What Makes Jesus Unique? No one else made the claims that He did, He is alive...............
All the great religious leaders of history have one thing in common: they are dead. Only one man has risen from a grave never again to taste death. Jesus Christ died, was buried, remained in the grave for 3 days, then was raised to life again.
Jesus is unique. He is the only one proven to be the Son of God because God validated His Kingship and accepted His payment for our sins all with one incredible stroke: He raised Jesus from the dead!
Paul opens his letter to the Romans with this evidence about who Jesus is:
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, which He had promised before by His prophets in the holy scriptures, concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was made of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. Romans 1:1-4
Because Jesus Christ is very much alive, five things are true right now that wouldn’t be true if He were just another dead religious leader like Confucius, Mohammed or Buddha.
Because Jesus was raised from the dead and is alive…Prayers are answered, We can talk to Jesus 24/7
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The Communist Party often rejected the principle of treating all religious believers as public enemies, partly due to pragmatic considerations (given the large number of people who adhered to a particular faith) and partly based on its belief that the large number of believers included many loyal Soviet citizens whom the authorities sought to convince to become atheists rather than attack outright.
Religious believers always found themselves subjected to anti-religious propaganda and legislation that restricted their religious practices. They frequently suffered restrictions within Soviet society. Rarely, however, did the Soviet state ever officially subject them to arrest, imprisonment or death simply for holding their religious beliefs. Instead, the methods of persecution represented a reaction to the perception (real or imagined) of their resistance to the state's broader campaign against religion.
The campaign was designed by Soviet authorities to disseminate atheism, and the acts of violence and terror tactics that were deployed, while almost always officially invoked on the basis of perceived resistance to the state, aimed in the larger scheme not simply to dampen opposition, but to further assist in the suppression of religion in order to disseminate atheism.
Soviet tactics;
Tactics varied over the years and they became more moderate or harsher at different times. Some common tactics included confiscating church property, ridiculing religion, harassing believers, and promoting atheism through the educational system.[citation needed] Actions against particular religions, however, were determined by State interests, and most organized religions were never outlawed.
Some actions against Orthodox priests and believers included torture, execution, or sending them to prison camps, labor camps, and mental hospitals. Many Orthodox (along with peoples of other faiths) were also subjected to psychological punishment or torture and mind control experimentation in order to force them to give up their religious convictions (see Punitive psychiatry in the Soviet Union). During the first five years of Soviet power, the Bolsheviks executed 28 Russian Orthodox bishops and over 1,200 Russian Orthodox priests. Many others were imprisoned or exiled.
In the Soviet Union, in addition to the methodical closing and destruction of churches, the charitable and social work which was formerly done by ecclesiastical authorities was taken over by the state. As with all private property, Church-owned property was confiscated and put to public use. The few places of worship which were still left to the Church were legally viewed as state property that the government permitted the church to use.
In the period which followed the Second World War, Protestant Christians in the USSR (Baptists, Pentecostals, Adventists etc.) were forcibly sent to mental hospitals, or they were tried and imprisoned (often for refusing to enter military service). Some were forcibly deprived of their parental rights.
Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1987–1991, the Russian Orthodox Church has struggled to regain its erstwhile monopoly of religious life, despite it and other Christian churches which existed since before the Revolution have found themselves in a radically transformed context characterized by a religious pluralism unknown before 1917. During the Soviet period, religious barriers were shattered, as religions were no longer tied to ethnicity and family tradition, and an extensive displacement of peoples took place. This, together with the more recent swift ongoing development of communications, has resulted in an unprecedented mingling of different religious cultures. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, there was a renewal of religions in Russia, with the revival of the traditional faiths and the emergence of new forms within the traditional faiths as well as many new religious movements.The amendments of 2020 to the constitution added, in the Article 67, the continuity of the Russian state in history based on preserving "the memory of the ancestors" and general "ideals and belief in God" which the ancestors conveyed
“The reason I wrote to you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything.”? - 2 Corinthians 2:9
When God spoke to Sister Chang, a house church leader from Henan, he told her to do something that made no earthly sense at all. He told her to go and preach the gospel on the steps outside the local police station. Such an action may lead to arrest even in Western nations, and in Communist China, it is a sure way to invite severe punishment. But the more Sister Chang prayed about it, the more clearly the inner voice of God continued to tell her to do it. Finally, she saw no option but to obey God.
Standing on the top step outside the police station, she boldly proclaimed the gospel to astonished onlookers. Within a few minutes, several officers dragged her inside and placed her under arrest. To the human eye, her obedience looked foolish, but God can see things that we can’t.
Sister Chang was sentenced without a trial and sent to the local women’s prison, where she was placed alongside thousands of spiritually lost souls. She boldly and lovingly proclaimed the gospel to her fellow prisoners. The light of the gospel spread like wildfire. Within just three months, 800 women believed in Jesus! The entire atmosphere of the prison changed, and new sounds of praise and worship were heard echoing down the prison hallways and in the courtyard.
The prison director was greatly impressed at the change in the atmosphere and was able to trace it to the preaching of Sister Chang. He brought her into his office and said, “You have made my job easy! There is no more fighting between the prisoners and the women have become gentle and obedient. We need more people like you working here. From today, we have decided to let you go free. We want to give you a full-time job here in the prison, and we will pay you 3,000 Yuan per month” (about US$ 375, a fortune in rural Henan). He continued, “We will also give you a car and your own driver, and will find you comfortable housing.”
Sister Chang briefly considered the offer, and then replied, “Twenty years ago I became a disciple of Jesus Christ and he has been wonderful to me. I don’t believe your offer of a car, driver, and salary is in line with what Jesus wants to do with my life, and I belong to him. All I want to do is preach the good news.”
Despite her rejection of his offer, the director released her from prison that day, and she continued her ministry for the Lord.
It always pays to do what the Lord tells us to do. Don’t argue, don’t fight it, and don’t try to work out all the details with your mind. Just do it. That is one mark of a true disciple of Jesus Christ.
Approximately one-fourth of the Word of God was prophetic at the time it was written. The obvious conclusion any serious Bible student can make from this statistic is that if the Almighty devoted that much of His Word to the subject of prophecy, it certainly benefits every Believer to study it. The knowledge of Biblical prophecy produces the following important results:
The Bible’s Authority;
The detailed descriptions of coming events and their precise fulfillment validate that “Scripture is of divine origin, trustworthy, and to be studied with confidence.” All that man knows of God is recorded in His Word; without this assured foundation, we are nothing.
God Almighty inspired the writers of His Holy Word through the communion of His Spirit with the spiritual nature and intellectual abilities of man. Remember this truth: all Scripture is written by God; it is His voice and His authority.
The Bible’s Accuracy;
The Holy Scriptures are not merely man’s account of historical events— they are a living, accurate, and authoritative message from God to His people. Christ acknowledged the Scriptures in His earthly ministry by referring to the Old Testament writings as those things “spoken to you by God.”
There are 353 prophetic Scriptures in the Old Testament dealing with the birth, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These accounts were recorded centuries before He came to earth, and every word has been fulfilled. Man, with all of his knowledge and with the assistance of all the technology afforded him, cannot come close to this degree of accuracy—only God can.
God’s Wisdom;
Only the Almighty, in His infinite capacity, can inspire the compiled writings of sixty-six books that were penned on three continents in three different languages—Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek.
The Holy Scriptures were chronicled by approximately forty people of diverse education and backgrounds, including kings, shepherds, scientists, attorneys, an army general, fishermen, priests, and a physician, most of whom never met.
This sacred masterpiece was written over a period of about 1,400 years, covering over 4,000 years of human history. There are 1,239 prophecies found in the Old Testament and 578 prophecies in the New Testament, for a total of 1,817, which comprise 8,352 verses.
God’s Power;
The study of prophecy and its fulfillment reveals that God’s powerful hand will stretch as far as needed to achieve His divine plan. The greatest proof of God’s power lies within His Word and its fulfillment, which includes our personal redemption from sin and conformity to Christ’s resurrection.
Remember this truth: God is power. His Word is power; therefore, when God speaks—it comes to pass!
God’s Promises;
Consider the rebirth of the nation of Israel (Isaiah 66:8). Every major prophet in the Old Testament prophesied that God would bring the Jewish people “out of their Gentile graves,” which were the nations into which the Jewish people had been dispersed following various conquests.
By May 14, 1948, when the United Nations officially recognized the State of Israel, over 800,000 Jews had fulfilled the prophecies of the ingathering. Currently, out of the 14.3 million Jewish people in the world, 43 percent of them reside in Israel; as of this writing, that equates to more than 6.4 million Jews.
God’s Purposes;
God Almighty demonstrates beyond any doubt that He knows the end from the beginning and is orchestrating the events on earth to fulfill His perfect plan. The study of prophecy provides a better understanding of the current economic and political events in the world that will bring the Antichrist to power.
God’s Peace;
When Jesus spoke of His approaching death and resurrection with His disciples, they naturally became troubled. Many today are also troubled due to disturbing world conditions. We are asking the same questions the disciples most likely asked themselves: “Who will defend us from our enemies?”
Jesus calmed their fears with these prophetic words:
In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. (John 14:2–3)
Because they had already witnessed the fulfillment of Scripture through the life and ministry of Jesus, the disciples believed Him when He gave the prophetic promise of His return.
Like the disciples and so many of God’s people before them, we are also comforted by the fulfilled promises of prophetic Scriptures, which confirm that every event on earth occurs by divine design.
John Hagee
Bible prophecy clearly reveals that in the last days prior to the rapture of the church, four powerful kings will race onto the world stage with two objectives.
1. To conquer the world, and to reign as global dictators. These dictators will strip you of your freedoms. They will take your civil liberties, and you will become property and slaves of the state.
2. To conquer Israel and destroy the Jewish people. Their desire is to control the city of Jerusalem and prepare for the anointing of the false Messiah.
Israel is currently surrounded by nations that are screaming for their blood. Anti-Semitism is raging through Europe and the United States, often celebrated in liberal universities among our young people. Jews are being targeted around the world for assassination, and their synagogues are being vandalized as worshippers are being killed. It is a sickening sight to be sure!
This massive prophetic, geopolitical drama is unraveling across the front pages of your news feed each day. The Gog/Magog War mentioned in Ezekiel 38-39 has begun!
This war is the beginning of a series of wars that will engulf the world in what many will call World War III. The Bible calls it Armageddon. You don’t need to be a geopolitical expert to know that our world is coming apart at the seams. We are racing toward the end of the world as we know it.
