Category Archives: Jesus Christ / Yeshua

In the Beginning Was the Word, and the Word Was With God, and the Word Was God

Yeshua is God. I am surprised sometimes that people claim the Bible does not say so. They claim Yeshua never said… “I am God”. However, it is stated explicitly and implicitly throughout the New Testament in the testimony of Yeshua. It is precisely why Yeshua was crucified… because He claimed to be God. In the gospel of John, it is explicitly stated. Yeshua is the Word. The Word is with God and the Word is God.

John 1:1-5 and 14

The Deity of Jesus Christ

      1In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2He was in the beginning with God. 3All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. 4In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 5The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

      14And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

It is also very interesting to consider verse 3 carefully. As Christians we often think of YHWH, the Father, creating all things as if it happened apart from Christ. However, this is not the case. Christ is one with the Father. At creation, Yeshua was one with the Father.

All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.

Take time to pause and reflect on the truth of the Word. Yeshua is the Word made flesh. The Bible is the word written for us. They are consistent with one another. One does not contradict the other. Similarly Yeshua is one with the Father. They do not contradict one another. The Old Testament does not contradict the New. Quite the opposite. Yeshua referred constantly back to the Old Testament scriptures. He explicitly stated He did not come to abolish the law, not even a jot (that’s small grammatical markings).  To correctly understand His word and His will, we must look to His example and understand that all of the Bible is still true and applicable today. If there is confusion it is not with God, but rather with our own understanding.

Always approach the word from the perspective that it is consistent and timeless. It will not contradict itself. God does not change. It all fits perfectly together, but often we don’t understand many of the details. Instead we try to dismiss parts of the Bible based on assumptions that it no longer applies or as if Yeshua suddenly changed all that God valued when He came in the flesh. There was no change in what God said is good and what is bad. That is timeless. If something does not seem to fit right, it means we don’t understand it correctly. Study and prayer are the approach rather than just assuming our initial view or position is correct based on our understanding from today’s culture or what is taught in churches today.

Seek truth in God’s word revealed in the Bible. Invest time yourself, not just reading books about the Bible, but the Bible itself. Of course you can read other books also but they are not a substitute for the Bible. Pray and spend time on it. You can not grow closer to God if you spend no time with Him or His word.

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Father Forgive Them

What an example our Lord sets for us, as He is crucified He asks the Father to forgive those who are doing this to him. It is not enough for them to kill Him, but they must mock and taunt Him as well. Everyone from soldiers to a criminal on the cross next to Him join in. In the midst of His greatest suffering, He still sets an incredible example for us to follow. Flawless indeed.

There is more for us to ponder here as well. On one of the crosses next to Him is someone deserving judgment and hell. But He repents and turns to Christ at this late hour… and Christ comforts Him and assures Him He will be received. There was no time for his actions to “earn” salvation. It is all about grace through faith in Christ.

Luke 23:33-49

The Crucifixion

     33When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. 34But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves. 35And the people stood by, looking on. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One.” 36The soldiers also mocked Him, coming up to Him, offering Him sour wine, 37and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself!” 38Now there was also an inscription above Him, “THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.”

      39One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” 40But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41“And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” 43And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”

      44It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45because the sun was obscured; and the veil of the temple was torn in two. 46And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, “Father, INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT.” Having said this, He breathed His last. 47Now when the centurion saw what had happened, he began praising God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent.” 48And all the crowds who came together for this spectacle, when they observed what had happened, began to return, beating their breasts. 49And all His acquaintances and the women who accompanied Him from Galilee were standing at a distance, seeing these things.

It is never too late for us to repent (until we die) if we are genuine. That is grace indeed! But do not wait for your deathbed or put off submitting to Christ when you have the chance to find Him now. There is joy and hope and rejoicing in a relationship with Him in this life as well as treasure in heaven to be had by how we live for Him.

When we find ourselves in suffering, try not to let our suffering block out our concern for them. Ask God for help with this as I am not sure how to do this on my own power.

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Our Pain Should Not Overwhelm Our Love For Others

Even while He was carrying His cross to His own execution, Yeshua was focused on others. He knew that His pain was happening now, but that others would experience pain later because of their rejection of YHWH. We should not miss the opportunity to see this clear expression of Yeshua’s love for His people. We should strive to live in similar manner. With help from the Spirit we too should strive to love others and be concerned for them whether or not we are also having a hard time.

Luke 23:26-32

Simon Bears the Cross

     26When they led Him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, coming in from the country, and placed on him the cross to carry behind Jesus.

