92. WILL YOUR FATE BE CHANGED?Wouldn't you like to learn the seven steps to peace?
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What promises can you confidently rest your life on? Some people have risked their life fortunes on business promises and have lost everything. Some people spend a lifetime following political parties and their promises only to be disappointed. Everyday we hear subtle promises from advertisers that their products will change our lives. But seriously, can a vitamin pill or toothpaste really change your life? Promises are often more words than substance.
But what if you were to receive a promise from heaven? Could you count on it? Would you orient your life around it and make it the foundation of your whole existence? Moreover, would you let it define who you are and will be forever? In a world of uncertainties, God is challenging us to accept His promise, believe it, and receive its eternal reward.
On December 28, 2009, the Turkish Government made a most unusual announcement. It announced that it would be formally re- questing the return of the bones of St. Nicholas, better known as Santa Claus, to Turkey. The request was made to the Italian city of Bari, where the bones now reside.
Of course Santa Claus is a fictional character who travels the world and gives gifts to children at year’s end. As the fable goes he has elves that work overtime somewhere near the North Pole wrapping the gifts. Reindeer pull his magical, flying sleigh. The popular tale claims that he lands on rooftops and climbs down the chimney to deliver gifts for children around the world. You know the story.
Maybe your children have wished this fat man dressed in red would visit your home. According to the legend, Santa Claus has a big list and is constantly checking it to see if girls and boys have been naughty or nice. If they boys and girls names are on the "nice" list, gifts are given according to their deeds.
What interest does Turkey have in Mr. Claus' bones? The truth is they aren’t so interested in the fabled character. They are more inter- ested in the real man of history that this silly fable is built on.
The true Santa Claus was named Nicholas and born during the third century in the village of Patara, near the modern small town of Gelemiş in Antalya Province. His wealthy parents died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to “sell what you own and give the money to the poor,”90 Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God by serving people. In modern terms, we would say he was one of the “honest Christians.” People saw and appreciated his sincerity and while still a young man he was made the leader of the church in Myra. Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors who would come into port.
Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Nicholas suffered for his faith by being exiled and im- prisoned. After his release in 343 AD, Nicholas was buried in his church in Myra (modern day Demre.) Well, that is just the beginning of the story as far as his bones are concerned!
Around 1086, Seljuk Turks were pushing back the Byzantines across Asia Minor and overtook Myra. Taking advantage of the confusion, sailors from Bari in the region of Apulia, Italy seized the remains of Nicholas from his burial spot in Myra. The remains arrived in Bari in May 1087.
How did this man's real story devolve into a fable that the whole world chooses to perpetuate and celebrate? Well, that is a different story for a different time. But for Professor Nevzat Çevik, the leader of archeological research in Demre, it only makes sense that Nicholas’ bones be returned to their original resting place. Prof. Çevik says,
“We should respect the wish of St. Nicholas to be buried in his home town.”
Antalya Museum Director Cumali Ayabakan told newspapers that people visiting the church in Demre have complained about the
absence of Saint Nicholas' bones and said an empty grave means nothing to them.
“If the bones can be brought back to Turkey, they will be returned to the original grave,” he added.
In contrast to St. Nicholas' story, in the Bible we find that an empty grave means everything. Jesus' tomb has no bones, and for that very reason it has power to change lives!
As the legacy of Nicholas has turned into a fabled gift giver, we nd that the story of Jesus has also turned into something it was never intended to be. Statues of Jesus, relics, and crosses are esteemed with magical and mystical powers. Towering cathedrals decked in golden images do a great disservice to the humble, sacrificial Messiah named Jesus. Wars and bloodshed fought "in his name" bear no resemblance to his real message or purpose. How did the pure and noble teaching of Jesus become overrun by so many false, even pagan, religious practices? That too is a different story for a different time. What we have pursued in these lessons is to know the truth of Jesus.
What can we know for certain about Jesus? Let’s review the facts about the historicity of his death and resurrection.
1) Jesus' death and resurrection were seen by hundreds of eyewitnesses both Jew and Gentile.
2) The eyewitnesses were so convinced of the validity of Jesus' death and resurrection that they themselves risked and many lost their lives because they were convinced that Jesus was who he said he was and that the events of his life, death, and resurrection were true.
3) Several eyewitnesses wrote down what they saw and heard. Others told their remembrances to reliable men who wrote down the events of Jesus life.
4) Extra-biblical historians, both of Roman and Jewish background, refer to the historicity of Jesus, his life, and work.
5) Literally thousands of ancient manuscripts exist and are in agreement that Jesus died and rose again.
6) Copies of these written documents were scattered throughout Africa, Asia, and Europe allowing for greater verification of the original documents than any other work of antiquity.
7) The resurrected Jesus remains alive and has visited people in dreams and visions for almost 2000 years.
8) Testimonies of total life transformation through Jesus' help are too numerous to recount. Men and women addicted to alcohol, rage, and other addictions have been released to live positive happy lives.
9) Jesus prophesied of traumatic global events leading up to his second coming. Some of these have already happened, some are now happening, and others are soon to unfold.
