Category Archives: Can I Trust the Bible?

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Trusting God’s Sovereignty Amid Earthly Conflict (Daniel 11)

In a world of political upheaval, conflicts, and shifting powers, where do we place our trust?

Daniel 11 provides a detailed vision of future conflicts and kingdoms, but behind the chaos, we are reminded of God’s sovereignty over all.

Key Verse: “And the king shall do as he wills. He shall exalt himself and magnify himself above every god and shall speak astonishing things against the God of gods. He shall prosper till the indignation is accomplished; for what is decreed shall be done.” – Daniel 11:36 (ESV)

Background Context: Daniel 11 is one of the most detailed and challenging chapters in the Bible. It records a prophetic vision given to Daniel, detailing the rise and fall of various kings and kingdoms, including Persia, Greece, and Egypt. The passage also introduces a future king who exalts himself above all, a foreshadowing of future world rulers and perhaps the Antichrist. While these prophecies deal with real historical figures and events, they also point to the larger reality of ongoing spiritual warfare and the eventual triumph of God’s kingdom. Amid all the upheavals and conflicts, we are reminded that everything happens according to God’s sovereign will.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Daniel 11

Conflicts to Come

      1“In the first year of Darius the Mede, I arose to be an encouragement and a protection for him. 2“And now I will tell you the truth. Behold, three more kings are going to arise in Persia. Then a fourth will gain far more riches than all of them; as soon as he becomes strong through his riches, he will arouse the whole empire against the realm of Greece. 3“And a mighty king will arise, and he will rule with great authority and do as he pleases. 4“But as soon as he has arisen, his kingdom will be broken up and parceled out toward the four points of the compass, though not to his own descendants, nor according to his authority which he wielded, for his sovereignty will be uprooted and given to others besides them.

      5“Then the king of the South will grow strong, along with one of his princes who will gain ascendancy over him and obtain dominion; his domain will be a great dominion indeed. 6“After some years they will form an alliance, and the daughter of the king of the South will come to the king of the North to carry out a peaceful arrangement. But she will not retain her position of power, nor will he remain with his power, but she will be given up, along with those who brought her in and the one who sired her as well as he who supported her in those times. 7“But one of the descendants of her line will arise in his place, and he will come against their army and enter the fortress of the king of the North, and he will deal with them and display great strength. 8“Also their gods with their metal images and their precious vessels of silver and gold he will take into captivity to Egypt, and he on his part will refrain from attacking the king of the North for some years. 9“Then the latter will enter the realm of the king of the South, but will return to his own land.

      10“His sons will mobilize and assemble a multitude of great forces; and one of them will keep on coming and overflow and pass through, that he may again wage war up to his very fortress. 11“The king of the South will be enraged and go forth and fight with the king of the North. Then the latter will raise a great multitude, but that multitude will be given into the hand of the former. 12“When the multitude is carried away, his heart will be lifted up, and he will cause tens of thousands to fall; yet he will not prevail. 13“For the king of the North will again raise a greater multitude than the former, and after an interval of some years he will press on with a great army and much equipment.

      14“Now in those times many will rise up against the king of the South; the violent ones among your people will also lift themselves up in order to fulfill the vision, but they will fall down. 15“Then the king of the North will come, cast up a siege ramp and capture a well-fortified city; and the forces of the South will not stand their ground, not even their choicest troops, for there will be no strength to make a stand. 16“But he who comes against him will do as he pleases, and no one will be able to withstand him; he will also stay for a time in the Beautiful Land, with destruction in his hand. 17“He will set his face to come with the power of his whole kingdom, bringing with him a proposal of peace which he will put into effect; he will also give him the daughter of women to ruin it. But she will not take a stand for him or be on his side. 18“Then he will turn his face to the coastlands and capture many. But a commander will put a stop to his scorn against him; moreover, he will repay him for his scorn. 19“So he will turn his face toward the fortresses of his own land, but he will stumble and fall and be found no more.

      20“Then in his place one will arise who will send an oppressor through the Jewel of his kingdom; yet within a few days he will be shattered, though not in anger nor in battle. 21“In his place a despicable person will arise, on whom the honor of kingship has not been conferred, but he will come in a time of tranquility and seize the kingdom by intrigue. 22“The overflowing forces will be flooded away before him and shattered, and also the prince of the covenant. 23“After an alliance is made with him he will practice deception, and he will go up and gain power with a small force of people. 24“In a time of tranquility he will enter the richest parts of the realm, and he will accomplish what his fathers never did, nor his ancestors; he will distribute plunder, booty and possessions among them, and he will devise his schemes against strongholds, but only for a time. 25“He will stir up his strength and courage against the king of the South with a large army; so the king of the South will mobilize an extremely large and mighty army for war; but he will not stand, for schemes will be devised against him. 26“Those who eat his choice food will destroy him, and his army will overflow, but many will fall down slain. 27“As for both kings, their hearts will be intent on evil, and they will speak lies to each other at the same table; but it will not succeed, for the end is still to come at the appointed time. 28“Then he will return to his land with much plunder; but his heart will be set against the holy covenant, and he will take action and then return to his own land.