      27And following Him was a large crowd of the people, and of women who were mourning and lamenting Him. 28But Jesus turning to them said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, stop weeping for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29“For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.’ 30“Then they will begin TO SAY TO THE MOUNTAINS, ‘FALL ON US,’ AND TO THE HILLS, ‘COVER US.’ 31“For if they do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”

      32Two others also, who were criminals, were being led away to be put to death with Him.

Our pain should not overwhelm our love for others. This is hard. Pray to YHWH that He would help us to love others more consistently and more deeply. Pray He would help us know how to love others consistent with His word. It is not just about the happiness and comfort of others in giving them what they want. Obeying YHWH’s word helps us love Him and love others and we should not violate His instructions on the premise that we are loving others.

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Whom Will You Choose?

We all must decide in our lives… whom will we choose? Will we choose to follow the crowd or will we choose Christ? The crowd will demand we reject Christ.  Even in many churches today, the members do not live according to the word of God. They live more by the laws of man than those of God.  There are an absurd number of churches that can’t figure out if God changed His mind on homosexuality because some mortal judges passed a court ruling by one vote. They pursue the ways of men rather than those of God.

Often the seeming easy route, the route to be praised and accepted by men, will lead away from God. Perhaps it is subtle sometimes and often not subtle at all. The crowd will not draw you toward God. We must seek personal holiness and a relationship with our Father in heaven. We must pray, worship, and study. We must ask for the Spirit to lead us and be willing to obey and follow, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable. Then perhaps we may be ready and willing to stand for Christ when all others around us call out to crucify Him.

Luke 23:13-25

Pilate Seeks Jesus’ Release

     13Pilate summoned the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14and said to them, “You brought this man to me as one who incites the people to rebellion, and behold, having examined Him before you, I have found no guilt in this man regarding the charges which you make against Him. 15“No, nor has Herod, for he sent Him back to us; and behold, nothing deserving death has been done by Him. 16“Therefore I will punish Him and release Him.” 17[Now he was obliged to release to them at the feast one prisoner.]

      18But they cried out all together, saying, “Away with this man, and release for us Barabbas!” 19(He was one who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection made in the city, and for murder.) 20Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, addressed them again, 21but they kept on calling out, saying, “Crucify, crucify Him!” 22And he said to them the third time, “Why, what evil has this man done? I have found in Him no guilt demanding death; therefore I will punish Him and release Him.” 23But they were insistent, with loud voices asking that He be crucified. And their voices began to prevail. 24And Pilate pronounced sentence that their demand be granted. 25And he released the man they were asking for who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, but he delivered Jesus to their will.

Jesus chose obedience to the Father. Jesus chose to die for our sins so we may be forgiven. Whom will you choose? Decide ahead of time or you will likely fail when the situation is difficult around you.  Start by asserting yourself for Christ in small ways at first to gain confidence if you find that helpful. Take small steps until you are ready to take bigger ones. Pray for God to help you be bold for Him.

Keep in mind that in some cases you will not face an angry mob. You may face coworkers or friends at the coffee bar or in the office kitchen or at lunch. They may just be speaking against Christ and how He calls us to live in seemingly small ways. Will you stand up for Christ?

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

 

Keep Your Eyes On The Father Rather Than Yourself

Pilate and Herod were not friends. In fact, the scripture tells us they were enemies. They came together and became friends while handling Yeshua’s case. Pilate seemed disinterested in justice and more interested in politics and looking for a way out of dealing with Yeshua. Herod was just looking to amuse himself, possibly see a sign from Yeshua. He and his guards mocked Yeshua. Somehow they were able to come together in the mistreatment of Yeshua and become friends.

Luke 23:-12

Jesus before Herod

     8Now Herod was very glad when he saw Jesus; for he had wanted to see Him for a long time, because he had been hearing about Him and was hoping to see some sign performed by Him. 9And he questioned Him at some length; but He answered him nothing. 10And the chief priests and the scribes were standing there, accusing Him vehemently. 11And Herod with his soldiers, after treating Him with contempt and mocking Him, dressed Him in a gorgeous robe and sent Him back to Pilate. 12Now Herod and Pilate became friends with one another that very day; for before they had been enemies with each other.

Picture yourself in a situation like this. You are arrested for a crime you did not commit. Imaging the lawyers and police and judge(s) do not really care about whether or not you are guilty, but just mocking you for your faith or avoiding having to deal with your case. How many of us would assume this could not be the will of YHWH? We would be crying out to Him asking for His help. It would seem almost inconceivable that this was His will. It seems so “unfair”.

