The Passion III

1 John 1:¹ “We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life.”

A truly intellectual faith will set your soul on fire. I can say this boldly because that was my experience. So far, the question, did Jesus really exist had been answered. The question, why should I follow Him, had also be answered. The question of did Jesus die had been answered. Now the question was, ‘did He actually resurrect?’ All of the disciples were scattered around the world. There was no technology, so they could not keep in touch or communicate. Yet, every disciple died for the testimony of the resurrection, in different parts of the world.

Simon Peter was crucified upside down by Nero. Andrew was scourged and tied to a cross to die a long and painful death. James was killed by Herod with the sword (accuser saved & martyred). John, the beloved, was the only one, not to die a violent death. But he was secluded to the isle of Patmos where he died peacefully in 100AD. Philip was crucified in Egypt in 54AD. Bartholomew was skinned alive and beheaded. Matthew was stabbed in the back by a swordsman sent by King Hertacus of Ethiopia, after he criticized the king’s morals. James, the son of Alphaeus, was killed by hitting him in the head with a club. Thaddeus was crucified at Edessa (the name of cities in both Turkey and Greece) in 72 AD. Simon Zealot was crucified in England in 74AD.

So, what about Thomas? If anyone would spill the beans on a heist, it would be Thomas. I followed Thomas’ trail and it led me to India. Thomas was killed in India by running him through with a spear. He was impaled on a pole. Thomas died saying Jesus is alive. I have made up my mind that I will follow Jesus. When I decided to follow Jesus, the intellectual faith birth in me a passionate faith. Truly intellectual faith always gives birth to a passionate faith. When it gave birth to a passionate faith in me, I began to experience the resurrected Christ. I began to experience the power of His resurrection.

My belief now has gone beyond the text and the articles that I read, beyond the hours of research that I put in. My belief has gone beyond my conclusion and has now extended to my experience. Taste and see that the Lord is good. It is impossible for anyone to convince me that Jesus is not alive. I have experienced Him live; I have seen Jesus heal the sick, raise the dead, I have seen cripples walk, I have seen unbelievable things that proved to me that Jesus is alive.

Prayer [song]: Majesty, worship His majesty. Unto Jesus be all glory power and praise… Majesty, worship His majesty. Jesus who died is now glorified King of all kings. Amen!