The One who holds the keys

Religion

April 6, 2012

The One who holds the keys

By Steve Ellison, Guest columnist The Picayune Item Picayune Item Wed Apr 11, 2012, 06:32 PM CDT

PICAYUNE — The Bible is a library of books. Every book stands on its own merits. Early in my Christian walk, I was confused about the arrangement of the books in this library. I came to see that these divine books are arranged not in chronological sequence but in logical sequence. I also came to see that every book makes a unique contribution to the revelation of Christ. This revealing of Christ is the goal of the whole Bible. Thus, I know that the final book, Revelation, is the ultimate, great, culminating revealing of the Lord Jesus Christ. The book opens with Jesus suddenly appearing before His old friend, John the Apostle. The first words from the lips of Jesus in this culminating revelation are very important. He introduces Himself to John with these words, “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.” (Revelation 1:17-18 NASU)

Jesus knows that death will be the great concern of men. He says, “Do not be afraid” and then follows that with the best possible reasons. His first tells us that He is the “first and the last” meaning that He is the answer to all of man’s problems. He is the answer to the first problem, the last problem, and every problem in between. Jesus then reminds us that He is the “Living One” meaning that He is the “Great I Am”, the One who was and is and is to come. He is the Eternal Being. Next, He points out that He did experience death, but is now alive and will be forevermore. His final reason for us to not be afraid is the great declaration that He has “the keys of death and of Hades (Hell)”. Jesus is flatly declaring that He and He alone has control over physical death and spiritual death. He has control over earthly death and eternal death. In Revelation 1:17-18, Jesus introduces Himself in the final great all-encompassing revealing of Himself in this way: I am the answer to your all problems; I am the answer to all your problems forever; I am the answer to your greatest problem!

This Easter, I challenge you to spend some time investigating the claim of Jesus and the Bible that Jesus did in fact die, was buried, and arose. The empty tomb is powerful evidence. First Corinthians 15 is a great place to start. In that great chapter, the Holy Spirit through Paul points out many reliable witnesses to Christ’s resurrection from the dead. Paul also points out that if Christ is not raised from the dead then we are at war with God, our faith is in vain, we are still in our sins, and we are of all men most to be pitied. Paul closes this magnificent chapter with these words, “Death is swallowed up in victory. O Death, where is your victory? O Death, where is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (NASU) I assure you that a sincere, open, honest investigation of the facts will bring you to faith that Christ is exactly who He says He is. If you approach this with an open mind and a real desire to know the truth, you will find it. The One Who Holds the Keys will win your heart.

Ellison is interim pastor at First Baptist of Horatio, Ark. Contact Pastor Ellison at pastorsteve8800@gmail.com)

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Religion

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April 5, 2013
Movies on Canal begins March 9
The Church at Picayune is hosting a free community event called “Movies on Canal”, on the second Saturday of each month, beginning Saturday March 9, 2012.
A family friendly movie will be projected onto the side of the building at 120 West Canal St in Picayune. Bring a lawn chair and the entire family and enjoy fun-jumps, pop-corn, food, and lots of entertainment at Movies On Canal.

March 8, 2013
Pope resigns on his terms
By Terry Mattingly/Syndicated columnist

In the spring of 2009, Pope Benedict XVI stopped in Aquila, Italy, to pray at the shrine of St. Celestine V.
The pope left his pallium — a wool garment that resembles a yoke, symbolizing bonds between a shepherd and his flock — on this medieval pope’s tomb. Then, 15 months later, he visited a cathedral outside Rome to pray before the relics, once again, of St. Celestine V.

February 22, 2013
Pope Benedict VXI resigning
VATICAN CITY (AP) — With a few words in Latin, Pope Benedict VXI did Monday what no pope has done in more than half a millennium, announcing his resignation and sending the already troubled Catholic Church scrambling to replace the leader of its 1 billion followers by Easter.
Not even his closest associates had advance word of the news, a bombshell that he dropped during a routine morning meeting of Vatican cardinals. With no clear favorites to succeed him, another surprise likely awaits when the cardinals elect Benedict’s successor next month.
“Without doubt this is a historic moment,” said Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn, a protege and former theology student of Benedict’s who is considered a papal contender. “Right now, 1.2 billion Catholics the world over are holding their breath.”

February 12, 2013
It’s great to be involved with ‘Upwards’ basketball
By Gwen Williams/AKA MS Chocolate/Guest Columnist

I’m not a sports person, but every year I look forward to sharing with the children involved in the Upward Basketball program. First through sixth graders come together to experience their first sports encounter playing basketball. Boys and girls play together with the hope of building character and values for life. Excitement floods the gym as parents, grandparents, and aunts gather with various electronic gadgets waiting to film their children. The program is also a means of reaching parents with children who are unchurched.

February 8, 2013
The heart attack
By Steve Ellison, Interim Pastor/First Baptist Horatio, Ark.

January was a big month for me. It actually started in December and seeped over into February. I spent a few weeks helping to care for my father who was very ill, in fact near death from the combined effects of lung cancer, radiation of the brain, and chemotherapy. I officiated the funerals of a close family friend, my father, and my father’s sister.

February 8, 2013
An offering
By Kelcie Kinchen/Guest Columnist

Through life, no matter where we are, we face times that leave us with just a handful of understanding and a trunk full of confusion. Circumstances leave us standing in the road, not sure which way to turn.
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February 1, 2013
Last call, ya’ll!
This is The final call for articles and photos for
this year’s Pearl River County Today “Progress” edition. all churches and religious organizations can email their articles and photos to…
picayuneitem@bellsouth.net.

January 25, 2013
Getting to know the enemy is vital
By Steve Ellison, Interim Pastor/First Baptist Horatio, Ark.

The past few weeks have been difficult for me. I saw enough tears to last me a lifetime (and shed a few of my own). My father has been very ill recently. I was not his primary care giver but I was heavily involved. I experienced things I never wanted to experience.

January 25, 2013
Why be included in Pearl River County Today edition?
What would you say to others about your church or regligious organization?

Do you want to increase participation in your activities, or services?
If you had a free venue you could use to present your information not only to local citizens but to visitors, would you use it?

January 18, 2013
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