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.
1 Corinthians 15:12-22
false witnesses
Prayer for the Leadership
“A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.” Proverbs 19:5
“Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.” Mark 10:15
Our Father in heaven all glorious above. You have given us Your Son not just to be an example for leadership, holiness, righteousness and justice; but also and probably foremost to be our Redeemer the atonement for the sins of the world.
Lord, there are many false witnesses in government, in churches, and in homes who are always telling things on others that are not true, and Your word says that they shall not be unpunished. Liars will not escape Your wrath and judgment.
Open the eyes of leaders everywhere that they may realize that leadership is a place of humble service, serving You, and serving the people who put them in their respective places. May they see that they are not lords and masters, but servants to the people. May they also see that their places of service is not for their gaining of wealth and prosperity, but a place for giving; not the people’s money but their own.
Open their eyes, Lord, to realize that there is a greater kingdom; the kingdom of God; to which they must yield, and that the only way to be a part of His kingdom is to come to Him with the faith of a child, fully submitting to His Lordship, and living for Him.
Save, Lord, to the uttermost all those who are perishing. Amen.
The Innocent One: Condemned and Spat Upon
“Then did they spit in His face, and buffeted Him; and others smote with the palms of their hands…” Matthew 26:67 (KJB)
As I read these words this morning it grieved my heart and soul. It does so many times when I see men and women do the things they do to one another that are vile, wicked, and evil.
This act of spitting on another human being is an insult to us. It is degrading. It is a disgusting act of hatred clear and simple. However, we are speaking here of the One who is our Creator; “All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made.” (John 1:3).
Notice that this is after His rigged trial, the “judges” sought for false witnesses, and could find none, and “convicted” Him purely out of envy (Matthew 27:18). The religious leaders could not stand the fact that Jesus had authority with God that they did not have. They were envious of His peace, His joy, His power, and His followers.
Upon the guilty “verdict” those who held Him turned on Him and began spitting in His face. This did not deter Him from His work. This did not turn Him to hate those who hated Him.
They “buffeted Him” which means; according to many; they struck him with their fists. Really brave souls there, don’t you think? Beating a man with his hands tied.
Some of them “smote” Him, meaning they slapped His face with an open hand.
Sadly, there are many in our world today who would still humiliate our Savior by spitting in His face, beat Him with their fist, and slap His beautiful face of love.
He went on to the cross willingly. He willingly laid down His life that those who would be saved, could be saved. He paid the price for our redemption. He paid for your redemption. There is no other redemption from sin except Jesus’s death on the cross. He was also buried having taken all our sins upon Himself, carrying it all away. Then He rose from the dead proving that He is everything He said (Romans 1:3-4).
Because He lives we have eternal life. Believe His word. Believe Him.
The Fire and Hammer 