It’s not often we think about who we are, so let’s talk about it.

Who we are is not what we do or what we have done, but something more fundamental.

Knowing who we are keeps us focused on what is important and secure from those who try to push us around.  It makes us a strong, confident overcomer.

We’re going to come back to that question, but let’s start with something basic−something obvious but important:

What are we?

Can we all agree that, biologically, we share much in common with the rest of the animal kingdom? Like them, we possess a brain, a liver, a digestive tract, and a system of many other organs.

Scientists describe our bodies as a vast collection of fundamental particles, such as quarks and electrons, that form atoms, molecules, and cells, which combine to create systems that work together and form our bodies.

The scale is truly breathtaking: a single cell contains approximately 23 trillion molecules, and the human body contains roughly 30 trillion cells. All of these components work together in an unimaginably complex and magnificent symphony.

For much of our lives, our bodies are mostly self-healing, allowing many of us to enjoy years of health. We live in a time of increasingly advanced healthcare that helps our bodies repair, function better, and cope with disorders. This significantly extends both our lifespan and quality of life.

Over time, our bodies begin to fail, either gradually or suddenly. Whether from a heart attack, untreatable cancer, or any of hundreds of diseases, accidents, neglect, or normal aging — eventually — the physical chemistry of our bodies reaches its end. It’s natural to forget that we have so little time before our bodies are beyond repair.

This raises a question at the very core of our existence: “Are we more than chemistry, and is there anything beyond our brief physical lifespan?” How we answer this question will dramatically shape our identity. Consider two possibilities:

The Material View states, “I am just a set of chemical reactions.”

The Transcendental View holds that “I am more than just a temporary combination of chemicals.”

There are many sincere perspectives on this topic.  From our personal encounters and the unique paths we have each experienced, we have come to believe that we are more than chemistry. Some of us have moved from atheism or agnosticism to believing that there is a God who created us and that He has communicated with us through both writing and action.

Some may be hesitant or closed off to considering what the Bible says, but we hope you will take time to listen and perhaps find this content extremely valuable, regardless of your decision.

As we explore these ideas, we will closely examine the Bible. We recognize that the Bible is unfamiliar to many, so we invite you to learn more by clicking here. <<click here PAGE_New2Bible >>.

We believe the Bible is inspired by God, and His message is conveyed through people to give us what is best for us. As we read in a New Testament letter:

We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:19

What do we need for an eternal relationship with God?

A big part of any relationship is knowing and being known. God wants you to know Him, and He wants to hear from you as well.

As human beings, we are amazing, wonderful, creative, and capable of great good. Yet from history and personal experience, we know we are also broken and flawed. Despite our failures and our seeming insignificance in this universe, God’s very nature is to reach out in love. King David wrote:

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? Psalms 8:3

God is always faithful to His character, to His words, and to His love for us.

I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. Jeremiah 31:3

But without His help, the relationship with God is broken, and it is broken on our end. Without God’s help, our nature makes it impossible to be in God’s presence. The fundamental problem is that God is perfect, far beyond anything we’ve ever known. And, of course, we are not even close to perfect. When God was talking to Moses, He said:

“You cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.” Exodus 33:20

It’s helpful to see our condition from God’s point of view.  Jesus gave us a little insight:

“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Matthew 5:21

When we are unduly angry or hateful, God regards that attitude as murder.  The earthly consequences of murder can be dramatic, but from God’s perspective, the hidden thought is as serious as the act.

Likewise, Jesus taught:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:27

Again, the consequence of committing adultery is terrible, but God is also looking at the condition of our hearts.

None of us is perfect or ready to face God. Some people in the Bible, and even today, have been shocked by God’s purity, holiness, and glory.

About 740 years before Jesus was born, a man named Isaiah met God.  Isaiah was startled to realize he had “unclean lips,” meaning he had spoken words that offended God.  We don’t recognize how broken we are until we see God’s glory, even a glimpse of it.

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” Isaiah 6:1

Isaiah was terrified upon seeing the Lord, and this experience changed his life; he became a great prophet, warning the Israelites of judgment and exile for their behavior.  He also foretold the coming of Jesus.

Likewise, the prophet Daniel also had a direct encounter with God:

On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, I was by the great Tigris River.  When I looked up, I saw a man dressed in linen, with a belt of gold from Uphaz around his waist. His body was like beryl. His face looked like lightning. His eyes were like flaming torches. His arms and legs looked like polished bronze. When he spoke, his voice sounded like the roar of a crowd. I, Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision. The men with me didn’t see the vision. Yet, they started to tremble violently, and they quickly hid themselves. So I was left alone to see this grand vision. I had no strength left in me. My face turned deathly pale, and I was helpless. I heard the man speak, and as I listened to his words, I fainted facedown on the ground. Daniel 10:4

The apostle John is regarded as Jesus’ closest follower and friend, yet he had a vision of Jesus and was likewise overwhelmed:

[There was] “someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead.” Revelation 1:13

People today also have this type of encounter. These verses give us a summary of the difference between the purity of God and our condition:

Coming into the presence of God is far more serious than we realize. God is completely devoid of sin and darkness. We are not ready to be in His presence unless God fulfills our need for change.

There is a popular idea that says, “I’m okay with God if my good outweighs my bad.” In other words, we define ourselves by the balance of our good deeds against our bad ones. Most people would say they are basically good—perhaps acknowledging a few mistakes, but noting that “no one is perfect.” We might even compare ourselves to others, declaring, “At least I’m not a murderer, a thief, or a habitual liar; therefore, I’m okay.”

However, we live in a world so saturated with darkness that it’s difficult to notice our own. Do you ever feel something is missing even as we have adjusted to its absence? Are we evaluating ourselves by the wrong standard?

History records that mankind is marked by evil, both on a large scale, such as war, and at a personal level.  Perhaps you have experienced this firsthand, hurt by the sins of others. Maybe you have experienced broken relationships, selfishness, gossip, theft, and violence. Perhaps, like everyone else, you have also dished out some evil, even if you have always tried to be good.

The Greek word for “sin” means “missing the mark,” as when someone shoots an arrow at a target and misses the bullseye. We might aim to do what is right, but as humans, we will inevitably fail. Could anyone claim to have lived a perfect life?

In a court of law, a conviction is not based on our overall goodness. Guilt is not based on goodness but on violations. For example, if someone robs a bank at age 40, they are guilty, even if they didn’t rob banks for the first 39 years.

You may have heard the phrase “ignorance of the law is no excuse.” The book of Romans opens with the truth that we have all sinned, whether or not we know the Old Testament law.

For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. … Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. Romans 3:9

Our guilt becomes clear when we know the law, even if we learn it only after our violations.

So, God rightly sees us in this way:

“all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23

How do we make this right? Can we get right with God by our own effort?  Someone might think, “I’ve screwed up in the past, but I’ll get it right from now on”. However, God says:

“Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. You must be born again”. John 3:3

The term “Born again” is not literal, of course; Jesus is revealing that we need to be remade, new and clean.  A self-improvement program isn’t enough.

Even the best of us doesn’t measure up. Jesus taught:

Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Matthew 11:11

So, the greatest person who ever lived is not fit for heaven! Our need is infinitely greater than our ability to fix it.

Here’s an analogy to consider: 

It’s a very hot day, and someone offers you two identical-looking glasses of ice-cold lemonade. You are told that the left glass is pure, while the right glass contains a single drop of a deadly poison. Even so, the right glass is still about 99.9% pure. The poison cannot be filtered out, and no one can make it safe. The choice is obvious: pour out the poisoned glass.

It’s not that God doesn’t love us. It’s not that we shouldn’t live a good life. But we cannot enter His presence without being transformed and perfected.

Nothing impure will ever enter it, [the city of heaven], nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. Revelation 21:27

Would you want God to bring sinful, stained people into heaven? Would you want to spend eternity with others who continue to do evil? Would you want to struggle to be perfect constantly?  Why would God keep this broken system in heaven?  Isn’t it going to be wonderful to see the contrast between this world and heaven?

Jesus foretold that the apostle Paul would suffer greatly, and the list of his sufferings proved truly terrifying. Even so, Paul wrote:

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Romans 8:18

In this life, God might and certainly can heal us, but in God’s wisdom, we may suffer like Paul, who said:

In order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given 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.” 2 Corinthians 12:7

After we leave this life, we might grieve deeply. Just as a parent would help a child who has fallen off a bike, God will heal the wounds from this world, and the suffering will end.

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4

Who is God?

Ask yourself, “How would I describe God?”

This is a real challenge. 

   How can my puny little brain understand God?

   How do I form a reasonable picture of God without being incorrectly influenced by others?

Trying to understand God, by analogy, is like a bacterium in a test tube trying to understand and evaluate the scientist at work.  God’s not in the test tube, we are.

We can easily create an imaginary god to suit our desires. We create our own set of rules, judge ourselves by them, and then expect our god to applaud our goodness.

Even worse, some sit in judgment over the God of the Bible because He doesn’t agree with our rules or desires. Some hold court, convicting Him of violating our laws. They close the case and never listen again.

As Jesus approached Jerusalem, He knew He would be murdered and that a cataclysmic disaster would await the city in a few decades. Jesus died around AD 33, and the Romans would destroy Jerusalem and the Second Temple around AD 70. The Jews would be exiled across the world, only to reestablish the nation of Israel in 1948. Jesus mourns with compassion:

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate. Matthew 23:37

As with much of human history, many stories in the Bible are tragic. When people abuse one another and dishonor God, He sends prophets to proclaim warnings. If the warnings are ignored, He eventually sends His people into enslavement and exile under brutal enemies. From there, we see true repentance, only to see it ignored again in a couple of generations.

The Bible compares ignoring God to an earthly marriage in which one partner repeatedly commits adultery and refuses to change.  A good-hearted spouse will warn them and remain ready to rebuild the marriage.  But after many warnings, the good spouse, in grief, accepts that the marriage is over.

A warning can seem harsh and yet be a great help.  For example, a smoke detector is annoying. A smoke detector is designed to be annoying. If it goes off at 3 am while your family is asleep, it’s natural to hate it. You have choices. You can remove the smoke detector’s battery or take a hammer to it, then go back to sleep. But if there is a real fire, the warning that could save your family is priceless.

In the Old Testament, God issues many warnings and shows the consequences of sin, pointing to the ultimate and final sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. In the New Testament, Jesus came to fix the system, or we might say He won the war at the cross, but the cleanup is still in progress. Jesus said:

I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven… he was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell. 2 Corinthians 12:2

God has chosen to reveal much about Himself in the Bible. Here’s a good place to start and to know God as He describes Himself:

 “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished…”  Exodus 34:6

The name LORD here, in all caps, is God’s personal name. God is called by other titles that describe His position, power, and authority. These descriptive names are much like “King”, “Military Commander”, “Doctor”, “Provider”, and so forth. To keep this simple, let’s say that God’s personal name can be translated “I Am that I Am”, which is very unusual. He’s always existed and always will. When we were born, our parents or guardians gave us a name, but there was no one to name God; it seems that He is outside our timeline. This personal name also signifies His glorious and intense presence in the past, present, and future.

One of the qualities listed above is that God is “abounding in love”. Some qualities of love are listed in this verse:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4

None of us has been perfectly abounding in love, but God’s very nature is pure love, among a long list of other qualities.

God also gets angry and administers justice for how people treat one another.  There are times when it is right to be angry.  Jesus got angry, but His anger was not about Himself.  He knew He would be assaulted and murdered, yet He didn’t complain.  However, Jesus became furious at the religious leaders who chose to obey a few commands while ignoring the others:

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. Matthew 23:23

Jesus was also furious at the abuse of God’s temple. Non-Jews, called Gentiles, would travel long distances at great expense to worship God. It was too hard to carry animals, and they needed to exchange money. These were necessary businesses, but the area set aside for Gentiles to pray became a place for those conducting business, causing noise and the stench of animal droppings. Jesus was furious:

When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.” John 2:13

Jesus healed some people on the Sabbath, a day God set aside for rest.  Instead of rejoicing that a disabled person was miraculously healed, the religious leaders used this to say He was sinning.

Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.” Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent. He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus. Mark 3:1

At the exact moment in history that God had planned, during a Passover festival, Jesus came to Jerusalem in peace, riding a donkey, the symbol of a King at peace, and was joyfully received by most. But even after the cross, as we know all too well, evil remains pervasive. When He returns, He will come on a war horse, and there will be war. He will destroy the Devil, his angels, and those who refuse to surrender. The old, broken system will vanish and be replaced by a new, perfect one. Here is a figurative account of His return:

Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Revelation 19:11

Jesus is often portrayed as a teacher of peace and love, even toward our enemies, and all of that is true.  But that’s not the whole story.  What is also true is that the maker of the universe is not to be underestimated. He will bring justice with the power to destroy wickedness!