Let's read Jesus' last conversation with his disciples in Matthew chapter 28 verses 18-20:
18 And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to ob- serve all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Jesus told them that God had given him “all authority in heaven and on earth.” In other words, if you have sickness, family, or personal crises, there is no other name with the authority to solve those problems except for Jesus. Moreover, Jesus is not in his grave; he is alive! In fact he promises to be near us. He said,
“Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Parts of Jesus' final speech are written in several other places. Let's read the next part from Luke chapter 24 verses 44-53:
44 Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be ful lled." 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high." 50 Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. 51 While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple blessing God.
The thrilling moment of Jesus going up into heaven is described in more detail in Luke’s second book called Acts of the Apostles. That book is a description of all the early miracles that Jesus performed through his followers after Jesus ascended to heaven. Luke wrote it for a man named Theophilus, probably a Roman of cial, who had showed interest in following the truth of Christ. We can continue reading about Jesus’ ascension to heaven in Acts chapter 1 verses 8-12:
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven." 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away.
Did you notice in this passage, and the previous passage, that the disciples were reminded of the promise of the Holy Spirit? Jesus had a great work for them to do, but first he wanted them to wait. They wouldn’t be working under their own power, but rather the power of God.
When a couple is engaged it is a really serious promise. Jesus’ promise to the disciples was just as serious. The engagement gift he had promised was the Holy Spirit. He had promised that God’s Holy Spirit would come upon them and be an active, sweet heavenly help to them. So what did they do? The group of believers, which numbered close to 120, waited expectantly for its fulfillment. For ten days they gathered together and prayed. Let’s see what happened next in Acts chapter 2 verses 1-4:
1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it lled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of re appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all lled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Do you remember rst reading about the Holy Spirit in the story of creation? The Old Testament begins with these words in Genesis chapter 1 verses 1 and 2:
1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
We also saw the Holy Spirit at Jesus’ baptism, when it descended from heaven in the form of a dove.91
Jesus had spoken about the Holy Spirit with his disciples in John chapter 14 verses 15-20 and 26:
15 "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. 18 "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
The house where the disciples were praying suddenly began to shake. God’s power was descending upon them. A mighty rushing
wind shook everything in the house and the people’s fear was quickly overcome with joy as they realized this was what they had been waiting for. This was the Helper Jesus had told them about.
Like Moses when he had seen the burning bush in the wilderness, God’s spirit appeared as ames of re. But most curiously, here, the flames of fire rested over the heads of each person in the room. It was as if Jesus’ words were literally coming true,
“You know him (the Holy Spirit,) for he dwells with you and will be in you.”
Later the disciples would learn that it was this Holy Spirit that enabled them to have the character traits of kindness, patience, love, and gentleness in their lives. The indwelling Holy Spirit would cultivate these character traits, like the sweet fruits of summer. It would also empower them to perform miracles and do deeds of sel ess service.
As a result of the Holy Spirit’s arrival, a remarkable miracle took place. Tens of thousands of devout people from many countries of the known world had made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. These were people who were both devout Jews and gentiles who had been con- verted to Judaism as a result of hearing the truths of the prophets. Early that morning many of them had come to the temple to pray and were amazed at what they heard. Let's see what happened next in Acts chapter 2 verses 5-12:
5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, "Are not all these who are speak- ing Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians--we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God." 12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?"
That day each person began to speak in known languages that al- lowed them to communicate with all the different nationalities who had come to Jerusalem for the feast. Millennia earlier at the tower of Babel God had confused the languages for the purpose of slowing the spread of the knowledge of evil.92 Now, through the Holy Spirit, He was removing that obstacle so that knowledge of the Messiah could go to the ends of the earth.
Then Peter stood up in front of that great assembly of people and delivered this impromptu sermon with power and conviction. Re- member, he was a sherman! God’s unique work is to take ordinary people and do the extraordinary through them. Peter explained to the international crowd how this miracle of language ts into the larger picture of God’s plan to bless the whole world and forgive people’s sins through the Messiah. We now read with interest Peter’s full sermon beginning with the rst section in Acts chapter 2 verses 14 and 16-20:
14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: "Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. 16 this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: 17 "'And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all esh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; 18 even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. 19 And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and re, and vapor of smoke; 20 the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day.
The Prophet Joel had foreseen that there would be a mighty outpouring of God’s Spirit when many youth, even young women, would prophecy and have visions. Peter knew that while he was speaking, the very event that Joel had prophesied was in part happening. However it’s greater fulfillment was still to come, in a day near the end of time.
Then Peter began his very direct appeal to believe in the Messiah for salvation. His next words show us a very profound truth. Let’s read them in verse 21:
21 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.'
Here is the remarkable gospel, which Jesus had come to proclaim. Salvation is God’s work, not ours. It isn’t a difficult work of ritual. We receive it by “calling on the name of the Lord” with a sincere heart.
