Tag: Gospel

Was Jesus “Worshiped” in the Gospels?

On By Whatsoever Things Are TrueIn IslamLeave a comment

Muslims in their weak attempt at discrediting the Bible stoop very low unknowingly calling their own prophet a liar. Their prophet Muhammad said he believes in the Torah saying “I believe in thee and in him who revealed thee.”[1]

Muslims are willingly denying their prophet who believes in the Bible (Injil) revealed from Allah, which is “guidance and light”. The Qur’ān says it confirms the scriptures which came before the Qur’ān, but Abdools are forced to deny the truth because the Qur’ān contradicts the Bible.

In Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:43-47 Allah says the Jews have the Torah, and to use it for judgement, as the Torah was sent down from Allah which is guidance and light. Allah also gave Jesus the Gospel which is guidance and light confirming the Torah and that the Christians are to judge by what Allah revealed.[2]

It’s funny we have articles from Abdools lying and denying what the Bible contains thereby inadvertently admitting their prophet and god are false. Here’s such an article from quranandbibleblog Was Jesus “Worshiped” in the Gospels?

“While it can be reasonably argued that the gospel of John presents a higher Christology than the Synoptic gospels, wherein Jesus is made to be a “divine” being of some sort, it is much more difficult to prove that he was “equal” to the Father. However, that is the subject of a separate article. In this article, we will analyze some verses in the Synoptic gospels where Jesus was allegedly “worshiped” by his followers, or so the Christians have claimed.” — quranandbibleblog

It’s not hard Abdools to prove Jesus is equal to the Father. Verses which say Jesus is equal to God (John 5:18, Philippians 2:6), but before we get off track let’s get back to the topic. Our task is to provide evidence Jesus Christ was worshipped. We’ve established Muhammad believes in the Torah, and Allah sent down the Gospel, the same one in which Jesus Christ is worshipped.

Their argument “While this list seems to show an impressive amount of evidence that Jesus was “worshiped”, it is actually misleading. Note that most of the verses are found in the Gospel of Matthew, but more importantly, despite all of these verses using the same Greek word, προσκυνέω (proskyneō)”. — quranandbibleblog

The Lord Jesus when He was tempted in the wilderness by Satan Christ said “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” Matthew 4:10 I’m sure Muslims would agree that Jesus is telling Satan to worship God, the word used is προσκυνήσεις (proskyníseis) Future Active Indicative. The object in this context is worship to God, notice Jesus didn’t say “worship the Father” even though the Father should indeed receive worship. Jesus said “worship God”, the context determines the meaning of how proskyneō is being used.

In the book of Hebrews chapter 1 the context is the comparison of Jesus Christ against angels, how Christ “being so much better than the angels” Hebrews 1:4. As the Father commands the angels to worship the Son (Jesus Christ) saying “And let all the angels of God worship him” Hebrews 1:6 προσκυνησάτωσαν (proskynisátosan) Aorist Active Imperative. We learn here that Jesus is superior to the angels and they are to worship Him.

What’s really troubling for Muslims is the book of Revelation in which the Lamb of God is worshipped. Who is the Lamb of God? We’re told in John 1:29 and John 1:36 that it’s Jesus Christ. In Revelation, we have a vision in heaven God the Father is sitting on the throne the question is asked “Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?” Revelation 5:2. None “in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth” Revelation 5:3 was worthy to open the book. Only the Lamb was worthy to open the book Revelation 5:6-7.

At this point, Jesus Christ who is the Lamb receives universal worship from all of creation. Notice this worship which all of creation is taking part is directed to “him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.” Revelation 5:13. Here the word used is προσεκύνησαν (prosekýnisan) Aorist Active Indicative, only God alone deserves this kind of worship and Christ is receiving this worship.

Early Years Of The Messiah-King (2:1-12)

Each Gospel focuses on a theme, Matthew places attention on the Kingship of Jesus Christ the Messiah, Mark showcases Christ as God’s Perfect Servant, Luke is about the Lord Jesus as the Son of Man the Perfect Man, and John focuses on the divinity of Christ as God.