Revelation 13 describes the beast rising out of the sea.
In prophetic terms, “the sea” means the nations of the world. John is telling us that he is looking at the nations of the world. John is pulling back the curtain of time to reveal the pending apocalypse. This is something that was foretold over 2,000 years ago and is now coming true in our lifetime!
The four kings mentioned in Revelation are, right now, taking center stage for the first time in world history.
The King of the North is Russia. Although the name Russia doesn’t appear in Scripture, the geographic location is given in the Bible to pinpoint accuracy. I have given you all of the details for this final showdown, walking you through both history and Scripture.
Vladimir Putin is currently trying to rebuild the Russian Empire. With it, he thinks he can conquer the world. They have certainly started working on this with their far- reaching military encampments.
The King of the South is Egypt and the Arab Islamic forces. Keep in mind that all directions given in the Bible are with regard to the city of Jerusalem. In God’s mind, Jerusalem is the epicenter of the universe. When Ezekiel speaks of Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya, he’s speaking of the Arab Islamic nations.
The King of the East is China, a military superpower that neither fears nor respects the U.S. The Bible’s word for “east” simply means “sun rising.” This lets us know that it is describing China. This king, as described in Revelation, will lead a massive march of an army numbering over 200 million soldiers.
The King of the East is distinguished by his number, color, and flag. The three frogs or three demonic spirits that seduce him will get them to come to the Battle of Armageddon. Armageddon is the mother of all wars.
It will be fought on the sacred soil of Israel for global supremacy between the King of the West and the King of the East. The pending prize is the throne of the earth, to rule and reign.
The King of the West is America and the United Kingdom. This king will be led by the antichrist, who will force every person to receive his mark on their right hand or forehead. Those who do not comply will be decapitated.
The target of the King of the West is Israel. He will set up his image and proclaim that he is god in the city of Jerusalem. The antichrist will demand that the world worship him. His false prophet will call fire down from heaven to consume the sacrifice laid upon the altar, emulating the Prophet Elijah on Mt. Carmel.
These kings who are currently jockeying for positions throughout the globe will come face-to-face with the King of kings and Lord of lords in all of His glory. Our God is the Creator of the Universe and promised to rule and reign for all eternity! He has all power in heaven and on earth. He holds the seven seas in the palm of His hand and He calls the stars by name. Who is greater than our God? Absolutely no one!
As a believer in Jesus, all you need to know is... OUR SAVIOR WILL NOT BE DEFEATED BY ANY ARMY OR ANY KING.
Only HE can dictate the future of Jerusalem. And only HE can forgive you of your sin and save you for all eternity.
While this is a very real picture of the future of our world, as described throughout the Scripture, those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior are going to be raptured. We live with the confidence that in HIS Kingdom, there shall be no end. Are you ready?
I love horses! There’s nothing more majestic than a beautiful horse running at a full gallop across a lush, green field. It’s poetry in motion! It’s grace and power running free!
But the four horses from my latest sermon series, “The Four Horses of the Apocalypse” are beasts of a different nature…bringing the most vile, graphic form of justice the human mind can fathom throughout the book of Revelation. The four horses of the Apocalypse are the white horse, the red horse, the black horse and the pale horse. But what does each horse signify, and how will each affect us?
John the Revelator is living on the tiny Island of Patmos, with waves pounding and seagulls flying overhead. He is 86 years of age as he writes the last book of the Bible, the revelation of Jesus Christ. In Chapter 6, John introduces the four horses of the Apocalypse.
The white horse carries a rider who conquers the earth, greedily running roughshod over all who stand in his way with his out-of-control lust for power. He is a great deceiver, a dictator, and a living devil.
The rider on the white horse is the Anti-Christ. He is a man, not a machine. He is Satan’s demonic messiah (Daniel 8:24). Some have said that the rider on the white horse is Jesus Christ. That is not so. The Greek text in Revelations 6 reveals that the crown worn by the rider on the white horse is called “stephanos,” a crown of victory worn by a military conqueror. The Greek word for the crown that Christ wears in Revelation 19 is “Diadema” or a crown of royalty. The rider on the white horse in Revelation 6 is the great deceiver, not Jesus!
He is the Anti-Christ, the chief son of Satan who will come promising world peace, but will bring a global blood bath. He will force every person to take his number or mark in their right hand or on their forehead. If you refuse, you will have your head cut off. The Bible calls him the lawless one. He will set up his image in Jerusalem and demand that the world worship him or face certain death in the most brutal fashion.
The rider on the white horse rode through the Garden of Eden and deceived Adam and Eve into eating the forbidden fruit. God’s angels threw them out of the Garden with a flaming sword. In obedience, they would have found everlasting life. In defiance, they found death and destruction.
The rider on the white horse is riding through America. Deception defines our nation today. Have you ever seen anything like it in your life? We have just signed the most idiotic nuclear deal with Iran, where they are supposed to be trusted to govern themselves.
Wake up! These long-range missiles are for US, not Israel! Hello Congress! Stand with Israel and vote NO to this ridiculous deal!
The second horse is the red horse of war, described in Revelation 6:4, “Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword.”
The red horse brings death (in which ¼ of the earth will be slaughtered) and global, nuclear war. This nuclear deal with Iran gives you a pretty good picture of what Revelation is talking about. Einstein predicted that in a full-scale nuclear exchange, 1/3 of the earth’s population would die. That is roughly 110 million people in America today. Think that’s an exaggeration? Keep reading.
Revelation 9:14-15 tells us, “saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, ‘Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates. So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind.”
The third horse is the black horse of famine, which brings with it a global food shortage. This horse is as black as tar. You can hear his hooves pounding, his flanks heaving. You can see his nostrils flaring, as his great rage focuses on the human race.
He comes to bring global famine. Super markets will be stripped bare. Civil riots will break out over the lack of food! People will begin to know the aching, clawing sensation of true hunger. And it could happen across America and the nations of the world very soon.
The rider on the black horse holds up a balance and scale, declaring how much one simple meal will cost…the sum of one day’s wages. There will not be enough to share with family or friends. Just one meal for one day’s wages. Starving people in the coming global famine of the Great Tribulation will kill each other in order to eat.
The Anti-Christ will have complete control over all of the food on planet earth. The oil and wine discussed in the book of Revelation are food for the wealthy, also controlled by the Anti-Christ. These rulers and their subordinates will stock their shelves with choice products from the state-owned supermarket; but the masses will starve to death, exactly like what happened in the Holocaust as Hitler and his Nazi regime had the finest of everything…and the Jews literally died of starvation in the concentration camps just a few feet away.
The shadow of the coming black horse is hovering over America! Listen to my sermon series on this, as I give you very in-depth research on how much U.S. farm land has been purchased by shadow corporations hiding their true identities. China has purchased 2% or more of the following states’ farm land: Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Maine, Michigan. And this is just the tip of the ice berg. I don’t have time to go into detail in this article, but listen to the sermon series and it gives you a much better picture of how quickly we could sink into worldwide famine.
The fourth horse is the pale horse of death. The Greek word for this horse is “chloros,” which means green. The CIA Fact Book (1999) states that green is the traditional color of Islam.
Revelation 6:8 says, “So, I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with the sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth.” Islam now controls ¼ of the earth.
This nuclear deal that Congress is considering signing with Iran will guarantee war in the Middle East that WILL come to America. It is time for the righteous to stand up and ask God for mercy!
Even now we can hear the thunderous hooves of the four horses storming across the stage of human history, bringing deception, wars, hunger and death on a scale so massive it staggers the mind! The Bible makes it perfectly clear that God’s judgment is certain. And it IS coming! Acts 17:31 tells us, “…because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”
God judged Noah’s generation that mocked the message of salvation by sending a flood. He drowned every last human on planet earth. He is the ultimate judge and He will have the very last word…no matter what Congress rules or the UN decides. King Jesus will rule and reign with ultimate authority. The day is coming, my friends. Be sure of that!
The third horse is the black horse of famine, which brings with it a global food shortage. This horse is as black as tar. You can hear his hooves pounding, his flanks heaving. You can see his nostrils flaring, as his great rage focuses on the human race.
He comes to bring global famine. Super markets will be stripped bare. Civil riots will break out over the lack of food! People will begin to know the aching, clawing sensation of true hunger. And it could happen across America and the nations of the world very soon.
The rider on the black horse holds up a balance and scale, declaring how much one simple meal will cost…the sum of one day’s wages. There will not be enough to share with family or friends. Just one meal for one day’s wages. Starving people in the coming global famine of the Great Tribulation will kill each other in order to eat.
The Anti-Christ will have complete control over all of the food on planet earth. The oil and wine discussed in the book of Revelation are food for the wealthy, also controlled by the Anti-Christ. These rulers and their subordinates will stock their shelves with choice products from the state-owned supermarket; but the masses will starve to death, exactly like what happened in the Holocaust as Hitler and his Nazi regime had the finest of everything…and the Jews literally died of starvation in the concentration camps just a few feet away.
The shadow of the coming black horse is hovering over America! Listen to my sermon series on this, as I give you very in-depth research on how much U.S. farm land has been purchased by shadow corporations hiding their true identities. China has purchased 2% or more of the following states’ farm land: Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Maine, Michigan. And this is just the tip of the ice berg. I don’t have time to go into detail in this article, but listen to the sermon series and it gives you a much better picture of how quickly we could sink into worldwide famine.
The fourth horse is the pale horse of death. The Greek word for this horse is “chloros,” which means green. The CIA Fact Book (1999) states that green is the traditional color of Islam.
Revelation 6:8 says, “So, I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with the sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth.” Islam now controls ¼ of the earth.
This nuclear deal that Congress is considering signing with Iran will guarantee war in the Middle East that WILL come to America. It is time for the righteous to stand up and ask God for mercy!
Even now we can hear the thunderous hooves of the four horses storming across the stage of human history, bringing deception, wars, hunger and death on a scale so massive it staggers the mind! The Bible makes it perfectly clear that God’s judgment is certain. And it IS coming! Acts 17:31 tells us, “…because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”
God judged Noah’s generation that mocked the message of salvation by sending a flood. He drowned every last human on planet earth. He is the ultimate judge and He will have the very last word…no matter what Congress rules or the UN decides. King Jesus will rule and reign with ultimate authority. The day is coming, my friends. Be sure of that!
There is cause for alarm, but not for fear. If you are a Child of the Living God…your hope and faith is in him.