Here is a strange proverb. What’s the connection between the fear of God and wisdom? That’s something to ponder.

The Bible mysteriously presents God as one and three: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  While there seem to be different roles and intrapersonal communication at times, the Bible makes it clear that there is complete unity and oneness. You can learn more about this if you click here. <<click here PAGE_Trinity >>

The identity of Jesus in the Bible is pervasive, extending even from before the beginning of time. Jesus is speaking from the first words of the Bible, words of creation, to the last words of Revelation. 

One great source of faith in God’s Word, Jesus, is prophecy from the Old Testament that are fulfilled in Jesus life, death, and resurrection.  You can learn more if you click here. <<PAGE_ProphecyFulfilled>>

Next, we’ll try to outline Jesus name and identity:

The name Jesus comes from several translations: Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek, and Latin. In Hebrew, Jesus sounds something like “Yeshua,” and in Greek, it sounds like “Iēsous.” Translated into English, it means “Yahweh, which is God’s personal name, is salvation.” 

Jesus is also referred to in Hebrew as the Messiah, pronounced “Mashiach”.  The Greek word for Messiah is “Christos,” which becomes “Christ” in English. Both Messiah and Christ mean the same: “the Anointed One”.   The word “Anointed”, or having a ceremony of oil on the head, in this context, is something like being exalted, holy, and chosen by God for a specific role.  In the Bible, anointing was often applied to confirm a person as a Prophet, Priest, or King.

The word “Lord” in the Bible might be translated as “the one who holds a high office with superior power and authority, ruling over others without having to answer to them.”

When we hear the title: “The Lord Jesus Christ”, this could be translated as “Yahweh’s chosen savior, empowered as the highest authority.”

Amazingly, here are some other titles that Jesus is given, from both the Old and New Testaments, sorted by name:

As if that isn’t enough, Jesus described Himself in the New Testament, beginning with the phrase “I AM”. We might read that phrase without much thought, but the Jews understood that He was declaring Himself to be the eternal God, Yahweh, from the Old Testament.  As mentioned before, the name Yahweh is God’s personal name, meaning “I AM that I AM”

Jesus proclaimed:

There is at least one more I AM statement.  When Jesus knew He was about to be arrested, He wrestled in prayer so intensely that He was sweating drops of blood. He was asking if there was any other way, but He submitted to the Father’s decision.  When the soldiers came, there was another I AM:

So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I AM,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) When Jesus said, “I AM,” they drew back and fell to the ground. John 18:3

Imagine an entire detachment of Roman soldiers falling to the ground at the presence of Jesus!

Jesus often engaged in intense debates with the religious leaders of His time. Here is part of a discussion about Jesus’ identity: was He really God in the flesh?

Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.” “You are not yet fifty years old,” they said to him, “and you have seen Abraham!” “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds. John 8:56

Some have incorrectly said that Jesus never claimed to be God. The “I AM” statements show otherwise. Here is another example in which the Jews clearly understood that Jesus was claiming to be God.  Jesus said:

“I and the Father are one.” Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus said to them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?” “We are not stoning you for any good work,” they replied, “but for blasphemy, because you, a mere man, claim to be God.” John 10:30

Next, we’ll address a critical question: “Why should we believe that Jesus is who He claims to be?” Let’s begin with what God the Father and God the Spirit said.

As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”  Matthew 3:16

Later, Jesus responded to those challenging His identity by pointing to the many miracles He did:

The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me. John 10:24

In court, witnesses are important, provided they are shown to be reliable. Here is a list of powerful testimonies about Jesus’ identity from excellent sources:

• The Father.
• The Holy Spirit.
• Angels.
• Jesus’ teachings.
• Jesus’ sinless life.
• The miracles.
• The fulfillment of numerous prophecies from thousands of years ago.
• The events that happened at His death, including the temple curtain torn in half and the many righteous people raised from the dead.
• The Resurrection!
• Over 500 people saw that He was raised.
• Jesus foretold the total destruction of the temple.  This didn’t seem believable at the time, but was fulfilled about 40 years later.
• Ordinary people from many positions and nations, changed by Jesus, over the centuries, even to this day.

The Bible declares something else that is amazing: Jesus made everything, even beings we cannot see:

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. … And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. Genesis 1:1

Now, looking thousands of years later to the New Testament, we find that Jesus is somehow both with God and is God.  We also discover that Jesus is the one who spoke and created everything. It’s revealed in the same chapter that the phrase “the Word” is Jesus. Jesus is called the Word of God. You can replace “the Word” with the name Jesus.

This next verse is stunning.  It declares Jesus as the only way to the Father. Jesus says:

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

Note what Jesus didn’t say: He didn’t say, “I am one of many ways.” He said, “I am THE way.” Jesus is making the audacious claim that He is the only way.

Then Jesus continues:

If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? John 14:7

Later, in the book of Acts, we read:

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

Each of us has a unique story. Many paths lead to Jesus, but no way around Him, nor are there any other gods.

The keyword in Christianity is Christ. The very foundation of Christianity is Jesus’ identity. We cannot say that “all religions are basically the same.”  Jesus demands undivided Lordship and has the credentials to back it up.

Given this exclusivity, here are some choices about what to believe:

Some would say that Jesus was a good teacher or a special prophet, but not God. If Jesus were lying about His identity, He would have misled billions, so He could not be good, nor would He be God.

Another option is that Jesus believed what He was saying, but what He said was not true. Therefore, He was delusional and not worthy of our consideration.

But we believe that Jesus really is the only way. The prophecies and testimonies are true. Jesus is everything the Old and New Testaments claim about Him! He is the maker of all things, our salvation, and our only way to be with God, glorified and forever worshiped as Lord.

Jesus’ claims about His identity compel us to decide how to respond to this evidence. Rejecting Jesus, or failing to make a decision, is rejecting a relationship with God.

What God did for us.

The fact that Jesus came to save us is called the “Gospel,” which means good news.  This, of course, is an understatement.

Good news can seem mundane unless it’s compared with bad news. If a news article reads: “Good news, everyone is expected to have breathable air tomorrow,” we might respond, “So what?” We might ask, hasn’t there always been reasonably breathable air? Why even bother reporting breathable air as good news?

But in context, if there had been a massive forest fire and thousands had died from smoke inhalation, a hundred thousand more had to evacuate, multitudes were seriously injured with damaged lungs, dead and injured firefighters, hospitals overflowing, and aid workers streaming in. Then the news of breathable air would truly be wonderful!

When we face the reality of our offenses against God, we know we are hopelessly guilty, convicted, and awaiting sentencing. That’s the worst news imaginable and truly terrifying. There is nothing worse than being unclean in God’s presence and excluded forever! Without His work, not ours, this is where we would be.

Now let’s hear some great news! God paid an inconceivably high price to save and cleanse us so we can be with Him forever. The Bible describes this as a ransom paid to free us from the kidnapper, Satan, and from death and sin. The price for our release was so great that only God could rescue us:

If you had a precious and dear son, would you allow him to be humiliated, spit on, beaten, and tortured to death for an enemy? Would you do this in the hope that a bad person would be in awe of the payment and turn back to restore a broken relationship? Most people would obviously say, “No, I’m not putting my child through that!” But God’s “love” for us and desire for us are indescribable. In the greatest display of God’s love, Jesus was wrongly condemned, tortured, and murdered; but this was not a surprise—it was the plan.

Jesus spent many years healing the sick, often with large crowds coming to Him. He spent time with the poor, prostitutes, those with leprosy, and tax collectors. These tax collectors extracted burdensome taxes for the Roman government, but they also collected as much as they wanted on top of that. They were considered the scum of society. However, Jesus transformed many, both in flesh and in spirit.

Instead of being revered by the leaders, Jesus was arrested secretly and put on trial illegally in the middle of the night.  The leaders feared the multitude who believed in Jesus, so the trial had to be held in secret. After being convicted of the blasphemy of claiming to be the Messiah, He was sentenced to death. He was taken to the Roman governor Pilate, because the Jews were not allowed to execute anyone.

Pilate investigated but found no legal basis to crucify Jesus under Roman law.  Yet the Jewish leaders, who hated Jesus, pressured Pilate to crucify Him.  They didn’t realize they were fulfilling God’s plan.  God used their murderous lust and greed for power to bring salvation to all generations through Jesus’ innocent blood.

The chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed. “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they answered. “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify him!” “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!” When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!” All the people answered, “His blood is on us and on our children!” Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified. Matthew 27:20

Barabbas was a criminal who would have been crucified, but Jesus took His place.  Figuratively, we are Barabbas, who deserved death, and Jesus took our place.

During His life on earth, He was subject to numerous attempts to arrest Him and kill him.  But He was crucified at a specific Passover feast, just as God planned and foretold.

Let’s talk very briefly about the physical torture and execution that Jesus endured, and then we’ll get to the spiritual side next. 

After being wrongfully convicted by Pilate, Jesus was whipped viciously, beaten, crowned with thorns, spat on, mocked, and forced to carry His cross until He dropped to the ground from the severity of the punishment.

The cross was a horrible, humiliating, and torturous form of execution. Today, we debate executions: Are they needed? Are they really a deterrent? Should they be legal? If someone is actually executed, public debate focuses on whether the process was painless.

Crucifixion was the opposite. The goal of crucifixion was public torment: the victim stripped naked and hung by nails, dying an excruciating, long-lasting death from suffocation, dehydration, and exposure. The purpose of this type of execution was to terrify the public into obedience to the governing powers.

Before He made the world, God knew we would sin and need this ultimate payment.

For He[God] chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. Ephesians 1:4

Around 1000 years before Christ was born, God inspired Psalm 22, much of which clearly speaks of Jesus’ crucifixion. This was written long before crucifixion was used. Here are a few excerpts:

At the cross, all of this was fulfilled, even the exact words.

Around 700 years before Christ was born, we read:

Surely He took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:4

The New Testament book of Romans helps us understand that the one sin of Adam infected us with spiritual and physical death.

For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! Romans 5:17

The Jewish leaders and the rabble may have goaded the Romans into crucifying Jesus, but it was for our sins that this had to happen. The cross wasn’t a surprise to God; it was a plan from before time began. Jesus predicted His death many times, but His followers didn’t understand the plan. They were thinking of an immediate, worldly kingdom, but God’s plan was much bigger.

While Jesus was being crucified, we read:

It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. Luke 23:44

At the end of His time on the cross, this was recorded:

Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John19:28

This statement, “It is finished,” is important.  The Greek word used here is also used in accounting and can be translated as “Paid in full”.  Doesn’t it feel great to pay off a car loan, a credit card, or a mortgage?  How much greater is it that God paid off the debt of our sins?

Immediately after Jesus died, the following occurred:

At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people. Matthew 27:53

The temple curtain separated mankind from closeness to God. He is now able to receive us with loving arms because we are His children.

Even the Roman soldiers who performed the crucifixion recognized Jesus’ identity:

When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!” Matthew 27:54

The Roman soldiers on crucifixion duty certified that Jesus was dead.

So as evening approached, Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. Mark 15:42

Now, let’s briefly talk about the spiritual side of what killed Jesus as He paid for the sins of the whole world. It’s hard to imagine that our grotesque sins were placed on the pure Son of God.  Because Jesus had never known sin, how terrible was it to carry the sins of even one person?? But then, if we add the sins of everyone for all time before and after, that burden would be indescribably horrible.  This might be part of why Jesus died much sooner than normal.

Now the best news ever — the resurrection of Jesus. Other people had been raised from the dead, but Jesus was raised in a special way.  He was raised forever with the many titles we listed earlier. The good news for us is that because of His resurrection, we can also be raised to eternal life!

The disciples, including Jesus’ closest friends, were not expecting Jesus to be executed. They had expected Him to become King immediately. His kingship would end Roman rule and oppression, then begin a reign of peace and prosperity.  But now their expectations were destroyed. They were heartsick at the loss of Jesus. They were terrified of being arrested and, like Jesus, being punished or even crucified.

After the Sabaoth, some of the women who followed Jesus went to the tomb with spices, but not expecting to find Jesus alive:

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” Then they remembered his words. Luke 24:1

Just after Jesus was raised from the dead, we see the grief of two disciples as they walk away from Jerusalem in complete shock:

Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem.  They were talking with each other about everything that had happened.  As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.  He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast.  One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken!  Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.  Luke 24:13

Jesus appeared to many others, at least 500, before He left for heaven. This wasn’t the right time for an earthly kingdom; God had much bigger plans! Jesus would reign in the hearts of believers for many generations to come, and be together forever. The book of Revelation talks about times to come when Jesus’ rule will be visible.