Peter is standing before this group of several thousand men. It’s hard to believe this is the same disciple who only weeks before had denied Jesus for fear of the Jews. He is now lled with boldness. Though uneducated by formal standards, he has spent three incredi- ble years carefully observing Jesus. Now he speaks his mind openly from conviction. The Holy Spirit has filled him, and he appeals to the mens' sense of reason and their honest religious interest. Peter had seen and heard so much while with Jesus. How could any honest person reject Jesus’ clear appeal to put their faith in him?
In the next part of Peter’s sermon he clearly states that Jesus was sent by God. Secondly, he says that the Jews were directly respon- sible for killing God’s man. Thirdly, death could not hold Jesus who rose from the grave. Let's continue reading his sermon in Acts chapter 2 verses 22-36:
22 "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know- - 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you cruci ed and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. 25 For David says concerning him, "'I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken; 26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my esh also will dwell in hope. 27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption. 28 You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.' 29 "Brothers, I may say to you with con dence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, 31 he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his esh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. 33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, "'The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, 35 until I make your enemies your footstool.' 36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified."
Peter stopped his speech right there. This was a major crossroads for the carefully listening crowd. Had they not walked all their lives in the footsteps of their father Abraham? Should they accept Peter’s words and thereby acknowledge their own guilt in crucifying Jesus? Should they acknowledge that God had exalted Jesus? The avoidance of personal and national shame was at odds with the personal desire to be right with God. The sword of truth had cut straight to their hearts. Let’s read their response in verse 37:
37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"
A man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to pro t from them, and strong enough to correct them. The open, empty tomb of Jesus spoke volumes. They had all heard the stories of Jesus' remarkable, humble life and blessed miracles. They had studied the prophets and Jesus’ life t their prophecies precisely. Some had listened to his teachings. These were the people who had neglected Jesus, ignored him, postponed decision, and clung to their traditional religion. Now it all came clear to them how stupid they had been! Why had they allowed the Messiah to be killed? Why had they not sat and listened to this man sent from God?
Admitting your failure is extremely difficult, but in God’s eyes it is essential to life. Burning with conviction they called out,
“Brothers, what shall we do?”
Peter shot back an answer clear and direct. It is found in verses 38- 40:
38 And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself." 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation."
The following is a story that typi es the experience of millions who have come to the same point as the crowd who listened to Peter on the day of Pentecost.
Deniz says smiling with a tea glass of salep in hand,
“Happy is he who can say I am a Turk.” And truly, I could say I love everything about Turkey.”
Waving his hand in a broad stroke he continues, “Everything about my country from the sea to the mountains, from the seasons, to the red poppies and white daisies covering the hills in spring. I love our olive oil. I love our history. I love our culture. I love our four seasons.”
Suddenly a crease comes across Deniz’ forehead as he glances down and continues, “I loved all of Turkey except for one thing, my discontent.”
Deniz, a 44 year old, professional accountant in Istanbul shares his experience openly,
“I have never lacked work. I am industrious. I have a fine family. My wife and two girls love me. My parents are still living. I have 450 relatives just in this area who admire me. But I carried a secret burden.”
Taking a sip of salep, “Perhaps it could be called a fear. I had a dangling uncertainty about my life’s purpose and end. I had this nagging sense that because God is orderly, for all nature shouts it, He would make some orderly way for a man to live with certainty about his future. I like things in order, and here was a thing I couldn’t clearly account for. Was God only a cosmic accountant measuring people's good deeds against their bad deeds? Was He like Santa Claus in the sky carrying a list of who has been naughty and nice? No. I couldn’t accept it. If God were all-powerful, He would certainly use that power to make a better system than my scattered good deeds stamped over my wrongs. In simple kindness, I reasoned, God had to have a way that humans could go through life with a sense of peace about their destiny. Didn’t Abraham have that? Shouldn’t I too?
I had read over and over the words, “Peace at home, peace in the world,” but as I thought more about those words, I couldn’t help
but ask my self, "What about 'personal peace?'" It seemed to me there was a third dimension of peace that was essential for peace
in the world. I needed ‘peace in me’ before I could appreciate ‘peace at home.’ Where would I get peace?”
My story is too long to tell all the details, but I found peace in Jesus Christ.
Here, the whole picture of why I exist and where I am going, and who controls the judgment, and by what I would be judged all came into focus. I had always known about Jesus and admired him, for aren’t we taught he is one of the greatest prophets? But I had not really known him. In fact if anything I avoided him be- cause of the stigma my culture puts on being his follower.
But when I started reading the Bible, I saw for myself that just as clear as the stars have their orbits and constellations, and that the nervous system of the body is carefully woven together, God has made a plan for my salvation. It is as orderly and certain as the lines on my accounting pad. But it came with a price, Jesus Christ’s death. I fell on my face weeping with joy and appreciation for God and his Messiah.
Don’t get me wrong. I am a Turk. And now I am a Turk who has found peace in a living King. No, I don’t bow to an icon of the man, or wear a crucifix, or light candles whispering prayers in his name. No, I have found that Jesus is alive, and at work, and that there is a real friend in heaven. God loves us and sent Jesus to communicate that love.