I find it to be very difficult to step outside of my personal situation and think that somehow when things are “going wrong” for me, that somehow it is right in line with YHWH’s plans. Yeshua understood the will of the Father. He stayed connected with intimate and consistent prayer. He asked for help to “take away this cup of suffering” in the garden before He was captured, but then submitted to the will of the Father. He handled Himself with grace and humility through the entirety of His “trial”, torture, and execution. He kept His eyes not on Himself but on the will of the Father.

That is a lesson I pray the Lord would help me with… to keep my eyes not on myself but on His will, even when things seem to be going wrong in my life. He is in control.

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Yeshua Sets The Example In Submitting Fully To God’s Will

Reading in Luke 22 about Yeshua’s arrest in the garden, we see that He went voluntarily, without fighting or resisting. Yeshua was committed to obeying the will of the Father. He was to fulfill the plan YHWH had for our salvation by suffering for our sins and dying on the cross. Once again in Luke 23 we see this attitude reinforced.

Luke 23:1-7

Jesus before Pilate

     1Then the whole body of them got up and brought Him before Pilate. 2And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, and saying that He Himself is Christ, a King.” 3So Pilate asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” And He answered him and said, “It is as you say.” 4Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no guilt in this man.” 5But they kept on insisting, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching all over Judea, starting from Galilee even as far as this place.”

      6When Pilate heard it, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. 7And when he learned that He belonged to Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself also was in Jerusalem at that time.

Yeshua had been explicitly asked about paying taxes to Caesar and His answer was to pay to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s. He did not tell people to avoid paying taxes. Those who wanted to destroy Yeshua lied. This should not surprise us.

Mark 12:13-17

 13Then they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Him in order to trap Him in a statement. 14They came and said to Him, “Teacher, we know that You are truthful and defer to no one; for You are not partial to any, but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to pay a poll-tax to Caesar, or not? 15“Shall we pay or shall we not pay?” But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a denarius to look at.” 16They brought one. And He said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” And they said to Him, “Caesar’s.” 17And Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were amazed at Him.

Yeshua ignores the lies and responds only to the question from Pilate, and not in a way that appears to be trying to defend Himself or get released from punishment. Even still, Pilot found no guilt. None the less, YHWH used Pilate and others to facilitate His plan. Rather than releasing the man in whom he found no guilt, Pilate sent Yeshua to Herod.

Yeshua sets the example for us to follow in submitting to the will of the Father, even when it seems not in our own perception of our best interest. YHWH’s plans are bigger than any one of us. His vision and wisdom far exceed anything we could hope to achieve. He is infinite…without limits and boundaries. We are certainly not.

Let us submit to YHWH and seek His will. Pray for the Spirit to guide us and work to develop a relationship with YHWH through time together in prayer, worship, and study of the scriptures. Ask also for the courage and conviction to submit and obey even when it is hard. In this way we become holy, which is to say set apart for YHWH’s use.

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Did Yeshua Really Claim to Be God?

I am amazed at times by the discussions I have had with some Muslims about Yeshua. In several cases, individuals do not dispute the Bible (including the New Testament) as reliable source. They simply claim that Yeshua never said He was God. This is patently false. There are numerous examples where Yeshua does so. He “forgives sins”, knowing only God forgives sins. The book of John opens up with a clear description of Yeshua as the Word of God, one with God from the beginning.  Yeshua states He is one with the Father. The whole reason Yeshua was crucified by the Jews is because He claimed to be God.

Yeshua can not be a prophet alone. He must be either a liar, a madman, or God.

But when I share the clear scripture with these individuals, they somehow reject what it clearly states. The alternate explanations they make up are just not credible. In some cases, with no logical base to refute the claim, they now choose to claim the Bible is not a good source, despite the fact that it is objectively a much more reliable document than the Koran. It has not been changed in thousands of years and we have found plenty of old copies of manuscripts to prove it They date back much closer to the time of Christ. And properly understood, the Bible does not contradict itself. Possibly most incredible is that the people who wrote it included all sorts of detail on mistakes and failings of their faith heroes… like David, Abraham, Moses, and the disciples. If they were writing fiction, why would they not lie and make these heroes look better… or just omit the bad stuff?

Luke 22:66-71

Jesus before the Sanhedrin

     66When it was day, the Council of elders of the people assembled, both chief priests and scribes, and they led Him away to their council chamber, saying, 67“If You are the Christ, tell us.” But He said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe; 68and if I ask a question, you will not answer. 69“But from now on THE SON OF MAN WILL BE SEATED AT THE RIGHT HAND of the power OF GOD.” 70And they all said, “Are You the Son of God, then?” And He said to them, “Yes, I am.” 71Then they said, “What further need do we have of testimony? For we have heard it ourselves from His own mouth.”