Here is the good news summarized: 

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance:  that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures… 1 Corinthians 15:3

This is the greatest act of love ever seen, an ultimate payment for what we did, our sins transferred to the sinless one. This is the pivotal moment in history where anyone can find true freedom and eternal life.

Here is the core of what God has done for us:

Us <= Jesus’ righteousness

Our Sins => Jesus, the pure one

Often, people are shocked at this love, and some cry with both joy and horror. This wasn’t fair. This was love.

God could have easily made us disappear; problem solved. One word from Him, and this little planet would be smoke. 

Please pay special attention to this next selection from Ephesians. It’s good to ponder it and really understand it.

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. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:4

One definition of the Bible word “grace” means an indescribably large gift to those of us who are absolutely undeserving and hopelessly unworthy. The word grace is such a small word for the gift of eternal life.

Listen closely: You cannot earn this gift, you don’t deserve it, and you cannot say that you did anything to obtain it.  According to the Bible, you can only receive the gift with gratitude.

Justice basically means we get what we deserve.  Jesus took the punishment we deserved and gave us unmerited love, mercy, and a whole new indestructible life.

Now we can be more than forgiven!  God offers something more: we can have the righteousness of Christ, to be in Christ, to be given credit for the goodness and glory of Christ!

So why would God do all this instead of destroying the planet?

Here’s a little short story:  Imagine a man who owns a huge estate. In his kindness, you have been allowed to live on this estate, even though he knew your history and flaws.  It’s been revealed that you are guilty of a crime spree in the neighborhood, even harming the landowners’ family. The landowner has every right to have you thrown in prison; you deserve punishment.

But instead of filing charges with the police, he buys you a magnificent, extremely expensive new luxury car.  The car is parked outside your house.  There’s a gift box on the porch with the keys, title, and a note that says, “Just because I love you, accept this car, and my son will go to prison for you.”  Most people would be in shock, then excitement; perhaps even heartbroken at this kind of love. The landowner hopes this sacrifice will bring a change of heart, stop the crime spree, and add a new friend. Naturally, the criminal will simply receive the gift, register the car in their name, and start driving. 

That is, unless they don’t believe the landowner for some reason. They have to decide if the neighbor is truthful and has given them a genuine title.

God is reaching out to change our relationship.  A good-hearted person will respond with love and be transformed by the offer of a restored relationship.  That person will be adopted, not just a guest on the estate, but now in the family!

A hard-hearted person will abuse or ignore this love and continue on a destructive path.

God wants us to believe in His love, in His sacrifice on the cross, and in His gift of eternal life. The choice, as always, is ours. But know this, it’s a terrible thing to call God a liar.

Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. Whoever does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because they have not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 1 John 5:10

Our emphasis should be overwhelmingly on the Grace of God for us.  This gift is received by faith.  We might say that faith is just a correct assessment of God’s character, His truth, and His work.

Here’s some more good news. Before Jesus left, He promised that the Holy Spirit would come:

This is just an introduction; the works of the Holy Spirit are amazing.

Next, let’s look at possible responses to what God has done for us.

How do we receive God’s grace?  

Just like the size of the universe in relation to an atom, we should focus on the enormity of GRACE.  Our little reaction is simply to reach out by faith and receive the overwhelming GRACE of God. He is offering us the greatest gift of all.  Our response is as simple as a child reaching out and receiving a present.

So, as we talk about receiving this grace, let’s remember that the receiving is very small compared to the gift.  Nevertheless, God is pleased to give it to those who believe in Him, and He has given a few directives or principles regarding this reception that aid in our understanding and the display of His power and glory.

The first and absolutely essential response is to believe that Jesus is who He claims to be. Jesus said:

“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. John 5:24

Faith in Jesus encompasses the following facts:

We know, beyond a doubt, that God exists and rewards those who diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6

God loves us, wants us with Him, and has planned a way for us to be with Him forever.

Before God, we stand convicted of sin and await sentencing.

We are dead in sin and thus have no power to fix it.

We deserved eternal separation and punishment for our sins.

Jesus came into this world miraculously as both flesh and God’s Son.

Jesus was the only one who had no sin, completely pure and innocent.

Jesus was murdered as had been planned and foretold long ago.

Jesus was wrongly and illegally convicted for the purpose of saving us.

Jesus endured the Roman execution system: tortured, humiliated, and nailed to a wooden cross.

Our sins were transferred to Jesus, and He received the punishment and death we deserved.

Jesus’ punishment transferred His righteousness to us so that we could be with God forever.

He died and was buried, dead for three days and nights as foretold.

He was raised as Lord of everything, forever.

Jesus is the only way, truth, and life.

There are no other real gods, whether created by men or spiritual forces of evil.

There is no other means to eternal life.

Salvation is a free gift.

We cannot add anything to this gift; we can only receive it by faith and with gratitude.

We choose to surrender to Jesus alone as Lord.

He has sent His Holy Spirit, who is at work for us, and we submit to His leadership.

We are given gifts of the Holy Spirit to serve others and honor God.

If you have come to faith in Jesus, then you have reached the time of complete transformation, from lost to found, dead in sin to alive and free from sin.

In the Bible, there are plenty of examples of how God’s grace is received; that is, how someone can respond to God’s grace and then, through faith, be saved. 

The path to salvation is always the path to faith in Jesus. We might say, “all roads lead to Jesus!” From experience, it appears that God draws each person in unique and miraculous ways.

We assert that Salvation is not just a simple formula, perhaps not a single event in a microsecond. God has blessed us to have written both what He desires and what it means.

Let’s look at what Jesus said before He ascended to heaven:

I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven… Matthew 16:18

We all know the importance of not losing our keys. A key opens a door or something special that is locked away until the key is used. In this case, Peter is given extremely special keys.

As we learned earlier, Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit after He left. In the first section of the book of Acts, the Holy Spirit arrives in power. Peter is inspired to preach to the Jews, both local and those who have traveled great distances. Peter explains Jewish history leading to the murder of Jesus. Peter’s speech concludes with this:

“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Acts 2:36

At this moment, those who were “cut to the heart” went from self-righteousness to having faith that Jesus is the Messiah. In the shock of realizing the magnitude of their sin, they cry out for guidance on how to respond! We also caused His crucifixion because of our sins, and likewise need to cry out, “What shall we do?”

To this, Peter now uses the keys Jesus gave him, keys to the very kingdom of heaven.

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. Acts 2:38

There are many more scriptures about receiving God’s grace. If you want more information, we strongly encourage you to read the page on salvation: <<click here PAGE_SalvationPath>>

On that page, we cover:

Grace above all

Faith

Confession

Repentance

Baptism

If you have been saved, give glory to God!

<< VIDEO: Celebration Fireworks, Baptism coming out of the water, resurrection….>>

Who am I?

Now we come back to the big question we started with: WHO am I

This is an important but challenging question to answer.

It’s easy enough to list what you do: You might say, “I’m defined by how I make a living.” 

For example:

 “I’m a doctor, or retail worker, or whatever”,

“I have certain hobbies like painting or traveling”,

“I volunteer at a hospital or work to help others,”

“I’m successful in business,”

“I’m a good parent and have raised wonderful children,”

“I am liked on social media,”

“I get good grades,”

“I consistently earn promotions & raises,”

“I love myself,”

“I have many expensive possessions.”

Maybe you see your identity in the worst thing you have done or have been caught doing. Maybe you would say, “I’m a great success,” or “I’m a failure,” or something in between.

There is no doubt that these are important, but can you say, “AM I more than what I do, more than accomplishments, more than failures, more than what other people say about me or expect from me, more than the praise of others, and more than the lies the devil speaks?”

In the movie “Overcomer,” the central character, Hannah, has just become a Christian and shares the news with her track coach:

<<Video: Overcomer (movie) clip of Hannah talking about her identity>>

Maybe you didn’t grow up with a parent who affirmed you, who declared or showed your value as a member of God’s family.

This is important: in Christ, our heavenly Father has spoken to you about who you are. The value of something, like a new car, is usually obvious from the cost. Look at how much God has valued you by the payment Jesus made at the cross. Learning to accept God as your Father is a joyful process. Now, you can replace old voices and memories with the good news, the truth of who you really are.

For those who are in Christ, let’s see some of what God says about you in a list of scriptures!  These are even more powerful if you go back and insert your name into the verses. For example, if your name is Joe, the first verse would be: “Christ redeemed me, Joe, from the curse of the law.”  You might want to compile these, insert your name, and read them often. 

Now for the list:

(1)I am redeemed, a high price was paid to buy me because I was a slave to sin:

(2)I am a stranger here; this is not my ultimate home:

Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. 1 Peter 1:17

(3)I am made new, I can release the guilt of my sins, and press forward:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17  

(4)I am set free from sin, no longer a slave to sin:

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. Romans 6:22

Even Paul, who murdered Christians, could say:

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ. Philippians 3:13-14

(5)I am a son or daughter of God, clothed with Christ:

You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. Galatians 3:26

(6)I am chosen, and I am royalty: 

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, …1 Peter 2:9

(7)I am dearly loved:

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

(8)I am God’s child, a member of His family.

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12

(9)I am not defined by undue criticism; I expect it. I don’t need others to affirm me.

(10)I am a friend of Jesus:

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. John 15:15

(11)I am loved so much that I am even able to love my enemies.

But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:44

(12)I am justified and at peace with God:

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. Romans 5:1

(13)I am one with God:

But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:17

(14)I am a temple of the Holy Spirit:

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? 1 Corinthians 6:19

(15)I am a member of Christ’s body:

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27

(16)I am blessed, chosen, adopted, redeemed, forgiven, lavished with grace, and I know His will:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ. Ephesians 1:3

(17)I am rescued, now in His kingdom, redeemed and forgiven:

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14

(18)I am complete in Christ.

For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. Colossians 2:9

(19)I am understood and given direct access to God.

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:14

(20)I am not condemned! I have been given life and freedom:

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1

(21)I am assured that God works for my good, and I have a purpose:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

(22)I am free from any condemnation brought against me. I am more than a conqueror. I cannot be separated from the love of God even in hardship.

Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:33

(23)I am empowered to stand, I am chosen, I am guaranteed a future.

Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 2 Corinthians 1:21

(24)I am an ongoing work of God, scheduled for completion by God.

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

(25)I am a citizen of heaven, promised a glorious body to be with Jesus.  I know this life is temporary and look forward to an eternity with Jesus.

(26)I am given power to live boldly.

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

(27)I am a fruit-bearing branch in Jesus.

Jesus said: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5

(28)I am God’s living temple.

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? 1 Corinthians 3:16

(29)I am made new and appointed as an ambassador helping others reconcile with God.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:17

(30)I am seated with Jesus Christ so that God may display His grace.

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:6

(31)I am personally given good works to do.

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

(32)I am free to approach God confidently.

In Jesus and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. Ephesians 3:12

(33)I am strong in hardship through Jesus.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:12

(34)I am rich beyond anything this world has to offer or understand:

He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32

(35)Jesus has taught me how to love others practically:

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:16

This is the end of our list, but you can rewrite it and find many more in the Bible to strengthen your true and eternal identity. Lies may pop into your head, people may try to mislead you, and hardships may challenge you. But remember what the Lord, who made the universe, has to say about you! Have faith in His word, and keep returning to these kinds of verses. Memorize as many as you can, and use them in the fight as Jesus did. You are a God-empowered warrior, a victor no matter what comes.

During Moses’ time, God fulfilled His promise to Abraham and led the Israelites from Egypt through the desert into the promised land, which we now call Israel. The Israelites faced large, powerful, and terrifying armies. The situation looked hopeless.

Can you imagine if God sent you to conquer some hostile country like North Korea?

God selected the leader Joshua, who had faith that God could do anything, and encouraged him in this way:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

By the way, the Hebrew names Joshua and Jesus are the same; both mean “Yahweh is salvation.”

Know who you are!

Remember who you are!

Take who you are and plant it deeply into your heart!

Now, you can be a mighty warrior! Be strong, with confidence and power to love others. Be strong because you belong with the one who is leading the way!  No matter what happens, you win. He will not leave you!

How should we live in response to God’s grace?

Remembering that our eternal life in Christ is a gift that we don’t earn, this section is about how we live and finish our little time in this world in response to God’s grace.

Jesus made our response very simple.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34

Jesus was asked this question:

 “…which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied:  ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:36

As a reminder, here are some aspects of love:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4

And there is a simple reminder of how we should treat others:

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Mathew 7:12

In English, we use the word “love” in many different ways.  We might say, “I love my new car”, “I love my boyfriend or girlfriend,” but this might just be that I love what they do for me, “I love my family”, or “I love my best friend”.

In Greek, there are more than four separate words for love, although there is some overlap in how they are used.  The words are:

“eros”, which refers to romantic or sexual love. From it, we get the word erotic.

