Sometimes we are saddened by the Crucifixion Story.  Especially, when we tune into it.  However, at times we feel a unique sensation behind the Crucifixion Story.  We suddenly realize that Christ suffered for us.  Who is us?  We are homosapiens, a species of wise intellect, otherwise mankind.  He gave His life for the sins of the entire world.

     We have heard about the great Resurrection Story for many, many years.  The story as told has had a magnitudinous impact on our lives.  My friends, I would like to call your attention to the word RESSURRECTION.  According to Webster's dictionary the word defined means "to restore to life, to bring back from the dead."  But the Vine Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words defines it this way - Ana-stasis - a "raising up" or "rising."

     According to the Scripture, Jesus got up as He said He would.  Jesus answered and said unto them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."  John 2:19  The question I want to ask you is this "do you know the real meaning of the Resurrection of Christ in the sense of your being resurrected so YOU and I could get up from the grave of sin and degradation.

     There is RESURRECTION / VICTORY in Jesus for He is our savior forever.  Have you been resurrected?  Do YOU have the victory?

        excerpt from the book "By the Foolishness of Preaching" by the Reverend Dr. Grace Ruth Batten, DD 

     When one hears the word home, many things cross the mind.  Things like materials, styles and textures surface first.  Materials such as brick, imported cedar from Lebanon, cut stones, and all kinds of man made materials are thought of.  Another thing that comes to mind is color.  what color do I want my home to be?

     The style of their home, to some people, is most important.  some have saved all of their lives to build a ranch house, others have been waiting for the time to come to build a split-level home.  Then there are those who want an exotic, secluded hideaway, out of sight of everyone else.  Yet there is one who would be satisfied with just a simple apartment.

     However, all these homes are man-made and are subject to defects to surface.  These defects are such things as faulty wiring, improper foundation, the wrong size floor joists, and variations in dimensions.  These defects may cause a catastrophe because they are hazardous.

     I want to talk about "A House That Is Made Without Hands."  I want give direction to this house that is made without hands.  Be it known that the house in which you are now dwelling is filled with defects.  Therefore time will necessitate moving out of this house.  The house that all of us must move out of is of the earth, earthly, it is already condemned.  Job declared that a person (man, human race) born of a woman is of a few days and is full of trouble.  My friends, life's struggles, physical ailments, and human failures have a tendency to deteriorate this house.

     A House Made Without Hands is our new body.  This body is going to be a glorified body.  Paul declared this to be the fact.  "Moreover, whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified." Romans 8:30 NKJV 

     Paul is speaking of the resurrected body that God will give to those who are justified.  Those who will believe and are justified by their faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ are going to get A House That Is Made Without Hands.




            excerpt from the book "By the Foolishness of Preaching" by the Reverend Dr. Grace Ruth Batten, DD 

"Pressing the Mark"
Scripture Reference - Philippians 3:14