As I continued to study the Bible, I realized that I was guilty of breaking God’s laws and deserved punishment. I wondered if God would ever forgive me. My spirit was crushed and burdened, godly sorrows ooded my heart, and actually for several weeks my silent pain increased. I felt hopeless in every way because everything I had trusted in seemed to be slowly fading away.
But in studying the life of Jesus, in seeing the event of his birth, in hearing his own testimony about himself being the way, the truth, and the life, and in understanding him as the Good Shep- herd, my heart was overcome with hope that I had never felt be- fore. In a positive sense I gave up on trying to do enough good deeds to outweigh my bad ones. Instead, I began to see Jesus as my hero, in the boxing ring, ghting Satan and sin on my behalf. I began to inwardly cheer for him.
I will never forget the day when I read Jesus words in John chapter 14 verse 47:
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
It was the third dimension I had been missing! Yes, “Peace within me, peace at home, peace in the world.” It was a promise from heaven to supply me with peace. How could I turn down such a wonderful offer?
I will tell you how a person can turn down a heavenly promise, because in an instant I nearly lost everything. I loved the Jesus I met in the pages of the Bible. But when I thought about accepting the gift of salvation in his name, I was overcome with a mixture of pride and prejudice. I am a Turk! Turks don’t follow Jesus I reasoned.
In a flash Jesus words came to my mind,
“I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.”93
For an instant I saw myself with every other race, nationality, and people sinking on this ship of a dying world. Jesus wasn’t a Jew- ish savior, or the Christian’s Messiah, or only the Muslim prophet. He was God’s promise for the whole world. Why shouldn’t I take the gift! I am a Turk, and I have my right to that gift as much as anyone else! In fact this is the very freedom Ataturk envisioned, and our soldiers died for, the right to be a Turk who can think and believe, as he deems best.
Again my heart was at peace and back on the side of Christ. With no more emotion than a long look into heaven, I told God, “I receive your promise. Jesus you win. My life is yours. ” He has never left me from that moment and I have never turned back. What can I say more? I found true gold and it has changed everything in my life.
That is my story, now how can I do anything less than invite you to also believe and accept him as your peace? You have come a long way. You have seen God’s plan, and heard his voice speaking to you. The pleasure of God is to save men through the Messiah. Let him be the substitution for your sins. Let him straighten out that which is confusing. Surrender yourself into his safe arms. He is the Good Shepherd you know. Be one of his sheep.”
That story represents the experience of millions around the world who have found that Jesus meet's their greatest desire. It typi es the discovery of those who have taken time to read God's Holy Bible for themselves. These lessons have allowed you to journey through the old and new testaments and see God with new eyes. On the day that Peter preached his sermon, 3000 people saw with new eyes and received Jesus’ salvation as the atonement for their sins. They began living a life free from guilt and shame.
We can finish reading Peter's story in Acts chapter 2 verses 41- 47:
41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Now it is our turn. This story has set an example for us. In a very real way, it was our sins that killed Jesus because he came to the earth and paid the penalty for the sins of the whole world. It was our sins that put him on the cross, and it was our sins that he overcame at the resurrection. All you have to do is accept these truths and God will forgive your sins forever, as well as give you the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said,
“Whoever believes in me, though he die, he will live again.”94
It’s a promise from heaven. Will you take it? The invitation stands open. Here are the simple steps:
1. Kneel and speak to God as a kind Father.
2. Tell him you believe and accept his free gift of salvation through Jesus, His sacri cial Lamb. Tell him you would like to be part of His family, and join his family through the merits of Jesus’ sinless life.
3. Repent of your sins. List them out to God as much as you’re able to remember. All the evil you have thought, said, and done. Ask them to be removed in the name and clean blood of Jesus Christ. Beyond that, repent of the evil thoughts and desires of your heart that never actually became actions! Invite God to totally cleanse you. You may also repent of the good you have done, that you thought could substitute for God’s grace. Just as it would be an insult to be invited to a friend’s house for dinner and leave 50 lira under your plate to pay him for the meal, so it is an insult to God when we try to do good deeds to pay him for the gift he has given us.
4. Ask for forgiveness and believe that it is yours. You are entering a covenant by legal contract, and whether you feel forgiven or not is less important than the fact that you have made a cov- enant with God. A baby born into the Sultan’s palace may not have “felt rich” but it didn’t change the reality that he was very rich. By accepting God’s promise, you have become an heir to great wealth.
5. Thank Jesus. He is alive and listening. Consider him your big brother. Tell him you wish for his peace. Ask him to take your burdens, for he says, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
6. Read the Book of Ephesians in the New Testament and see what your inheritance with all the saints will be now that you have accepted Jesus and joined the family of God.
7. Talk to your instructor or a friend, or contact the Webmaster of these lessons to see how you can begin the next series of studies immediately. They will help to prepare you for baptism if you so desire.