      29“At the appointed time he will return and come into the South, but this last time it will not turn out the way it did before. 30“For ships of Kittim will come against him; therefore he will be disheartened and will return and become enraged at the holy covenant and take action; so he will come back and show regard for those who forsake the holy covenant. 31“Forces from him will arise, desecrate the sanctuary fortress, and do away with the regular sacrifice. And they will set up the abomination of desolation. 32“By smooth words he will turn to godlessness those who act wickedly toward the covenant, but the people who know their God will display strength and take action. 33“Those who have insight among the people will give understanding to the many; yet they will fall by sword and by flame, by captivity and by plunder for many days. 34“Now when they fall they will be granted a little help, and many will join with them in hypocrisy. 35“Some of those who have insight will fall, in order to refine, purge and make them pure until the end time; because it is still to come at the appointed time.

      36“Then the king will do as he pleases, and he will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will speak monstrous things against the God of gods; and he will prosper until the indignation is finished, for that which is decreed will be done. 37“He will show no regard for the gods of his fathers or for the desire of women, nor will he show regard for any other god; for he will magnify himself above them all. 38“But instead he will honor a god of fortresses, a god whom his fathers did not know; he will honor him with gold, silver, costly stones and treasures. 39“He will take action against the strongest of fortresses with the help of a foreign god; he will give great honor to those who acknowledge him and will cause them to rule over the many, and will parcel out land for a price.

      40“At the end time the king of the South will collide with him, and the king of the North will storm against him with chariots, with horsemen and with many ships; and he will enter countries, overflow them and pass through. 41“He will also enter the Beautiful Land, and many countries will fall; but these will be rescued out of his hand: Edom, Moab and the foremost of the sons of Ammon. 42“Then he will stretch out his hand against other countries, and the land of Egypt will not escape. 43“But he will gain control over the hidden treasures of gold and silver and over all the precious things of Egypt; and Libyans and Ethiopians will follow at his heels. 44“But rumors from the East and from the North will disturb him, and he will go forth with great wrath to destroy and annihilate many. 45“He will pitch the tents of his royal pavilion between the seas and the beautiful Holy Mountain; yet he will come to his end, and no one will help him.

Reflection on Daniel 11:

  • The Rise and Fall of Earthly Kingdoms: Daniel 11 traces the rise and fall of various kingdoms, each vying for power and dominance. From the Persian Empire to the kingdom of Greece under Alexander the Great and his successors, the political landscape is filled with battles, betrayals, and shifting alliances (Daniel 11:2-4). This detailed prophecy shows us that, while earthly kingdoms may seem strong, they are ultimately temporary. Human rulers come and go, but God’s kingdom remains eternal. For us today, this is a reminder not to place our ultimate hope in political systems, leaders, or nations but in the unshakable kingdom of God.
  • God’s Sovereign Control: As we read through Daniel 11, it becomes clear that God is not distant from the conflicts of the world. He is fully in control, directing the course of history according to His purposes (Daniel 11:36). The detailed nature of the prophecy shows that God knows every event that will unfold. Even when it seems like the world is in chaos, God’s plan is moving forward, and His will is being accomplished. This gives us great comfort: even in the midst of political turmoil or personal challenges, we can trust that God is working everything according to His sovereign plan.
  • The Arrogance of Earthly Powers: In verse 36, we encounter a ruler who exalts himself above all gods, speaking blasphemous things and magnifying himself (Daniel 11:36-37). This figure represents not just historical rulers but also the pride and arrogance of all human powers that set themselves up against God. Yet, the verse also reminds us that this ruler will only prosper “until the indignation is accomplished”—that is, until God’s purposes are fulfilled. The lesson here is clear: no matter how powerful or arrogant human leaders may seem, they are subject to God’s ultimate authority. The self-exaltation of man is temporary, but God’s reign is eternal.
  • Perseverance in the Midst of Tribulation: Daniel 11:32 speaks of those who “know their God” and “stand firm and take action” during times of persecution and trial. While many will fall away or be deceived by corrupt leaders, those who remain faithful to God will endure. This is a call to perseverance, especially in times of difficulty or uncertainty. We are encouraged to know God deeply, trust His promises, and stand firm in our faith, even when the world around us is unstable.
  • God’s Ultimate Victory: While Daniel 11 paints a picture of conflict, war, and human pride, the underlying message is that God’s plan will ultimately prevail. The chapter hints at a final conflict and the rise of a blasphemous leader, yet the closing verses point us to God’s final judgment and the triumph of His kingdom. Earthly kingdoms will fall, but God’s rule will never end. This gives us hope, knowing that no matter how chaotic or uncertain the present may seem, the future belongs to God.

Summary Key Points:

  • Earthly Kingdoms Are Temporary: The rise and fall of kingdoms in Daniel 11 remind us that human powers are fleeting, but God’s kingdom is eternal.
  • God’s Sovereignty Over History: Every event, leader, and kingdom is under God’s sovereign control, and He is directing history according to His plan.
  • The Arrogance of Man: Earthly rulers may exalt themselves and oppose God, but their power is limited and temporary. God alone reigns forever.
  • Perseverance and Faithfulness: In the midst of turmoil, those who know God are called to stand firm, remain faithful, and take action for His kingdom.
  • Hope in God’s Ultimate Victory: While the world may be filled with conflict and instability, we have hope in the final triumph of God’s kingdom.

