Three Days and Three Nights

Does the Good Friday Crucifixion followed by Resurrection Sunday equal three days and three nights? 

Lets reflect on Easter Sunday services and teachings to see if we have all the facts correct; Good Friday to Easter Sunday does not equal seventy two hours when you do the math.

Matthew 12:40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

From this (three days and three nights)

To this

Mark 8:31 [ Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection ] And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

Jesus clearly states He will be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights in Matthew 12:40.

This had led many to question the reality of Good Friday crucifixion and burial followed by a Sunday morning resurrection. So lets take a look at why something seems to be amiss with this normal Easter celebration logic. Tim Greenwood has laid out an explanation that clearly resolves the issue and will edify your understanding of this critical question.

by Tim Greenwood

Three Days and Three Nights 

"So, how does Good Friday to Resurrection Sunday add up to make three days and three nights (72 hrs)?  Well it doesn't". 

"Yesterday, I was watching a nationally known Pastor on television giving an Easter message.  During this message he began to refer to ‘black Friday’ (or good Friday).  Now this was surprising because this same Pastor just weeks earlier taught a great series on the Holydays of Israel, which caused me to believe that he not only knew the symbolism of the Holydays, but also knew when they were observed during the year.  Evidently not.

That got me to thinking.  If this man, considered one of the Bible scholars of today, does not understand that the period between ‘good Friday’ and ‘resurrection Sunday’ does not equal three days and three nights (72 hrs) – then how many others are missing what Jesus himself called “the ONLY sign” that He would give that He was who He said he was"? (Read More)

Inquiring minds want to know the truth.

Amen

The Resurrection Celebration

John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 

26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

The events of the resurrection of Jesus were earth shaking, He wasn't the only one who came out of the grave; after His resurrection many other saints came out of their graves and went into the city.

Matthew 27:51 Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, 

52 and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 

53 and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many.

Can you imagine the impact this must have had on the people, especially those who say 'seeing is believing', I wonder what they talked about during these encounters? 

Do you believe this? In a court of law it only takes a couple witnesses to establish factual truth. For us the Spirit of the Living God establishes these facts in our hearts but for others historical written records provide the evidence to establish the truth of these facts. For those who don't know God review the evidence and call out to Him today for His salvation, tomorrow may be too late!

In addition to Biblical accounts Roman leaders such as Pontius Pilate wrote  about these events to Herod. (Read them here and here) These were jaw dropping events and I'm sure for many life changing.

Over 500 hundred witnesses:

1 Corinthians 15:3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,
4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,
5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve.
6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep.
7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles.
8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.

Thank you Lord Jesus for taking the sting of death away for those of us who believe!

John 5:24 [ Life and Judgment Are Through the Son ] “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.

