Bulletins - Mokuaikaua Church

Hawaiian Doxology
This Is Amazing Grace
Because He Lives
How Great Thou Art
How Great Is Our God
Living Hope
What Jesus wants us to see?
Happy Resurrection Day! 2024
Thank you for joining us today!
What a privilege to have you with us this morning thank you for coming.
The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are the most important events for the Christian faith, without the death of Christ we would not be forgiven or freed from our sin, and without his resurrection, we would not have resurrection or eternal life.
Mat 28:1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

Mat 28:2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.

Mat 28:3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.

Mat 28:4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

Mat 28:5 The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.

Mat 28:6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.

Mat 28:7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."
Lets pray
When The angel rolled the stone on that Sunday, early morning he did not rolled the stone to let Jesus out of the tomb, Jesus in His new body could walk right through it, he rolled the stone so the disciples would come in and see that Jesus was not lying dead in a tomb, that He is alive. The stone was rolled for his disciples to see and pass on to us today.
That
1 He is alive not dead.
That everything Jesus said and promised was true.
He fulfilled over 300 prophecies, From the old testament,
for us to find someone among 7 billion people today, all we need is 3 or 4 pieces of information, seven is guaranteed, the country of birth, the city, your name and your family line, just to make sure we could throw in, his mother was a virgin when he was conceived and she called him Imanuel.
Jesus fulfilled Prophecies about his birth, his ministry, His betrayal, His death and resurrection and all pointed out that Jesus is the true Messiah.
2 He conquered death
3 and He freed us from the power of sin and death
Jesus has all power and authority.

But on that Sunday morning, BBC, CNN, FOX or MSNBC where not around, no radio or news paper covered the most important news in the history of the world, Jesus Resurrection,
The interesting thing is that God could have posted that in the skies and the angels could Showed up in this magnificent Choir in the skies, singing from everywhere, but God chose to disclose this big revelation and news to a very small group of people, they all knew him well, they all followed him and had invested in his ministry.
Remember, His disciples where not eagerly waiting for His appearance that morning and the women who went to the tomb they went to anoint the body of a dead man, this is from the gospel of Mark.
On that Sunday, Jesus appeared to Mary, the women, Peter, the two disciples on the road to Emmaus and the disciples except for Thomas. They were all surprised, filled with joy but surprised.
I’m going to side with the Catholics today, they believe Jesus came and saw his mother first even though is not recorded in scripture anywhere. I just watch the passion again a few days ago, After Mary experienced his trial torture and crucifixion, being traumatized by all of that, He had to come by and tell his mom that He made it, and everything was well. To believe that he never talked to his mother again or just talked in a group with the other disciples, doesn’t sound right, but if I’m wrong, we will make it right. Don’t hang your salvation on that.
What did Jesus wanted them to see?
1. Mary Magdalene
Let’s begin with Mary Magdalene
Joh 20:1 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.
Early on that Sunday morning, the third day after Jesus had been crucified, Mary Magdalene went to Jesus’ tomb.
She was surprised to see that the massive stone sealing the entrance had been rolled away, she had other women with her, she left them.

Joh 20:2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!"

They ran out there but didn’t see Jesus, although John by seeing the collapsed linen strips he believed.

Mary Magdalene was from Magdala she followed and support Jesus ministry, some of the scholars believe she was wealthy, middle class.
Luke 8 said she was delivered from seven demons.
Mary comes back
Joh 20:11 Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb

Joh 20:12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

Joh 20:13 They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?" "They have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I don't know where they have put him."

Joh 20:14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

Joh 20:15 He asked her, "Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?" Thinking he was the gardener, she said, "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him."

Joh 20:16 Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (which means "Teacher").

Joh 20:17 Jesus said, "Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'"

Joh 20:18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: "I have seen the Lord!" And she told them that he had said these things to her.
Mary was grief stricken, someone stole the body of her Lord,
Jesus shows up and tells her, Marry I’m here, I’m back, but don’t hold on to me I have not ascend to my Father yet, I’m not going to leave you again. I’m going to be with you all the way till the end.
According to ancient legend, Mary Magdalene died as an old woman in Ephesus (modern-day Turkey). This is based on the writings of several early church figures:
Hippolytus (c. 170-235 AD) said Mary Magdalene died in Ephesus. Eusebius (c. 263-339 AD) wrote Magdalene’s relics could be found in Ephesus. Other church fathers like Saint Jerome agreed she ended her life in Ephesus.
While hard evidence is lacking,
Than he appeared to the other women
Luk 24:10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles.