The word “Apocalypse” is a Greek word that means to remove the veil, to uncover or make clear. The purpose of the book of Revelation is to remove the veil and make clear what God’s plans are for the future of this world. God is saying to the church, “I am the God that knows the end from the beginning, and I am in total control!”
When you see Russia (the king of the north) and China (the king of the east) and Iran along with the Islamic nations (the kings of the south)…when you see Europe and America (the kings of the west)…on the world stage at the same time, GET READY! The Anti-Christ is coming to produce a one-world government, a one-world religion, and a one-world currency.
While there is great cause for alarm, we do not fear the future. Revelation is a drama of triumph for the Church! It’s not a horror story. It’s the story of the Church of Jesus Christ overcoming the world, the flesh and the devil! It’s the story of the Church triumphant overcoming death, hell and the grave! It’s the story of the rapture of the Church…right out of the living hell now being created by a godless society.
Satan is a defeated foe! Jesus Christ is the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. He is the Mighty One of Israel. He is the once and soon-coming King! Are you ready, Church? Our time is growing short! While no man knows the day nor the hour…all of the major players are walking onto the world stage. I believe that we are literally watching Bible prophecy unfold before our very eyes.
And I will make it as clear as I can. Get your house in order. Make practical preparations for famine. Collect bottled water and canned goods. Pray with and for your family members. Make sure they have received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. While we do not live in fear, we must be prepared. Our time grows shorter with every waking hour.
Don’t wait another second to make Jesus Christ the Lord of your life or to share with your lost friend, neighbor or loved one the great plan of eternal salvation. We have no time to waste!
by Hugh Ros
Unique among all books ever written, the Bible accurately foretells specific events-in detail-many years, sometimes centuries, before they occur. Approximately 2,500 prophecies appear in the pages of the Bible, about 2,000 of which already have been fulfilled to the letter—no errors.
(The remaining 500 or so reach into the future and may be seen unfolding as days go by.) Since the probability for any one of these prophecies having been fulfilled by chance averages less than one in ten (figured very conservatively) and since the prophecies are for the most part independent of one another, the odds for all these prophecies having been fulfilled by chance without error is less than one in 102000 (that is 1 with 2,000 zeros written after it)!
God is not the only one, however, who uses forecasts of future events to get people’s attention. Satan does, too. Through clairvoyants (such as Jeanne Dixon and Edgar Cayce), mediums, spiritists, and others, come remarkable predictions, though rarely with more than about 60 percent accuracy, never with total accuracy. Messages from Satan, furthermore, fail to match the detail of Bible prophecies, nor do they include a call to repentance.
The acid test for identifying a prophet of God is recorded by Moses in Deuteronomy 18:21-22. According to this Bible passage (and others), God’s prophets, as distinct from Satan’s spokesmen, are 100 percent accurate in their predictions. There is no room for error.
As economy does not permit an explanation of all the Biblical prophecies that have been fulfilled, what follows in a discussion of a few that exemplify the high degree of specificity, the range of projection, and/or the “supernature” of the predicted events. Readers are encouraged to select others, as well, and to carefully examine their historicity.
(1) Some time before 500 BC, the prophet Daniel proclaimed that Israel’s long-awaited Messiah would begin his public ministry 483 years after the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem (Daniel 9:25-26). He further predicted that the Messiah would be “cut off,” killed, and that this event would take place prior to a second destruction of Jerusalem. Abundant documentation shows that these prophecies were perfectly fulfilled in the life (and crucifixion) of Jesus Christ. The decree regarding the restoration of Jerusalem was issued by Persia’s King Artaxerxes to the Hebrew priest Ezra in 458 BC, 483 years later the ministry of Jesus Christ began in Galilee. (Remember that due to calendar changes, the date for the start of Christ’s ministry is set by most historians at about AD 26. Also note that from 1 BC to AD 1 is just one year.) Jesus’ crucifixion occurred only a few years later, and about four decades later, in AD 70 came the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus.
(Probability of chance fulfillment = 1 in 105.)*
(2) In approximately 700 BC, the prophet Micah named the tiny village of Bethlehem as the birthplace of Israel’s Messiah (Micah 5:2). The fulfillment of this prophecy in the birth of Christ is one of the most widely known and widely celebrated facts in history.
(Probability of chance fulfillment = 1 in 105.)
(3) In the fifth century BC, a prophet named Zechariah declared that the Messiah would be betrayed for the price of a slave—thirty pieces of silver, according to Jewish law-and also that this money would be used to buy a burial ground for Jerusalem’s poor foreigners (Zechariah 11:12-13). Bible writers and secular historians both record thirty pieces of silver as the sum paid to Judas Iscariot for betraying Jesus, and they indicate that the money went to purchase a “potter’s field,” used—just as predicted—for the burial of poor aliens (Matthew 27:3-10).
(Probability of chance fulfillment = 1 in 1011.)
(4) Some 400 years before crucifixion was invented, both Israel’s King David and the prophet Zecharia.
(Probability of chance fulfillment = 1 in 1013.)
(5) The prophet Isaiah foretold that a conqueror named Cyrus would destroy seemingly impregnable Babylon and subdue Egypt along with most of the rest of the known world. This same man, said Isaiah, would decide to let the Jewish exiles in his territory go free without any payment of ransom (Isaiah 44:28; 45:1; and 45:13). Isaiah made this prophecy 150 years before Cyrus was born, 180 years before Cyrus performed any of these feats (and he did, eventually, perform them all), and 80 years before the Jews were taken into exile.
(Probability of chance fulfillment = 1 in 1015.)
(6) Mighty Babylon, 196 miles square, was enclosed not only by a moat, but also by a double wall 330 feet high, each part 90 feet thick. It was said by unanimous popular opinion to be indestructible, yet two Bible prophets declared its doom. These prophets further claimed that the ruins would be avoided by travelers, that the city would never again be inhabited, and that its stones would not even be moved for use as building material (Isaiah 13:17-22 and Jeremiah 51:26, 43). Their description is, in fact, the well-documented history of the famous citadel.
(Probability of chance fulfillment = 1 in 109.)
(7) The exact location and construction sequence of Jerusalem’s nine suburbs was predicted by Jeremiah about 2600 years ago. He referred to the time of this building project as “the last days,” that is, the time period of Israel’s second rebirth as a nation in the land of Palestine (Jeremiah 31:38-40). This rebirth became history in 1948, and the construction of the nine suburbs has gone forward precisely in the locations and in the sequence predicted.
(Probability of chance fulfillment = 1 in 1018.)
(8) The prophet Moses foretold (with some additions by Jeremiah and Jesus) that the ancient Jewish nation would be conquered twice and that the people would be carried off as slaves each time, first by the Babylonians (for a period of 70 years), and then by a fourth world kingdom (which we know as Rome). The second conqueror, Moses said, would take the Jews captive to Egypt in ships, selling them or giving them away as slaves to all parts of the world. Both of these predictions were fulfilled to the letter, the first in 607 BC and the second in AD 70. God’s spokesmen said, further, that the Jews would remain scattered throughout the entire world for many generations, but without becoming assimilated by the peoples or of other nations, and that the Jews would one day return to the land of Palestine to re-establish for a second time their nation (Deuteronomy 29; Isaiah 11:11-13; Jeremiah 25:11; Hosea 3:4-5 and Luke 21:23-24).
This prophetic statement sweeps across 3,500 years of history to its complete fulfillment—in our lifetime.
(Probability of chance fulfillment = 1 in 1020.)
(9) Jeremiah predicted that despite its fertility and despite the accessibility of its water supply, the land of Edom (today a part of Jordan) would become a barren, uninhabited wasteland (Jeremiah 49:15-20; Ezekiel 25:12-14). His description accurately tells the history of that now bleak region.
(Probability of chance fulfillment = 1 in 105.)
(Probability of chance fulfillment = 1 in 107).
(11) The day of Elijah’s supernatural departure from Earth was predicted unanimously—and accurately, according to the eye-witness account—by a group of fifty prophets (2 Kings 2:3-11).
(Probability of chance fulfillment = 1 in 109).
(12) Jahaziel prophesied that King Jehoshaphat and a tiny band of men would defeat an enormous, well-equipped, well-trained army without even having to fight. Just as predicted, the King and his troops stood looking on as their foes were supernaturally destroyed to the last man (2 Chronicles 20).
(Probability of chance fulfillment = 1 in 108).
(13) One prophet of God (unnamed, but probably Shemiah) said that a future king of Judah, named Josiah, would take the bones of all the occultic priests (priests of the “high places”) of Israel’s King Jeroboam and burn them on Jeroboam’s altar (1 Kings 13:2 and 2 Kings 23:15-18). This event occurred approximately 300 years after it was foretold.
(Probability of chance fulfillment = 1 in 1013).
Since these thirteen prophecies cover mostly separate and independent events, the probability of chance occurrence for all thirteen is about 1 in 10138 (138 equals the sum of all the exponents of 10 in the probability estimates above). For the sake of putting the figure into perspective, this probability can be compared to the statistical chance that the second law of thermodynamics will be reversed in a given situation (for example, that a gasoline engine will refrigerate itself during its combustion cycle or that heat will flow from a cold body to a hot body)—that chance = 1 in 1080. Stating it simply, based on these thirteen prophecies alone, the Bible record may be said to be vastly more reliable than the second law of thermodynamics. Each reader should feel free to make his own reasonable estimates of probability for the chance fulfillment of the prophecies cited here. In any case, the probabilities deduced still will be absurdly remote.
Given that the Bible proves so reliable a document, there is every reason to expect that the remaining 500 prophecies, those slated for the “time of the end,” also will be fulfilled to the last letter. Who can afford to ignore these coming events, much less miss out on the immeasurable blessings offered to anyone and everyone who submits to the control of the Bible’s author, Jesus Christ? Would a reasonable person take lightly God’s warning of judgment for those who reject what they know to be true about Jesus Christ and the Bible, or who reject Jesus’ claim on their lives?
*The estimates of probability included herein come from a group of secular research scientists. As an example of their method of estimation, consider their calculations for this first prophecy cited:
Since the Messiah’s ministry could conceivably begin in any one of about 5000 years, there is, then, one chance in about 5,000 that his ministry could begin in AD 26.
Relative to the second destruction of Jerusalem, this execution has roughly an even chance of occurring before or after that event, that is, one chance in 2.
Hence, the probability of chance fulfillment for this prophecy is 1 in 5,000 x 10 x 2, which is 1 in 100,000, or 1 in 105.