“storge”, which refers to familial love like that of a mother for her baby or of a brother and sister. This word is not used directly in the Bible, but similar terms are.

“philia” refers to friendship and camaraderie.

“agape” is used by Christians to speak of God’s love, a love given without expecting repayment.

God is calling us to “agape” love. Generosity and sacrifice as gifts without expectations of return.

Loving other people isn’t always easy. Thank God that some are easier than others, especially those who are genuinely following Christ.  But loving people as Jesus did is a high standard.  It takes the Holy Spirit to empower and encourage us to love others, helping us mature so that it becomes natural and joyful. 

The source of our love is this:

We love because he first loved us.  John 4:19

After making it clear that we didn’t earn anything toward our salvation, we need to know that God has designed good works for us to do:

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

In addition to free salvation, God gives us another form of grace: good works to do. There are battles to fight, obstacles to overcome, prayers and fasting, and service to give.  When it’s done, we will receive rewards for those good works. Again, please don’t confuse the works God has given us with the gift of salvation that we could never earn.

In a letter from John, we are reminded that Jesus’ new command to love one another and love for God are linked, and these are not burdensome:

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. 1 John 5:1

In the next passage, Jesus talks about an easy yoke He would give us.  In farming, before we had tractors, a yoke was a harness that an ox, or other animal, was forced to wear to plow a field.  It was grueling work, the animal often having to choose between exhaustion and being whipped or poked with a sharp stick. But Jesus comforts us.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28

Jesus didn’t say there is no yoke or burden.  He didn’t say that loving people is always easy, but that His yoke is light.  This is in direct contrast to the religious demands of the Law. We can apply this to many other burdens in our lives.

We are set free from sin. Being born again means we will bear good fruit. If not, something is wrong.

If we are a good tree, created and reborn by God as a good tree, our fruit or deeds will be good.

Evil comes out of a bad tree. In this next verse, Jesus is responding to the Pharisees who claim that His miracles are really being done by a demon. How outrageous! Good deeds will come from being remade good.

“Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:33

Nothing will be hidden from God’s sight!

There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs. Luke 12:2

It’s amazing to think that God even knows our thoughts and attitudes.  Hiding from God just doesn’t work. 

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:12

God rightfully urges us to aim for a pure life in Christ Jesus. The following verses can be summed up by saying “Love God with all you have and love one another.” Can you imagine a world where people lived this way?

God has given us many practical ways to live this out.  Most of the letters in the New Testament start with the Grace of God and then encourage us on how to respond. In the book of Romans, Paul lays out God’s works for us in the first 11 chapters. In chapter 12, he begins writing about how a response to God should be lived out:

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world… Romans 12:1

Our practical response to God’s mercy flows from the level of genuine faith and gratitude we have. If there is no change in our lives, we might consider that we need help to strengthen our faith or even come to faith in the first place.  Jesus taught that our love for God is proportional to our assessment of how much we perceive that we have been forgiven.

When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.” Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Luke 7:36

Some have asked, “How much work must I do to be saved?”  Or, “What’s the least I can do to get a ticket to heaven?”  Or, “Do I have to live a pure life to get to heaven?”

Let’s go back to Ephesians 2:

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8

The biggest danger is to believe the lie that we can add anything to the gift of salvation.  It’s not that God does 90% and we do 10%. No, God does 100%, we can only receive the gift by faith, the greatest gift of all.

Then why work for God or anyone else?  Why not just receive the gift and live like hell?  Some do, but something is very wrong, dead wrong. God saved us from sin, but not to continue in sin.  Even when we fall, He is quick to forgive and lift us up. Our aim should be to stop sinning and instead glorify God by doing good. If we are saved, His work in our lives will help us grow to be more like Christ.

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure. Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister. 1 John 3:1

Here is a powerful, perhaps fundamental, motivation:

For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, Titus 2:11

Some critics say all Christians are hypocrites. God even predicted that some, certainly not all, would be hypocrites, and our experience confirms the existence of habitual hypocrites.  Sometimes a believer temporarily fails to live a pure life, and rarely can anyone consistently do what God said. Yet, sadly, some live perpetually as hypocrites and bring dishonor to the name of Christ.

Not only are there hypocrites, but worse:  As the apostle Paul admonished the Ephesian elders.

“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. Acts 20:28

Satan has secret agents in the church.  If you live for Jesus long enough, you’ll see them.  They disgrace Jesus, hurt His people, and bring destruction. There are church leaders who oppose Jesus’ authority and then work openly or secretly to subvert His position and teaching.  For example, there are TV evangelists who are all about getting rich at the expense of the poor, those who swing with the prevailing winds of culture rather than teaching the Bible, those who infiltrate leadership to abuse the young, and those who only care about a nice message to fill seats.

Some point their finger at those who falsely claim to follow Christ and then write off Christianity. We encourage you to ask, “Does the failure of some fake ‘Christians’ and Satan’s workers negate the fact that we need Christ?”  In a sad way, but a powerful way, these false Christians show how much Satan doesn’t want us to follow Jesus.

As Jesus said

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. Matthew 7:16

Becoming a Christian makes us an enemy of Satan.  Satan has little reason to attack someone outside Christ. Becoming a Christian means that we will be attacked and tempted more than before.

Believing that Jesus is Lord goes against the grain of our culture. Jesus said,

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.”  John 15:18

We’re in a war zone.  But God will sort it out, literally.

When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Matthew 25:31

To believe in someone means we trust what they say.

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” Luke 6:46

Following Jesus often means rejecting the values of this world:

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:13

There are beings and kingdoms that we cannot see, but that do affect us. Satan or Lucifer, which means light, was God’s number one angel, an amazing and powerful being. But he chose to rebel along with 1/3 of the other angels. For now, he has been given some power to harass and tempt us.  Here are a few of his tricks:

Satan lied to Eve and brought destruction. Genesis 3:4

Satan can use or twist God’s words to tempt us, as he did with Jesus. Matthew 4:1-11

Jesus said that Satan lies and is the father of lies. John 8:44

Satan can blind the minds of unbelievers. 2 Corinthians 4:4

Satan masquerades in costumes of light and righteousness. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

Satan does signs and wonders.2 Thessalonians 2:9, Matthew 24:24

Satan tempts people to sin. 2 Corinthians 11:3

Satan accuses Christians before God. Revelation 12:10

For some, Satan plucks the word of God out of people’s hearts and chokes faith. Mark 4:1-9

This is not a complete list. We need to know the words of God and understand them in order to overcome Satan’s lies.

Many people today say, “God is always loving, never angry, never judgmental. Anything I do is acceptable.”  But God cares enough to give us correction. Getting correction from someone who cares should be embraced.

Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.  Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. Revelation 3:19

Here is a strange verse on the surface, but over time, it becomes clear:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2

How can we have joy in hardships and trials?  Because joy is different than pleasure or happiness.  In Christ, we are loved and being made into something greater, complete, and eternal.  When we are assaulted by a broken world, we can still have hope beyond this temporary life. Our foundation in Christ cannot be shaken.  At the worst moments of this life, we can still have joy.

In Chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews, we learn how ordinary people lived out their faith in God despite tremendous obstacles. They are described as those who urge us on, like an Olympic stadium cheering us to victory.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1

When it’s all done, how great it will be.

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”  He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”  He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Revelation 21:1

For many, there will be terrible grief over a lack of rewards and punishment for sin and hypocrisy.  In spite of strong opposition from people and spiritual forces of evil, God wants to help us overcome, hold fast to our faith, serve well, and grow more like Him. As said before, the amazing grace of salvation can never be earned. Then there is this other type of grace, a reward for work well done.

Christians who serve the Lord well, long to hear these words:

‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ Matthew 25:21

Why did God make us?

Why were we created?  What is our purpose?

Let’s start with creation:

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” Those who have been close to God understand the joy this can bring and will bring for eternity. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:26

We were created for a relationship with God. Everything God made is special, from animals, stars, and galaxies to subatomic particles, plants, clouds, colors, sunrises, holding a baby, a great friendship, real love, a gentle breeze in the heat of summer, the sounds of the ocean, the songs of birds, good food, and the list goes on. But we are unique, we were made in God’s image!  That alone is mind-bending.

Also, we were assigned to care for other forms of life.  Isn’t it natural for us to care for a pet, almost like a family member?  Or to make the world better in some way.  In this life, we might have a great job we love that makes us want to jump out of bed and get going.  On the other extreme, work can be drudgery: a harsh boss, a high-pressure job, not being valued, and so on.  But the work God gives us will be fulfilling in ways we cannot imagine!

Shortly before He was murdered, Jesus was praying for us.  Here we learn some more about our purpose, that we are made for a relationship with God, to rejoice together in His glory:

“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” John 17:24

God wants to share with us the display of His grace!.

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:6

Paul gives a speech in Athens at the Areopagus. Here is a part of it:

“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’” Acts 17:24

We are here at this exact time and place for a reason. God wants us to seek Him.  If you’ve listened to this website so far, you’re seeking Him in some way. God wants to be close to us, to be adopted into His family, He with us, in us, and we in Him.  Our greatest purpose and joy are to be with Him and enjoy His Glory, praise, and worship forever.

https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/god-is-most-glorified-in-us-when-we-are-most-satisfied-in-him

Worship is about acknowledging the truth of God’s glory.  God doesn’t need us to worship Him, but we find our greatest joy in exalting Him.

Let’s close this video with something hard and then something great. We honestly don’t want to talk about this and don’t want this for anyone. But it wouldn’t be loving for us to fail to warn that Jesus is our only hope. We plead with you, don’t come before the Holy God without the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ:

Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:11

God isn’t looking to punish people – it breaks His heart, but unfortunately, it will happen. There are many who will not surrender to His love and Lordship.

He wants you specifically. You wouldn’t be hearing this message otherwise. He exclaims:

If you have not yet received the gift of eternal life, please pray about it and cry out to God. The Holy Spirit will help you according to His will, timing, power, and path!  We encourage you to see the salvation plan by clicking here:  <<click here PAGE_SalvationPath>>

If you have just been saved, now find a group to help learn the Bible, which is one way God talks to us, a sure foundation. God will speak in other ways, but anything that contradicts the Bible isn’t from God.  Spend time with God every day in prayer and meditation on the Bible. Love and serve others, using the gifts you are given by the Holy Spirit. You should search for a church or group of believers who teach the Bible alone and live it out. These days, it might take some time, but it’s worth the effort.  Flee so-called churches that blow with the winds of our culture.  Ask someone to mentor you using the Bible.  A good church will be glad to connect you to a mentor.

May the Lord bless you and help you know who you really are and never forget it.  May you know, deep in your soul, that you are loved by the King of kings!

If you would like to ask questions or make comments, please <<click here PAGE_ContactUs>>.

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The Bible we have is actually a compilation of 66 books written by over 40 authors over roughly 1500 years.  This collection of books has two main parts, the Old and New Testaments.  The Old Testament was written in Hebrew. The New Testament comes to us from Greek.

The books of the Bible, even though written over many years by many people, contain one unified message of God’s glory, redemption, and revelation of the future, both horrible and magnificent. There are various types of literature in the Bible, such as narratives, ceremonial rules, healthy living, civil law, cultural law, and God’s law. There are many books warning people to change. While God is slow to anger, He can and will inflict terrible consequences when necessary. There is indirect teaching, such as analogies and parables. The book of Psalms is like a songbook with rich, emotional cries of fear, prophecy, faith, and love for God. There are books of wisdom, biography, logical discourse, prophecy, end times, and glimpses of heaven.

There were two versions of the Greek language during this time: an elaborate version for legal documents, which required a special education to read and write. And there was another version that most people would easily understand. God chose to have the New Testament written for common people. Most of the world during Jesus’ time spoke Greek as the international language.  Clearly, God wanted everyone to read or hear the Bible in a language common to all.

Since most of us don’t know Hebrew or Greek, God wants everyone to understand the Bible in their own language. There are over 6500 languages spoken worldwide. Christians have been translating the Bible into most of these languages. English is just one of those languages.

Translating any language word-for-word usually isn’t best.  Many idioms and cultural norms must be sorted out. Also, the English language changes over time. What was easily understood in 1700 is now confusing.

It’s great that we have so many English translations to choose from, over 450. The good news is that the basic message is the same. You can begin with an easy-to-read translation. As you mature, you can choose versions that help with accuracy in the details, deepening your understanding of the depth of God’s communication with mankind.

On a smartphone, you can download Bible apps.  One popular app is called the “YouVersion Bible”.  If you download the app, click on the Bible section, and choose a translation that is easy to read. There are versions available with audio so that you can listen. One popular translation is called The New International Version, although there are many excellent translations.

If you are not familiar with the Bible, a good place to start is the Book of John, the fourth book of the New Testament.  This book covers parts of Jesus’ life and then focuses on the end of His time on earth.