Mat 28:5 The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.

Mat 28:6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.

Mat 28:7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."

Mat 28:8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.

Mat 28:9 Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings,"he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.

Mat 28:10 Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."

As was true with Mary Magdalene, these women touched the body of Jesus. And they worship Him.
Peter
Peter is the first person mentioned in Paul’s list of witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection, and is the first of the apostles to see the risen Christ. This was a private appearance to reassure him, since he had just denied his Lord a few days earlier.
The gospels are completely silent as to the details of this meeting. Luke merely wrote, An angel told them at the tomb of Jesus that He had risen. Jesus wanted Peter to know that He forgave him and wanted a relationship with him, he had a plan for his life.
Luk 24:34 and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon."
Peter, the man who earlier had denied knowing Jesus, saw the risen Christ.

4. Two Disciples on the Emmaus Road
Later on Easter Sunday, Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus.
Luk 24:30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.

Luk 24:31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.

Luk 24:32 They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"

Luk 24:33 They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together

Luk 24:34 and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon."

These two men were not from the 12 disciples circle but 2 of the 120 disciples. Eusebius of Caesarea a historian from the fourth century, believed that Cleopas was the brother of Joseph the husband of Mary, who was the mother of Jesus. Uncle Cleo. His wife was one of the women who went to visit the Tomb, with Mary, the mother of Jesus.
This was His uncle that heard the women who went to the tomb but they didn’t believe them. Everything was over no hope for a future.
They were heading back home to Emmaus which was 7 miles from Jerusalem.
The two disciples were very disappointed about all that happened, their vision and their future was crushed, they had no hope, they were so disappointed.
Luk 24:21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.

But Jesus joined them and had a message for them
I’m alive and I’m am the one who will redeem Israel and the world, comeback.
As was true with the women, these two disciples were not expecting Jesus to rise. In fact, they were leaving Jerusalem because they had lost hope in Him.

5. The Eleven Disciples—Thomas Absent

The disciples were all afraid hiding in a house. Everything has been fulfilled

Joh 20:19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"

Joh 20:20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

Joh 20:21 Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."

Joh 20:22 And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.

Joh 20:23 If you forgive anyone's sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."

I don’t know where you are in your walk with Jesus but this is his message to you
If you are experiencing deep sorrow, like Mary, Jesus is saying to you I’m here and I’m not going away all I have said to you it is true and I will be with you always.
If you are like the other women looking for Jesus in a dead body, Worship Him He is alive.
If you are like Peter, you betrayed Jesus, He is alive and He is coming to see you, he trusts in you and wants for you to be a leader in the body of Christ, He forgives you.
If you are like uncle Cleo who became so discouraged, I’m back nothing is lost. I will redeem Israel.
If you are one of the disciples scared and afraid about the future
Everything is going to be ok, be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Have you asked Jesus to be the Lord of your life?

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Joh 3:16

To receive Him we need to accept Him as God’s son, repent from our sins and a life of selfishness, asking Him to be your Lord and savior, not that you deserve it, but is a gift from God.
If this is your desire today, please repeat this prayer after me?
Heavenly Father I’m sinner, I’m sorry for my sins, I’m willing to turn away from my sins.
I receive Christ as my savior,
I confess him as Lord
from this moment on I want to follow and serve him,
in the fellowship of his church,
In Jesus name. Amen!
1Co 11:23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread;

1Co 11:24 and when He had given thanks, He broke itand said, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me."

1Co 11:25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me."

1Co 11:26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes.

1Co 11:27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks thiscup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

Heb 9:14 dead works, acts, sins

E mau aku ka loko maika’i o ka Haku, Iesu Kristo; me ke aloha a ke Akua, a me ka launa pu ‘ana mai o ka Uhane Hemolele ia ‘olua, a me makou apau. Amene.
He Is Lord
As Christians, how do we relate to government authorities
Romans 13
Happy Anniversary Mokuaikaua! 204
Mokuaikaua was part of the beginning of the greatest revival on the Hawaiian Islands .