Application: Reflect on the current challenges or uncertainties in your life or the world around you. Are you placing your trust in earthly systems, leaders, or solutions, or are you trusting in God’s unshakable kingdom? Consider how you can cultivate a deeper knowledge of God and a stronger faith, so that you can stand firm during difficult times. Pray for the strength to persevere in faith, knowing that God is in control of every event in history. Let this passage remind you that, while human powers may rise and fall, God’s reign is eternal, and His victory is certain.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your sovereignty over all of history. In the midst of political turmoil, uncertainty, and conflict, help us to place our trust in You and Your eternal kingdom. Teach us to persevere in faith, standing firm in Your promises, even when the world around us seems unstable. Remind us that You are in control of every event, every leader, and every kingdom, and that Your ultimate victory is assured. We trust in You, Lord, and we give You all the glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

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.

All Powerful / King of All, Faithful, Government, Peace / Rest, Persecution / Glorifying God, Prophecy, Suffering / Adversity, Through Prophets, Visions

Visions of the Future: Trusting God in Uncertain Times (Daniel 8)

How do we respond when faced with visions of uncertainty, confusion, or even impending challenges?

Daniel 8 provides us with a glimpse into the future, revealing both troubling events and the assurance that God is in control.

Key Verse: “And the vision of the evenings and mornings that has been told is true, but seal up the vision, for it refers to many days from now.” – Daniel 8:26 (ESV)

Background Context: In Daniel 8, Daniel receives a vision of a ram and a goat, representing future empires and their conflicts. The ram with two horns symbolizes the Medo-Persian Empire, and the goat with a prominent horn represents the Greek Empire under Alexander the Great. The vision also predicts the rise of a fierce king who will desecrate the temple and persecute God’s people. While these events were future to Daniel, they are now recognized as prophetic descriptions of historical events. Despite the troubling nature of the vision, Daniel is reminded that God’s plans will ultimately prevail.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Daniel 6

Vision of the Ram and Goat

      1In the third year of the reign of Belshazzar the king a vision appeared to me, Daniel, subsequent to the one which appeared to me previously. 2I looked in the vision, and while I was looking I was in the citadel of Susa, which is in the province of Elam; and I looked in the vision and I myself was beside the Ulai Canal. 3Then I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, a ram which had two horns was standing in front of the canal. Now the two horns were long, but one was longer than the other, with the longer one coming up last. 4I saw the ram butting westward, northward, and southward, and no other beasts could stand before him nor was there anyone to rescue from his power, but he did as he pleased and magnified himself.

      5While I was observing, behold, a male goat was coming from the west over the surface of the whole earth without touching the ground; and the goat had a conspicuous horn between his eyes. 6He came up to the ram that had the two horns, which I had seen standing in front of the canal, and rushed at him in his mighty wrath. 7I saw him come beside the ram, and he was enraged at him; and he struck the ram and shattered his two horns, and the ram had no strength to withstand him. So he hurled him to the ground and trampled on him, and there was none to rescue the ram from his power. 8Then the male goat magnified himself exceedingly. But as soon as he was mighty, the large horn was broken; and in its place there came up four conspicuous horns toward the four winds of heaven.

The Little Horn

9Out of one of them came forth a rather small horn which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the Beautiful Land. 10It grew up to the host of heaven and caused some of the host and some of the stars to fall to the earth, and it trampled them down. 11It even magnified itself to be equal with the Commander of the host; and it removed the regular sacrifice from Him, and the place of His sanctuary was thrown down. 12And on account of transgression the host will be given over to the horn along with the regular sacrifice; and it will fling truth to the ground and perform its will and prosper. 13Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to that particular one who was speaking, “How long will the vision about the regular sacrifice apply, while the transgression causes horror, so as to allow both the holy place and the host to be trampled?” 14He said to me, “For 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the holy place will be properly restored.”

Interpretation of the Vision

15When I, Daniel, had seen the vision, I sought to understand it; and behold, standing before me was one who looked like a man. 16And I heard the voice of a man between the banks of Ulai, and he called out and said, “Gabriel, give this man an understanding of the vision.” 17So he came near to where I was standing, and when he came I was frightened and fell on my face; but he said to me, “Son of man, understand that the vision pertains to the time of the end.”

      18Now while he was talking with me, I sank into a deep sleep with my face to the ground; but he touched me and made me stand upright. 19He said, “Behold, I am going to let you know what will occur at the final period of the indignation, for it pertains to the appointed time of the end.

The Ram’s Identity

20“The ram which you saw with the two horns represents the kings of Media and Persia.

The Goat

21“The shaggy goat represents the kingdom of Greece, and the large horn that is between his eyes is the first king. 22“The broken horn and the four horns that arose in its place represent four kingdoms which will arise from his nation, although not with his power.

      23“In the latter period of their rule,
When the transgressors have run their course,
A king will arise,
Insolent and skilled in intrigue.

      24“His power will be mighty, but not by his own power,
And he will destroy to an extraordinary degree
And prosper and perform his will;
He will destroy mighty men and the holy people.

      25“And through his shrewdness
He will cause deceit to succeed by his influence;
And he will magnify himself in his heart,
And he will destroy many while they are at ease.
He will even oppose the Prince of princes,
But he will be broken without human agency.

      26“The vision of the evenings and mornings
Which has been told is true;
But keep the vision secret,
For it pertains to many days in the future.”

      27Then I, Daniel, was exhausted and sick for days. Then I got up again and carried on the king’s business; but I was astounded at the vision, and there was none to explain it.