Historically, the most famous translation is called “The King James Version”.  This translation is only slightly updated from the early 1600s.  This version has been a world changer and is a very great word-for-word translation. If you take the time to learn 1600s English and culture, this version is poetic, inspired, powerful, and recommended by many.

Bible translations often use words that are not commonly used in our society, words that come from English centuries ago, but have become part of the Christian vocabulary.  Let’s give some definitions here:

As we said, there are 66 books that compose the Bible.  Each book has a unique name.  The order of the books and the events in the books are not generally chronological. You can find a chronologic Bible and timeline if you are interested.

Perhaps you’ve seen something like “John 3:16”.  This system is a simple way to find any verse in the Bible. The pattern is BookName Chapter:Verse.  The first part is name of a book. There are 66 books all uniquely named. Some books have a number that is part of the name. For example, there is “1 Samuel” and “2 Samuel”, “1 John”, “2 John”, “3 John”, all of which are separate books. The Chapter number is like modern books, a section of text about a topic or topics.  The verse is usually just one sentence.  Most modern translations have added a section divider which is a sentence in bold letters within a chapter.  Chapters, Section Dividers, and Verses are not from the original or “ancient” text. But they are useful to help us find our way around the Bible.

Now for a partial list of some words that are used in reference to the Bible which are not found in everyday use.  Many of these words come directly from the translation of the Bible. Some words are principals or ideas developed from the Bible.

Gospel: Literally means “good news.” It is the message that God, through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, has provided the way for people to be forgiven of their sins and reconciled to Him.

Atonement: The sacrificial work of Jesus Christ on the cross, which paid the penalty for humanity’s sin and made reconciliation with God possible. Jesus’ death atoned for, or covered, our sin.  The word can also apply to Old Testament sacrifices that foreshadow Christ.

Grace: God’s unmerited, undeserved favor. It is the free gift of salvation given to people not because they earned it, but because of God’s immense love and kindness.

Salvation: The deliverance from the power and penalty of sin. It is a comprehensive term encompassing forgiveness, a new spiritual life, and the promise of eternal life with God.

Redemption: To be “bought back.” This term pictures humanity as enslaved to sin or kidnapped, and Jesus’ death as the ransom price paid to set us free.

Justified: A legal term, like being found innocent in court. God puts our sins on Jesus and so declares that we are no longer guilty.

Prophet: A person chosen by God to speak for God. The words of a prophet are called prophecy. The content of prophecy includes the proclamation of God’s glory and character, laws, community organization, how God sees us good or bad, warnings that we are heading for trouble, instructions on how to live to please God, songs and poetry, explanations of God’s work, and even the foretelling of future events.

Resurrection: The act of rising from the dead. Jesus’ physical resurrection from the grave three days after his crucifixion is the cornerstone of Christian belief, proving His victory over sin and death.

Trinity: God as a union of three parts, often called “persons” for lack of a better name.  They are Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but are clearly shown to be one God. For more information on the Trinity<<click here PAGE_Trinity>>.

Sin: The word means missing the mark, like an archer who misses the target. But it’s generally used to describe any action or persistent thought that violates God’s will and law.

Faith: Trust, reliance, and belief in God and His promises. Faith and belief are from the same Greek root word and used interchangeably in the Bible.

Repentance: A change of heart, direction, action, and thought that comes from a deep conviction of having sinned and a strong desire and resolve to stop sinning. Turning to face God and ask forgiveness instead of hiding and continuing to sin. When possible, repentance includes confession and repayment for the damage done.

Born Again: A figurative term Jesus used to describe the spiritual transformation that occurs when someone puts their faith in Him. It signifies a new beginning and a new life in Christ.

Sanctification: The lifelong process by which a believer is made holy and conformed to the image of Christ. While justification is a one-time event, sanctification is a continuous journey powered by the Holy Spirit.

Holiness: To be “set apart.” It means being set apart from sin and set apart for God’s special purposes.

Discipleship: The process of following Jesus, learning from His teachings, and becoming more like Him in every area of life.

Stewardship: The belief that everything we have—our time, talents, and resources, including money—belongs to God, and we are called to manage it.  It’s not that God needs anything from us, but stewardship is both training and a test.

Worship: Giving honor, reverence, and adoration to God. It can be done through music, prayer, serving others, giving money, and living a life that pleases Him.

Prayer: Communicating with God—talking to Him and listening to Him.

Fellowship: The community and mutual encouragement shared between Christians. It is a vital part of the Christian life. We need each other.

The Bible: The collection of 66 books, inspired by God. It is divided into the Old and New Testaments.

Old Testament: The first part of the Bible, written before the time of Jesus, which tells the story of creation, the fall, and God’s covenant relationship with Israel.

New Testament: The second part of the Bible, which contains the life and teachings of Jesus, the history of the early church, letters to believers, and future events.

Covenant or Testament: A legal and binding agreement between God and humanity.

Scripture: Text, written by men, composing the Bible.  Scripture is elevated above other writings because it has been selected as inspired by God.  In other words, men recorded what God wanted to be written down.

Baptism: Immersion, typically immersion in water in the name of Jesus.

Communion or The Lord’s Supper: A ceremonial meal of bread and grape wine or juice that commemorates Jesus’ death and celebrates the new covenant.  Jesus asked us to remember him, and taking communion lightly can lead to serious consequences. The bread represents Jesus’ body, and the wine represents His blood.

Church: Genuine Christians, that is people, who gather together.  Often the word “church” is used to mean a building, but most understand this is just a building.

Evangelism: Sharing the good news of Jesus with others for their good, so they decide for themselves how to respond.

Eschatology: The study of last things, the future events, including the return of Christ, resurrection, judgment, and the eternal state of mankind.

The Rapture: The belief held by many Christians that those who are alive will be caught up together with the resurrected dead to meet the Lord in the air before the cataclysmic events that are coming.

Second Coming: The future, visible return of Jesus Christ to earth to judge the living and the dead and to establish His kingdom.

Tribulation: A future period of great suffering and turmoil on earth preceding the Second Coming as described in the book of Revelation.

Final Judgment: The future event where every person will stand before God to be judged.

Heaven: The eternal dwelling place of God and believers, a place of perfect relationships and fellowship with Him.

Hell: The place of eternal punishment and separation from God for those who refuse His offer of salvation.

Amen: A word meaning “that’s right”, “truly,” or “so be it,” often used at the end of prayers to express agreement and confidence in the powerful word of God.

As we mentioned before, the books of the Bible contain many types of literature.  Learning to understand what God means takes time and is never a finished task, but a fulfilling one. There are a few systems of guidelines for interpreting the Bible, also called “hermeneutics”.

Here are a couple of verses that are a good start:

“Do not go beyond what is written.” 1 Corinthians 4:6

In other words, just use the Bible as the certified word of God without distortion, and nothing else. Don’t add anything or ignore anything. Accept that God defines reality, not what we want it to be. It’s not that other sources are right or wrong, but we should use the Bible alone to interpret the Bible.

God warns against adding or subtracting from the Bible.  In this next verse, the term “scroll” is used because written words were recorded on long sheets and rolled for storage.  Today, we call this a book with short sheets bound on one edge.  In this verse, the scroll being referenced was the book of Revelation, but the principle would apply to any book of the Bible:

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll. Revelation 22:18

An important principle is to take the Bible as a whole.  It’s easy to pull out a few verses and make the Bible mean whatever you want. However, we should connect a verse with the entire Bible so that there is no contradiction.

Reading a Bible verse should always be done in context, or it can easily be distorted.  This just means reading what surrounds the verse, perhaps the entire book.  You should apply this principle to this website as well, since we use verses without context to keep it shorter.

There are great online resources to help us understand a Bible passage, its context, culture, time period, and audience. 

The Bible contains accounts of terrible and odd things.  These are often a description of mankind’s sins, not a prescription for what God wants.  God even reveals the sins of great people who try to follow and love Him, including members of the church. This is encouraging for two reasons. One, it supports the Bible to be an accurate account of real people. God is not sugar coating the truth of mankind’s fallen nature. Jesus is the only one without sin. Two, it’s encouraging to know that God doesn’t write us off when we fall.  Although we may suffer consequences, He is ready to receive us.

Sometimes we interpret the Bible differently. We should humbly realize that God is glorified when He fulfills His Word in the way He meant it, which is not always the way we see it now. The prophesies about Jesus from the Old Testament are an example. Most people didn’t expect Jesus’ coming to unfold as it did.

In high school, you might have been required to read a work of literature like Shakespeare.  The teacher might have asked students to share their understanding.  Each person might have a different opinion. With the Bible, genuine believers come to different understandings. We can even change our understanding over the course of our lives through study and life experience.  God calls us to have loving patience with those who see things differently. Our live are short and soon all will become clear.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.  For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:8

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The Trinity is a description of God as a union of three parts, often called “persons” for lack of a better name.  They are Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but are clearly shown to be one God. The word “trinity” is not found in the Bible, but the concept is woven throughout the Bible from beginning to end. God as a trinity can seem very odd at first.  Some would even say it seems contradictory and confusing. But in the first verse of the book of John, this “contradiction” is laid out clearly.

In the beginning was the Word[Jesus], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. John 1:1

To say someone is both with someone and then to say they are someone doesn’t fit what we are used to. But we are talking about the eternal God, and we are very small indeed. Here are the three sides of God as He has presented them to us:

• God the Father: seen as our dear Father, who we can now pray to directly, provider, and sovereign ruler.
• God the Son (Jesus Christ) spoke the universe into existence and yet became human to live among us, die for our sins, and rise again.
• God the Holy Spirit: who dwells within believers. The Holy Spirit convicts everyone of sin. He guides, comforts, and empowers Christians to live a godly life, and much more. He’s likely working for you now.

In this verse, we find out that God has one name and is one God.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18

Notice here that Jesus says to baptize people in the “name,” which is singular.  This means that God, as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, has only one name.

God appears as Spirit, Father and Son when Jesus was baptized and again as Father and Son at the “Mount of Transfiguration”.  We also see where Jesus is talking with the Father and about the Father as if they were two separate beings.

This is mind bending stuff, and we simply trust God is who He says He is even if we don’t fully understand it yet. 

The same could be said of our current understanding of quantum physics, which is not intuitive to our world. For example, how can the spin of an electron be both plus and minus at the same time?

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This section is about receiving the magnificent gift of salvation. The receiving part is extremely small compared to the giving.

If someone gives you a traditional birthday present, they have put in effort. They had to select what to get, earn the money, buy it, wrap it, put a card on it, and deliver it. The one having a birthday, trusting the giver that the package is good, just has to unwrap it.

Receiving God’s grace isn’t really complicated. All God asks is that we trust Him.

God is one: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Having faith in Jesus is the same as having faith in God.  In this verse, God is described in all three “persons” as coming together to point to Jesus.

As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16

Jesus said:

For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. John 12:49

Peter, like the other writers in the Bible, describes that the whole Bible was inspired by the Holy Spirit:

For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:21

The point here is that having faith in Jesus is the same as believing in God as a whole and the Bible as inspired truth.  We’re not talking about some dusty book or digital content, but the very thoughts, works, works to save, commands, and desires of God in text that we can read or listen to.

So, let’s go over a few things God has spoken about receiving the gift, remembering that receiving is small and yet receiving by faith glorifies the enormous grace of God:

Section 1: Faith is essential. Faith in God’s existence is obvious and assumed. The important kind of faith is that everything He has communicated is true: faith in Jesus, to believe who He is, what He said, and what He did: faith that He is the Son of God, both with God and is God, that Jesus is exactly who He claimed to be, that He and He only paid for our sins, that He is risen, that He gave us instructions and examples of how to live, and faith that we will be with Him forever because of His work.

This famous verse describes faith very well:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. John 3:16

God is displaying, in flesh as both God and man, that He has made a way, the only way. The way is given to those who have faith in Jesus, which is, of course, the same as having faith in God.

This verse also serves as a warning that the opposite is true. We don’t have to do anything to be condemned. We are already condemned if we don’t believe God.

The religious leaders challenged Jesus’ identity, to which He replied:

“You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.” John 8:23

Faith is fundamental, the dividing line between grace and wrath. Faith agrees with God in our need for Jesus. 

Just before Jesus raised Lazarus, Jesus is talking with his grieving sister Martha:

“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” John 11:21

Jesus was called to heal a father’s son. The father’s faith wasn’t yet complete. In many places like this, Jesus is offended by a lack of faith. The father says:

But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “ ‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:22

Perhaps that’s a good prayer to remember if we find our faith is weak.

There are many great verses about faith from the Bible, both the Old and New Testaments.  This verse from Jesus is a powerful summation:

“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. John 5:24

Section 2: Confession is the natural response to having faith in Jesus. Faith and confession go together.

