have Him is to have all you need.
4. You now have a promise that even the bad things that happen to you will turn into blessings: Rom. 8:28-34; 2 Cor. 12:6-10:
*He is there to remind us that even the hard things in life have been designed for our good. Through those trials we become richer and wiser.
Not richer in worldly trinkets but in eternal everlasting values. Not wiser in worldly experiences but in spiritual and eternal principles.
Blogsite for past articles: http://dalebyers.wordpress.com/
Editor’s Note: Dale Byers is a faithful preacher of God’s Word who has suffered much, but keeps on walking with Jesus. Your spiritual life will be richer from reading his regular blog. LML
Friendly Reminder
A friend asked me, Larry, why should I continue helping you? A fair question. You read the letter from B.W. Our work played a role in helping her, as we have many others as one of our ministries is helping the loved ones and churches of stumbling clergy.
Furthermore, the book review by Joyce touches on the value of ministering to prisoners. Even Custodial Officers understand the value of getting weapons out of the hands of men and putting the Bible in their hand and heart! In addition the Internet articles literally encompass the world with our message of Jesus Christ. As the Lord is expanding this ministry, I sincerely prayer for and ask for your prayers and assistance.
Sincerely
Larry
Larry Lilly
P.O. Box 5212
Terre Haute, IN 47805
larrylilly@larrylilly.net
A friend asked me, Larry, why should I continue helping you? A fair question. You read the letter from B.W. Our work played a role in helping her, as we have many others as one of our ministries is helping the loved ones and churches of stumbling clergy.
Furthermore, the book review by Joyce touches on the value of ministering to prisoners. Even Custodial Officers understand the value of getting weapons out of the hands of men and putting the Bible in their hand and heart! In addition the Internet articles literally encompass the world with our message of Jesus Christ. As the Lord is expanding this ministry, I sincerely prayer for and ask for your prayers and assistance.
Sincerely
Larry
Larry Lilly
P.O. Box 5212
Terre Haute, IN 47805
larrylilly@larrylilly.net