Reflection on Daniel 8:

  • The Vision of the Ram and Goat: Daniel’s vision begins with the appearance of a ram with two horns, which symbolizes the Medo-Persian Empire (Daniel 8:3-4). The ram’s dominance is soon challenged by a goat with a prominent horn, representing the rise of Alexander the Great and the Greek Empire (Daniel 8:5-8). This part of the vision emphasizes the shifting powers and empires of the world, reminding us that earthly kingdoms are temporary and subject to God’s sovereignty.
  • The Rise of a Destructive Leader: The vision then shifts to the rise of a small horn from the goat, symbolizing a future king who would desecrate the temple, disrupt worship, and persecute God’s people (Daniel 8:9-12). Historically, this is associated with Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a ruler known for his oppression of the Jewish people and desecration of the temple. This period of suffering and desecration serves as a warning of the challenges God’s people may face in a fallen world.
  • God’s Ultimate Sovereignty: Despite the disturbing nature of the vision, Daniel is reassured that God is in control. The vision is said to be true and will come to pass, but Daniel is told to seal it up because it refers to distant future events (Daniel 8:26). This reminds us that God has a plan, even in the midst of chaos and confusion. While we may not always understand the timing or the details, we can trust that God is sovereign and that His purposes will be fulfilled.
  • Daniel’s Response: After receiving the vision, Daniel is overwhelmed and troubled by what he has seen (Daniel 8:27). He is physically and emotionally affected, which shows the weight of the revelation. However, Daniel’s response is also instructive—despite his distress, he continues with his responsibilities and remains faithful to God. This teaches us that even when we are faced with uncertainty or difficult revelations, we are called to remain faithful and continue in our service to God.
  • A Call to Trust: The vision in Daniel 8, while specific to historical events, speaks to a broader truth: in times of uncertainty, when the future seems daunting or unclear, we are called to trust in God’s sovereignty. He knows the end from the beginning, and His plans are perfect. Though we may face trials, persecution, or confusion, God’s ultimate purpose is for our good and His glory.

Summary Key Points:

  • Earthly Kingdoms Are Temporary: The shifting powers represented by the ram and the goat remind us that earthly kingdoms rise and fall under God’s sovereign control.
  • Challenges and Persecution: The vision of the small horn predicts a time of great suffering for God’s people, but it also points to the reality that we may face trials and persecution in our own lives.
  • God’s Sovereignty: Despite the troubling nature of the vision, we are reminded that God is in control and His plans will be fulfilled in His perfect timing.
  • Faithfulness in Uncertainty: Daniel’s response to the vision teaches us to remain faithful and continue in our service to God, even when faced with uncertainty or fear.
  • A Call to Trust: In times of uncertainty and confusion, we are called to trust in God’s sovereignty, knowing that He holds the future and works all things for our good and His glory.

Application: Reflect on the areas of your life where you feel uncertain or anxious about the future. Are there challenges or fears that seem overwhelming? Take comfort in knowing that God is sovereign over all things, including the events of history and the details of your life. Like Daniel, choose to remain faithful in your responsibilities and trust that God’s plans will unfold according to His perfect timing. Let this vision remind you that no matter what challenges you face, God is in control, and His ultimate purpose is for your good and His glory.

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the assurance that You are sovereign over all things, even in times of uncertainty and confusion. Help us to trust in Your perfect plan, knowing that You hold the future in Your hands. Strengthen our faith to remain steadfast and faithful, even when we face trials or difficult circumstances. Give us the courage to continue in our service to You, trusting that Your purposes will be fulfilled. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

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 / Yahweh, His Timing Not Ours, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Infinite / Without Limit, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Prophecy

Divine Threads: Tracing God’s Work Across Generations (Luke 3:23-38)

Have you ever marveled at how God weaves His redemptive plan across generations, orchestrating events and fulfilling His promises through the tapestry of time?

In Luke 3:23-38, we encounter a genealogy that traces the lineage of Jesus, offering a glimpse into God’s intricate work spanning multiple generations. Join us as we delve into this passage and uncover the significance of Jesus’ ancestry.

Reconnect: Luke 3:23-38 presents a detailed genealogy tracing Jesus’ lineage back to Adam, the first man. While genealogies may seem mundane, this list of names holds profound significance, showcasing God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises and establish His redemptive plan through generations. Let’s explore the layers of meaning embedded within this genealogy and discover the rich tapestry of God’s providence.

(Summarized and continued after scripture)

Luke 3:23-38

Genealogy of Jesus

     23When He began His ministry, Jesus Himself was about thirty years of age, being, as was supposed, the son of Joseph, the son of Eli, 24the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph, 25the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Hesli, the son of Naggai, 26the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda, 27the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri, 28the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er, 29the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, 30the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim, 31the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, 32the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon, 33the son of Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Ram, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, 34the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, 35the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Heber, the son of Shelah, 36the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, 37the son of MethuSelah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalaleel, the son of Cainan, 38the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.

Summary Key Points:

  1. A Genealogy of Hope: The genealogy in Luke’s Gospel serves as a testament to God’s faithfulness throughout history. By tracing Jesus’ lineage back to Adam, Luke emphasizes Jesus’ humanity and His connection to all humanity, presenting Him as the fulfillment of God’s promise to send a Savior.
  2. Inclusion of Gentiles: Unlike Matthew’s genealogy, which emphasizes Jesus’ legal descent from David through Joseph, Luke’s genealogy highlights Jesus’ universal mission by including Gentile ancestors. Through figures like Adam, the ancestor of all humanity, and Noah, the survivor of the global flood, Luke underscores Jesus’ role as the Savior of all people, Jew and Gentile alike.
  3. Fulfillment of Prophecy: The genealogy culminates in Jesus, the Son of God, whose birth fulfills the Messianic promises of the Old Testament. As the descendant of David, Jesus embodies the fulfillment of God’s covenant with David, promising an eternal kingdom ruled by the Messiah.