The Abdools are wrong in saying all of the verses use the same word προσκυνέω (proskyneō). Matthew 2:2 uses the word προσκυνῆσαι which is an Aorist Active Infinitive derived from the root word προσκυνέω. It’s important to know how these words are used in multiple ways in Greek, it can refer to a singular or plural expression, the object involved, the tense and mood.

προσκυνῆσαι is a word which expresses continuous activity and the tense refers to action in the present or future. The tense locates the action of a verb in time, relative to the time of the speaker. Greek is a precise language and provides ample evidence that the Magi worshipped (continuous action) Christ as God.

The context of Matthew tells us the Magi came from the East due to seeing a star “For we saw his star in the east (ειδομεν γαρ αυτου τον αστερα εν τη ανατολη).” It’s possible the Magi were familiar with the Messianic prophecies such as Numbers 24:17 “Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel”[3]

As well as the 70 weeks foretelling the first coming of Christ in Daniel 9:24-25 “to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness,…that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks”.[4]

Let’s not overlook the powerful statement the Magi made in saying “Where is he that is born King of the Jews?”[5] Every king in this world is made king, but Jesus Christ is born King.

Matthew 2:8 recalls the account of when Herod was informed of the birth of the King of the Jews but the word used here is different from the above verse. Matthew 2:8 uses a different word προσκυνήσω (proskyníso), this word is an Aorist Active Subjunctive, in Greek, there are different moods the indicative, infinitive, imperative and subjunctive. Why is this important? We’ll get to that in a moment.

Our friends at quranandbibleblog said “So, it appears that the word simply means to “bow down” or to “worship”. However, notice that the Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament states that this “worship” or “veneration” could also be directed “toward human beings”, and it gives the examples of Revelation 3:9 and 13:4. This is where Christians get into some serious trouble. While Revelation 13:4 is not problematic as it refers to the false worship of the “dragon” and “beast” in the end times, Revelation 3:9 is very problematic and exposes the inconsistencies of the Christians.”

In the following verse king Herod tells the Magi “Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also”.[6] Herod had no intention of worshipping Christ he just wanted to locate Him in order to kill Him because Jesus Christ was a threat to Herod’s kingship.

The word προσκυνήσω (proskyníso) is hypothetical, the subjunctive mood primarily can be actions in the present or future. All at the same time covered by the primary tenses of verbs. There are 3 tenses for a subjunctive expressing aspect, not time. These are present: ongoing aspect, aorist: simple aspect and perfect: completed aspect.

To Philadelphia (3:7-13)

This is seen also in the book of Revelation, the same book quranandbibleblog claimed “Revelation 3:9 is very problematic and exposes the inconsistencies of the Christians.” if Abdools took time to read they would’ve seen Revelation 3:9 uses the word προσκυνήσωσιν.

Providing both the English translation Greek we see that this word is different, Revelation 3:9 uses a Subjunctive which is speaking hypothetically, the context determines the meaning of the verse in question.

The Christians at Philadelphia were being persecuted by those who called themselves Jews (the synagogue) but were not true Jews. These Jews claimed the name but they were not true Jews, they had no spiritual connection to the people of faith who had the faith of Abraham.

Because of their faithfulness to the Lord Jesus, they would be vindicated from this particular group saying “I will make them come and worship before your feet”,[7] Christ would ensure that their persecutors recognized they were wrong, and the Lord Jesus and His followers were right.

In regards to Revelation 3:9, they said: “Christians will get into some serious theological trouble, as it would mean that humans can rightly be “worshiped” as well” — quranandbibleblog

The surrounding context of the verses that follow determine that this is speaking of the Christians enduring persecution, Jesus is not making those persecutors worship the Christians, but that those persecutors would acknowledge God seeing that the followers of Christ were right in their worship of Jesus.

If Strangers Enter A Meeting (14:24-25)

This concept is seen in the epistle written to the Corinthians, the context is of an unbeliever in the midst of Christians (worship service) and coming to the understanding God is real. As his heart is exposed before God he falls down and worships making a profession of faith.

This solidifies that it wasn’t Christians who were being worshipped by this unbeliever, but God was worshipped in the presence of Christians. Quranandbibleblog wrenched verses out of their context not understanding these verses.