I would like to continue with our series on the book of Romans.
This book is considered Paul’s masterpiece, a very well-constructed summary of Christian Theology.
Considered by many one of the most important books ever written on the Christian faith.
We are in Romans 13
Romans 13 is divided in three parts
1-7 How we are to relate to governing authorities
8-10 the believers and his fellow man our obligations
11-14 how the believers are to live in the last days.

Our obligations towards government authorities
1 submit to government,
believers are to be model citizens.

Rom 13:1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

We need to submit and understand that there is no authority except established by God.

What is the purpose of Government
The US Government today is a little different then the Roman government, at the time Paul wrote to the Romans, Nero was in power.

Today We have a democracy

What is the purpose of the U.S. Government?
The purpose is expressed in the preamble to the Constitution:

‘‘We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.’’
A government that will work for you.

In Rome they had an Autocracy
Autocracy is a system of government in which absolute power is held by the ruler, known as an autocrat.
Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus
He was born in 37 AD by the time he was 3 his father died, by the time he was 11 his mother married Claudius the emperor, when Claudius died, Nero with the help of his mother the Senate and the Praetorian Guard he became the emperor, he was 17 years old, in the beginning he had his mother and other tutors to advise and help him but as soon as he got tired of that, he got rid of them and arranged the murder of his mother, he wanted more independency.
Not a good son or person, he was well known for the persecution of Christians in his sports arena, and lightning Christians as candles for his garden and horse race track.
He could take a census and tax everyone living in occupied territory.
Caesars in Rome where considered a god.
Nero was a Tyrant. Responsible for Paul’s beheading in 58 in June 9 of 68 he committed suicide.

Yet Paul says
Governing Authorities good or bad are established by God. I don’t completely understand this, but I trust the word of God scripture, God allows them to rise to the place of authority.
Do you understand why is so important to pray for our leaders, only God can remove them from power, and evil people can be easily replaced Good leaders are the ones hard to find.

I remember when I was 18, a very young Christian, living in Rio de Janeiro, where I learned so many bad habits about driving.
Because of all the crime in the city the mayor and police encouraged you to not stop in a light, waiting for a red light to go green because someone could come and rob you, after 7 pm keep moving.

I was always driving too fast , only stop in some lights, stop signs was just a yield sign and the mind set was always be first so there was no yielding. The fear of being caught it was always there, because if I was ever pulled over, I would get a ticket for many different things, and on the other hand the corruption among the police officers was open and plenty, they would stop you for something you didn’t, do and the only way out was by pay them. You had to negotiate the amount.
It was a lawless city, God entrust us to submit and recognize Him.

Jesus stood before Pontius Pilate, the one who order him to be killed and told him

Joh 19:10 "Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?"

Joh 19:11 Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin."

What Jesus said was, You only have power Pilate because my Father gave it to you.
All power and authority comes from God, was true to Pharo in Egypt, to different kings in the old testament who were very evil.

Government is part of God’s common grace
God commonly blesses everyone, through nature, the sun shines over the just and unjust, the rain, over the just and unjust, government is in that category of common grace.
Part of the way in how God restrains evil, in a fallen world , is through laws, police forces , judicial systems and armies, why army’s, because evil can be so irrational, that can only be detained by force.
They are Ordained by God but all of them imperfect, only during the Millennium we will see a perfect government.

2 We need to recognize that God establishes authority

Rom 13:2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

Rebelling against them it will bring judgment, every country has rules and laws, you rebel against their law you will pay the consequences.

Rom 13:3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended.

Do what is right and you will have no fear of the one in authority, The police is out there to protect you, government is there to serve you

Rom 13:4 For the one in authority is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God's servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.

Rom 13:5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

We have a dual citizenship we have an address here on earth and an address in Heaven
We serve a King and He is our final authority, He is the one who said my Kingdom is not of this world,

Php 3:20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,
Even though we are not from here we are to submit to the governing authorities of this state and country.
We are members of two realms and we need to learn responsibility in both.
We can’t just say I’m in Christ Jesus and I will not obey the laws or rules of this country. As Christians we should be examples.

But you may say I’m Hawaiian and my Kingdom is under occupation, so it was half of the world, in the days of Paul.