Call to Action:

  1. Reflect on Your Spiritual Heritage: Take time to reflect on your spiritual lineage and the faithfulness of God throughout generations. Consider the ways in which God has worked in your family’s history to bring about His purposes and extend His grace.
  2. Embrace Your Identity in Christ: Just as Jesus’ genealogy anchors His identity and mission, let your identity be rooted in Christ. Recognize that as a follower of Jesus, you are part of God’s redemptive plan, called to live out His purposes and share His love with others.
  3. Share the Good News: As heirs of God’s promises through Christ, embrace the responsibility to share the gospel with others. Like the generations before us who faithfully passed down the message of salvation, let us boldly proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to a world in need of hope and redemption.

4. Trust in God’s Providence: Reflect on the truth that God’s plans for your life may extend far beyond your own view or even your own lifetime. Trust in His providence and sovereignty, knowing that He orchestrates events across generations to fulfill His purposes. Surrender your plans to His perfect will, seeking to align your life with His greater redemptive plan.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the rich tapestry of Your providence displayed in Jesus’ genealogy. Help us to appreciate the significance of our spiritual heritage and to live out our identity as Your children with boldness and conviction. May we faithfully carry forward the message of salvation to future generations, declaring Your faithfulness and love to all. Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

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.

Evidence in Scripture, Jesus Christ / Yeshua, Obeying God, Submitted / Servant, Thankfulness

Are You Living Like Jesus Truly Is Immanuel… God With Us!

Yeshua is more than just a good teacher. Many try to dismiss Him or explain Him away as just that. As He entered Jerusalem just a short while before He would be crucified, it was quite an event.

At least two aspects stand out to me in regards to demonstration that He was more than just a teacher. First, Yeshua prophetically anticipates great detail around the mission He sends His disciples on to get a colt on which He is to ride. The second is more subtle. As He enters Jerusalem, many people were gathered to watch Him. He was the center of attention. Not many days later, Jesus would suffer and die publicly by crucifixion. The crowds would certainly have recognized it if anyone other than Jesus, Himself, was crucified in His place. Further, on the third day after that, Jesus would rise from the dead and walk amongst the people again for 40 days. With so many witnesses, and such a public and recognizable figure, and so little time passed between His entry to Jerusalem and His death and resurrection… there is not way to deny that it was Jesus who was crucified and Jesus who rose from the dead afterwards to continue teaching and leading the people. There could have been no substitute made.

Mark 11:1-11

The Triumphal Entry

      1As they approached Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples, 2and said to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, on which no one yet has ever sat; untie it and bring it here. 3“If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ you say, ‘The Lord has need of it’; and immediately he will send it back here.” 4They went away and found a colt tied at the door, outside in the street; and they untied it. 5Some of the bystanders were saying to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” 6They spoke to them just as Jesus had told them, and they gave them permission. 7They brought the colt to Jesus and put their coats on it; and He sat on it. 8And many spread their coats in the road, and others spread leafy branches which they had cut from the fields.

9Those who went in front and those who followed were shouting:
“Hosanna!
BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD;

      10Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David;
Hosanna in the highest!”

      11Jesus entered Jerusalem and came into the temple; and after looking around at everything, He left for Bethany with the twelve, since it was already late.

Even in this one short scripture, there is strong evidence that Jesus was God among us, not just a teacher. He performed miracles and overcame death before large public audiences.  For those who claim He is something else, they neglect or dismiss the evidence routinely.

With that in mind, let us ask ourselves thoughtfully and prayerfully…
“Are we living like we believe Jesus is God? How do we spend our time, money, and talent? How do I treat others?”

If you were to keep track and make a chart of where you spend your time and money, what would it tell you objectively, based on data? If you could honestly characterize your interactions with others, how often would your attention be focused on selfish desires compared to selfless ones focused on others?

It is easy for each of us to say we follow Yeshua, but could you look at the data and actually prove it beyond a reasonable doubt?

James 2:14-26

      14What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? 15If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, 16and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? 17Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.

      18But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” 19You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. 20But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? 21Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? 22You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; 23and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS,” and he was called the friend of God. 24You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, please help me to fully embrace You as Messiah and live my life as an offering to You. Help my life be a witness to bring others to You and show them Your glory rather than just living for me. Amen. 

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to 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.

Evidence in Scripture, Father / Yahweh, Guide, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Jesus Christ / Yeshua

Remain Faithful, Even When You Do Not Understand

Often when Yahweh is at work, we may have trouble fully understanding His glorious work and how everything fits together. Peter had just correctly identified Yeshua as the Christ and then was rebuked strongly for admonishing Yeshua when He spoke about His coming suffering and death.  With that as backdrop, several of the disciples then experience an amazing event we call the transfiguration. Through it all, they did not fully understand how God’s plan was fitting together, but they remained faithful and continued on with Yeshua.

Mark 9:1-13

The Transfiguration

      1And Jesus was saying to them, “Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power.”

      2Six days later, Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John, and brought them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them; 3and His garments became radiant and exceedingly white, as no launderer on earth can whiten them. 4Elijah appeared to them along with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus. 5Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tabernacles, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6For he did not know what to answer; for they became terrified. 7Then a cloud formed, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!” 8All at once they looked around and saw no one with them anymore, except Jesus alone.