This presents a problem for Muslims because Jesus Christ was worshipped yet Muslims are worshipping a pagan god called Lah. These verses use specific words in Greek giving us context and meaning of how to render those words.

Wise Men Come to Worship The Messiah King (2:1-12)

Matthew 2:11 προσεκύνησαν (prosekýnisan), Aorist Active Indicative. When they entered the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother. They fell down and worshipped Him, offering costly gifts consisting of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Notice that the Magi saw Jesus with His mother. Normally the mention of the mother would come first and then the child, but this Child was anything but ordinary for He must be given the preeminence (vv. 13, 14, 20, 21).

The Magi worshipped Him, not Mary or Joseph. The gifts they brought are a testament to who Christ is. Gold signifies the deity of Christ and His glory. Frankincense speaking to the sinless perfection of the Lord Jesus. And Myrrh is a bitter herb which speaks to the sufferings He would endure bearing the sins of the world on the cross. Woefully Muhammad was never born king.

The power of the Lord Jesus over Leprosy (8:1-4)

Matthew 8:2 προσεκύνει (prosekýnei), Imperfect Active Indicative. In Greek, the imperfect tense is fundamentally the present tense transferred back into the past. The imperfect is a state of existence or action that’s still going on in the past.

Matthew 8:2 proves the power of the Lord Jesus over Leprosy (8:1-4), the teaching of Christ had a drawing power to the point that great multitudes followed Him. Truth verifies itself and though people may not like it, they’ll never forget it. A leper approaches Jesus with a desperate appeal to be healed from his leprosy.

The leper’s had faith that Christ could cure him, and he was indeed healed by the touch of Christ. Leprosy is an appropriate picture of sin due to it being loathsome, destructive and infectious.

Lepers were untouchables physical contact with them might expose a person to infection, but this was not the case with Jesus Christ as He can never be infected because He’s God. In the OT a person with leprosy was unfit to worship with the congregation of Israel, and Christ healed him of this disease. Muhammad, unfortunately, had no ability to heal anyone.

Jesus has the power to heal the incurable and raise the dead (9:18-26)

Matthew 9:18 προσεκύνει (prosekýnei), which is an Imperfect Active Indicative. Matthew 9:18 Jesus gives a discourse on the change of dispensations and was interrupted by a worried ruler whose daughter just died. The ruler knelt before the Lord and requested for Him to come and restore his daughter’s life. Jesus honoured the ruler’s faith. The Lord Jesus took her by the hand, and then she rose from the dead. Sadly, Muhammad never brought anyone back from the dead.

Jesus walks on the Sea (14:22-33)

Matthew 14:33 προσεκύνησαν (prosekýnisan), Aorist Active Indicative. The previous verses of Matthew 14 are proof that Christ did miracles assuring His disciples they followed the One who could abundantly provide, now they learn that Christ is the One who can protect and empower them also.

In verses 22-28 we read how the disciples were a ship, the disciples find themselves in the midst of a storm, the sea tossed them and waves were crashing down. Jesus comes to them walking on the sea. When they saw Him they thought Jesus was a spirit, but Christ says “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.”[8]

Peter asked to come on the water with Him and the Lord Jesus says “Come”, Peter starts to walk on the water to Christ but then becomes afraid because of the storm. Peter begins to sink crying Lord save me. Jesus Christ saves him by taking his hand. When they came into the boat all His disciples worshipped Him. Unfortunately, Muhammad had no power to control nature.

Concerning Position in The Kingdom (20:20-28)

Matthew 20:20 προσκυνοῦσα (proskynoúsa), Present Active Participle. We have the mother of James and John approaching the Lord asking that her 2 sons could sit on either side of Him in his kingdom. She didn’t understand the principles upon which honour is given in the kingdom.

The sons of Zebedee and their mother knew who Christ is as they knew He was the ruler of the kingdom, therefore, they did that which was appropriate for them to do and worshipped Him. Regrettably, Muhammad is not in the kingdom and has no place in it.

The King’s Triumph (28:1-10)

Matthew 28:9 προσεκύνησαν (prosekýnisan), Aorist Active Indicative. Chapter 28 the burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, how He’s victorious over the grave. The women at the sepulchre were told by the angel to go quickly and announce the glorious news to His disciples.