3 Government should be supported and respected
Rom 13:6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing.

Pay your taxes, and you wont fear the IRS, through the years I have met different friends who are opposed to paying taxes, they explained to me why they shouldn’t pay how their many lawyers will protect me if I decide not to pay, they will defend me in court.
I don’t like paying taxes either, but that’s not what my bible says, yes there are some roads, buildings and projects that I don’t agree with, but I like when my road is worked on, when the trees are cut, the asphalt is fresh, when the trash is picked up, the abandoned cars are taken away and the lights work at night, in front of my house there is not a group of homeless or drunk people hanging out and I didn’t have to do one thing to help
Taxes are part of the law of the land, even if we don’t agree with everything. When you get to Heaven you only need to submit to Jesus.

Rom 13:7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

The majority of our leaders are trying to do their best to take care of the Island and the people, we don’t agree with all they do or believe but Paul says respect them and honor them for their service.
Pray for our leaders.

During Paul’s time, taxation was very oppressive system, Rome would evaluate an area and determine how much taxes they would receive from that area, the tax collector could collect twice as much, they didn’t care, as long as they receive the amount they determine, they could pocket the rest. That’s why tax collectors were hated by all.
It was called the poll tax
There were four primary kinds of taxation in ancient Rome: a cattle tax, a land tax, customs, and a tax on the profits of any profession.

Pharisees, Sadducees zealot’s hated the roman taxes the Herodians were ok with it, but they hated each other.
One time they try to get Jesus in the middle of it by asking him

Luk 20:22 Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"

Luk 20:23 He saw through their duplicity and said to them,

Luk 20:24 "Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?" "Caesar's," they replied.

Luk 20:25 He said to them, "Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."

Luk 20:26 They were unable to trap him in what he had said there in public. And astonished by his answer, they became silent.

Jesus didn’t come to create a social movement, he came to save the lost, when people get save their lives change their families change eventually their community change. Yes there were many issues that Jesus could get behind, and create a revolution, slavery was a big thing, they were occupied, unjustly taxed. Jesus never pick up any issue, salvation and introducing them to His Heavenly Father was His mission.
4 Civil disobedience
Is there ever a time for civil disobedience? Glad you asked me this question ?
Yes, What about when government opposes God’s laws.

My grandmother the lady who adopt my mother not my real grandma she died giving birth to my mom. The only grandma I knew she lived until she was 105 years old, she was born in 1860’ the end of slavery in Brazil was May 13 1888 the family had money so she grew up having dozens of slaves, but when they were freed many of them asked her if they could stay with her, she had loved them and treat them like people, with respect, even when she was old they would come to visit her, some with call her mom.
Before the government recognize them she did.
As Christians we are called to love one another, to lead them to Christ
We submit to the government up to the point that the government disobeys God’s commandments. We don’t need to do something evil just because everyone else does it.
Jesus is our final authority, the day government orders you not to preach anymore, you will need to choose who will you obey, are you going to be obedient to God?
The day they tell its okay to abort your child if disrupts your life style, choose God.
The day they tell you to mutilate yourself because you are confused about your sexuality, choose God.

As Christians How do we relate to government authority?

1 we submit to it
2we acknowledge that God established all power and authority
3We support and respect the government
4 We disobey when they go against God’s commands.

Have you asked Jesus to be the Lord of your life?

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Joh 3:16

To receive Him we need to accept Him as God’s son, repent from our sins and a life of selfishness, asking Him to be your Lord and savior, not that you deserve it, but is a gift from God.
If this is your desire today, please repeat this prayer after me?
Heavenly Father I’m sinner, I’m sorry for my sins, I’m willing to turn away from my sins.
I receive Christ as my savior,
I confess him as Lord
from this moment on I want to follow and serve him,
in the fellowship of his church,
In Jesus name. Amen!
1Co 11:23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread;

1Co 11:24 and when He had given thanks, He broke itand said, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me."

1Co 11:25 In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me."

1Co 11:26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes.

1Co 11:27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks thiscup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

Heb 9:14 dead works, acts, sins

E mau aku ka loko maika’i o ka Haku, Iesu Kristo; me ke aloha a ke Akua, a me ka launa pu ‘ana mai o ka Uhane Hemolele ia ‘olua, a me makou apau. Amene.

What Jesus wants us to see?

2 He conquered death

1. Mary Magdalene

Than he appeared to the other women

Peter

4. Two Disciples on the Emmaus Road

5. The Eleven Disciples—Thomas Absent

As Christians, how do we relate to government authorities

1 submit to government,

2 We need to recognize that God establishes authority

3 Government should be supported and respected

4 Civil disobedience