On January 2, the May Pen, Jamaica, ecclesia was visited by Bro. Timothy Whittaker, UK, and Bro. Martin Webster, Canada. Our meeting room was filled to its capacity as brethren, sisters and visitors listened keenly to the word of God.
To introduce his talk, Bro. Timothy told of two funerals he attended back home. They were full of hope as there was no need to weep like those who died without hope. He made reference to Psalm 49, where mankind without understanding is likened to the beasts that perish. He continued by pointing out that death is something God instituted (Gen. 2:16-17). It is a punishment for disobedience and we are to choose between life and death.
Bro. Martin picked up on resurrection. He pointed out that the foundation of Christianity is based upon the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Maybe we have not seen the risen Christ, but our faith leads us to believe he did rise from the dead (I Cot 15:12-19). The same chapter gives the history of the resurrection of our Savior (vv. 3-5).
David, who lived 1,000 years before Jesus, spoke of the resurrection in Psalm 16:9-11. Paul wrote of the resurrection in Romans 6:3-5, 8-9. Bro. Martin also drew our attention to the case of Abraham, who owned none of the land of Canaan, yet he was promised all of it. This points to the hope of the resurrection.
He also reminded that in Nain of Galilee and again in Bethany near Jerusalem, Jesus showed his power to raise the dead to life (Lk. 7:12-14; John 11:43-44).
Thank you brethren for an evening well spent around the word of God who giveth hope through our risen Lord Jesus Christ.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One