Amen

"THE REPORT OF PONTIUS PILATE, GOVERNOR OF JUDEA, WHICH WAS SENT TO TIBERIUS CAESAR IN ROME

1. To the most potent, august, dreadful, and divine Augustus, from Pontius Pilate, administrator of the Eastern Province:
This manuscript is almost identical with the one about Pilate's report mistakenly said to be addressed to Augustus Caesar.
2. Though possessed with much fear and trembling, I have undertaken to communicate to your goodness by this my writing, most excellent king, the present state of affairs, as the result has shown.
3. For as I administered this province, my lord, according to the command of your serenity, which is one of the eastern cities called Jerusalem, wherein the temple of the nation of the Jews is erected, all the multitude of the Jews assembled and delivered up to me a certain man called Jesus, bringing many endless accusations against him, but they could not convict him in anything. But they had one heresy against him, that he said the Sabbath was not their proper rest.
4. Now that man wrought many cures and good works: he caused the blind to see, he cleansed lepers, he raised the dead, he healed paralytics who could not move at all, but had only voice, and all their bones in their places; and he gave them strength to walk and run, enjoining it by his word alone.
5. And he did another yet more mighty work, which would have been strange even among our gods: he raised from the dead one Lazarus, who had been dead four days, commanding by a word alone that the dead man should be raised, when his body was already corrupted by worms which bred in his wounds. And he commanded the fetid body in the grave to run, and as a bridegroom from his chamber so he went forth from his grave, full of sweet perfume.
6. And some who were grievously afflicted by demons and had their dwellings in desert places and devoured the flesh of their own limbs, and went up and down among creeping things and wild beasts, he caused to dwell in cities in their own houses and by a word made them reasonable, and caused to become wise and honorable those who were vexed by unclean spirits, and the demons that were in them he sent out into a herd of swine into the sea and drowned them.
7. Again, another who had a withered hand and lived in suffering, and had not even the half of his body sound, he made whole by a word alone.
8. And a woman who had an issue of blood for a long time, so that because of the discharge all the joints of her bones were seen and shone through like glass, for all the physicians had dismissed her without hope and had not cleansed her, for there was in her no hope of health at all; but once, as Jesus was passing by she touched from behind the hem of his garments, and in that very hour the strength of her body was restored, and she was made whole as if she had no affliction, and began to run fast towards her own city of Paneas.
9. And these things happened thus, but the Jews reported that Jesus did them on the Sabbath. And I saw that greater marvels had been wrought by him than by the gods whom we worship.
10. Then Herod and Archelaus and Philip, and Annas and Caiaphas, with all the people, delivered him up to me to put him on his trial. And because many raised a tumult against me, I commanded that he should be crucified.
11. Now when he was crucified, darkness came over all the world; the sun was altogether hidden, and the sky appeared dark while it was yet day, so that the stars were seen, though still they had their lustre obscured.
12. I suppose your excellency is not unaware that in all the world they lighted their lamps from the sixth hour until evening. And the moon, which was like blood, did not shine all night long, although it was at the full, and the stars and Orion made lamentation over the Jews because of the transgression committed by them.
13. And on the first day of the week, about the third hour of the night, the sun appeared as it never shone before, and the whole heaven became bright.
14. And as lightnings come in a storm, so certain men of lofty stature, in beautiful array and of indescribable glory, appeared in the air, and a countless host of angels crying out and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will among men: Come up from Hades, you who are in bondage in the depths of Hades.
15. And at their voice all the mountains and hills were moved, and the rocks were rent, and great chasms were made in the earth so that the very places of the abyss were visible.
16. And amid the terror dead men were seen rising again, so that the Jews who saw it said, We beheld Abraham and Isaac, and Jacob, and the twelve patriarchs, who died some two thousand five hundred years before, and we beheld Noah clearly in the body.
17. And all the multitude walked about and sang hymns to God with a loud voice, saying, the Lord our God, who has risen from the dead, has made alive all the dead, and Hades he has spoiled and slain.
18. Therefore, my lord king, all that night the light did not cease. But many of the Jews died, sunk and swallowed up in the chasms that night, so that not even their bodies were to be seen. Now I mean, that those of the Jews suffered who spoke against Jesus. Only one synagogue remained in Jerusalem, for all the synagogues which had been against Jesus were overwhelmed.

19. Through that terror, therefore, being amazed and being seized with great trembling, in that very hour I ordered what had been done by them all to be written, and I have sent it to your mightiness". (Read More)

Hope

In all honesty hope is only visible through spiritual eyes, the eyes of faith, based on things not seen by your physical eye.

Lets look at a comparison.

Hope based on human endeavor

United Nations leading the world with one voice?

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Results of this human endeavor

• Climate Engineering, Final Fatal Folly Of The Human Race

"Planet Earth, and all that live on it, are in the throws of unimaginable and immediate upheavals. 

Even at this late hour, with the walls closing in from every side, the vast majority are completely oblivious to the tidal wave that is towering above our heads. 

Earth's climate and life support systems are unraveling at unimaginable speed as we free fall into the 6th great mass extinction on our planet. 

In spite of all this verifiably and undeniably occurring, for the vast majority the immediate threat of a lifeless planet is not even on the radar as the 

graph below clearly indicates". (Read More)

• World War 3 is about to Begin: 120 Countries Amassing Troops! (MEDIA BLACKOUT) (Short video - click link)

"Published on Mar 1, 2016

In this video, I have found several independent news headlines that talk about military exercises and movements across the world, involving 120 countries! 