Discussion Questions
1. Is Jesus’ resurrection just one miracle among many, or is there something unique about it? Why is it different?
2. What promise had Jesus made to his disciples when he ascended to heaven?
3. What does God’s Holy Spirit do for people?
4. If you found peace, as described in the Deniz story, would you tell someone else?
5. Why do you think Peter told the people to repent and be baptized?
6. Are you ready to pray and accept Jesus Christ as your Savior?
90 Matthew 19:21
91 Matthew 3:16
92 Genesis 11:1-9
93 John 12:47
94 John 11:25
But what if you were to receive a promise from heaven? Could you count on it? Would you orient your life around it and make it the foundation of your whole existence? Moreover, would you let it define who you are and will be forever? In a world of uncertainties, God is challenging us to accept His promise, believe it, and receive its eternal reward.
On December 28, 2009, the Turkish Government made a most unusual announcement. It announced that it would be formally re- questing the return of the bones of St. Nicholas, better known as Santa Claus, to Turkey. The request was made to the Italian city of Bari, where the bones now reside.
Of course Santa Claus is a fictional character who travels the world and gives gifts to children at year’s end. As the fable goes he has elves that work overtime somewhere near the North Pole wrapping the gifts. Reindeer pull his magical, flying sleigh. The popular tale claims that he lands on rooftops and climbs down the chimney to deliver gifts for children around the world. You know the story.
Maybe your children have wished this fat man dressed in red would visit your home. According to the legend, Santa Claus has a big list and is constantly checking it to see if girls and boys have been naughty or nice. If they boys and girls names are on the "nice" list, gifts are given according to their deeds.
What interest does Turkey have in Mr. Claus' bones? The truth is they aren’t so interested in the fabled character. They are more inter- ested in the real man of history that this silly fable is built on.
The true Santa Claus was named Nicholas and born during the third century in the village of Patara, near the modern small town of Gelemiş in Antalya Province. His wealthy parents died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to “sell what you own and give the money to the poor,”90 Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God by serving people. In modern terms, we would say he was one of the “honest Christians.” People saw and appreciated his sincerity and while still a young man he was made the leader of the church in Myra. Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors who would come into port.
Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Nicholas suffered for his faith by being exiled and im- prisoned. After his release in 343 AD, Nicholas was buried in his church in Myra (modern day Demre.) Well, that is just the beginning of the story as far as his bones are concerned!
Around 1086, Seljuk Turks were pushing back the Byzantines across Asia Minor and overtook Myra. Taking advantage of the confusion, sailors from Bari in the region of Apulia, Italy seized the remains of Nicholas from his burial spot in Myra. The remains arrived in Bari in May 1087.
How did this man's real story devolve into a fable that the whole world chooses to perpetuate and celebrate? Well, that is a different story for a different time. But for Professor Nevzat Çevik, the leader of archeological research in Demre, it only makes sense that Nicholas’ bones be returned to their original resting place. Prof. Çevik says,
“We should respect the wish of St. Nicholas to be buried in his home town.”
Antalya Museum Director Cumali Ayabakan told newspapers that people visiting the church in Demre have complained about the
absence of Saint Nicholas' bones and said an empty grave means nothing to them.
“If the bones can be brought back to Turkey, they will be returned to the original grave,” he added.
In contrast to St. Nicholas' story, in the Bible we find that an empty grave means everything. Jesus' tomb has no bones, and for that very reason it has power to change lives!
As the legacy of Nicholas has turned into a fabled gift giver, we nd that the story of Jesus has also turned into something it was never intended to be. Statues of Jesus, relics, and crosses are esteemed with magical and mystical powers. Towering cathedrals decked in golden images do a great disservice to the humble, sacrificial Messiah named Jesus. Wars and bloodshed fought "in his name" bear no resemblance to his real message or purpose. How did the pure and noble teaching of Jesus become overrun by so many false, even pagan, religious practices? That too is a different story for a different time. What we have pursued in these lessons is to know the truth of Jesus.
What can we know for certain about Jesus? Let’s review the facts about the historicity of his death and resurrection.
1) Jesus' death and resurrection were seen by hundreds of eyewitnesses both Jew and Gentile.
2) The eyewitnesses were so convinced of the validity of Jesus' death and resurrection that they themselves risked and many lost their lives because they were convinced that Jesus was who he said he was and that the events of his life, death, and resurrection were true.
3) Several eyewitnesses wrote down what they saw and heard. Others told their remembrances to reliable men who wrote down the events of Jesus life.
4) Extra-biblical historians, both of Roman and Jewish background, refer to the historicity of Jesus, his life, and work.
5) Literally thousands of ancient manuscripts exist and are in agreement that Jesus died and rose again.
6) Copies of these written documents were scattered throughout Africa, Asia, and Europe allowing for greater verification of the original documents than any other work of antiquity.
7) The resurrected Jesus remains alive and has visited people in dreams and visions for almost 2000 years.
8) Testimonies of total life transformation through Jesus' help are too numerous to recount. Men and women addicted to alcohol, rage, and other addictions have been released to live positive happy lives.
9) Jesus prophesied of traumatic global events leading up to his second coming. Some of these have already happened, some are now happening, and others are soon to unfold.