Christ rose from the dead! After they told His disciples about the empty tomb Jesus appeared to them and greeted them saying “hail”, they responded by falling to His feet and worshipping Him.[9] When Muhammad died he didn’t come back from the dead, in fact when he died he was stinking and farting according to the Islamic sources.

The Great Commission (28:16-20)

Matthew 28:17 προσεκύνησαν (prosekýnisan), Aorist Active Indicative. In Galilee Christ Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to His disciples, this is the same appearance in Mark 16:15-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:6. The Lord was triumphant over death as He rose from the dead just as He prophesied He would and because He lives those in Christ live as well.

He stood before His disciples in His glorified body. They worshipped Him as the everlasting living God. Then Christ said that all authority had been given to Him in heaven and on earth. While He always had all authority as God, here He was speaking of authority as Head of all creation. Muhammad never had authority over creation.

The Gadarene Demoniac Healed (5:1-20)

Mark 5:6 προσεκύνησεν (prosekynisan), Aorist Active Indicative. The Gadarenes was located on the east side of Galilee. It was in this place Christ met a demon-possessed man, this violent individual frightened the locals. They tried everything to restrain him but nothing worked, the man lived in the mountains and would cut himself.

When the demoniac man saw Jesus he ran to him and worshipped Him. Verse 7 is telling at this point it was not the man speaking but the demon. The demon responds in a loud voice “What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.”[10]

This demon knew who Jesus was and what He was capable of doing, he even calls Him the Son of God, this proves that Jesus Christ existed before His birth. The Lord Jesus commands the demon to come out of him and to reveal himself, he responded by saying his name is Legion. Signifying the man was possessed with many demons. Then Jesus sends the demons out of the man with authority and power. Embarrassingly for a prophet of god Muhammad had no miracles.

The Son of Man’s Ascension (24:50-53)

Luke 24:52 προσκυνήσαντες (proskynísantes), Aorist Active Participle. The Ascension of Christ happened 40 days after His resurrection. He lead His disciples to Bethany by the Mount of Olives, He then lifted up His hands and blessed them. More proof that Jesus is God as the source of all blessings only come from God. If we as a human were to bless someone we ask for God to bless them, all blessings flow from the greater (God) to the lesser (the individual being blessed). But Christ blessed them directly and only God can do this.

Christ didn’t ask for the Father to bless them, Jesus did the blessing Himself. Hebrews 7:7 “And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.”[11] Then Jesus was taken up into heaven, as the disciples looked upon Him they worshipped Him

To close out this article I thought it necessary to point out something very significant. Muslims accuse Christians of worshipping a man, what they don’t understand is that we worship God who BECAME a real Man. But here’s the hypocrisy their god Allah was the first to commit shirk as he commanded the angels to worship a man. Let’s look at some of those ayats which prove the Qur’an is a false book from Satan.

Well isn’t that something, we’re told that Islam is a pure monotheistic religion yet their god is commanding worship to Adam. Christians worship Jesus Christ because He’s God who came down from heaven, took upon Himself human flesh and walked among us, but Adam is a creation he’s just a man who’s receiving worship because Allah told the angels to worship him. This is sufficient evidence proving Islam is a pagan cult, nothing about it is monotheistic.

Conclusion

We brought evidence that Muhammad believed in the Torah and Bible (Injil), that Jesus Christ is worshipped as God. Here at Whatsoeverthingsaretrue we take hold of the Muslim lies and make mashed potatoes. Our Muslim friends will have to try harder. We don’t hate Muslims but love them enough to tell them the truth, that they need Jesus Christ for salvation.