Faith in Jesus’ work prompts us to personally admit, with grief in our hearts, that we have sinned against a Holy God and other people.

The joy of being saved leads to confession. Confession is natural if we don’t overcomplicate it.  When the disciples were called to speak about their faith, they simply shared what happened.

In the book of Acts, Paul shares what happened when he met Jesus. This is just an excerpt; you can read the whole encounter in Acts 21 and 22. Paul says:

I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison, as the high priest and all the Council can themselves testify. I even obtained letters from them to their associates in Damascus, and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished. “About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?’ “ ‘Who are you, Lord?’ I asked.“ ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. … “Then Ananias said: ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard. And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.’ Acts 22:4

Some have said just tell your story: (1) your life before Christ, (2) how you met Christ, and (3) how Christ has changed you.

Satan wants to keep you quiet and concerned about how people will receive your story.  In the first chapter of Romans, Paul wrote: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.”  Pray and fight this battle with courage, so you are unafraid to just tell the truth.

Section 3: Repentance, in regard to salvation, just like confession, comes from faith. If you believe in Jesus, how can you not believe His word and His call for us to change?

The call to repent as part of salvation starts with a realization that only faith in Jesus can save us.  So we need to do a turnaround, trusting in the work of identity and the work of Jesus rather than in our flawed righteousness. This will, of course, be reflected as a change in behavior.

To get an idea of how this is lived out, let’s look at some places God mentions repentance.  We should always remember that God saves us by Jesus’ work, not our behavior.  Our behavior is just a measure of our faith, but an important one.

John the Baptist was miraculously born and called by God to prepare the way for Jesus. His message was an urgent and extremely serious call to repent and “bear fruit” because Jesus was coming. If an important person were coming to your home for dinner, wouldn’t you clean the house?  Jesus was coming, and it was time to get ready.

As John called for repentance, the crowd asked, “What should we do then?” That’s a great question; what does repentance mean practically?  Here’s what John said:

From the beginning of His time on earth, Jesus started His ministry with this message:

Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” Mark 1:14

Later, Jesus was given some news, bad news, just as we would hear from a news source.  There was, perhaps still is, a common thought that you get what you deserve, similar to what people today call “Karma”.  But from God’s perspective, we all need to repent. Luke records this:

Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” Luke 13:1

Repentance can be defined as turning from trusting ourselves for salvation to trusting Jesus alone.  Of course, this also means we trust Him to direct our lives and to stop us from sinning. He saved us from sin, not to keep sinning. Repentance is more than being neutral; that is, to just stop sinning. Repentance is also about doing God’s will and the good works He has prepared for you to do.

God knows that we cannot live perfectly; only Jesus did that and gave us the gift of complete cleansing.  Repentance means that we should turn around and aim to do His will. This means we resist doing our will, the will of this world, and the will of the spiritual forces of evil.

God can convict and empower us for immediate changes. Some changes come over time as we mature. The workers of darkness, seen and unseen, are busy working to trip you up.  Know that God has our back when we fall, confess, and call for help.

If we claim to be saved and yet our behavior doesn’t change, that is a big red flag. Sadly, many think they are Christians, but have not really changed to believe in Jesus, that He is Lord.

Another possibility is that we are saved, but we are caught in bad habits, or just being stubborn, or actively deceived by Satan’s work.

We should remember that God may allow temptations, but He does not cause temptations. Continuing in sin is deadly serious.

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. James 1:13

For most people, it’s not in our nature to share what we have.  We can be greedy, grabbing whatever money or things we can get away with. 

For example, perhaps you have seen a parent die, and the children fight viciously over the inheritance.

Jesus taught us to act by faith, to share what we have, and to help others.  It takes faith that God will take care of our needs.  Note that this does not mean we get everything we want.  Jesus came to earth during a time of great oppression and poverty.  He lived homeless, yet he had everything He needed, provided by God.

It’s very important to understand that Satan is hard at work to keep you from knowing your identity and then living it out.  You can study this from many sources, the classic novel being “The Pilgrim’s Progress,” for example.

Being tempted is not a sin. This is important, let’s repeat that: Being tempted is not a sin. One of Satan’s many tricks is to make you feel guilty when you are being tempted.  When a thought pops into your head or you see something alluring, don’t let it linger or give in to it.  Even Jesus was tempted and knows what we are going through:

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:14

Allowing a temptation to grow in your heart is the danger.  Here’s a little proverb that might help:

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23

Pray and meditate on things like this:

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. Philippians 4:8

A very important strategy is to fight temptations with a Bible verse.  You might remember one from reading the Bible. Even if you don’t remember where, if you can describe it, then you can do a search, like Google, to find the whole verse.  Even better is to memorize key verses.  Here are some examples:

Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22

From examples in the Old Testament, it’s clear that sex is so powerful that we have to run away.  Here is another example:

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

We have to listen and learn about someone before we can say what is helpful to them. And then we need to be careful to help, not hurt.  Here’s another example about dealing with conflict or offenses.

“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. Matthew 18:15

It’s important to talk only to the person you have a problem with and not to everyone else, which is gossip or slander.  It’s tempting to get others to side with you, but this causes division and other troubles. Also, when you refuse to receive gossip, you become someone trustworthy.

At the root of most sins is pride. There are hundreds of verses about this, but here is just one:

The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished. Proverbs 16:5

<<click here to see a study about the destruction from pride>>

Next, we are going to use a few verses to list some sins that we should be guarding against: The term “sexual immorality” is any sex outside marriage between a husband and wife:

In the last chapter of the Bible, we read:

“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. Revelation 22:12

When we sin, there are two actions that reveal the condition of our heart:

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

The first, Godly sorrow, is genuine sorrow at having sinned against God or someone else. This sorrow should lead to a change in behavior.

The second, worldly sorrow, is about getting caught.  It’s embarrassing. We can hide it or blame others. Worldly sorrow leads to greater care to avoid getting caught next time. But God sees, and death is the finish product.

If you are a Christian, you know that we all fall sometimes and need to acknowledge it and repent; being sorry and yet joyful that God is always quick to forgive us. If we’ve been stubborn and have not repented, we’re still saved but miss being in close fellowship with God:

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. 1 John 1:5

Be aware of sin and respond in repentance, but don’t become obsessed, which is a trap. Stay focused on drawing near to Jesus, who has already paid for those sins, and on His work in your life to lift you up. Live with joy in His grace, serving others, and looking forward to a world without sin.

Section 4: Baptism in Jesus’ name comes from faith in Jesus, just like confession and repentance. Obviously, without faith in Jesus, baptism is just getting wet, like jumping into a swimming pool or taking a bath.

Before we get into so much info about baptism, let’s nail down the most important part:

For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body. 1 Corinthians 12:13

The real power and work are done by the Holy Spirit. Like faith, baptism in Jesus’ name is simply receiving the Grace of God by the power of God.  This is not something you do, but something done to you and for you by faith.

[Baptism] saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ 1 Peter 3:21

Baptism is all about the work of God. His Spirit transports us into Christ and into the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is one with the Father, and, miraculously, we become one with God.  This is the mighty work of God and not a work of man.

Even physical baptism is not something you do, but is done to you because of your faith in Jesus. Baptism represents the burial of a dead person and then a resurrection. We were dead in sin, like a stinking corpse that must be buried, and then resurrected, raised clean, born new to God’s family and eternal life.  All the work is His, and the Glory goes to Him.

Now, for some technical details you can skip over if you’re not interested. As you know by now, the New Testament we read is a translation from Greek and was understood by almost everyone in the known world at that time, making it a great choice for spreading the gospel worldwide.

The word “baptism” is called a transliteration.  This means that the sounds of the Greek language were transferred direct into English without being translated.  The English word “baptism” is derived from the Greek word “baptizo”.  This word means simply to immerse or dip.  The word by itself doesn’t mean anything particularly special.  This word is used in the New Testament and in Greek culture to mean mundane tasks such as doing laundry, washing dishes, even sitting pillows.  

Some verses use the Greek word “katharízō”, which means cleansing. Some sources say that these connect with baptism, but it’s not clear so those verses are not included here.

There is another Greek word, “rhantizo” which means to sprinkle. There were many ceremonies in the Old Testament that involved sprinkling, some with blood as a type of cleansing.  In the New Testament, the word is used most often in the book of Hebrews, which recounts the ceremonies of the Old Testament law. Some churches sprinkle water on babies, generally called a christening. Some call this baptism. There may be some value in this practice for encouraging parents to raise their children well, but there are no commands or examples in the New Testament.

That’s enough technical details; it’s really a massive subject we can’t cover here.

The word baptism is used in several ways in the New Testament.  When you see the word “baptism” as related to people, the key to understanding is to ask two questions: What is the person immersed in?  The Bible talks about baptism or immersion in water, the Spirit, or even fire. And the second question is “From the context, what is the meaning of a particular baptism?”

Here are the primary types of water baptism in the New Testament:

There is one called the “Baptism of John the Baptist”.  John was miraculously born to a very old and infertile couple.  John was called by God to perform what is called a Baptism of Repentance. In this next passage, Jesus has cleared the temple and is teaching about the new Kingdom.  The “chief priest and teachers of the law” are challenging Him:

By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you authority to do this?” Jesus replied, “I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin? Tell me!” They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin’ …” (They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.) So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.” Mark 11:27-33

The baptism by John was called a “Baptism of repentance” as God was calling people to repent in preparation for the coming of Jesus.  This Baptism was described as being performed in the water of the river Jordan. This baptism was like a burial to selfish and sinful deeds and a pledge to make real changes that would “produce fruit”.  Even Jesus was baptized by John, much to John’s surprise. Those who would not receive this Baptism were the religious elite who thought they didn’t need it.  And they certainly were not ready to receive Jesus, but rather had Him murdered.

We have a few verses of Jesus baptizing people, not directly, but through the disciples. This happened as John was also baptizing. We aren’t told much about the meaning of this baptism.

Then, most of the Bible describes the “Baptism in Jesus’ Name”. After Jesus died for our sins, the New Covenant began.  In the book of Acts, Chapter 2, the Holy Spirit descends on the apostles, and the church begins. This was at the festival of Pentecost, and many believers from other nations were present.  The Holy Spirit miraculously arranged for everyone from every nation to understand what was being spoken.  The Holy Spirit used Peter to preach a sermon in a summary of God’s plan from the Old Testament.  Peter explained that the Old Testament foretold Jesus’ murder, resurrection as Lord and Messiah.  This sermon ends with this passage: 

“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Acts 2:36

At this moment, they have faith that Jesus is the Christ.  The next question they ask is what to do about their sins. We are also responsible for His crucifixion. When we come to have faith in Jesus, we should also ask how to respond.  At this moment, Peter uses the keys to the kingdom of heaven, given to Peter by Jesus. Peter unlocks the key to a faith response, which is about Jesus and our need to be in Him:

“Brothers, what shall we do?”.  Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:36

The importance of “in the name of Jesus Christ” is critical. Without the power of His name, we’re just getting wet.

Now we will provide a list of verses related to Baptism in Jesus’ name.  We present them without commentary because it’s a large topic.  We encourage you to pray, read them in context, and use the principles of interpretation or “hermeneutics”. While some reduce baptism to a mere symbol, we encourage you to receive God’s word as it is.  If you have any questions, feel free to use the contact us page.

Baptism in Jesus’ name is a simple faith response to our condition, dead in sin, and then made alive by God’s glorious grace, just like repentance and confession. If you are interested in some FAQs, click here <<PAGE_Baptism questions>>.

In conclusion, salvation is not complicated. God gave us the greatest gift of all. We receive it by having faith in Jesus and thus in what He says. Salvation is God’s work. With joy and gratitude, let’s celebrate:

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. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:4

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. Romans 11:36

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> PAGE_Baptism questions

Let’s start with something everyone should agree on. There is no power in a simple water washing. This is even written by the Holy Spirit through Peter in 1 Peter 3:21. Baptism in water without faith in Jesus is just getting wet.  When baptism is viewed as just a water washing, it’s perfectly understandable that baptism is considered a mere symbol.

But if done in the name of Jesus, as described by the many scriptures above, baptism is completely different.

Here are some FAQs.

Question 1: “Can I be saved without being baptized in water in Jesus’ name?”

God is sovereign. He can do anything He wants, whenever He wants, in any way He wants. Like the thief on the cross, we are all saved just because Jesus said so! Can God save someone who hasn’t been baptized in Jesus’ name? He certainly can if He wants, assuming He hasn’t spoken otherwise because God is always faithful to His word.

But doesn’t it seem strange to claim faith in God yet contend with the words and examples inspired by the Holy Spirit?  How wonderful is His gigantic grace and our little response of receiving it by faith, as expressed in a cry for help, trusting in Jesus instead of ourselves, being baptized by His Spirit into His burial and resurrection, and the powerful confession of who He is!

