Sermon for April 22, 2012 - Alternatives To The Resurrection

Matthew 6:9-13 - After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

The Sermon for this week is: Alternatives To The Resurrection - Matthew 28:11-15 - 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. And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

INTRODUCTION

1. There are certain facts of history that no one can deny...

a. That many people testified they saw Jesus raised from the dead

b. That these same people suffered greatly because of their testimony

-- Such facts support the actual resurrection of Jesus from the dead

2. But from the beginning, there have been alternative theories to explain the empty tomb...

a. Matthew records the earliest theory: the disciples stole the body - Matthew 28:11-15 - 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. And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, Saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

3. Because of the significance of the resurrection (described in a previous lesson)...

a. Those opposed to the gospel know that this event must be discredited

b. We who believe in Jesus must always be ready to provide a defense - 1 Peter 3:15 - But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

1) Not only why we accept the testimony of the witnesses (see previous lesson)

alternative explanations impossible to accept

2) But why we find [In this study, we shall consider various “Alternatives To The Resurrection”, and why they are inadequate to explain the empty tomb. We begin with the first explanation...]

I. THE DISCIPLES STOLE THE BODY

A. ELEMENTS OF THIS THEORY...

1. The disciples stole the body, then claimed that He rose from the dead

2. This was the “official” theory offered from the very beginning - Matthew 28:11-15 - SEE ABOVE

B. PROBLEMS WITH THIS THEORY...

1. The explanation defies logic

a. If the soldiers were asleep...

1) How did they know it was the disciples who took the body?

2) How could the large stone guarding the entrance be rolled away without awakening the soldiers?

b. The soldiers guarding the tomb were Romans - cf. Matthew27:62-66 - Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

b. Other theories have been raised as well

1) They were professional soldiers

2) Charged to guard the tomb with their lives

3) The punishment for falling asleep while on duty was death

2. This would make those who testified they saw Jesus liars and frauds

a. As we saw in the previous lesson, they claimed empirical evidence

b. Suppose just a few disciples stole the body, unbeknown by others...

1) Such as Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea, or the women

2) Others still say they saw Jesus, ate and drank with Him

c. You have to explain why they were willing to lie and die knowing it was a lie

[The likelihood of timid disciples stealing the body of Jesus out from under the noses of highly disciplined and skilled Roman soldiers while they slept (an offense punishable by death) is hard to believe! Perhaps that is why those who refuse to believe in the resurrection have proposed alternative explanations, one being...]

II. THEY WENT TO THE WRONG TOMB

A. ELEMENTS OF THIS THEORY...

1. The women went to the wrong tomb, and found it empty

2. They erroneously concluded that Jesus had risen, and their story spread

B. PROBLEMS WITH THIS THEORY...

1. The women had been to the tomb before - Matthew 28:61 - And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.

2. The religious and political leaders could have easily silenced the apostles’ claim

a. If the women went to the wrong tomb, then the right tomb was still sealed and guarded by the Roman soldiers

b. When the apostles’ created an uproar with their story of the resurrection of Jesus (cf. Acts 4:1-2 - And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. ; Acts 5:27-33 - And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.), the Jewish leaders could have directed people to the right tomb and presented the body of Jesus!

3. You have the testimony of the apostles to contend with, as well

[A more popular explanation in some circles is...]

III. JESUS SWOONED AND LATER REVIVED

A. ELEMENTS OF THIS THEORY...

1. Jesus did not actually die on the cross, He only swooned

a. Suffering from shock, pain, and loss of blood, He fainted (swooned) from exhaustion

b. Thinking that He was dead, the Roman soldiers took Him down and buried Him in the tomb

2. In the coolness of the tomb, He revived

a. Somehow He left the tomb

b. Appeared to His disciples, then lived in obscurity to die years later

B. PROBLEMS WITH THIS THEORY...

1. Jesus would have had to revive sufficiently enough to:

a. Break through the burial garments that bound Him, including a hundred pounds of spices used in preparing His body for burial - John 19:38-40 - And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight. Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.

b. Role away the large stone that sealed the tomb

c. Fight off the Roman guards protecting the tomb

d. Walk the seven miles to Emmaus where He was seen by the two disciples

e. Walk back to Jerusalem where He was seen by the apostles

-- All within the same day!

2. Every effort was made to prove He was dead

a. The Roman soldiers at the cross pierced His side - John 19:31-34 - The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.

1) Out of which flowed blood and water

2) An indication He was already dead, having died of a ruptured heart

b. Pilate made sure He was dead - Mark 15:43-45 - Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus. And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead. And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.

1) When Joseph of Arimathea wanted the body

2) The Roman centurion confirmed that Jesus was dead

3. Not only would this make the apostles liars and frauds, but Jesus also for allowing a lie to spread for years!

[Another popular alternative explanation is...]