Footnotes

[1] Sunan Abi Dawud 4449 In-book reference: Book 40, Hadith 99 English translation: Book 39, Hadith 4434

[2] Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:43-47 https://quran.com/5/43-47

[3] Numbers 24:17 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%2024%3A17&version=KJV

[4] Daniel 9:24, 25 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+9%3A24-25&version=KJV

[5] Matthew 2:2 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+2%3A2&version=KJV

[6] Matthew 2:8 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%202%3A8&version=KJV

[7] Revelation 3:9 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+3%3A9&version=KJV

[8] Matthew 14:27 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+14%3A27&version=KJV

[9] Matthew 28:9 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A9&version=KJV

[10] Mark 5:7 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+5%3A7&version=KJV

[11] Hebrews 7:7 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+7%3A7&version=KJV

The Crucifixion of Christ from Internal and External Sources

On By Whatsoever Things Are TrueIn MiscLeave a comment

Truth will always be able to stand the test of scrutiny, since the first century the death, burial and crucifixion of Christ has been attacked countless of times by the Gnostics and others. But truth can never be refuted, the Lord Jesus said that He is the Truth, this is why He will always be above all.

Internal Evidence (Biblical)

The Lord Jesus Christ said about His own crucifixion:

Matthew 20:17-19 And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify [him]: and the third day he shall rise again.

Mark 10:33-34 [Saying], Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles: And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.

Luke 18:31-33 Then he took [unto him] the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: And they shall scourge [him], and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.

Matthew, Mark and Luke informs us that Christ was not secretive about His death, He (Jesus) plainly mentioned to His disciples that He would be “condemn to death” by being delivered “to the Gentiles”. As we know Pontius Pilate was the Roman (Gentile) governer in Judea at the time, the Jewish leaders persuaded Pilate to crucify the Lord Jesus.

The Jews crying out crucify Him in the Gospel of John:

John 19:6, 15-16 When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify [him], crucify [him]. Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify [him]: for I find no fault in him. … But they cried out, Away with [him], away with [him], crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led [him] away.

The apostle John fills in some information we see Pilate replied “Shall I crucify your King?” the Jews answering Pilate said “We have no king but Caesar.” (John 19:15). The Jews rejected Christ as their Messiah (King) the didn’t recognise the time of their visitation from the Lord.

All four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) record the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus. We have the words of Christ Himself and the testimony of the Jews and Pontius Pilate. All the verses are explicit that the Lord Jesus would be crucified. In the epistles we are given more scriptures concerning Christ crucifixion.

The apostle Peter:

Acts 2:22-24 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

We have another apostle (Peter) of the inner circle also mentioning the crucifixion of Christ. How wicked men laid hold on Christ, crucified and slain Him. And how God raised up Christ from death, as it was not possible for death to keep the Lord Jesus from rising from the dead.

The apostle Paul:

1 Corinthians 2:7-8 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, [even] the hidden [wisdom], which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known [it], they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

Paul the apostle to the Gentiles tells us they (the Jews) wouldn’t have crucified the Lord of Glory if they would have known beforehand who He was. It was ordained by God that Christ should taste death for every man (Hebrews 2:9). Moving backwards into the Old Testament the Prophets also spoke about the One to come who would suffer.

The prophet Isaiah:

Isaiah 53:4-10 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither [was any] deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put [him] to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see [his] seed, he shall prolong [his] days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.

The prophet Isaiah mentions he was (speaking in the singular tense) bruised for our iniquities, he also mentions this individual having stripes and with them we are healed. This gives a picture of the flogging the Lord Jesus endured. Isaiah goes unto say the LORD laid on this individual the iniquities of us all. As we know Christ bore our sins in His body (1 Peter 2:24). How he was cut off out of the land of the living, he never done violence, neither was any deceit in His mouth; This is speaking of Christ.

The prophet Zechariah:

Zechariah 12:10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for [his] only [son], and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for [his] firstborn.

Here we see the LORD is speaking and says they (those who crucified Christ) shall look upon the LORD who they pierced. The Jews don’t deny that Christ was crucified, they just don’t accept Him as their Messiah.

The Psalmist king David speaking by the Spirit of God says:

Psalm 22:15-18 My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my bones: they look [and] stare upon me. They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.

We can see a common theme running through the pages of scripture which speak of the One who would come, He would be “pierced” the Lord Jesus had His hands and feet pierced, in addition the Roman soldiers had cast lots for His (Christ) garments (Matthew 27:35; Mark 15:24; Luke 23:34; John 19:23,24).