Personally I love the prophecies because you can prove them.............jenny
In a very short time, Jesus Christ is going to return to Earth as He promised. In the past, I've always thought that this would be a positive event for those that comprise His Church. Lately, however, I am beginning to see this in a different light.
?For many years the Churches of God have been predicting a whole range of events that they believe must come to pass before Christ returns. These predictions are largely based on erroneous interpretations of Biblical prophecies, using the interpretation method known as "Futurism", which was devised by Catholic Jesuit priests as part of the Counter-Reformation.
Many Churches have made TV programs heavily laden with futurist ideas, with titles such as the United Church of God's "Seven Prophetic Signs Before Jesus Returns". Some will dogmatically state that "Christ can't return yet".
?Time and again they refer to the same list of events that they believe must happen first, like "the Great Tribulation", the "Ten Toes" of European power, and the "Two Witnesses", to name but a few.
?I believe that if Christ were to return today, many members of the Church of God (COG) would say things like: "This is a hoax" or, worse still, "This must be the Antichrist", based on all the "prophecies" that they have been hearing during the final, Laodicean, era of the Church. They would think that it can't be Christ's return because this or that major event hasn't happened yet.
?The simple question must be asked: How will those who fail to recognize Christ at His return, because of their own unwillingness to adequately study the prophecies of the Bible, be viewed by Christ at that time?
?Could this be something He is warning us about in the parable of the ten virgins of Matt 25, where those who aren't ready for His return are shut out of the Kingdom?
?When Christ came to this Earth for the first time, His own physical people by and large failed to recognise and accept Him as the one who was prophesied to come. Are we going to see a repeat of this, when Christ soon returns to His spiritual people?
?Let's look at a list of prophecies that, according to the general consensus of the Churches of God, are still in the future, but which can be shown upon closer examination to have already been fulfilled in history.
FROM THE SERIES: THE BIBLE TEACHER’S GUIDE, THE BIBLE’S UNIQUENESS:
Lesson 1: The Bible’s Uniqueness;
The law of the LORD is perfect and preserves one’s life. The rules set down by the LORD are reliable and impart wisdom to the inexperienced. The LORD’s precepts are fair and make one joyful. The LORD’s commands are pure and give insight into life.
Psalm 19:7-8 (NET)
Hypothetically, what would you think if you heard God was publishing a book? What characteristics would you suspect to be true about it? You might think:
It would be the most purchased book ever.
It would be the most translated book ever.
It would be the best historically preserved book of all time.
It would be completely accurate and without error.
It would be the self-revelation of God—disclosing knowledge about him.
It would be the most impactful book ever—affecting not just a nation, but the entire globe.
You might even think it would be dangerous for people to not read it.
All these things are true about the Bible. There is no other book like it, including other religious texts. In this study, we will consider the uniqueness of the Bible, especially in comparison to other books.
The Bible Is Unique In Its Creation;
The Bible has two authors: the first is God and the second is humans. In fact, God himself began writing the Bible. God wrote the Ten Commandments with his own hand. Exodus 31:18 says, “He gave Moses two tablets of testimony when he had finished speaking with him on Mount Sinai, tablets of stone written by the finger of God.”
Not only did he write the Ten Commandments, but the Bible teaches that every word of Scripture is “inspired by God,” even though human authors were used to record his words. Second Timothy 3:16 says: “Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” “Inspired by God” can also be translated as “God-breathed.”
How is it possible that Scripture has two authors—both God and humans? Second Peter 1:20-21 gives us a hint. It says:
Above all, you do well if you recognize this: No prophecy of scripture ever comes about by the prophet’s own imagination, for no prophecy was ever borne of human impulse; rather, men carried along by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
What does it mean to be “carried along by the Holy Spirit”? In Acts 27:15, its writer, Luke, uses the same phrase to describe a ship being carried by a storm. He said: “When the ship was caught in it and could not head into the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along.” In the same way, the sailors gave way to the power of the storm and were “driven” by it, so the authors of the Bible were “carried” by the Holy Spirit in the writing of Scripture. The Holy Spirit drove them along both in the writing of the content and in keeping them from error. The writers were present, they were thinking and writing, but they were being moved by the Spirit.
Consider some specific instances where we see the Bible being written by men. Deuteronomy 31:24–27 says,
When Moses finished writing on a scroll the words of this law in their entirety, he commanded the Levites who carried the ark of the Lord’s covenant, “Take this scroll of the law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God. It will remain there as a witness against you, for I know about your rebellion and stubbornness. Indeed, even while I have been living among you to this very day, you have rebelled against the Lord; you will be even more rebellious after my death!”
Similarly, the prophet Jeremiah received a call from God to write. Jeremiah 30:2 says, “The Lord God of Israel says, ‘Write everything that I am about to tell you in a scroll.” Throughout the Old Testament, God commissioned people to write Scripture so it would be preserved for future generations.
Likewise, the New Testament was written by people who were guided by the Holy Spirit. In John 14:26, Jesus said to his disciples, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and will cause you to remember everything I said to you.” Later, in John 16:12-13, Christ said:
I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. For he will not speak on his own authority but will speak whatever he hears, and will tell you what is to come.
God sent the Holy Spirit to inspire the disciples and bring to their remembrance all of Christ’s words. The Holy Spirit would not only bring things to their remembrance but also would give the disciples further revelation. In the following texts, Paul talks about his receiving further revelation:
When reading this, you will be able to understand my insight into this secret of Christ. Now this secret was not disclosed to people in former generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit, namely, that through the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 3:5-6
Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. For I did not receive it or learn it from any human source; instead I received it by a revelation of Jesus Christ.
Galatians 1:11-12
This is how the New Testament and the Old Testament were written: the Holy Spirit moved upon specific individuals to write the actual words of God, so God could reveal himself to people.
In what ways did the Holy Spirit inspire these men to write Scripture? The Holy Spirit inspired the writing of Scripture through different methods. Hebrews 1:1 says, “After God spoke long ago in various portions and in various ways to our ancestors through the prophets.” These various ways include:
1. Some parts of Scripture were written by dictation: the author wrote down exactly what God said. This is especially true in the Old Testament, as indicated by the prophet’s phrase, “Thus says the Lord!” When this happened, the audience knew the prophet was speaking verbatim from God.
2. Some parts of Scripture were written by the Holy Spirit inspiring the author’s words, yet embodying the author’s personality, education, writing style, and experiences. Most Scripture is written in this manner.
3. Some parts of Scripture were written using a historical method, including personal testimony and documented stories of eyewitnesses. For example, consider the introductions to 1 John and Luke:
This is what we proclaim to you: what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and our hands have touched (concerning the word of life—
1 John 1:1
Now many have undertaken to compile an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us like the accounts passed on to us by those who were eyewitnesses and servants of the word from the beginning.
Luke 1:1-4
John shared what he had personally seen and experienced, while Luke investigated and shared eyewitness accounts.
4. Some parts of Scripture were written using other unique methods, such as dreams, visions, and theophanies. Wayne Grudem’s insights on this method are helpful:
In between these two extremes of dictation pure and simple on the one hand, and ordinary historical research on the other hand, we have many indications of various ways by which God communicated with the human authors of Scripture. In some cases Scripture gives us hints of these various processes: it speaks of dreams, of visions, of hearing the Lord’s voice or standing in the council of the Lord; it also speaks of men who were with Jesus and observed his life and listened to his teaching, men whose memory of these words and deeds was made completely accurate by the working of the Holy Spirit as he brought things to their remembrance (John 14:26). Yet in many other cases the manner used by God to bring about the result that the words of Scripture were his words is simply not disclosed to us. Apparently, many different methods were used, but it is not important that we discover precisely what these were in each case.
In cases where the ordinary human personality and writing style of the author were prominently involved, as seems the case with the major part of Scripture, all that we are able to say is that God’s providential oversight and direction of the life of each author was such that their personalities, their backgrounds and training, their abilities to evaluate events in the world around them, their access to historical data, their judgment with regard to the accuracy of the information, and their individual circumstances when they wrote, were all exactly what God wanted them to be so that when they actually came to the point of putting pen to paper, the words were fully their own words but also fully the words that God wanted them to write, words that God would also claim as his own.1
The Bible Is Unique In Its Authorship;
One might think that the primary authors were ancient scholars and theologians; however, those are not the people God typically used. He often chose regular lay people, many lacking formal religious education. In Acts 4:13, Luke shared how the Pharisees were “amazed” at the courage of the apostles, as they could discern that “they [the apostles] were uneducated, ordinary men.” Scripture was written by farmers, fishermen, shepherds, tax collectors, and criminals. With that said, God also chose to use kings, government officials, and rabbis to author his Word. God used around forty authors from various backgrounds to write Scripture.
Why did God often use common, lay people to write Scripture? First Corinthians 1:27-29 may provide some insight into this. It says:
But God chose what the world thinks foolish to shame the wise, and God chose what the world thinks weak to shame the strong. God chose what is low and despised in the world, what is regarded as nothing, to set aside what is regarded as something, so that no one can boast in his presence.
It seems that God chose regular people to write the Bible to guard against the temptation of boasting in humanity (as we tend to do with authors, musicians, athletes, and political leaders), thus assuring that God would receive the glory.
The Bible Is Unique In The Time Frame It Took To Be Written;
Many famous writers will write approximately one page a day to complete a new book every year. In contrast, the Bible took around 1500 years to complete.
The Bible Is Unique In Its Unified Story;
Though the authors lived and wrote during different time periods, the books are not random nor fragmented. They teach a unified story, sometimes referred to as redemptive history. They show how the world fell into sin and came under a curse, and how God chose to save the world through a messiah. The Messiah came from the Jews, was rejected, crucified, rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven. Then, the authors detail how the gospel (the message of God saving people through their faith in the resurrected messiah) spread throughout the world, and how one day Christ will return to judge and bring forth the eternal state.
The unified story of these forty authors in sixty-six books, written over a 1,500-year time frame, is remarkable. It would be virtually impossible to find forty authors during the same time period (much less various time periods), who wrote on one subject from different angles without contradicting one another. Yet, the Bible does this over a 1,500-year period. There is no book like it.
The Bible Is Unique In Its Preservation;
How were the original manuscripts of the Bible continually and accurately copied so that we now have it in its original meaning, intent, and entirety today? Initially, it was written on various materials: on papyrus (a material woven from plants), on different types of animal skins, and occasionally on stone. The Old Testament, specifically, was copied over and over again by writers known as scribes.