All U.S. and most European news outlets aren't reporting on this! The Middle East is a time bomb set for detonation. 

Remember, ISIS is a CIA false flag meant to usher in WW3 and has been funded by Barack Obama".

• US West Coast Earthquake Warning As Cascadia Subduction Zone Surges (Event Model)

In summary where is the hope based on human endeavor? Our planets life supporting attributes are collapsing, World War 3 is about to begin, and the West Coast is about to change.

Hope based on God's Word seen through spiritual eyes of faith

• We have at least another thousand years ahead of us for life on planet Earth

Revelation 20 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.

2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.

6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

• Those who abide in Him will be protected through all of mans failed endeavors

Psalm 91 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High

Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;

My God, in Him I will trust.”

3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler

And from the perilous pestilence.

4 He shall cover you with His feathers,

And under His wings you shall take refuge;

His truth shall be your shield and buckler.

5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,

Nor of the arrow that flies by day,

6 Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,

Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side,

And ten thousand at your right hand;

But it shall not come near you.

8 Only with your eyes shall you look,

And see the reward of the wicked.

9 Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge,

Even the Most High, your dwelling place,

10 No evil shall befall you,

Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;

11 For He shall give His angels charge over you,

To keep you in all your ways.

12 In their hands they shall bear you up,

Lest you dash your foot against a stone.

13 You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,

The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.

14 “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;

I will set him on high, because he has known My name.

15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble;

I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life I will satisfy him,

And show him My salvation.”

Pray

Battles are won based on prayer, the sick are healed based on prayer, demons are sent fleeing based on prayer; for some their next meal only comes based on prayer, so how important is it?

1 Thessalonians 5:17 pray without ceasing,

The King James Bible has 508 references to pray and to me that says it is an important part of every day, all day and all night long according to Scripture.

2 Timothy 1:3 [ Timothy’s Faith and Heritage ] I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day,

As you go through each day do you make mention of the things that come into your mind to the Lord? Like in 2 Timothy 1:3?

Things like those you know who are:

• Sick
• Lost
• In trouble
• Living in fear
• Living in bondage
• Who are being persecuted and killed for their faith
• Unborn babies being sacrificed
• Standing for Jesus
• Persecuting others
• The list would be endless

Special prayer closet time would be represented by the picture above but not necessary for daily activities. All day and night is special to the Lord when you involve Him in your thoughts and activities.

Many ask about how to pray and when to pray and there really is no limit when it comes to when and how.

When you see someone struggling with a handicap pray for them, when you can lend a hand to help someone.

Live what is in your heart and reach out to someone, they will be touched especially if you lift them up in prayer.

Remember good things done in private without bragging to others are rewarded by the Father who sees all things and keeps a record.

Matthew 6:1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 6:2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Matthew 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Matthew 6:16 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Mark 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Mark 11:25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

Matthew 6:9-13 King James Version (KJV)

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Good things come to those who pray, great things come to those who pray without ceasing!

Amen

The Gospel of the Kingdom - 2

Mark 1:15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

He came as a sacrificial lamb the first time but is returning as a mighty warrior to avenge the blood of the saints.

As His enemy there will be NO escape from His sword

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Or from the brightness of His coming!

2 Thessalonians 2:7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 

8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. 

9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders,

As I write this post there are 120 countries preparing for this battle right now in the Middle East! It isn't being covered by the news media; they want you to take your time in making a decision to get serious about whom you'll be serving when the King of Kings arrives!

No decision on your part or on the part of those you love means more lost souls on their side; The world has grossly underestimated the power of the One they are preparing to battle against!

The Gospel of the Kingdom brought to us by Jesus is simple and straight forward.

He came to reconcile us to the Father through Himself.

• He came from the Father
• He shared the Gospel, healed the sick, raised the dead, and cast out unclean spirits 
• He was crucified on the cross becoming the curse for us by taking on our sins
• He died, was buried, descended into hell, and rose to life on the third day
• He ascended to the Father

Ephesians 2:16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. 

17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 

18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Mark 16:16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

Acts 16:31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 

He paid the price for you and He offers you the free gift of eternal life if you will simply believe these things in your heart, repent of and confess your sins and ask Him to come into your heart.

Amen