External Evidence (Non- Christian)

The next 2 sources have no sympathy for Christianity yet both agree that Christ indeed was crucified, which further proves what the Bible says.

The Jewish historian Flavius Josephus:

Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man; for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ. And when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day; as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day.

Flavius Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews

Note that Josephus speaks of Jesus Christ as being “a wise man”, “a doer of wonderful works” etc. We know that in our Bible Christ spoke with the Jews in the temple as a child and they were amazed at His wisdom (Luke 2:46-47). Josephus continues saying Christ drew both Jews and Gentiles to Himself, these would be recognised as believers. Flavius even mentions He was called The Christ which means “the anointed One”. Pilate is also mentioned as the one who condemned Him to the cross because of “the principal men”, he even speaks of Christ resurrection saying “for He appeared to them alive again the third day”. And lastly followers of Christ are called Christians which he also mentions.

Roman historian Cornelius Tacitus, The Annals

But all human efforts, all the lavish gifts of the emperor, and the propitiations of the gods, did not banish the sinister belief that the conflagration was the result of an order. Consequently, to get rid of the report, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus, and a most mischievous superstition, thus checked for the moment, again broke out not only in Judæa, the first source of the evil, but even in Rome, where all things hideous and shameful from every part of the world find their centre and become popular. Accordingly, an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty; then, upon their information, an immense multitude was convicted, not so much of the crime of firing the city, as of hatred against mankind.

Cornelius Tacitus, The Annals

Also Cornelius Tacitus speaks of those who were called Christians, and he used the Roman name for Jesus “Christus”saying He suffered the extreme penalty. Once again Pontius Pilatus is mentioned as the one who carried this penalty through. As we’ve seen that outside sources also testify of the crucifixion of Christ.

The death, burial and resurrection of Christ cannot be denied, and its wonderful when we see the truth stand high above all the lies. The Lord Jesus is risen and He conquered death and hell.

The Crucifixion of Christ and how the Quran gets it wrong

On By Whatsoever Things Are TrueIn IslamLeave a comment

Very recently the world of Islam has been shaken to its core, a well renowned Muslim scholar by the name of Dr. Yasir Qadhi was interviewed by a fellow Muslim named Muhammad Hijab. During this interview Hijab was pressing Qadhi on the “perfect preservation” of the Quran. In which Qadhi responded making a shocking statement. Qadhi in regards to the Quran said “the standard narrative has holes in it” (pic above).

Muslims have always said that the Quran has been perfectly preserved, that every Quran in the world is exactly the same word for word, dot for dot, sound by sound, letter by letter. That there are no 2 Qurans which are different in all the world. In later articles we’ll be diving into this claim deeper to see if this is true? But for now let’s talk about the crucifixion of Christ and how the Quran get’s it wrong.

As a Christian if you’ve ever had the chance to speak with a Muslim you may hear “Muslims believe in Jesus as a prophet.” Islam teaches Jesus Christ is only a prophet, He’s not the Son of God and He was not crucified on the cross. In-fact they teach at the last moment before Christ was crucified allah sent angel Jibril (Gabriel in Arabic) to save the Lord Jesus from dying on the cross. The idea comes from the Quran in Surah. 4:157-158:

And [for] their saying, “Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah .” And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain. — Surah 4:157-158

Here in Surah 4:157-158 it says “they did not kill him (Jesus) nor did they crucify him” the text also says “another was made to resemble him to them” in other words, because allah is the greatest of deceivers he tricked everyone into believing that Jesus Christ was crucified but it was not actually Him. Somehow allah did the switcheroo, instead of Christ on the cross it was someone else who “resembled” Him.

My friends this is the great deception of Islam, this is why many Muslims are in a darkness which is leading them into the pit of hell. When engaging Muslims a good first step is to get them to understand that their own Quran affirms the Bible. Muslims are shocked to hear this because they have been told the “Bible is corrupted.”

In order to prove to them this is not true you can point them to these verses. First the Quran says that allah sent the Torah (5 books of Moses) to Moses, the Psalms to David; and the Gospel (Injeel) to Jesus Christ.