Scribes followed stringent protocols. Before beginning to copy any text, they had to be freshly bathed and fully dressed. They had to write with meticulous accuracy at all times. Each manuscript had to be exactly the same; a piece of string had to be able to fit between every letter, and there had to be a space of a letter between each word.3 If they were writing God’s name, they could not use a newly dipped pen, lest they botch it. If a king entered the room or addressed them, they had to finish writing God’s name first. They maintained strict discipline in counting paragraphs, words, and letters to make sure that each page was the same and that they hadn’t made a mistake.4
Because of their painstaking diligence, thousands of Old Testament manuscripts, copied with tremendous accuracy, have been preserved over time. Likewise, Christian scribes meticulously copied the New Testament as well, striving to guard it from error. We have more ancient New Testament manuscripts than Old Testament manuscripts. The Bible is unique in its preservation.
The Bible Is Unique In Its Survival Of Criticism;
Throughout the ages, great criticism has always been directed toward the Bible, declaring its inaccuracy historically, scientifically, and doctrinally. However, new pieces of evidence, including archaeological findings, continue to support the accuracy of Scripture.
For example, though many in the scientific community have declared the impossibility of the Genesis flood, historical findings show that almost all ancient people groups record worldwide flood stories which include corresponding elements such as a warning of the flood, a large boat, the inclusion of animals in the boat, a family, and sending out birds to see if the flood had subsided.5 Dr. Richard Andree, a German scholar, collected eighty-eight ancient flood stories.
Similarly, others criticize Scripture by contending that its many inconsistencies and contradictions are actually errors. However, many of these “contradictions” are simply the results of people reporting the same event or doctrine from different angles. Other purported contradictions can be explained by understanding the relevant historical background and by comparing Scripture with Scripture.
In comparing Scripture with Scripture, for example, Matthew 27:5 says Judas hung himself, and Acts 1:18 says he bought a field, fell to the ground, and his guts spilled out. Many declare, “Look, there is another error!” However, upon further scrutiny, these two portions of Scripture appear to be the same event told from two distinct perspectives. Most likely, Judas hung himself, the rope broke, and because gas had built up in his stomach, that, combined with the impact of the fall, caused his abdomen to burst and his intestines to spill out. There is no error in the differing accounts of Matthew and Acts, merely different perspectives of the same event.
Jonah 2:6 describes how Jonah, after being thrown off the boat, sank down to the “roots of the mountains.” In past generations, people mocked that story: “What mountains? There are no mountains in the ocean!” they declared. However, today, because of technological advances, we know that some of the biggest mountains are in the ocean—something previous generations were not aware of.
A final example, Revelation 11:7-10 describes how, in the end, times, two prophets will be murdered, and people from all around the world will look at them, celebrate their death, and send gifts to one another. People used to declare, “How can people from all over the world look at two people in Jerusalem?” In the 1950s, nations started sending satellites to space, and today locations across the world can be seen live simply by clicking on a computer or other electronic devices. What seemed impossible 100 years ago, makes perfect sense now.
Specifically, considering the historical criticism Scripture has received, Scholar William F. Albright said this:
The excessive skepticism shown toward the Bible by important historical schools of the eighteenth and 19th centuries, certain phases which still appear periodically, has been progressively discredited. Discovery after discovery has established the accuracy of innumerable details and has brought increased recognition to the value of the Bible as a source of history.9
In addition, Nelson Glueck, the renowned Jewish archaeologist, wrote, “It may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a biblical reference.”10
The Bible is unique in its survival of criticism;
It continues to prove itself true scientifically, historically, doctrinally, and in many other ways, thwarting even the harshest attacks.
The Bible Is Unique In Its Survival Of Persecution;
Bibles could no longer be purchased online, and the government was rewriting parts of Scripture to better fit communist ideology. Likewise, in North Korea, a person can be executed for simply possessing a Bible. These countries are not alone in their attacks. Currently, the Bible is banned or restricted in around fifty-two countries worldwide. Most of these are communist or Islamic nations. However, even with the great antagonism which has existed against the Bible since its inception, the Bible is still the most published and translated book in the world.
Greg Brown has served twenty years in pastoral ministry, including twelve in his current position as a chaplain and professor at Handong Global University and the teaching pastor at Handong International Congregation. He also served as a U.S. Navy Reserve chaplain until his retirement in 2022. He earned a MA in religion and MA in teaching from Trinity International University, a MRE from Liberty University, and a PhD in theology from Louisiana Baptist University. In addition, he is the author of the best-selling series, The Bible Teacher’s Guide, which has over thirty books. Greg married his lovely wife, Tara, in 2006, and they have three children, Saiyah, Hannah, and Jaelin. His passion in life is to know God and serve him by studying, teaching, and writing to pass on the biblical deposit to others (2 Tim 2:2). To connect with Greg, please follow at
Miracles;
There are 34 distinct miracles recorded in the Bible, and still many believe that miracles are a thing of the past. I’m here to tell you that nothing could be further from the truth. Many of you right now may be enduring tragedy beyond your ability to comprehend, pain that sears the soul. I have great news for you...the Healer is in the house!
When you are facing a crisis...that’s when you need a miracle. The bigger the problem looming on the horizon, the bigger the miracle you will need. Sooner or later, something is going to happen in your well-ordered life that will catapult you into a raging storm. You will be facing a crisis beyond your power to control...something that will need supernatural interference to resolve.
You will hear the words “incurable, untreatable, inoperable” or something like “there is nothing more we can do.” Maybe the police will call to tell you that your child has been in a head-on collision, or your spouse in a moment of rage will ask for a divorce.
Let me be clear...we serve the God of the impossible. There is nothing that He cannot do. The problem isn’t our Savior; the problem is us. It’s easy to believe that Jesus walked on this earth performing miracles, healing the sick, and feeding the crowd with a boy’s sack lunch. But it’s difficult for us to believe that He will use this same miracle-working power in our own lives...today!.
But this is exactly what He has told us...that He will give us the power to perform miracles, to lay hands on the sick and they will recover (Mark 16:17-18). John 14:12-14 says, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to my Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”
God is waiting for us to ask, to invite Him into our situation. Are you waiting for a miracle in your life? Do you need something life-altering to save your life, your marriage, to renew your relationships, or your finances? Stop allowing fear to grab you by the throat and open up your mouth! There is a miracle waiting to come out. If you will begin to speak life instead of death, blessings instead of curses...you will see that Almighty God is waiting to bless you beyond your ability to contain.
The God of the Bible is a miracle-working God!
In the Genesis of time, He breathed into a handful of dirt and Adam became a living soul. He created the moon and flung the glittering stars against the velvet night to glisten like diamonds. Man has yet to begin counting them all, but our Creator calls them each by name. God set the sun ablaze, and this eternal flame is a miracle all its own. Do you think that He has forgotten about you? Not hardly!
3 John 1:2 tells us, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” His grace has never been withdrawn from us. The power to heal, to save, to deliver, to set the captive free...has never been diminished. The God that we serve is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). And of His Kingdom, there will be no end.
There are physical laws and there are supernatural laws. In the physical, when you put water in the freezer, it’s going to freeze. You will have ice cubes. That’s the only thing that can happen. When you meet God’s conditions for a miracle...the only thing that can happen in your life is a miracle.
How can you receive a miracle in your own life?
Confess your sin. Psalm 66:18 tells us, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear.” If you want God to hear you...ask for forgiveness before telling Him about the miracle you need in your life.
DISCOVER THE POWER OF GOD'S WORD
Dan Buttafuoco, an attorney in New York City, is president of the Historical Bible Society. He has written this powerful description of why we need to be reading Scripture every day.
The Bible is the single most important book ever written. It is an eyewitness account of historical events of such magnitude that they have literally shaped the world in which we live. Without this book, the Western world and a good deal of the Eastern world would be completely different today than if the events of this book had never occurred.
It is not too much to say that the events recorded in this book are claimed by a significant percentage of people who have ever lived on this earth to be the most important events ever recorded in the history of the world. This book is foundational to just about everything mankind will ever know or accomplish. It has directly led to massive undertakings of good will and charity. Because of this book, great projects have been undertaken, hospitals have been built, multitudes fed and clothed and orphanages founded.
Here are five primary reasons why you need to read the Bible. This article was written by Dan Buttafuoco, president of the Historical Bible Society.
REASON #1:
THE BIBLE HAS TRANSFORMED THE WORLD;
The importance of the bible would be impossible to claim to be an educated person in today's world without having at least some familiarity with the events contained in this book. Actually, all of the events contained in this book should be known by everyone.
A good number of people around the world read portions of this book every day. It is one of the most published and printed books in the history of the world. It has been printed in just about every known language (including braille) and each year, since it was first written, it has been the world's greatest bestseller year after year. As time marches on it is continually printed in yet more languages. Collectors of rare books treasure it in every form.
The Bible was the first book ever put to the printing press. The man who first printed it, Johannes Gutenberg, was recently voted the most important man to have ever lived within the past 1000 years!
A good number of museums exist today which are dedicated solely to this very book and the events contained therein.
The Bible is available in every corner of the globe, even where it is illegal to own or read this book. It is available in electronic format and on CD as well. You can find it on the internet for free. Famous actors and personages regularly quote it. It was quoted by William Shakespeare many times in his writings.
Worldwide organizations and associations have been formed because of this book and its message, many of them existing for centuries. Together they represent multiple hundreds of millions of members.
REASON #2:
PEOPLE ARE WILLING TO DIE FOR THIS BOOK
Importance of the Bible People have died torturous deaths simply to gain access to this book. You may, even now, be in a country where this book is discouraged or even banned outright. In many countries, it is a crime to distribute or even possess this book.
This book has been praised, cursed, restricted, banned, desecrated, burned and fought over. People swear on it and at it.
Some have tried to eliminate it. All who have tried have failed. People have suffered exquisite torture and loss of freedom and even their lives for printing it. This has occurred recently and over many centuries past, as well. It is, in fact, a regular occurrence in this world.
This book is simultaneously hated and loved. Once read it would be impossible to be indifferent to it; for its claims are monumental and beyond exaggerating. It provokes a strong response in either a positive or negative direction; you will either love it or hate it. It was meant to be so by design.
Reason #3: It’s the most accurate book of antiquity
Importance of Bible
The Bible is the most copied book of antiquity. Written over a time period of some 1,500 years, it was completed approximately 2,000 years ago. Yet, in all the centuries that have passed, none of its contents have ever been found inaccurate.