IV. THE DISCIPLES HAD HALLUCINATIONS OR VISIONS

A. ELEMENTS OF THIS THEORY...

1. All of Christ’s post-resurrection appearances were only supposed appearances

2. Those who claimed to see Jesus had hallucinations

B. PROBLEMS WITH THIS THEORY...

1. Remember that the appearances were not just to individuals, one at a time

a. The two disciples on the road to Emmaus claimed to see Him - Luke 24:13-35 - And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done. Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not. Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.

b. Ten apostles claimed to see Him - John 20:19-25 - Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

c. He appeared to over 500 people at once - 1 Corinthians 15:6 - After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

2. The hallucination theory contradicts laws and principles which psychiatrists say are essential to hallucinations:

a. Only certain kinds of people have hallucinations

1) These are usually high-strung, highly imaginative, and very nervous people

2) Usually only paranoid or schizophrenic individuals have hallucinations

3) The appearances were not restricted to people of any particular psychological make up

b. Hallucinations are linked in an individual’s subconscious

1) An individual may have an hallucination

2) But hallucinations do not appear to groups of people

c. They occur in people when there is a spirit of anticipation or hopeful expectation

1) The disciples had no such anticipation - Luke 24:13-21 - And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.

2) They were prone to disbelieve even after they were told of the resurrection - John 20:24-25 - But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

[Then there is the theory that...]

V. SOMEONE IMPERSONATED JESUS

A. ELEMENTS OF THIS THEORY...

1. The appearances were not really Christ at all, but someone impersonating Him

2. This is evident because in some cases they did not recognize Him at first

B. PROBLEMS WITH THIS THEORY...

1. The disciples were reluctant to believe in the resurrection

a. Some were doubtful, such as Thomas - John 20:24-25 - But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

b. It would have been hard to convince them unless it was really Him

2. It would have been impossible to impersonate Christ’s wounds

a. This was Christ’s proof it was really Him - John 20:26-27 - And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing.

b. Which convinced doubting Thomas - John 20:28-29 - And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

3. The apostles traveled with Jesus for three years

a. It is incredible that anyone could have gotten away with an impersonation

b. Which is why the apostles were witnesses of the resurrection - Acts 10:39-41 - And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

4. The one claiming to be the resurrected Jesus performed miracles

a. Suddenly appearing in locked rooms - John 20:19 - Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

b. Directing them how to catch fish - John 21:1-7 - After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself. There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.

[Closely related to this would be the theory that...]

VI. SOMEONE WAS MISTAKEN FOR JESUS

A. ELEMENTS OF THIS THEORY...

1. The disciples simply mistook for Jesus someone who looked like Him

2. For example, the women mistook the gardener for Jesus - cf. John 20:14-15 - And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.

B. PROBLEMS WITH THIS THEORY...

1. The same problems as with the impersonation theory

a. Disciples reluctant to believe in the resurrection

b. Impossible to recreate the wounds of Jesus

c. Ample time with Jesus to verify His identity

2. While Mary may have mistaken Jesus for the gardener, she was able to look through her grief and recognize who He was

[Finally, here is an alternative proposed by some theologians who just cannot accept the idea of a physical, bodily resurrection...]

VII. IT WAS ONLY A SPIRITUAL RESURRECTION

A. ELEMENTS OF THIS THEORY...

1. Christ’s resurrection was not a real physical resurrection

2. Christ’s body remained in the grave and His real resurrection was spiritual in nature

3. It was only told this way to illustrate the truth of spiritual resurrection

B. PROBLEMS WITH THIS THEORY...

1. If it was only a spiritual resurrection, what happened to the body?

a. The enemies of Christ were never able to produce a body

b. Which they would have gladly done to discredit the apostles

2. Again, the nature of the apostles’ testimony is empirical: they ate and drank with Him, touched Him - Luke 24:36-43 - And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them. ; Acts 10:39-41 - And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. ; 1 John 1:1-2 - That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)

3. Paul argued a bodily resurrection of Jesus as evidence for our own bodily resurrection - 1 Corinthians 15:12-58 - Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead? And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die. Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.

All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; 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. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

CONCLUSION

1. The resurrection of Jesus has been variously interpreted as...

a. A great hoax (the resurrection is false)

b. Mythology (the resurrection is fiction)

-- Therefore various alternatives have been proposed to explain the empty tomb

2. But there is only one interpretation worth accepting...

a. It is the supreme event of history (the resurrection is fact)

b. Supported by empirical testimony provided by reliable witnesses

c. With implications of great significance for both unbeliever and believer alike

When you consider the strength of the apostles’ testimony, and contrast it with the weakness of the alternative explanations that have been proposed, it leads an honest person in only one direction: to faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God...

John 20:30-31 - And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

Are you willing to believe in Jesus, that you might have life in His name? Then heed the words of the apostle Peter proclaimed in the first gospel sermon:

Acts 2:36-39 - Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Matthew 28:19-20 - Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Mark 16:15-16 - And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Prayer: Lord I truly thank You for giving me the opportunity to present these words to my brethrens. I pray that You will give them Your eternal blessings and accept them into Your heart - this I pray in the name of Thy Son, Jesus, the Messiah, Your only begotten son which Ye sent to save mankind from themselves. Amen

Ephesians 6:23-24 - Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

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