      9As they were coming down from the mountain, He gave them orders not to relate to anyone what they had seen, until the Son of Man rose from the dead. 10They seized upon that statement, discussing with one another what rising from the dead meant. 11They asked Him, saying, “Why is it that the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” 12And He said to them, “Elijah does first come and restore all things. And yet how is it written of the Son of Man that He will suffer many things and be treated with contempt? 13“But I say to you that Elijah has indeed come, and they did to him whatever they wished, just as it is written of him.”

The disciples did not fully understand all of what they witnessed or how to put all of these experiences together to see what Yahweh was doing. They did, however, obediently follow Yeshua through all of it. We could take time to digest a lot in this scripture. The experience is deep and rich. I would encourage each of you to click the link to scripture and review some of the Commentaries available on Bible Hub. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary is typically helpful if you are looking for one that is not as detailed. MacLaren’s is also helpful, providing more detail.

I am focusing today on the faithfulness of the disciples, even when they did not understand how everything that God was showing them fit together. They did not know what to make of the transfiguration, afraid, but they remained with Yeshua. They did not understand even what Yeshua meant when He instructed them to not tell anyone until after He had risen from the dead. They must have been expecting this to be parable instead of literal. They did not understand what scripture meant by indicating that Elijah must come first. But they trusted in Yeshua. They turned to Him with questions and journeyed with Him as their teacher and friend. The learned along the way. When the Holy Spirit filled them after Yeshua left, they were ready to go and make disciples of others.

Do not be discouraged if you don’t fully understand what God is doing in your life or the life of others around you. Trust Him. Seek Him. Ask Him to show you. Continue walking with Him and draw near to Him. We don’t need to understand the whole picture as we go. God has that under control. We need to faithfully obey and do our part well.

One more parting thought pertaining to the truth of scripture. These verses, along with many others, paint our early church fathers in a rather unflattering light. Peter not only got rebuked by Yeshua in chapter 8, but in chapter 9 the three become terrified witnessing the transfiguration. Peter does not know what to do and suggests making three tabernacles… and does not even merit an answer documented in scripture here regarding his thought. As they go down the mountain, they do not understand the meaning of not telling anyone until Yeshua has risen from the dead. This is solid proof, beyond a reasonable doubt, that scripture is in fact true. It has not been altered to favorably reflect church leaders and “heroes of the faith”. Quite the contrary, it continually documents their failings alongside their successes. The Bible is most certainly an accurate historical document.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, thank You for revealing Yourself and Your word to us. Help us to trust in You for how and when You allow us to understand more and draw closer to You. Please help us to be strong in faith and follow even when we do not understand the things that are going on all around us. Thank You for helping us when we get it wrong to gain a better understanding. Thank You for encouraging us when we are discouraged by our mistakes and thank You that we can put our hope and faith in You above all else, no matter what is happening around us! Amen. 

Shalom

Devotion by John in service to Christ

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.

Evidence in Scripture, Faith / Trusting God, Grace / Forgiveness, Healer, Merciful, Miracles, Seeking God

Revealing Truth: The Unmistakable Reality of Yeshua’s Miracles and Resurrection

The more I read and study scripture, the more the Holy Spirit reveals to me. In Mark 6:53-55, we could easily spend some time reflecting on the enthusiasm of people seeking Yeshua and how He never turned them away. We could see how they put out a lot of effort to come to Him. They had faith. They were experiencing and witnessing miracles. They pursued Yeshua. They did not sit and wait for Him to come to them. We could reflect on the amazing healing miracles.

But there is another aspect of this scripture I want to focus on today. There is much evidence in the Bible and in other historical documents and archaeological evidence to demonstrate that Jesus was real, was crucified, was buried in a tomb, and then that the tomb was again empty a few days later. We see in scripture the evidence that many, many people saw Him crucified and again saw Him after He rose from the dead and walked among them for 40 days.

Some people, bound and determined to reject Yeshua as God, no matter what evidence God reveals, just make up theories about how to explain the events. In some cases people claim that it was not Yeshua who was crucified, but someone else or it was not Yeshua who was appearing after He rose from the dead, but someone else.

Let us consider what a public figure Yeshua was. He was instantly recognizable to the people. They knew and recognized Him. Thus we also can conclude that it is ridiculous to consider that is was anyone other than Yeshua on the cross or appearing before many witnesses after the crucifixion.

Mark 6:53-55

Healing at Gennesaret

      53When they had crossed over they came to land at Gennesaret, and moored to the shore. 54When they got out of the boat, immediately the people recognized Him, 55and ran about that whole country and began to carry here and there on their pallets those who were sick, to the place they heard He was. 56Wherever He entered villages, or cities, or countryside, they were laying the sick in the market places, and imploring Him that they might just touch the fringe of His cloak; and as many as touched it were being cured.

The evidence proves, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Yeshua was Messiah. He died for our sins and rose again. There is no other reasonable explanation. Let us be sure to live our lives in such a way that clearly demonstrates to others that we know this to be true. If we know this to be true we should live as Jesus did and follow Him rather than the world and its corrupt version of “right” and “wrong”. Let us hold fast to God’s word revealed in the Bible and shape our lives according to what it teaches and not according to those who dismiss or outright reject the scriptures as meaningless or not true.

I invite you to pray with me:

Father, thank You for making a way through Yeshua for my sins to be forgiven. Thank You for mercy and grace. Help me never grow cold of being amazed at the healing power You demonstrate and have demonstrated. Help grow my faith. Help me to recognize You at work in the world around me. Amen.

