Ask Mr Bible

This is illustrated by the account of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:17-44).

Standing outside the tomb that contained the body of Lazarus, Jesus gives some specific and pointed instructions:

Here we see an example of that desired cooperation God seeks between the Savior and the soul winner in raising dead sinners to newness of life.  Jesus issued three commands in accomplishing this miracle.  The first and third were directed toward the friends of the corpse, while the second was given to the corpse itself.  Note:

1. ”Take ye away the stone” (John 11:39).  The job of the soul winner is to first remove all human barriers so that Christ can come in direct contact with a lost person.

2. ”Lazarus, come forth” (John 11:43).  Only Christ, of course, can do this.

3. ”Loose him, and let him go” (John 11:44).  In a word, this speaks of discipleship, that is, ministering to the new convert.

Dr. Walter Wilson, well known physician and Bible teacher in the Kansas City, Kansas area told the following story on himself.  He had just given a young university student a routine physical examination and felt constrained to share Christ with her before she left his office.  To his surprise however, she refused the gospel invitation stating that, in her opinion, no educated person could ever accept the Bible message.

When asked why this was so, she responded: “Tell me, Dr. Wilson, do you believe in the virgin birth?”  “Indeed I do,” he replied.  “Very well,” she continued, “now let me ask you two questions.  Let us suppose you tell me your physical examination has revealed that I am pregnant, but I respond by saying this cannot be, for I am a virgin.  However, your findings are correct and I give birth to a baby boy.  Now, Dr. Wilson, here are my two questions: First, would you believe I was truthful concerning my virginity, and, second, would you look upon my baby as the Son of God?”

Breathing a silent prayer for divine wisdom, Dr. Wilson answered: “Well, young lady, it would all depend on certain things.  Let us imagine that I was present at his birth and watched in amazement as farmers in the area came to your bedside and worshipped him, followed later by the arrival of foreign astronomers bringing him costly gifts.  Now, when he is twelve, I see him holding his own with America’s greatest theologians and philosophers.  Years later I follow him as he empties hospitals by healing the sick, disrupts cemeteries by raising the dead, reduces prison populations by changing lives, and reconciling enemies by his messages.  Finally, if I could look in horror as this incredible man was murdered by his foes, and, in great sorrow, officially pronounce him dead, but then, miracle of miracles, actually see him walking around several days later, then, young lady, yes.  I would say, you are a virgin, and yes, your baby would be the son of God!” 

Who is this controversial candidate whose platform promises universal peace and justice?  Can He really deliver, or is this just some more political mumbo jumbo?  Can we trust Him?  Will He raise our taxes?  Here is His resume.  Read it and decide for yourself!

● His place of birth: Bethlehem (Lk. 2:4-7)

● The nature of His birth: Born of a virgin (Matt. 1:18-23)

● His own personal nature: Said to be both fully human and divine (Isa. 9:6)

● His father: The first person of the Trinity (Lk. 1:35; 2:49)

● His mother: A virgin named Mary (Lk. 2:7)

● His half-brothers: James, Joseph, Simon, Judas (Matt. 13:55)

● His half-sisters (Matt. 13:56)

● His famous ancestors: Abraham and David (Matt. 1:1)

● His first historical reference: The seed of the woman (Gen. 3:15)

● His overall occupation: Creator (Jn. 1:3), redeemer(1 Peter 1:18, 19), shepherd (Jn. 10:11), judge (Jn. 5:22), and prophet
(Matt. 13:57)

● His platform: Given in detail by the Sea of Galilee (Matt. 5-7)

● His temperament (Matt. 11:29, 30; 12:19, 20)

● His recent accomplishments: Healing the sick (Matt. 4:23, 24), raising the dead (Jn. 11:43, 44), feeding the hungry (Jn. 6:5-13), comforting the comfortless (Matt. 11:28)

● Place of death: Outside Jerusalem on a hill (Matt. 27:33)

● Manner of death: Crucifixion (Jn. 19:18)

● Age at death: Approximately 34 years old

● Place of resurrection: From a Garden Tomb (Jn. 19:41; 20:11-17)

● Place of ascension: The Mount of Olives (Acts 1:9-12)

● Current Activities: Serving as a Great High Priest in heaven, praying for His earthly followers (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25; 9:24)

● Anticipated place of His return: The Mount of Olives (Zech. 14:4)

● Final assignment upon returning: To rule over all creation’s realm as King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Rev. 11:15)

This brief resume has been prepared by the Third Person in the Trinity (the Holy Spirit), upon the approval of the First Person in the Trinity (the Father).  Its accuracy is thus assured!