It has been translated into its present form directly from the original languages from a vast supply of ancient manuscripts sifted by the best minds and most competent scholars of our day and of many prior generations. It has been translated into every known existing language.
It is surpassingly accurate to the smallest details. Its contents, as translated, are as close to the original words of the authors as humanly possible. Only a few words of the entire book (a tiny, insignificant percentage) are in doubt as to the original words and none of the disputed text affects the message of the book. Additionally, new discoveries of previously unknown ancient manuscripts continue to provide ever greater accuracy to the contents of this book.
It has been sifted, studied, commentated upon and dissected more than any book in history. Volumes of books have been written about it and if they were stacked on top of one another they would reach to the sky.
Where this book can be verified by external events such as archeology, geography, custom, politics, culture, known world history and writings in other ancient texts it has been so verified as to be accurate in all respects. New discoveries always support it, never vice versa. It has never once been proven faulty on single detail or fact, although many have mightily tried and failed.
Reason #4: It contains a life-changing message of freedom
Importance of Bible
The Bible has liberated many from oppression by its clear teachings. It raises the dignity and rights of every human being ever born. It is truly an amazing and remarkable piece of writing. It contains clear teaching on the value and worth of every individual. It will astonish and surprise you and likely move you to tears.
It has freed minds and hearts throughout history. The events recorded in this book have generated more great works of art (and some not-so-great ones, as well) than any other subject matter in the history of the world. All the museums in the world, added together, could not possibly contain all of the artwork inspired by the events of this book.
This book itself represents true freedom. It has never been in the custody and control of a single group of people, unlike other important books. It belongs to everyone and it has been possessed by everyone, every culture and every tribe and race of people. Reading it will strike you directly in your heart. It has the “ring of truth” to all who love the same.
This book contains a message at its very core. It is a message to all people everywhere, in every time period, relevant to their everyday lives. It claims to be the very words of God… an audacious claim, for sure. It is for you to decide whether to believe the message of this book and apply it to your own life.
If you now know nothing about God, you will know a great deal about God after reading this book. If you believe you know much about God, you will know even more about him after you read this book. You may even decide to re-evaluate your knowledge of God after reading it.
Reason #5:
Importance of Bible
You may have heard of the “godman,” Jesus of Nazareth, also called the “Christ” (i.e., “Anointed One”). You may even think you know him. But if you have not read the account offered firsthand throughout this book, you will, in effect, know nothing definite about him. The entire Old Testament points to his coming, and the entire New Testament testifies to his teachings and actions.
His name has been used to bless people and it has been used as a curse word by those who despise him. People have been healed and set free in his name. One thing is for sure: when you meet Jesus in the pages of this book and understand who he claims to be it is impossible for you to remain indifferent to him.
This story is either the biggest fraud ever perpetrated on mankind or it describes Jesus as exactly who he claims to be: the Supreme Lord and Ruler over all of mankind and the very creator God of the Universe. Logically speaking, this is either a nice poetic story created from a fantasy with an intent to deceive you or a clear and accurate picture of God, who is our judge ( both mine and yours). You decide. If you think you know about God already, consider the source of that “knowledge” and examine if this book may, in fact, be a better source for true knowledge about the one true Creator God that made you and everything else, both known and unknown in this Universe.
People are free to reject this book and what it says. God made us “free moral agents” to choose as we desire. Yet, people violate the teachings and wisdom of this book at their own peril.
Because of the main person in this book, Jesus of Nazareth, time has been split into two main epochs (B.C. “before Christ” and A.D. “anno Domini” for “year of our Lord”).
Each year, over a billion people celebrate his birth, his death and his bodily resurrection from the dead.
Jesus is the only religious leader ever to make the claim that he has risen from the dead. All others are dead and buried. Abraham is dead. Moses is dead. Mohammed has died and remains dead, Buddha is dead, Gandhi is dead. Only Jesus claims to be alive. Even Muslims revere Jesus as a holy man and a great prophet. All told, about half of the world today accepts that this Jesus was a great and remarkable personage.
Conclusion
Keep turning the pages of this remarkable book. Read it with an open mind and open heart. It contains pure truth about God, about life, the nature of mankind and our own hearts as human beings. The Gospel of John is a wonderful place to start, but read the whole thing — Old and New Testaments. You’ll be amazed what you discover about God, and about yourself.
If this God is indeed your judge, before whom you will someday give an account of your life, it truly behooves you to be aware of who he is and the simple thing he asks of us before that solemn time comes. In essence, this book will help you to deal with that very event for which we are all destined. Be warned: you will not be the same after you read this book.
Content ©2013 Daniel P. Buttafuoco, used with express permission of the author.
1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He Makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the
valley of death, I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table befoe me in the presence
of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.
Glacier National Park, Canada
Come close to God [with a contrite heart] and He will come close to you. — James 4:8
I find it amusing that when I begin a study designed to teach others the life-lessons found in God’s Word that I am the one that benefits most from my time with Him.
A few weeks ago, I began a teaching on the Book of James. One of the points of my initial teaching was a verse we all know so well, “Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace].” (James 1:2-3)
I remember saying, “We are not asked by God to enjoy the trial but we are instructed to delight in the fact that the trial will bring us closer to Him.” What a beautiful promise! However, the moment we claim the promises found in God’s Word, the enemy rushes in like a flood and with it He brings a myriad of trials and tests.
The reality is that we must not only quote the Word we must live the Word until we are inseparable from it—it is the only way to walk away from our battles in victory. However, when troubles arrive we often feel isolated from God— separated from His presence.
Remember this valuable truth—no matter how distant we feel from God, He is never far from us—it is we, who have walked away. It is we, who need to draw closer to Him.
This truth should bring every believer hope. A hope that can only be found in Christ. It is the kind of hope that Paul speaks about when he declared, “…there is the bringing in of a better hope , through which we draw near to God.” (Hebrews 7:19) “…let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith…” (Hebrews 10:22). The good news is that Christ, through the Cross, has removed any obstacle that would separate us from Him!
Years ago, Derek Prince presented a teaching on the Book of Hebrews called, “Let Us Draw Near to the Throne of Grace.” In it, he speaks of the mercy and grace, which the Lord provides when believers take a step toward Him. Mercy is the unconditional love of God that keeps us from what we deserve and grace is the unmerited favor of God that gives us what we do not deserve. When the Lord of all creation invites us to come closer to Him—it benefits us to do so.
The first thing we must do is remove the barriers that keep us from His throne. What are some of these barriers? The first is sin. Sin separates us from God (Ezekiel 14:7) The Bible promises that if we repent of our transgressions then God is faithful to forgive us of our transgressions. (1 John 1:9)
Another barrier is unbelief. The Bible declares that unbelief will separate us from God, “Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God.” (Hebrews 3:12) God rewards those who believe in Him. (Hebrews 11:6)
Still another obstacle from God’s presence is a proud spirit. The Word of God warns “A man’s pride will bring him low, But a humble spirit will obtain honor.” (Proverbs 29:23)
When we remove the barriers and meet God’s conditions then He promises to draw closer to us—what encouragement that brings! God promises to lift up those who repent, who believe and who humble themselves in His sight, (James 4:10). Those that draw near to God in obedience to His Word will find God drawing near to them through His mercy and grace.
As we draw closer to God in faith, trust, and obedience, He promises to draw closer to us and deliver us from our troubles. If we repent and humble ourselves before God then He will reward us with His unmerited favor. He promises to lift up the humble (Matthew 23:12), He will revive their spirit (Isaiah 57:15) and He will hear their prayers
I count it all joy when the trials of this world confront me for it is an opportunity to draw closer to the God of my salvation for there I will find my peace.[/size
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” — Psalm 34:19
From the moment Hannah became a young bride, she was eager to become a mother, perpetuating the family name. However, God had other plans. He was silent for 19 years…even though the couple fervently prayed for a son to carry on the family name.
Imagine the years of pain as tears fell down Hannah’s face. Her husband took on another wife to bear a son, while Hannah’s womb remained closed. While she remained faithful to her Jewish traditions, her inadequacy consumed her. But she never lost faith in a miracle-working God. She continued to pray for her own miracle, not knowing when it would come.
Even though her husband hand numerous other sons with another wife, he still loved Hannah deeply. And Hannah felt in her heart that he had resigned himself to the fact that they would never bear a son together. She stood completely alone in her faith before God.
Sorrow is a natural human emotion, a feeling of deep distress, sadness or grief caused by loss, disappointment or adversity. God was silent as Hannah suffered the deep sorrow of barrenness, as she listened to the hushed whispers of gossip and ridicule from the other women in her community.
Psalm 34:19 reminds us that, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”
But our hope comes from the Lord. Hope helps each of us to believe in a positive outcome, regardless of our circumstances. Hope expects with confidence, and looks forward to great things with anticipation. Despite Hannah’s deep sorrow, she still held onto divine hope and belief that God would hear her cry and answer her prayer when the time was right. Yet, she surely struggled with doubt and despair.
Like each of us, Hannah had a choice to make. She could give up on her dream, or place her hope in the unshakable, unchanging grace of God. She could trust that He would fulfill her desire to have a son.
God’s love is perfect, and He is faithful to bring us out to rich fulfillment. And at a very advanced age (recorded as 90), Hannah gave birth to a son, Samuel. And Samuel remained a faithful servant of the Lord all the days of his life.
If you are going through a time of mourning or grieving right now in your own life, say this prayer and know that the Lord will hear you. He will answer you. Your day of rejoicing is on the way!
Lord, I ask that You give me the strength to cleanse my mind of any thoughts that cause my heart to grieve. As I wait on your answer, I am confident because my trust is in You. My heart takes courage in the fact that You have promised never to leave me nor forsake me. I will look to You as my source, even when I am suffering. Renew my mind. Encourage my heart. Give me hope for my future. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen!
God loves you and wants you to experience His forgiveness and healing from your past hurts and circumstances. God designed you uniquely and gave you specific gifts and talents to fulfill His purpose for your life. With His help, you can be guided into a life filled with joy and satisfaction.
God Loves You;
God loves you and wants you to know Him so He can fill you with peace and give you real life -- forever. "God loved the people of this world so much that He gave His only son, so that everyone who has faith in Him will have eternal life and never die." Jesus said, "I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest."
Since God planned for us to have peace and life, why are we so far from God?