 Shalom

Devotion by John in service to 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.

Discerning / Judging, False Prophets / Teachers, His Ways Are Not Our Ways, Prophecy, Prophecy, Through Prophets

Unveiling Deceptive Appearances: God’s Messengers and the Call to Discernment

One of the common threads throughout scripture is that the world at large will reject the messengers that are truly sent from  Yahweh. Over and over again, those who speak the truth and represent our Creator and Lord without concern for self bring forth much anger and rejection from many. We must choose carefully whom we follow. Let us not be deceived by slick salesmen who seem popular, but only look out for themselves. Rather, we are to dig deeper and compare what is taught with the word of God. Do not be distracted by style and appearance. Often it is those we least expect that bring forth the powerful truth of God.

Naturally, we can point to Jesus… He was ultimately plotted against and murdered by those who did not want the truth of God to interfere with their grip on power… their rules and teachings. This is evident by reading through the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. We could look back to Isaiah and see from prophecy that Jesus was not a striking figure to grab attention by the standards of men.  A full reading of Isaiah 53 is worth the time to read the prophecy about our Messiah, Jesus. I encourage you to click through and read it completely. For this article I am highlighting a portion to make the point that God’s messengers do not always come in the packages that we, as men, tend to look for through our eyes.  Jesus was not striking in appearance, nor did He come from a town of significance in the minds of the culture at the time.

Isaiah 53:1-3

     1Who has believed our message?
And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?

      2For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot,
And like a root out of parched ground;
He has no stately form or majesty
That we should look upon Him,
Nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him.

      3He was despised and forsaken of men,
A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;
And like one from whom men hide their face
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

So, too, with King David… God’s prophet Samuel kept looking upon David’s brothers and judging physical features, but God chooses differently. God chooses based on the heart and he chose the son who was so unexpected by man that even his own father did not bring him in for the occasion to line up before Samuel.

1 Samuel 16: 6-11

      6When they entered, he looked at Eliab and thought, “Surely the LORD’S anointed is before Him.” 7But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 8Then Jesse called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.” 9Next Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “The LORD has not chosen this one either.” 10Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. But Samuel said to Jesse, “The LORD has not chosen these.” 11And Samuel said to Jesse, “Are these all the children?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, and behold, he is tending the sheep.” Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.”

Just to make the point with one more example… let us look at John the Baptist. A man sent by God, prophesied long in advance. He was not a “prototypical” teacher or preacher. His dress and lifestyle was very different. Even where he conducted his ministry was different.

Mark 1:1-8

Preaching of John the Baptist

      1The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

      2As it is written in Isaiah the prophet:
“BEHOLD, I SEND MY MESSENGER AHEAD OF YOU,
WHO WILL PREPARE YOUR WAY;

      3THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS,
‘MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD,
MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT.’”

4John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5And all the country of Judea was going out to him, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. 6John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist, and his diet was locusts and wild honey. 7And he was preaching, and saying, “After me One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to stoop down and untie the thong of His sandals. 8“I baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

In the case of Jesus, David, John and many more… the appearance was deceptive. Those who brought the truth came presented in a different manner than through the “established” religion of formal teachers and synagogues. Let us be careful to not jump quickly to conclusions about teachers based on their appearance or the size and typical nature of their ministry. Let us test each and every one against the truth of the gospel. Also, God’s message calls us to change, which many don’t want to do. This becomes another reason many will reject God’s true messengers. They want to stay how they are and not repent or change to follow God’s ways more completely. Quite often, those bringing the truth of God’s word appear in unexpected places and with unexpected styles and with a challenging message that calls us to action.

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ

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.

Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Prophecy, Prophecy, Protector / Deliverer, Psalms, Suffering / Adversity

A Cry of Anguish and a Song of Praise… God Is Our Deliverer

Psalm 22 at once represents the feeling all believers may experience in times of suffering and also foreshadows the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, God Himself, who became man to suffer and die for our sins and mistakes so that we could be forgiven.

For the choir director; upon Aijeleth Hashshahar. A Psalm of David.

1My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?
Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning.

      2O my God, I cry by day, but You do not answer;
And by night, but I have no rest.

      3Yet You are holy,
O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel.

      4In You our fathers trusted;
They trusted and You delivered them.

      5To You they cried out and were delivered;
In You they trusted and were not disappointed.

      6But I am a worm and not a man,
A reproach of men and despised by the people.

      7All who see me sneer at me;
They separate with the lip, they wag the head, saying,

      8“Commit yourself to the LORD; let Him deliver him;
Let Him rescue him, because He delights in him.”

      9Yet You are He who brought me forth from the womb;
You made me trust when upon my mother’s breasts.

      10Upon You I was cast from birth;
You have been my God from my mother’s womb.

      11Be not far from me, for trouble is near;
For there is none to help.

      12Many bulls have surrounded me;
Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me.

      13They open wide their mouth at me,
As a ravening and a roaring lion.

      14I am poured out like water,
And all my bones are out of joint;
My heart is like wax;
It is melted within me.

      15My strength is dried up like a potsherd,
And my tongue cleaves to my jaws;
And You lay me in the dust of death.

      16For dogs have surrounded me;
A band of evildoers has encompassed me;
They pierced my hands and my feet.

      17I can count all my bones.
They look, they stare at me;

      18They divide my garments among them,
And for my clothing they cast lots.