Question 2: “Can I be baptized in water in the name of Jesus and still not be saved?” 

If we don’t have faith in Jesus, baptism is meaningless. Likewise, someone might see baptism as a mere ritual and not have faith in God’s word. Claiming to believe that Jesus is Lord while failing to repent and live a changed life raises suspicion that you really don’t believe. That’s a red flag you need to address: Do you really believe Him or not? Faith in Jesus is absolutely foundational.

It is possible to have genuine saving faith expressed in repentance, baptism, and confession, and then to fall into a sinful lifestyle.  As we already know, salvation is completely free, and we add nothing to it.  But we can and will be judged for our behavior. This is serious for many reasons, including that non-believers will rightly say that you are a hypocrite and thus profane the name of Christ.

Question 3: “Is baptism in Jesus’ name merely symbolic?”

If you’ve read the verses listed above, it should be clear that something important is happening when we surrender, in faith, to being baptized in the name of Jesus.

For example, let’s go back to 1 Peter 3,

For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also–not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand–with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him. 1 Peter 3:18

Amazingly, the flood of the entire world during Noah’s time is the symbol, or anti-symbol. The flood cleansed the earth by burial. That terrible event is the symbol that points to the importance of baptism in Jesus’ name. So, Baptism in Jesus’ name is not the symbol; the flood is the symbol pointing to Baptism in Jesus’ name. This passage says that baptism “saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

Question 4: “I have a verse that doesn’t mention baptism. Isn’t baptism, therefore, unnecessary or merely symbolic?”

Some people will single out one verse and draw conclusions from it.  Here is an example. We could misuse this important and beautiful verse:

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

Of course, this verse doesn’t describe all the dimensions of faith in Jesus, nor does it mention repentance or baptism.  Why?  One obvious reason is that it is being written to Christians who have already fully believed, repented, and been baptized. The 6^th chapter talks about baptism. Do we throw out the 10^th chapter because the 6^th chapter comes first? Of course not.

Likewise, in the Book of Acts, from Chapter 2, we read:

“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” Acts 2:38

Acts 2:38 doesn’t mention confession, but that doesn’t make confession less important.

In the next chapter of Acts, chapter 3, we read:

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, Acts 3:9

This verse doesn’t mention faith, confession, or baptism. Can we throw those out? Of course not.

Do we really need a checklist every time the Bible mentions salvation? Should we use one verse and discard the others? Or, should we take the Bible as a whole? To correctly understand the Bible, or any book, means harmonizing all the verses.

This is just like any great work of literature. Pulling out one section and using it to reject another is not listening to the author. A trivial example would be the opening line of “A Tale of Two Cities” which begins with “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…”  If we decide that we only want to hear the best of times and reject the worst of times, we are not taking the book as written.

Likewise, if a journalist covering a speech wrote up a few “sound-bites” out of context, just to sway opinions, it’s not good journalism.

In the same way, God’s word is often distorted by using just a few verses or using them out of context.

Question 5: Isn’t baptism just a work of man?

Some call baptism in Jesus’ name a work of man, but consider the fact that we are baptized by one Spirit into one body.  Can a man do that? If baptism is not symbolic and is connected with salvation because of the resurrection of Jesus in 1 Peter 3, is that a work of man?

Does anyone call repentance a work of man? Does anyone call confession a work of man?

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> PAGE_PrideStudy

The Bible has much to say about the dangers of pride in the negative sense.  Pride seems to be at the root of much of the evil that has brought destruction to mankind. It seems it was pride that caused Satan to try to exalt himself over God. Then Satan successfully tempted Eve into the pride of wanting to be like God.

Here is a study on pride.  Each section begins with a description of how we think of ourselves in a prideful way.  These are the lies we often fall into.  Most of these lies come from a Bible Study by Brent Detwier titled “Fifty Fruits of Pride”.

After the lies, a few Bible verses help us see the truth. But know that there are many more Bible verses that could enlighten us better.

#1  I want to be god over my life. I want to decide what is right and wrong regardless of what God has said. I want to live by my rules. I want to live by worldly wisdom even if it’s contrary to God’s word (ex: “A wise man never loses anything, if he has himself.”)

Genesis 31 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” 2The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’ ” 4“You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5“For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. 

#2  I can be jealous or envious of others abilities, possessions, positions, or accomplishments. I want to be

what others are or want to have what others have. I am envious of what others have thinking that I should have it or deserve it. I find it hard to rejoice with others when they are blessed by God. 

Genesis 42Now Abel kept flocks, and Cain worked the soil. 3In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord. 4And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, 5but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast.

Exodus 20¹⁷“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

#3  I often feel ungrateful. I tend to grumble about what I have or my lot in life.  

Numbers 111Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the Lord, and when he heard them his anger was aroused. Then fire from the Lord burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp

1 Thessalonias 516Rejoice always, 17pray continually, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 

#4  Numbers 123 Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth. Q: What made Moses so humble?

#5  I tend to give myself credit for who I am and what I accomplish. I only occasionally think about or recognize that all that I am or have comes from God.  

Numbers 2010 “[Moses&Aaron said] Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?” 11Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank. 12But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.”

John 15⁵ “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

#6  I’m not very open to input. I don’t pursue correction for my life. I tend to be unteachable and slow to repent when corrected. I don’t really see correction as a positive thing. I am offended when people probe the motivations of my heart or seek to adjust me.

I view correction as an intrusion into my privacy rather than an instrument of God for my welfare. I can’t identify anyone who would feel welcome to correct me.

I resent people who attempt to correct me. I don’t respond with gratefulness and sincere appreciation for their input. Instead I am tempted to accuse them and dwell on their faults. I get bitter and withdraw.

When corrected, I become contentious and argumentative. I don’t take people’s observations seriously. I minimize and make excuses or give explanations.

Proverbs 97Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. 8Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you. 9Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.

#7  Proverbs 165 The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.

#8  It’s normal to be proud, everyone does it and I earned the right to be proud. I look down on others who have not earned it. Surely God isn’t upset by my pride and there are no consequences.

Proverbs 6:16There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: 17haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, 19a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

Proverbs 1618 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. 

#9  I have a hard time listening to ordinary people. I listen better to those I respect or people I want to leave with a good impression. I don’t honestly listen when someone else is speaking because I am usually planning what I am going to say next. 

Proverbs 186To answer before listening—

that is folly and shame.

James 119 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak…

#10 I have ” personality conflicts” with others. I have a hard time getting along with certain kinds of people. People regularly tell me that they struggle with me. 

Proverbs 181An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends and against all sound judgment starts quarrels. 

James 4¹What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?

#11  I feel compelled to stop people when they start to share something with me I already know.

Proverbs 182Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.

Colosians 3¹²Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

#12  I am easily angered and offended. I don’t like being crossed or disagreed with. I find myself thinking, “I can’t believe they did that to me.” I often feel wronged.

Proverbs 2224Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered, 25or you may learn their ways and get yourself ensnared.

#13  I like to talk, especially about myself or persons or things I am involved with. I want people to know what I am doing or thinking. I would rather speak than listen. I have a hard time being succinct.

Psalm 5912For the sins of their mouths, for the words of their lips, let them be caught in their pride.

Proverbs 1019Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.  

Proverbs 1728 Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.

#14  I have a know-it-all attitude. I am impressed by my own knowledge. I feel like there isn’t much I can learn from other people, especially those less mature than me.

Isaiah 217The arrogance of man will be brought low and human pride humbled; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.

#15  Isaiah 14¹²[Fall of Satan] How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! 13You said in your heart, “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon.14I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” 15But you are brought down to the realm of the dead, to the depths of the pit.

#16  Micah 68And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

#17  Matthew 53“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven

#18  I desire to receive credit and recognition for what I do. I like people to see what I do and let me know that they noticed. I feel hurt or offended when they don’t. I am overly concerned about my reputation and hate being misunderstood. I want people to be impressed with me. I like to make my accomplishments known.

Matthew 61“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.2 “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

#19  I listen to teaching with other people in mind. I constantly think of those folks who need to hear the teaching and wish they were here.

I like to demean or put others down. I often think people need to be adjusted and put in their place. This includes leaders. Other people need to be more humble and have a “sober” assessment of themselves.

Matthew 71 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

Romans 144Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.

#20  Matthew 1624Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

#21  I find it hard to admit it when I don’t know something. When someone asks me something I don’t know, I will make up an answer rather than admit I don’t know.

Matthew 171After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. 4Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”

#22  John1313 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. ⁵While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

#23  I tend to be deceptive about myself. I find myself lying to preserve my reputation. I find myself hiding the truth about myself, especially about sins, weaknesses, etc. I don’t want people to know who I really am.  

Acts 51 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet….[Peter said] “Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”…The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”10At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. 

#24  I interrupt people regularly. I don’t let people finish what they are saying.

Act 5221 “Brothers and fathers, hear the defense that I now make before you.”…20And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him.’ 21And he said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’” 22Up to this word they listened to him. Then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.” 23And as they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks and flinging dust into the air,

#25  I am a slanderer. I find myself either giving or receiving evil reports about others. I even use prayer requests to share slander. Often times the things I say or hear are true about other people. I am not concerned about the effect of slander on me because of my maturity level. I think I can handle it. I only share with others the things I really think they need to know. I don’t tell all.

Romans 128Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. 29They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. 

#26  I think other people can easily solve their problems if they just made a simple change in their thinking or behavior. I judge they can fix this alone, without help from others. I’ve never made their mistakes so I’m superior and I don’t feel compelled to help them, just write them off as unwilling to change.

I tend to be self-righteous. I can think that I really have something to offer God. I would never say so, but I think God did well to save me. I seldom think about or recognize my complete depravity and helplessness apart from God. I regularly focus on the sins of others. I don’t credit God for any degree of holiness in my life.

Romans 58But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Luke 18⁹To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: ¹⁰“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. ¹¹The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. ¹²I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ ¹³ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ ¹⁴ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

#27  I think highly of myself. In relation to others I typically see myself as more mature and more gifted. In most situations, I have more to offer than others even though I may not say so. I don’t consider myself average or ordinary.

Romans 123For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.

#28  I lack respect for other people. I don’t think very highly of most people. I have a hard time encouraging and honoring others unless they really do something great.

Romans 151We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 3For even Christ did not please himself…

#29  I like to reveal my own mind. I have an answer for practically every situation.

1 Cor 318Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. 19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”; 20and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”

#30  I tend to be self sufficient in the way I live my life. I don’t live with a constant awareness that my every breath is dependent upon the will of God. I tend to think I have enough strength, ability and wisdom to live and manage my life. My practice of the spiritual disciplines are inconsistent and superficial. I don’t like to ask others for help.

1 Cor 1012So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 13No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful;… 

Acts 17²⁸‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’

#31  I find myself wallowing in self-pity. I am consumed with how I am treated by God and others. I tend to feel mistreated or misunderstood. I seldom recognize or sympathize with what’s going on with others around me because I feel that I have it worse than they do.

2 Corinthians 1123I[Paul] have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses[martyred believers], let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ²fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

#32  I regularly compare myself to others. I am performance oriented. I feel that I have greater worth if I do well.

2 Cor 1017But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” 18For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.

#33  I am overly self-conscious. I tend to replay in my mind how I did, what I said, how I am coming across to others, etc. I am very concerned about what people think of me. I think about these things constantly.

I fear man more than God. I am afraid of others and make decisions about what I will say or do based upon this fear. I am afraid to take a stand for things that are right. I am concerned with how people will react to me or perceive my actions or words. I don’t often think about God’s opinion in a matter and rarely think there could be consequences for disobeying him. I primarily seek the approval of man and not of God.

Galatians 110Am I [Paul] now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

#34  Galatians 614 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

#35  I like to be the center of attention and will say or do things to draw attention to myself.  

I am not very excited about seeing or making others successful. I tend to feel envious, jealous or critical towards those who are doing well or being honored.  

Philippians 23 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant…

#36 I don’t get much out of teaching. I tend to evaluate a speaker rather than my own life. I grumble in my heart about hearing something a second time.

Philippians 31Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.

#37  I am self-serving. When asked to do something, I find myself asking, “How will doing this help me, or will I be inconvenienced?”

I am self-critical. I tend to be a perfectionist. I can’t stand for little things to be wrong because they reflect poorly on me. I have a hard time putting my mistakes behind me.  

Philippians 312Brothers and sisters, I[Paul] do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

#38  I think the church should be run my way because I believe it’s the only right way and I strongly oppose any other way.

1 Peter 38Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 

Philippians 42 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.

Romans 14¹ Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. ²One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. ³The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. ⁴Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.

⁵One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. ⁶Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. ⁷For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. ⁸If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. ⁹For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.