John 14:1-11

      1“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. 2“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3“If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. 4“And you know the way where I am going.” 5Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?” 6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

Oneness with the Father

     7“If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.”

      8Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9Jesus said to him, “Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10“Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works. 11“Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves.

There are many more such examples.

Yeshua being one with God is critical to our Christian faith. Jews and Muslims also accept the Old Testament. Christ as Messiah is what defines us. Let us familiarize ourselves with scripture so we may give an account to others when given the chance. Whether or not they accept the truth, is between them and God, but we are to deliver the truth.

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Shall We Strike With The Sword?

Even as Yeshua was betrayed, He had compassion on those coming against Him. He takes time to heal one who is cut. It is an incredible example for us to consider!

Luke 22:47-53

Jesus Betrayed by Judas

     47While He was still speaking, behold, a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was preceding them; and he approached Jesus to kiss Him. 48But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” 49When those who were around Him saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” 50And one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51But Jesus answered and said, “Stop! No more of this.” And He touched his ear and healed him. 52Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders who had come against Him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as you would against a robber? 53“While I was with you daily in the temple, you did not lay hands on Me; but this hour and the power of darkness are yours.”

The fact that His followers carried swords for defending themselves certainly implies that Yeshua approved of it and their use for self defense at times. We need only look further up in Luke 22 to see preceding dialog about swords to defend themselves.

36And He said to them, “But now, whoever has a money belt is to take it along, likewise also a bag, and whoever has no sword is to sell his coat and buy one. 37“For I tell you that this which is written must be fulfilled in Me, ‘AND HE WAS NUMBERED WITH TRANSGRESSORS’; for that which refers to Me has its fulfillment.” 38They said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.” And He said to them, “It is enough.”)

So Yeshua was not generally directing His disciples not to defend themselves, but specifically for this engagement. He knew the Father wanted Him to be taken into custody to carry the penalty for our sins. He submitted to the will of the Father and showed compassion on even those we would consider enemies as they came for Him.

Let us pray the Spirit would guide and strengthen us to be obedient to the Father even as we face difficult trials. Sometimes we may be called to defend ourselves and sometimes we will be called to lay down arms and submit to difficult situations. We need to remain close to the Father to know which situations call for which approach. Yeshua set an incredible example in His prayer relationship with the Father for us to follow.

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Follow Yeshua’s Example of Prayer and Submission

Yeshua sets the example for intense prayer. We have a hard time living up to His example. No matter what we face, however, let us follow His example and come before the Father in prayer. Let us submit to the Father’s will and trust in the Father’s wisdom, even if we have an opinion or preference which is different. We may even pray for the Spirit’s help that we would not fall into temptation.

Luke 22:39-46

The Garden of Gethsemane

     39And He came out and proceeded as was His custom to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples also followed Him. 40When He arrived at the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, 42saying, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” 43Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. 44And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground. 45When He rose from prayer, He came to the disciples and found them sleeping from sorrow, 46and said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

Let us model ourselves and our relationship with the Father after the example of Christ, whether we face big situations or every day small ones.

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Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? Are you living today filled with the peace and joy of truly knowing and following Jesus Christ? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

I Have Prayed For You

Simon Peter was a bold follower of Christ. He was, however, overconfident in his faith to endure the difficult situation soon to arise. Yeshua warned him that Satan was trying to get permission to “sift [Simon Peter] like wheat”, which is not good for Simon Peter. How gracious and encouraging that Yeshua prayed for His friend, for his faith to not fail. Indeed this is a good example for all of us, to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ, even the ones who seem so confident in their faith.

Simon Peter was later humbled through the situations which came as he denied Christ three times. It was devastating to him. I am sure the prayers of Yeshua helped him through responding to that failure.

Luke 22:31-34

    31“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; 32but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” 33But he said to Him, “Lord, with You I am ready to go both to prison and to death!” 34And He said, “I say to you, Peter, the rooster will not crow today until you have denied three times that you know Me.”

It is also worthwhile to remember that Satan needs permission to attack those who serve the Lord. YHWH is always in control. This premise is also demonstrated in the book of Job in more detail. Thus we can be assured, even when we are under attack, the Lord is with us. We can trust in Him and turn to Him for help and support.

I encourage you to pray for one another, in tough times yes, but even in times that seem quite good. Trouble will come. We don’t always see it on its way.

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Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.