We are Separated from God;
Since the beginning of time, we have chosen to disobey God and go our own way. We still make this choice today. This results in separation from God. "All of us have sinned and fallen short of God's holiness." Sin is choosing to say or do or think things that are against God’s plan. "The result of unforgiven sin is death. But God’s gift is eternal life given by Jesus Christ our Lord." There is only one way to reach God.
Jesus Christ Died for our Sins;
Jesus Christ is God's Son. He is the only One who can bring us back to God. Jesus died on the Cross and rose from the grave. He paid the penalty for our sins and bridged the gap between God and people.
"There is only one God, and Christ Jesus is the only One who can bring us to God." "Christ died once for our sins. An innocent person died for those who are guilty. Christ did this to bring you to God."
God has provided the only way – we must make the choice.
Gospel Presentation;
We Must Receive Christ;
We must trust Jesus Christ to forgive our sins and receive Him as our Savior and serve Him as our Lord. "As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believed on His name."
Would you like to give your life over to Jesus Christ right now? If so, you can pray the following prayer and accept Jesus as your Savior:
Dear Lord Jesus;
I know that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I believe that You died on the cross for my sins and rose from the grave to give me life. I know You are the only way to God. So now I want to quit disobeying You and start living for You. Please forgive me, change my life and show me how to know You. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Did you pray this prayer and ask Jesus into your life?
To believe that Jesus is who He says He is is one thing
The second is, to ask Him into our hearts and lifes.
First, an important question: are you born again? Have you trusted the Lord Jesus Christ for your salvation?
If so, the enmity between you and your Creator is gone, and you have entered a secure and loving relationship with God. If you have no faith in Christ, then you have no relationship with God (John 14:6).
Feelings come and go, and you may not always “feel” love for God. Hearts tend to grow cold, and even the most on-fire Christians can struggle with maintaining their love and service to God. The church in Ephesus had to be reprimanded by Christ: “You have forsaken the love you had at first” (Revelation 2:4). A lack of feelings of love, however, does not mean the relationship has ended. God does not change; His love is constant.
As cliché, as it may sound, don’t give up! Know that God loves you and desires for you to have an abundant and peaceful life within the parameters of His will. God is a loving, compassionate Father who looks upon you in great love. Second Corinthians 1:3 describes God as “the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.” He loves you and desires to help you through this trying time of feeling disconnected from Him.
Our relationship with God is based on love. He loved us and sent His Son (John 3:16), and our response to His love is to love Him in return (1 John 4:19) and serve Him. Not service out of obligation, but out of true love for Him and who He is. God’s will is not that we give of ourselves “reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). So how do you become that “cheerful giver” who gives your heart freely to God?
Reflect upon your walk thus far;
Should Christians feel warm and fuzzy toward God at all times? No. We all have valleys and deserts in our walk and feel all kinds of emotions at various points in our lives—just like we do in other relationships. In rekindling your affection for God, start at the very beginning. Reflect on where and how your walk with Him first began. When were you saved? Why were you saved? What did you feel when you first began to discover who God was? How has Jesus made Himself known to you in your daily life since? What things in life has God brought you through? Consider past victories (1 Samuel 7:12) and those times when you felt a deep desire and longing for God in your life.
Pray; Be honest with Him;
Spend some quality time with God. Get to know Him more. To know Him is to love Him. Ask God to increase your desire for Him. Ask Him to fill you with His Spirit and rekindle your appreciation of His character. Continue submitting to the Holy Spirit and confess to God that you cannot overcome these struggles on your own—none of us can. When we ask for His helping hand, He always hears us! Psalm 18:6 says, “In my distress, I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears.”
Read Scripture;
During the times when you feel nothing toward God, it helps to read His Word to remember how He feels about you. Dig into Scripture as much as possible while dealing with these feelings of disinterest. God’s Word is truly “a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105). Try reading a psalm a day. The book of Psalms is very encouraging and has many prayers that you might really identify with, given your current situation. It is in the Word that God reveals Himself and His will for you.
Seek Christian counseling;
This is especially important if you are angry or upset with God for some reason. It is difficult to feel love for someone while you are angry at him. If there is an anger problem, how long have you felt this way? Can you attribute your feelings to a specific situation? Does anything help relieve your feelings or temporarily change your perception? Biblical counseling can help you. ...............
What you do and say on social media actually matters. While many Christians carry themselves with kindness and grace at church, once they tap that social media app they transform into some kind of snarling beast.
Christians are called to be Christ’s ambassadors: “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20).
But for some reason on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, many times, it seems like Christ is completely absent from our minds.
Here are some tips to help us better represent Christ online — by addressing common pitfalls of Christians on social media: image, attitude, discernment, distractions and nastiness.
ATTITUDE;
1) Don’t be so negative
Here’s a fact: There’s far more bad news than good news on social media.
Christians can easily tap into that and lament the growing immorality and loss of truth around us. But we have to be careful not to be in a constant state of negativity. When Christians are more well-known for what they are against than what they are for, we all lose. On your social media accounts, be sure to share truth, beauty, and goodness.
Phillippians 4:8 calls believers to think in this way: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Rejoice in goodness. Share beauty. Show love;
2) Don’t get caught in every outrage wave;
Every day the world is up in arms about something. We debate new laws, point fingers in the aftermath of tragedy, and feel the need to defend or attack every presidential tweet. I know so many college and seminary educated Christians whose Twitter feeds amount to nothing more than their commentary on current hot topics.
Certainly, some battles are worth fighting, but in reality, most people don’t care about any of these controversies after a few months have passed. Christians would be better off representing their savior with dignity and charity than having a meltdown over whatever the headlines were that day.
DISTRACTIONS;
3) Don’t be too partisan
Politics are important, but they are not the most important. Politics can become a serious distraction from the Gospel and the Great Commission.
Over the years I’ve spoken to many unbelievers who equated Christian beliefs with their parents’ political views. Their family was more outspoken about their political beliefs than their religious beliefs, and it’s no wonder the kids picked up that the politics mattered more than the truth of God’s word.
What a shame! Let me ask you a question. If someone were to scan through your social media accounts, what would they think mattered more to you, your faith or your political party?
There’s a balance to be held for sure, but I think it’s safe to say that too many Christians seem to give too much weight to politics.
4) Don’t use crude memes;
There’s no doubt about it, memes are huge in our culture. But a lot of memes feature double entendre, risqué pictures, and generally crude joking.
Just like you shouldn’t say dirty jokes, don’t make dirty memes. Don’t like them. Don’t share them.
IMAGE;
5) Don’t self-elevate
Glorifying self is the oldest sin the book. Adam & Eve fell to the serpent’s lies desiring to elevate themselves and be “like God,” and the same serpent is quietly hissing in our ears today. Avoid the temptation to use social media as an avenue to make yourself look great.
The following rules cover specific ways we self-elevate.
6) Don’t humblebrag
We all know it sounds tacky to brag right? So what do we do? We humble-brag!
Here are some examples: We cover up bragging with self-deprecation. (“So sore from working out at the gym for 2 hours every day before work. I’m just so out of shape!”) We use others to make ourselves look good. (“I was so encouraged eating dinner with Chris Tomlin last night. So honored to have a good friend like him who remembers nobodies like me!”) Or, we just straight up use the word “humble”. (“I’m so humbled that my latest YouTube video went viral! #humbled #blessed”)
At the end of the day, humblebrags serve to say, “Look at me! I’m amazing AND I’m humble!”
Instead of humblebragging, just celebrate! “I got my dream job!” “Thankful for my new car!”
It’s OK to celebrate and people want to celebrate with you, but don’t ruin that with a humblebrag.
7) Don’t “spiritual-brag”
I’m a young person in ministry, and I know a lot of other young people in ministry.
One thing most of us have in common is that we don’t have a lot of money. I commonly see young Christians share things online like, “Our budget has been tight lately but we’re so thankful to have a loving family and a roof over our heads.”
While that is a good sentiment, why are we really posting those thoughts for all of social media land to see? We might as well translate that post to say “Look how spiritual we are because we are thankful even though we aren’t rich!”
Showing off your virtues online looks an awful lot like the hypocrites Jesus condemns in Matthew 6:5: “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.”
When you do good things, don’t seek affirmation from your Facebook friends. The affirmation from your Father in heaven is all you need.
8) Don’t brag about your social media fast
Honestly, I get sick of seeing people post about their social media fasts. There seems to be this obligation for Christians to announce, “I’m been spending too much time on social media lately, and I’m going to take some time off to spend more time with God. If you need to contact me, you can contact me by email or text.”
First of all, no one is really that concerned others might need to contact them. But more importantly, Jesus specifically said not to announce your fasting!
“But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:17-18).
I 100% believe that it is good to fast from social media for a season, but here’s a simple fact: You don’t need to tell the world when you do. More often than not, this amounts to bragging and extolling your own goodness.
9) Don’t act like you have it all together
When my wife and I were dating, we would often talk via Skype or Facetime. Back then I was a total and complete slob, but I didn’t want her to see my messiness in the background of our video chat. So what did I do?
I would push any mess to be just out of sight! That same urge I felt to look put together is felt by Christians all the time on social media.
We’ll share the photo of our family smiling perfectly, but we wouldn’t want the world to know that in order to get the picture we yelled at our kids to behave and bribed them with ice cream.
But it’s all a sham. Have the courage to be real. Share the photos of crying kids. Laugh at your own cooking fail. While you might not look perfect, you will be honest. And as an ambassador for truth, being trustworthy is more valuable than being attractive.
DISCERNMENT
10) Don’t blindly trust all “Christian” sources
There are dangers on two sides here. The first is from false teachers.
I’ve seen many Christians quick to protect false teachers and prosperity gospel preachers against unbelievers because the false teacher claims to be a Christian. Be wary because that “pastor” you are defending might be a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
The other side actually comes from seemingly conservative Christian bloggers and news sources. They will travail the moral failings of our world, but teach legalism without grace. These teachers are dangerous because many of their values might align with ours, but just like there were Pharisees in Jesus’ day, there are plenty of moral people today who don’t understand the gospel.
11) Don’t blindly share “Christian” quotes
There are a lot of inspirational quotes out there that actually contradict scripture.
There’s this one famous quote often shared by Christians that says, “I can’t believe God would want me to deny myself.”
But the Bible actually says the opposite. “Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).
Before you share that encouraging “Christian” quote, check to see if it lines up with what the Bible says.
12) Don’t give in to “Christian” peer pressure
So many posts or images end saying something like, “If you love Jesus, like and share. If you don’t, do nothing.”
This is nothing more than grade-school manipulation so people can get more likes on their posts.