Torah
“We gave Moses the Book and followed him up with a succession of messengers,”— Surah 2:87

Psalms
“We have sent thee inspiration, as We sent it to Noah and the Messengers after him: we sent inspiration to Abraham, Isma’il, Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes, to Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon, and to David We gave the Psalms,”— Surah 4:163

Gospel – “It is He Who sent down to thee (step by step), in truth, the Book, confirming what went before it; and He sent down the Law (of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the criterion (of judgment between right and wrong),” — Surah 3:3
Also, “And in their footsteps We sent Jesus the son of Mary, confirming the Law that had come before him: We sent him the Gospel: therein was guidance and light, and confirmation of the Law that had come before him: a guidance and an admonition to those who fear Allah,” — Surah 5:46

Because the Quran contradicts the Bible in many places this poses a huge dilemma for Muslims. If the Quran is correct in saying the Bible is preserved and affirmed then Islam is false. If the Quran is incorrect then Islam is false because the Quran is wrong. Either way Islam crumbles.

There are verses in the Quran which says allah’s words cannot be changed, but Muslims claim the Bible is corrupted. If this is true that means the Quran is wrong because allah’s words have been changed. Christians do not believe in the Quran and allah is definitely not the God we Christians serve. I’m just providing the means how you can shackle a Muslim and cause them to self-destruct with the huge contradictions from the Quran.

If a Muslim denies the Bible they are confirming the Quran is false and Muhammad is a false prophet which is true. If the Quran is true in saying the Bible is not corrupted then Islam crumbles. Here are the verses which says allah’s words cannot be changed or altered.

“Rejected were the messengers before thee: with patience and constancy they bore their rejection and their wrongs, until Our aid did reach them: there is none that can alter the words (and decrees) of Allah. Already hast thou received some account of those messengers,” — Surah 6:34

“The word of thy Lord doth find its fulfillment in truth and in justice: None can change His words: for He is the one who heareth and knoweth all,”— Surah 6:115

“For them are glad tidings, in the life of the present and in the Hereafter; no change can there be in the words of Allah. This is indeed the supreme felicity,”— Surah 10:64

With that established we know the Bible is the Word of God and is truth. Muslims ask the question, where in the Bible did Jesus Christ say He would die? In the Bible we find the words of Christ Himself who prophesies His own death.

Matthew 20:17-19 And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart in the way, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death, And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify [him]: and the third day he shall rise again.

Mark 10:32-34 And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him, [Saying], Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles: And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.

Luke 18:31-33 Then he took [unto him] the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: And they shall scourge [him], and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again.

This is a problem for Muslims because we’ve just learned that the Quran affirms the Bible is preserved, and we just read in the Bible Jesus Christ said He would be put to death and rise again. To our Muslim friends, you must abandon the darkness called Islam, Muhammad didn’t die for you but Jesus Christ did. And through Him (Jesus Christ) you can have eternal life. Islam can never provide the full assurance Christians enjoy knowing we have a home in heaven.

Learn more about how this all got started and shook the Muslim world with “the standard narrative has holes in it” which is forcing many Muslims to leave Islam.

A world gripped in fear by COVID-19

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The world experienced many events which has changed the course of humanity, events like the American Revolution, Spanish influenza pandemic of 1918, World War 1 & 2, the Fall of the Berlin Wall, 9/11 Terrorist attacks etc. This current event the world over is experiencing right now has brought the world to a screeching halt.

COVID-19 has radically changed the world in a short span of time, stores closed, park shutdowns and mandatory quarantines. We’ve yet to know the full impact of this virus and its lingering effects. During times such as these people are asking the questions “why are these things happening”, “what is the meaning of life”, “will I and my family be fine” and “what lies after death”?

In our human effort try to find the meaning to these questions, we’re scrambling to stop this pandemic from spreading. Social distancing has become a new catch phrase, home isolation, the need for medical supplies and of course a vaccines to get rid of this virus.

At best COVID-19 has shown us that mankind is not always ready to face what’s to come. With our “technological advances” COVID-19 has proven the frailty of human existence that we don’t have all the answers and we’re not guaranteed tomorrow. These are but a small taste which will come upon the world stage in a later time, how late no one knows?