¹⁰You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. ¹¹It is written:

“ ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,

‘every knee will bow before me;

every tongue will acknowledge God.’ ”

¹²So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.

¹³Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. ¹⁴I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. ¹⁵If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. ¹⁶Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. ¹⁷For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, ¹⁸because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.

¹⁹Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. ²⁰Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. ²¹It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.

²²So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. ²³But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin

#39  I am divisive. I tend to resist or resent authority. I don’t like other people to give me orders or directions.

Titus 310Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. 11You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

Romans 16¹⁷I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. ¹⁸For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery, they deceive the minds of naive people.

#40 I am unaccountable. I don’t ask others to hold me responsible to follow through on my commitments. I don’t really need accountability for my words and actions. I think I can take care of myself.

Hebrews 312See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

Proverbs 2717“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

#41  I am independent and uncommitted. I don’t really see why I need other people. I can easily separate myself from others. I don’t get much out of the small group meetings.

Hebrews 1024And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

#42  I am unsubmissive. I don’t like being under the authority of another person. I don’t see submission as a good and necessary provision from God for my life. I have a hard time supporting and serving those over me. I don’t “look up” to people and I like to be in charge. Other people may need leaders but I don’t. It is important that my voice is heard.

Hewbrews 1317Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.

#43  I am selfishly ambitious. I really want to get ahead. I like having a position or title. I far prefer leading to following.  

James 313Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.  8Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

#44 James 46 “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 7Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. 11Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? 13Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 16As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. 

#45I often feel insecure. I don’t want to try new things or step out into uncomfortable situations because I’m afraid I’ll fail or look foolish. I am easily embarrassed.

James 417If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.

Matthew25¹⁴ “Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. ¹⁵To one he gave five bags of gold, to another two bags, and to another one bag, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. ¹⁹ “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. ²⁴ “Then the man who had received one bag of gold came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. ²⁵So I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’

#46  I feel special or superior because of what I have or do. For example:  my house,  my neighborhood, my physical giftings, my spiritual giftings, my intellect or education, being a Christian, my position or job, my car,  my salary, my looks.

I feel deserving. I think I deserve what I have. In fact, I think I ought to have more considering how well I have lived or in light of all I have done.  

James 51Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. 2Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.

#47  I have a hard time admitting that I am wrong. I find myself covering up or excusing my sins. It is hard for me to confess my sins to others or to ask for forgiveness.

James 516Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

#48  I am pretty insensitive to others. I feel that some people just aren’t worth caring about. I have a hard time showing compassion.

1 Peter 38Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.

#49  I am often anxious about my life and the future. I tend not to trust God and rarely experience his abiding and transcendent peace in my soul. I have a hard time sleeping at night because of fearful thoughts and burdens I carry.

1 Peter 55All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

#50  1 John 215Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

#51  I am overly competitive. I always want to win or come out on top and it bothers me when I don’t.  

I am self-willed and stubborn. I have a hard time cooperating with others. I really prefer my own way and often insist on getting it.

3 John 9I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us. 10So when I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome other believers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.

#52  I tend to be critical of others. I find myself feeling or talking negatively about people. I subtlety feel better about myself when I see how bad someone else is. I find it far easier to evaluate than to encourage someone else.

Jude 1¹⁶These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.

#53  When there is failure or conflict, blame must be assigned, usually I deflect it to someone else.

Colossians 3¹³“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>PAGE_ProphecyFulfilled

God foretold the coming of Jesus, the things He must go through, and the results. These are a few, not all, of those prophecies and how they were fulfilled. In this list, you will first see the Old Testament passage and then how it was fulfilled in the New Testament, which are listed after the three dashes. As you read these, let God strengthen your faith that God knows the future and keeps His promises.

We are in an era when after these fulfillments, but more are coming. The worst and best are yet to come. We must have faith that God’s Word will be completed.

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Genesis 1:3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. (Note the word “said” is 12 times in Chapter 1)

—

John 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word[Jesus], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

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Hosea 6:1-3 “Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence. Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.”

—

Matthew 12:40  For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. (See also Mark 8:31, Luke 9:22, John 2:19-20, Acts 10:40, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 1 Peter 3:18-22)

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Micah 5:2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

Daniel 7:9 “As I looked, “thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze.

—

Matthew 2:1  After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem

John 8:58 “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!”

John 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning.

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Psalm 2:7 “I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.” I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father. ”

—

Matthew 3:16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

Hebrews 5:5 Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.”

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Isaiah 11:4 He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.  Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.

Daniel 7:9 “As I looked, “thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze.

—

Revelation 1:12-16 I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.

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Psalm 2:12 Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

—

Luke 9:34 While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves and did not tell anyone at that time what they had seen.

Revelation 11:11-16 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” [Psalm 2:9]  He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:

KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS

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Genesis 22:8 God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.

—

John 1:2  The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

1 Peter 1:18-19 knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.

Romans 8:3 For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin…

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Genesis 22:8 God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.

—

John 1:2  The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

1 Peter 1:18-19 knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.

Romans 8:3 For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin…

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Daniel 2:44-45 “In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever.  This is the meaning of the vision of the rock cut out of a mountain, but not by human hands—a rock that broke the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver and the gold to pieces.

—

Luke 1:31-32 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

Luke 1:33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.”

Hebrews 1:8 But of the Son He says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,  And the righteous scepter is the scepter of His kingdom.

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Isaiah 40:3

A voice of one calling:

“In the wilderness prepare

    the way for the Lord;

make straight in the desert

    a highway for our God.

—

Luke 3:3 He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.

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Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

—

Matthew 1:18-23 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. … All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

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Psalm 78:2-4 I will open my mouth with a parable;

    I will utter hidden things, things from of old—

things we have heard and known,

    things our ancestors have told us.

We will not hide them from their descendants;

    we will tell the next generation

the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,

    his power, and the wonders he has done.

Isaiah 6:9-10 He said, “Go and tell this people:

“‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding;

    be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’

Make the heart of this people calloused;

    make their ears dull

    and close their eyes.

Otherwise they might see with their eyes,

    hear with their ears,

    understand with their hearts,

and turn and be healed.”

—

Matthew 13:10-15, 34-35 The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. This is why I speak to them in parables:

“Though seeing, they do not see;

    though hearing, they do not hear or understand.

In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:

“‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding;

    you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.

For this people’s heart has become calloused;

    they hardly hear with their ears,

    and they have closed their eyes.

Otherwise they might see with their eyes,

    hear with their ears,

    understand with their hearts

and turn, and I would heal them.’

Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable.

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Isaiah 9:1,2 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—

The people walking in darkness

    have seen a great light;

on those living in the land of deep darkness

    a light has dawned.

—

Matthew 4:12-17  When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee.  Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali—  to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:

“Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,

    the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan,

    Galilee of the Gentiles— the people living in darkness have seen a great light;

on those living in the land of the shadow of death

    a light has dawned.”  From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

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Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

—

Ephesians 1:20-22  he[God] exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church,

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Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!

    Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!

See, your king comes to you,

    righteous and victorious,

lowly and riding on a donkey,

    on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

—

Matthew 21:6-9 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on.  A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.  The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,

“Hosanna to the Son of David!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

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Isaiah 61:1-2 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,

    because the Lord has anointed me

    to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

    to proclaim freedom for the captives

    and release from darkness for the prisoners,

to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor

    and the day of vengeance of our God,

to comfort all who mourn

—

Luke 4:18-19  “The Spirit of the Lord is on me,

    because he has anointed me

    to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners

    and recovery of sight for the blind,

to set the oppressed free,

    to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

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Isaiah 53:3 He was despised and rejected by mankind,

    a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.

Like one from whom people hide their faces

    he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.

—

John 19:14-15 It was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about noon. “Here is your king,” Pilate said to the Jews.

 But they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!” “Shall I crucify your king?” Pilate asked. “We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered.

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Psalm 22:16 Dogs surround me,

    a pack of villains encircles me;

    they pierce my hands and my feet.

—

John 19:16-19 Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. So the soldiers took charge of Jesus.  Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha).  There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle.  Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: jesus of nazareth, the king of the jews.

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Isaiah 53:9 He was assigned a grave with the wicked,

    and with the rich in his death,

though he had done no violence,

    nor was any deceit in his mouth.

Matthew 27:38 Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left.

Matthew 27:57-58 As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus.  Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him.

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Psalm 22:18 They divide my clothes among them

    and cast lots for my garment.

—

John 19:23 When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. …

“Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.”

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Psalm 16:9,10 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;

my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,nor will you let your faithful one see decay.

—

Acts 13:34 God raised him from the dead so that he will never be subject to decay.

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Psalm 110:1  Of David. A psalm.

The Lord says to my lord:

“Sit at my right hand

    until I make your enemies

    a footstool for your feet.” …

—

Acts 2:33-36  Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord:

    “Sit at my right hand

  until I make your enemies

    a footstool for your feet.”’

“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

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Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed and afflicted,

    yet he did not open his mouth;

he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,

    and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,

    so he did not open his mouth

—

Mark 15:4-5  So again Pilate asked him, “Aren’t you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of.”  But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.

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Zechariah 9:9 Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion!

    Shout, Daughter Jerusalem!

See, your king comes to you,

    righteous and victorious,

lowly and riding on a donkey,

    on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

—

Matthew 21:1-5  As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me.  If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

 “Say to Daughter Zion,

    ‘See, your king comes to you,

gentle and riding on a donkey,

    and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

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Isaiah 53:12 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,

    and he will divide the spoils with the strong,

because he poured out his life unto death,

    and was numbered with the transgressors.

For he bore the sin of many,

    and made intercession for the transgressors.

—

Matthew 27:38 Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left.

Mark 15:27-28 They crucified two rebels with him, one on his right and one on his left.

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Psalm 69:21 They put gall in my food

    and gave me vinegar for my thirst.

—

Matthew 27:34  There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it.

John 19:28-30  Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

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Psalm 22:16 Dogs surround me,

    a pack of villains encircles me;

    they pierce my hands and my feet.

Zechariah 12:10 “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.

—

John 20:25-27  So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”  But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”  A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

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Psalm 22:7-8 All who see me mock me;

    they hurl insults, shaking their heads.

“He trusts in the Lord,” they say,

    “let the Lord rescue him.

Let him deliver him,

    since he delights in him.”

—

Luke 23:35  The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.”

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Psalm 22:18 They divide my clothes among them

    and cast lots for my garment.

—

Luke 23:34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

Matthew 27:35-36  When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. And sitting down, they kept watch over him there.

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Exodus 12:46  “It must be eaten inside the house; take none of the meat outside the house. Do not break any of the bones.

Psalm 34:19,20 The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;

he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.

Zechariah 12:10 “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son.

—

John 19:33-36  But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken,”

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Psalm 22:1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

    Why are you so far from saving me,

    so far from my cries of anguish?

—

Matthew 27:46  About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).

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Psalm 16:10 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;

    my body also will rest secure,

because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,

    nor will you let your faithful one see decay.

Psalm 49:15 But God will redeem me from the realm of the dead;

    he will surely take me to himself. (read the whole chapter)

—

Matthew 28:2-7 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

Acts 2:22-32 “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. David said about him:

“‘I saw the Lord always before me.

    Because he is at my right hand,

    I will not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;

    my body also will rest in hope,

because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,

    you will not let your holy one see decay.

You have made known to me the paths of life;

    you will fill me with joy in your presence.’

“Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it.

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Psalm 24:7-10

Lift up your heads, you gates;

    be lifted up, you ancient doors,

    that the King of glory may come in.

Who is this King of glory?

    The Lord strong and mighty,

    the Lord mighty in battle.

Lift up your heads, you gates;

    lift them up, you ancient doors,

    that the King of glory may come in.

Who is he, this King of glory?

    The Lord Almighty—

    he is the King of glory.

—

Mark 16:19 After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.

Luke 24:51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.

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Psalm 68:18 When you ascended on high,

    you took many captives;

    you received gifts from people,

even from the rebellious—

    that you, Lord God, might dwell there.

Psalm 110:1  The LORD says to my lord: “Sit at my right hand

    until I make your enemies

    a footstool for your feet.”

—

Mark 16:19 After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God.

Matthew 22:44 “‘The Lord said to my Lord:

    “Sit at my right hand

until I put your enemies

    under your feet.”’

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Isaiah 53:10-12 Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer,

    and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin,

he will see his offspring and prolong his days,

    and the will of the Lord will prosper in his hand.

After he has suffered,

    he will see the light of life and be satisfied;

by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,

    and he will bear their iniquities.

Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,

    and he will divide the spoils with the strong,

because he poured out his life unto death,

    and was numbered with the transgressors.

For he bore the sin of many,

    and made intercession for the transgressors.

—

Romans 5:6-8  You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

1 John 2:2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

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© All Bible verses come from the New International Version