NASTINESS;
13) Don’t be mean
I’m just going to say it, Christians can be downright rude, mean, and nasty on social media.
Now, when we read the Gospels, we see Christ using severe language with some people but note He is only harsh with the self-righteous. With the lost, the prostitutes, the tax collectors, He is gracious.
Consider Colossians 4:5-6, “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
14) Don’t attack people
If someone shares a post, video or article I disagree with, I try to never attack the person. “How can any intelligent person believe this?” “Only a fool would believe this garbage.” These are all examples of what not to do.
When I get in a disagreement online, whether they are believers or unbelievers, I try to follow this principle: Don’t attack people, counter arguments.
Here’s a better way to disagree:
First, ask clarifying questions. Try to get a clear reason why the person believes what they believe. Then respectfully share why you disagree with their belief. Some people will get nasty no matter how polite you are. Usually that’s a good sign that you don’t need to continue the conversation.
15) Don’t be too proud to apologize
Several months ago, I received an apology from a believer who admitted they got out of line in a disagreement on Facebook. I was blown away!
Sometimes you might get carried away. Sometimes you might realize after the fact that you probably sounded antagonistic to the other person.
Have the humility to say you’re sorry.
Bonus rule #1) Thank people for being civil
It seems like having a civil disagreement has become a rare phenomenon, but we need to learn how to disagree with charity.
Bonus rule #2) Be an encourager!
In a world where people disagree and fight over every issue, we all could use some solid encouragement. Congratulate people on their accomplishments. Let them know you appreciate their thoughts. And above all, show the love that Jesus has shown you.
YOU ARE CHRIST’S REPRESENTATIVE ONLINE
Social media has changed the world and the very nature of communication. We are all able to broadcast our every thought and opinion at an unprecedented scale. But Christians must not forget that everywhere we go, we represent our savior.
So before you post, tweet, or share, remember, you are an ambassador for Christ.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
How to Love the People You Don’t Like
Do you have people in your life that you really don’t like? Maybe you work with some of them. How can we love people we don’t really like? And yes, even Christians have people in their lives they do not like. I know of no scriptural directive which commands us to like everyone. But I know many verses that tell us to love other people. Here are just a few:
1 John 4:21: “And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.”
1 John 4:8: “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
Jesus said: “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them…But love your enemies…” (Luke 6:32 & 35a).
Leviticus 19:18b: “But love your neighbor as yourself.”
In fact, Jesus said there are two great and primary commandments and simply put, they are: Love God and love people. In fact, Jesus said that all the commandments hang on these two commandments—they are foundational to our faith.
Easy to say—right? Love God, love people—but when you run into unlikable people, you feel like you’ve hit the spiritual brick wall. Since we cannot like them, we usually conclude that we cannot love them either. Isn’t it true that we just naturally think you have to like someone before you can love them? Like is the first step—the beginning of love. So how can you love someone you don’t like?
Part of the problem is that love has different definitions and we sometimes get them confused. In the Bible, we find three types of love in the original language. The first is Philos, which is the love we have toward friends, family and others in our lives. Philos love is what Paul describes in Romans 12:10: “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
Then there is Eros love, which is a more physical form of love. It’s the kind of love shared between a husband and wife, hopefully accompanied by Philos love as well.
Then there is Agape love, which is the unconditional love that God has for you and me. Nothing you do can change how God loves you. Ephesians 2:4-5 describes this Agape love:
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
This is love which loves because its own inherent nature is to love. That’s why the Bible says, “God is love.” Love is his nature.
The kind of love that we need in order to love people we don’t like is agape love. Now, agape love is not a feeling. We can love with agape love whether the feelings are present or absent, whether they are good or bad, whether this love is reciprocated or not. It is not a feeling.
Agape love is an action. That’s how it’s always described in scripture. The Bible tells us that we know that God loves us because he sent his Son into the world to redeem us. We know that Jesus loves us because he gave his life for us. The Bible says, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man give his life for a friend.” And God says that he will know that we love him if we keep his commandments.
God’s kind of love is an action, not a feeling. Now, that really is good news, because it means that we can love people toward whom we do not necessarily have good feelings. You can love people toward whom you have no feelings at all. Since love is an action, you can obey God’s command to love everyone.
First Corinthians 13 is a good place to look for a practical description of love. A few of these are:
Patience: When you act with patience toward someone, you are loving them. Keep in mind that love is not a feeling, so we don’t have to feel patient. Can you remember acting with patience even when you did not feel patient?
Not Jealous: When you refuse to behave jealously or possessively, you are showing love.
Has Good Manners: Just plain courtesy is a love action. How often we forget good manners, like not interrupting others when they’re talking, letting others go ahead of us, etc. Those are love actions.
Unselfish: Agape love acts in an unselfish manner, without pursuing selfish advantage or trampling over others in trying to get where you want to get. Remember, you don’t have to feel unselfish, you only have to act unselfish.
Endurance: When other people have given up and left, agape love will still be there, hanging in with someone. It will endure all things. It will keep listening to someone, even when you think you cannot listen to another word from that person.
These are just a few of the many love actions available to us. Others include gentleness, compassion, tolerance, etc.
You know, God’s love to us is not based on how he feels about us. He may be, and I’m sure often is, very displeased with us as individuals, yet his love and his goodness toward us are constant. Therefore, he does not require us to have good feelings toward everyone, but rather to act in love toward everyone.
Write it on a piece of paper and tape it to your mirror, your desk, over your sink, put it on your screen saver—wherever you will see it often: Love is not a feeling; love is an action!
You don’t have to like someone to love them. Webster defines like as to “feel an attraction, tenderness or affection for” someone. We say “I like you because…” – and we list the things we like about the person.
To love someone we don’t particularly like, we have to be willing to say “I love you in spite of…” in spite of the things about you that I may not like. You don’t have to feel guilty about not liking everyone.
I’m sure there were people Jesus did not like. Ever read what he said to the religious hypocrites of his day? He said they were of their father, the devil. He called them whited sepulchers. Pretty direct. I don’t think he liked them very much at all.
But I know he loved them, because he was willing to die for them. Love is not a feeling, love is an action. So, this is our responsibility: to love others, whether we like them or not. And what is love? Love is an action.
Paul said in his letter to the Romans that the Holy Spirit, who was given to us, has poured out the love of God within our hearts (Romans 5:5). Think about God’s love for you. John wrote:
“To us, the greatest demonstration of God’s love for us has been his sending his only Son into the world to give us life through him. We see real love, not in the fact that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to make personal atonement for our sins” (1John 4:9-10, J.B. Phillips translation).
And remember, God loves those people you don’t like just as much as he loves you. Remember how he loves you, even when you’re not very lovable. That’s the beginning of learning how to love other people.
A prerequisite to developing love actions toward those unlikable people in your life is to pray for them. Sincerely, regularly pray for their welfare. As much as you know about them, pray in detail for them. Ask God to show you what love actions to take toward them. And pray for them. . . a lot! Jesus taught us to pray for our enemies, and those who despitefully use us.
Then, as you think about each of these people you don’t like, decide which love actions would be appropriate for each one. Does one require a lot of patience? Does one require compassion or endurance? Then set your will to act with those love actions toward those people.
A good friend shared how God put her in a job with people she just didn’t like very much. So, she applied for a promotion, looking forward to moving away from those people.
So she began what she called “Project Love,” and she looked for ways to develop relationships with those unlikable people. Her method was to invite them to have lunch with her, her treat. And she began to build bridges to these people and develop relationships with them. Of course, in doing that, she discovered they had burdens and problems, and they discovered that she was a caring person. A few months later she got that promotion she wanted, but she still kept in touch with those unlikable people that she had purposed to love. Several of them have turned to her for help in troubled times. In fact, one now considers her a very close friend, and this is the woman who was most rude and unkind to her before.
What a good idea—Project Love. Maybe you could use her method, and start to find ways to reach out to those unlikable people with the love of Jesus Christ that is within you. Remember, this kind of love is not necessarily a feeling. It is the unconditional love like God gives you and then empowers you to give it to others. What miracles we could see if we’d be willing to love some people we don’t like so very much.
How can you be sure that love isn’t a feeling? Well, God commands you to love, and since feelings can’t be commanded, love can’t be a feeling. I can’t order you to be happy right now because feelings cannot be commanded. But I could command you to sit down, or stand still, or walk over here, and you could easily do it because those are actions you can do regardless of your feelings. So, when God tells us we are to love others, he isn’t talking about trying to conjure up some fake feelings toward someone we don’t particularly like. Rather he is talking about how you treat people, what you do for them, how you respond to them. That’s because with God, love is an action, not necessarily a feeling.
We have designed a nice sign – “Love is an action” with 1 John 4:21: “And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” You’ll find it here. Please print it out and put it in places where you’ll see it often. Or let us know if you’d like us to mail this sign to you—this reminder to help you love people—even those you don’t particularly like.
Hope Bible Church
THE FRUITS OF PRIDE
The Root of Everything Evil
Most people do not consider themselves proud or vulnerable to pride. Yet, this is one of the major categories of sin the Bible says is in each of our hearts.
1 John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
For everything in the world–the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does–comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.”
Pride is the first sin and the most serious sin. Pride is our greatest problem. Not the devil. Not low self-esteem. Not our upbringing or injustices suffered.
God Hates Pride
God hates pride; we must learn to hate what God hates and to love what God loves. How much do you hate pride?
Proverbs 8:13 “To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behaviour and perverse speech.”
Proverbs 11:2 “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
Proverbs 16:5 “The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.”
Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
God is not out to hurt your pride he is out to kill your pride.
Pride is Serious
God is opposed to the proud. You don’t want God as your opponent.
James 4:6 “But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.””
1 Peter 5:5 “Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'”
Luke 14:11 “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.””
The way up is the way down. Completely the opposite of the world. Humble yourself and you will be exalted; exalt yourself and you will be humbled.
Humility is Critical to Receiving God’s Grace
Proverbs 11:2 “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
Proverbs 15:33 “The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honour.”
Proverbs 18:12 “Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.”
Proverbs 29:23 “A man’s pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honour.”
Isaiah 57:15 “For this is what the high and lofty One says—he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.”
1 Peter 5:6 “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”
Isaiah 23:9 “The LORD Almighty planned it, to bring low the pride of all glory and to humble all who are renowned on the earth.”
God resists the proud in order to show them their need of him. This results in his glory.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 “To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
We must change the source of our lives. You are weak whether you know it or not. Abiding is how you live the Christian life.