Let's read Jesus' last conversation with his disciples in Matthew chapter 28 verses 18-20:
18 And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to ob- serve all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Jesus told them that God had given him “all authority in heaven and on earth.” In other words, if you have sickness, family, or personal crises, there is no other name with the authority to solve those problems except for Jesus. Moreover, Jesus is not in his grave; he is alive! In fact he promises to be near us. He said,
“Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Parts of Jesus' final speech are written in several other places. Let's read the next part from Luke chapter 24 verses 44-53:
44 Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be ful lled." 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high." 50 Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. 51 While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple blessing God.
The thrilling moment of Jesus going up into heaven is described in more detail in Luke’s second book called Acts of the Apostles. That book is a description of all the early miracles that Jesus performed through his followers after Jesus ascended to heaven. Luke wrote it for a man named Theophilus, probably a Roman of cial, who had showed interest in following the truth of Christ. We can continue reading about Jesus’ ascension to heaven in Acts chapter 1 verses 8-12:
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven." 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away.
Did you notice in this passage, and the previous passage, that the disciples were reminded of the promise of the Holy Spirit? Jesus had a great work for them to do, but first he wanted them to wait. They wouldn’t be working under their own power, but rather the power of God.
When a couple is engaged it is a really serious promise. Jesus’ promise to the disciples was just as serious. The engagement gift he had promised was the Holy Spirit. He had promised that God’s Holy Spirit would come upon them and be an active, sweet heavenly help to them. So what did they do? The group of believers, which numbered close to 120, waited expectantly for its fulfillment. For ten days they gathered together and prayed. Let’s see what happened next in Acts chapter 2 verses 1-4:
1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it lled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of re appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all lled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Do you remember rst reading about the Holy Spirit in the story of creation? The Old Testament begins with these words in Genesis chapter 1 verses 1 and 2:
1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.
We also saw the Holy Spirit at Jesus’ baptism, when it descended from heaven in the form of a dove.91
Jesus had spoken about the Holy Spirit with his disciples in John chapter 14 verses 15-20 and 26:
15 "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. 18 "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
The house where the disciples were praying suddenly began to shake. God’s power was descending upon them. A mighty rushing
wind shook everything in the house and the people’s fear was quickly overcome with joy as they realized this was what they had been waiting for. This was the Helper Jesus had told them about.
Like Moses when he had seen the burning bush in the wilderness, God’s spirit appeared as ames of re. But most curiously, here, the flames of fire rested over the heads of each person in the room. It was as if Jesus’ words were literally coming true,
“You know him (the Holy Spirit,) for he dwells with you and will be in you.”
Later the disciples would learn that it was this Holy Spirit that enabled them to have the character traits of kindness, patience, love, and gentleness in their lives. The indwelling Holy Spirit would cultivate these character traits, like the sweet fruits of summer. It would also empower them to perform miracles and do deeds of sel ess service.
As a result of the Holy Spirit’s arrival, a remarkable miracle took place. Tens of thousands of devout people from many countries of the known world had made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. These were people who were both devout Jews and gentiles who had been con- verted to Judaism as a result of hearing the truths of the prophets. Early that morning many of them had come to the temple to pray and were amazed at what they heard. Let's see what happened next in Acts chapter 2 verses 5-12:
5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and astonished, saying, "Are not all these who are speak- ing Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians--we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God." 12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?"
That day each person began to speak in known languages that al- lowed them to communicate with all the different nationalities who had come to Jerusalem for the feast. Millennia earlier at the tower of Babel God had confused the languages for the purpose of slowing the spread of the knowledge of evil.92 Now, through the Holy Spirit, He was removing that obstacle so that knowledge of the Messiah could go to the ends of the earth.
Then Peter stood up in front of that great assembly of people and delivered this impromptu sermon with power and conviction. Re- member, he was a sherman! God’s unique work is to take ordinary people and do the extraordinary through them. Peter explained to the international crowd how this miracle of language ts into the larger picture of God’s plan to bless the whole world and forgive people’s sins through the Messiah. We now read with interest Peter’s full sermon beginning with the rst section in Acts chapter 2 verses 14 and 16-20:
14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: "Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. 16 this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: 17 "'And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all esh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; 18 even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. 19 And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and re, and vapor of smoke; 20 the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day.
The Prophet Joel had foreseen that there would be a mighty outpouring of God’s Spirit when many youth, even young women, would prophecy and have visions. Peter knew that while he was speaking, the very event that Joel had prophesied was in part happening. However it’s greater fulfillment was still to come, in a day near the end of time.
Then Peter began his very direct appeal to believe in the Messiah for salvation. His next words show us a very profound truth. Let’s read them in verse 21:
21 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.'
Here is the remarkable gospel, which Jesus had come to proclaim. Salvation is God’s work, not ours. It isn’t a difficult work of ritual. We receive it by “calling on the name of the Lord” with a sincere heart.
Peter is standing before this group of several thousand men. It’s hard to believe this is the same disciple who only weeks before had denied Jesus for fear of the Jews. He is now lled with boldness. Though uneducated by formal standards, he has spent three incredi- ble years carefully observing Jesus. Now he speaks his mind openly from conviction. The Holy Spirit has filled him, and he appeals to the mens' sense of reason and their honest religious interest. Peter had seen and heard so much while with Jesus. How could any honest person reject Jesus’ clear appeal to put their faith in him?