      19But You, O LORD, be not far off;
O You my help, hasten to my assistance.

      20Deliver my soul from the sword,
My only life from the power of the dog.

      21Save me from the lion’s mouth;
From the horns of the wild oxen You answer me.

      22I will tell of Your name to my brethren;
In the midst of the assembly I will praise You.

      23You who fear the LORD, praise Him;
All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him,
And stand in awe of Him, all you descendants of Israel.

      24For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted;
Nor has He hidden His face from him;
But when he cried to Him for help, He heard.

      25From You comes my praise in the great assembly;
I shall pay my vows before those who fear Him.

      26The afflicted will eat and be satisfied;
Those who seek Him will praise the LORD.
Let your heart live forever!

      27All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD,
And all the families of the nations will worship before You.

      28For the kingdom is the LORD’S
And He rules over the nations.

      29All the prosperous of the earth will eat and worship,
All those who go down to the dust will bow before Him,
Even he who cannot keep his soul alive.

      30Posterity will serve Him;
It will be told of the Lord to the coming generation.

      31They will come and will declare His righteousness
To a people who will be born, that He has performed it.

All of us face suffering of various kinds in this world… including Jesus Christ, His disciples, and God’s prophets. What a wonderful way to approach it… to trust God and even praise Him in the midst of the suffering. Let us each commit ourselves to this end so as to live the way Jesus Christ lived… submitted to the Lordship of God in good times and in bad times. Let our faith not waver based on our circumstances.

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ

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.

Archaeology, Evidence in Scripture, Prophecy

Evidence Proves the Bible is True

All too often I hear Christians either disregard the authenticity of the Bible as the source of God’s revelation or rely solely on “blind faith” without taking time to study or understand the evidence that proves the Bible is true.

This approach may work for those that have already placed their faith in Jesus Christ, but for those that have placed their faith in a false god(s) or deny God altogether, it is not a compelling argument to turn toward Jesus. It also fails to prepare many Christians to defend their faith when the world challenges them and mocks them. Too many are lost from the faith due to lack of understanding.

I have faith in gravity. The most compelling faith is not because I read about it in a book or because someone told me about it. The most compelling argument for faith in gravity is witnessing it at work in the world around us… watching things fall or drop. The same is true for God and the truth of His revelation in the Bible.

Hank Hanegraaff compiles and presents a convincing summary of   evidence in his book Has God Spoken?. 

  • There is strong evidence supporting the reliability of scripture over thousands of years thanks to discovery of countless scrolls and copies of the Bible. Errors that may have been introduced were minor (e.g.  grammatical) and were not the same errors across the broad body of manuscripts. Thus we can confirm that the detailed processes for oral tradition and those making written copies were very effective.
  •  Archaeology continues to identify more sites and artifacts that prove the historical accuracy of the biblical text, and none that are inconsistent with it. Of course, we have not yet unearthed specific evidence for every word and event in the Bible, nor should that be expected. That is not the standard for any objective evaluation of history based on archaeology.
  • The Bible records many prophecies which were predicted accurately in advance of the events they foretold. This was possible only by God’s revelation through His prophets. It is easy for those who already reject God to rationalize why these prophecies are not to be considered accurate accounts. But for those who study the Bible objectively, the evidence is there in the text and in other independent historical records.
  • The Bible, like other literature, contains multiple styles of writing (e.g. historical narrative, fantasy imagery, parable, etc.). To properly understand the Bible for all it is worth one must read each part in the manner in which it was intended. By doing so I continue to be amazed how one document written by so many authors across many centuries can be so consistent to reveal God’s character and relationship with His people. Only God could manage that.

For a deeper dive into the details of each of these categories I encourage you to get a copy of Hank’s book Has God Spoken? and then read it for yourself. You can read the detailed evidence and then follow up by studying and validating more through other historical sources. The internet makes this kind of research available to most of us at low cost.

Of course for those who have already decided they do not believe, they will not find the truth, but rather make up more excuses why they reject it. Pray that God would give you ears to hear and eyes to see so that you may understand the fullness of the truth of the Bible… for yourself and so you can share the good news effectively with others.

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

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.

Evidence in Scripture, Faith / Trusting God, Miracles, Praise / Worship / Glorify God, Thankfulness

It’s an Historical Fact, Not an Opinion or a Possibility

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A fact is a fact. Jesus was well known and easily recognized. He died in front of many witnesses and He rose again and came before many witnesses. It is not an opinion or a story or a possibility… it is an historical fact. It is also pivotal to all that we believe as His followers.

1 Corinthians 15:1-19

The Fact of Christ’s Resurrection

     1Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, 2by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain.

      3For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; 7then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; 8and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also. 9For I am the least of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I labored even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with me. 11Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.

      12Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; 14and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain. 15Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we testified against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised. 16For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; 17and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. 18Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied.

Christ has been raised. Let us embrace that with full force of faith, based on historical evidence outside of scripture and also based on scripture itself. He is the central focus of our hope and salvation. He took the punishment for our sins. He offers us reconciliation with God based on His perfection and sacrifice on our behalf. Never water down your passion on the truth of this central issue in our faith to please non believers who reject Him. Let us joyfully thank Him and praise Him and truly follow after Him according to His word and the Spirit which the Father sends as our Helper.

Take a few minutes in prayer today to give thanks to God for making a way for us to be reconciled to Him through Jesus. Let it sink in that this is not something we believe in faith alone, but faith backed up by facts and testimony of witnesses who were there.

Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ

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.