The Kingdom PRECECPTS

Were the 3 days 3 nights that Jesus was in the grave a full 72 hours? Is there a difference between "three days" and "the third day"? There has been a long standing debate over the meaning of Matthew 12:40, “for just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the sea monster, so shall the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” In my opinion, the evidence supports the traditional view that Jesus was crucified on Friday afternoon and was in the grave part of Friday (the day of preparation cf. Luke 23:54-55), all of Saturday (Luke 23:56), and part of Sunday, the first day of the week (Luke 24:1). Some of the evidence for this is as follows: (1) To us, three days and three nights generally means 72 hours, but we must understand the Bible historically and culturally. For the Jewish mind, this could mean any part of the first day, all of the second day, and any part of the third day. This is obvious by comparing Esther 4:16 ...

The pulpit is the most sacred and exalted place in the church. He who occupies this position stands as the representative of Christ. This is the minister's first line of offense. From this honored and dedicated place, he boldly denounces sin and courageously challenges the devil. From the sacred desk are heard the truths of God which cuts as a two-edged sword, bringing both conviction and contrition to the sinner and the worshiper. Words of life and death flow from this fount. To this vantage point, the penitent looks for the heavenly balm of Gilead. Preachers must be careful not to allow their comportment to undermine the authority of the word of God and bring reproach to the name of Christ . Posture The preacher must have a good posture. He must not stand in a slouched position, leaning over or on the pulpit. He should stand erect, with both feet on the floor. To lean on the pulpit does not impress the congregation that the speaker has any fire and enthusiasm, or that his ...