In the next part of Peter’s sermon he clearly states that Jesus was sent by God. Secondly, he says that the Jews were directly respon- sible for killing God’s man. Thirdly, death could not hold Jesus who rose from the grave. Let's continue reading his sermon in Acts chapter 2 verses 22-36:
22 "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know- - 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you cruci ed and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. 25 For David says concerning him, "'I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken; 26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my esh also will dwell in hope. 27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption. 28 You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.' 29 "Brothers, I may say to you with con dence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, 31 he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his esh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. 33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, "'The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, 35 until I make your enemies your footstool.' 36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified."
Peter stopped his speech right there. This was a major crossroads for the carefully listening crowd. Had they not walked all their lives in the footsteps of their father Abraham? Should they accept Peter’s words and thereby acknowledge their own guilt in crucifying Jesus? Should they acknowledge that God had exalted Jesus? The avoidance of personal and national shame was at odds with the personal desire to be right with God. The sword of truth had cut straight to their hearts. Let’s read their response in verse 37:
37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"
A man must be big enough to admit his mistakes, smart enough to pro t from them, and strong enough to correct them. The open, empty tomb of Jesus spoke volumes. They had all heard the stories of Jesus' remarkable, humble life and blessed miracles. They had studied the prophets and Jesus’ life t their prophecies precisely. Some had listened to his teachings. These were the people who had neglected Jesus, ignored him, postponed decision, and clung to their traditional religion. Now it all came clear to them how stupid they had been! Why had they allowed the Messiah to be killed? Why had they not sat and listened to this man sent from God?
Admitting your failure is extremely difficult, but in God’s eyes it is essential to life. Burning with conviction they called out,
“Brothers, what shall we do?”
Peter shot back an answer clear and direct. It is found in verses 38- 40:
38 And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself." 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation."
The following is a story that typi es the experience of millions who have come to the same point as the crowd who listened to Peter on the day of Pentecost.
Deniz says smiling with a tea glass of salep in hand,
“Happy is he who can say I am a Turk.” And truly, I could say I love everything about Turkey.”
Waving his hand in a broad stroke he continues, “Everything about my country from the sea to the mountains, from the seasons, to the red poppies and white daisies covering the hills in spring. I love our olive oil. I love our history. I love our culture. I love our four seasons.”
Suddenly a crease comes across Deniz’ forehead as he glances down and continues, “I loved all of Turkey except for one thing, my discontent.”
Deniz, a 44 year old, professional accountant in Istanbul shares his experience openly,
“I have never lacked work. I am industrious. I have a fine family. My wife and two girls love me. My parents are still living. I have 450 relatives just in this area who admire me. But I carried a secret burden.”
Taking a sip of salep, “Perhaps it could be called a fear. I had a dangling uncertainty about my life’s purpose and end. I had this nagging sense that because God is orderly, for all nature shouts it, He would make some orderly way for a man to live with certainty about his future. I like things in order, and here was a thing I couldn’t clearly account for. Was God only a cosmic accountant measuring people's good deeds against their bad deeds? Was He like Santa Claus in the sky carrying a list of who has been naughty and nice? No. I couldn’t accept it. If God were all-powerful, He would certainly use that power to make a better system than my scattered good deeds stamped over my wrongs. In simple kindness, I reasoned, God had to have a way that humans could go through life with a sense of peace about their destiny. Didn’t Abraham have that? Shouldn’t I too?
I had read over and over the words, “Peace at home, peace in the world,” but as I thought more about those words, I couldn’t help
but ask my self, "What about 'personal peace?'" It seemed to me there was a third dimension of peace that was essential for peace
in the world. I needed ‘peace in me’ before I could appreciate ‘peace at home.’ Where would I get peace?”
My story is too long to tell all the details, but I found peace in Jesus Christ.
Here, the whole picture of why I exist and where I am going, and who controls the judgment, and by what I would be judged all came into focus. I had always known about Jesus and admired him, for aren’t we taught he is one of the greatest prophets? But I had not really known him. In fact if anything I avoided him be- cause of the stigma my culture puts on being his follower.
But when I started reading the Bible, I saw for myself that just as clear as the stars have their orbits and constellations, and that the nervous system of the body is carefully woven together, God has made a plan for my salvation. It is as orderly and certain as the lines on my accounting pad. But it came with a price, Jesus Christ’s death. I fell on my face weeping with joy and appreciation for God and his Messiah.
Don’t get me wrong. I am a Turk. And now I am a Turk who has found peace in a living King. No, I don’t bow to an icon of the man, or wear a crucifix, or light candles whispering prayers in his name. No, I have found that Jesus is alive, and at work, and that there is a real friend in heaven. God loves us and sent Jesus to communicate that love.
As I continued to study the Bible, I realized that I was guilty of breaking God’s laws and deserved punishment. I wondered if God would ever forgive me. My spirit was crushed and burdened, godly sorrows ooded my heart, and actually for several weeks my silent pain increased. I felt hopeless in every way because everything I had trusted in seemed to be slowly fading away.
But in studying the life of Jesus, in seeing the event of his birth, in hearing his own testimony about himself being the way, the truth, and the life, and in understanding him as the Good Shep- herd, my heart was overcome with hope that I had never felt be- fore. In a positive sense I gave up on trying to do enough good deeds to outweigh my bad ones. Instead, I began to see Jesus as my hero, in the boxing ring, ghting Satan and sin on my behalf. I began to inwardly cheer for him.
I will never forget the day when I read Jesus words in John chapter 14 verse 47:
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
It was the third dimension I had been missing! Yes, “Peace within me, peace at home, peace in the world.” It was a promise from heaven to supply me with peace. How could I turn down such a wonderful offer?
I will tell you how a person can turn down a heavenly promise, because in an instant I nearly lost everything. I loved the Jesus I met in the pages of the Bible. But when I thought about accepting the gift of salvation in his name, I was overcome with a mixture of pride and prejudice. I am a Turk! Turks don’t follow Jesus I reasoned.
In a flash Jesus words came to my mind,
“I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.”93
For an instant I saw myself with every other race, nationality, and people sinking on this ship of a dying world. Jesus wasn’t a Jew- ish savior, or the Christian’s Messiah, or only the Muslim prophet. He was God’s promise for the whole world. Why shouldn’t I take the gift! I am a Turk, and I have my right to that gift as much as anyone else! In fact this is the very freedom Ataturk envisioned, and our soldiers died for, the right to be a Turk who can think and believe, as he deems best.
Again my heart was at peace and back on the side of Christ. With no more emotion than a long look into heaven, I told God, “I receive your promise. Jesus you win. My life is yours. ” He has never left me from that moment and I have never turned back. What can I say more? I found true gold and it has changed everything in my life.
That is my story, now how can I do anything less than invite you to also believe and accept him as your peace? You have come a long way. You have seen God’s plan, and heard his voice speaking to you. The pleasure of God is to save men through the Messiah. Let him be the substitution for your sins. Let him straighten out that which is confusing. Surrender yourself into his safe arms. He is the Good Shepherd you know. Be one of his sheep.”
That story represents the experience of millions around the world who have found that Jesus meet's their greatest desire. It typi es the discovery of those who have taken time to read God's Holy Bible for themselves. These lessons have allowed you to journey through the old and new testaments and see God with new eyes. On the day that Peter preached his sermon, 3000 people saw with new eyes and received Jesus’ salvation as the atonement for their sins. They began living a life free from guilt and shame.
We can finish reading Peter's story in Acts chapter 2 verses 41- 47:
41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Now it is our turn. This story has set an example for us. In a very real way, it was our sins that killed Jesus because he came to the earth and paid the penalty for the sins of the whole world. It was our sins that put him on the cross, and it was our sins that he overcame at the resurrection. All you have to do is accept these truths and God will forgive your sins forever, as well as give you the gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said,
“Whoever believes in me, though he die, he will live again.”94
It’s a promise from heaven. Will you take it? The invitation stands open. Here are the simple steps:
1. Kneel and speak to God as a kind Father.
2. Tell him you believe and accept his free gift of salvation through Jesus, His sacri cial Lamb. Tell him you would like to be part of His family, and join his family through the merits of Jesus’ sinless life.
3. Repent of your sins. List them out to God as much as you’re able to remember. All the evil you have thought, said, and done. Ask them to be removed in the name and clean blood of Jesus Christ. Beyond that, repent of the evil thoughts and desires of your heart that never actually became actions! Invite God to totally cleanse you. You may also repent of the good you have done, that you thought could substitute for God’s grace. Just as it would be an insult to be invited to a friend’s house for dinner and leave 50 lira under your plate to pay him for the meal, so it is an insult to God when we try to do good deeds to pay him for the gift he has given us.
4. Ask for forgiveness and believe that it is yours. You are entering a covenant by legal contract, and whether you feel forgiven or not is less important than the fact that you have made a cov- enant with God. A baby born into the Sultan’s palace may not have “felt rich” but it didn’t change the reality that he was very rich. By accepting God’s promise, you have become an heir to great wealth.
5. Thank Jesus. He is alive and listening. Consider him your big brother. Tell him you wish for his peace. Ask him to take your burdens, for he says, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
6. Read the Book of Ephesians in the New Testament and see what your inheritance with all the saints will be now that you have accepted Jesus and joined the family of God.
7. Talk to your instructor or a friend, or contact the Webmaster of these lessons to see how you can begin the next series of studies immediately. They will help to prepare you for baptism if you so desire.
Discussion Questions
1. Is Jesus’ resurrection just one miracle among many, or is there something unique about it? Why is it different?
2. What promise had Jesus made to his disciples when he ascended to heaven?
3. What does God’s Holy Spirit do for people?
4. If you found peace, as described in the Deniz story, would you tell someone else?
5. Why do you think Peter told the people to repent and be baptized?
6. Are you ready to pray and accept Jesus Christ as your Savior?
90 Matthew 19:21
91 Matthew 3:16
92 Genesis 11:1-9
93 John 12:47
94 John 11:25