The Bible makes it known that pestilences will be one of the signs leading up to the return of Jesus Christ. Not just pestilences but wars, earthquakes, famines and heavenly signs.

Matthew 24:7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

Luke 21:11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

Let us not forget the Bible records pestilences in the book of Exodus. Moses brought plages upon the people of Egypt from the LORD because they wouldn’t let the Israelites go to worship the LORD. It was God’s judgement upon the Egyptians who enslaved the Israelites (read Exodus chapters 7-11).

In the last book of the Bible the Revelation of Jesus Christ or simply put Revelation, the same plagues come upon the world. First we have the opening of the “six seals” in chapter 6.

Revelation 6:1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.

It speaks of the four horsemen these horsemen bring war, pestilence, famine and death. In verse 8 it speaks of the horseman called Death who kills the fourth part of the earth.

Revelation 6:8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.

Continuing in that chapter it mentions a great earthquake, the sun turning black as hair and the moon becoming like blood. As well as stars falling from the sky unto the earth.

Revelation 6:12-13 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.

Revelation also speaks of the seven trumpets and the seven last plagues which are filled up with the wrath of God (Rev chapter 15). when you have a chance read Revelation it will put a lot into perspective as those are the coming events the world hasn’t seen yet.

All of these things should make you think of the frailty of your life. Thus far the count of COVID-19 deaths is at 27,365 and continues to climb each day. The 1918 Spanish influenza claimed the lives of 50-100 million people.

Another similarity is how quickly both viruses seem to spread. Spanish flu infected an estimated 1/3 of the global population. And although much remains unknown about COVID-19, the disease has spread rapidly from its origin in China in late December and now can be found on every continent except Antarctica.

medicinenet.com

For Christians this is an exciting time not because we want to see people lose their lives to COVID-19. Our excitement comes from seeing the Bible unfolding before our eyes and knowing that each moment brings us closer to the One who has Redeemed us from sin and death. We worship the Lord Jesus Christ because He delivered us from fear by promising us a better place and that’s with Him.

Don’t wait until something tragic happens to you, place your trust in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. He came to save sinners just like you and I; He was crucified, buried and on the 3rd day rose from the dead being victorious over death and hell.

1 Corinthians 15:1-8 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

This article is not to say that COVID-19 is attributed to God, not in the least. This virus is a result of the fallen world we live in due to sin. The fear of COVID-19 will lose its grip on you if you trust in Christ and receive the free gift of eternal life!

He Must Increase, But I Must Decrease

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As Christians, our goal in life is to become less and less and have the fragrance of Christ exude from us more and more. It’s not about us, it’s about Him. We’re to walk in this world viewing it with the mind of Christ; we are not to view Christ from the standpoint of the world. As we grow in our faith and abide in Him, He will become greater in us and we will exude Jesus more. Our time on earth is extremely short, and it’s easy to get caught up in selfishness and comfort. But when we get back to perspective and realize that we really only have a few short years on this earth, and those years are meant to spent living for God, loving and serving and following Him, it makes helps us not think about ourselves so much.

He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:30).

Before we come to Christ, our lives are centered on ourselves – our needs, our desires, our comforts. And we tend to more often than not put ourselves first. However, when a person trusts in Christ and gives their entire life to Him, that person is made new by the power of the Holy Spirit. Through regeneration, our hearts, our minds, our spirits are transformed. We are not working to be close to God and be different than we used to be, instead we now have God permanently indwelling us and He’s the one who makes us different. Thus begins a life of transformation, from the inside out. Where we were once selfish, we become selfless. Where we once put ourselves first, we put Christ first. And when we put Christ first, we put others first.

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Matthew 22:37-40)

Slowly but steadily, the dry and wretched things of this world come off of us as we are renewed by the Spirit of God daily. As we have our eyes look on Him, our eyes are looking toward ourselves less. Our hearts focus upward to God, and less inward to ourselves.

This is the purpose of human existence. For, God is the One who created you, and He created you for a reason. And that reason isn’t to make yourself greater, but to glorify God and to make Him greater in this world. You were not created to live for yourself; you were created to know God and be known by God, and live for Him.

How does one live for Him? By trusting in what Jesus Christ did on the cross, (that He shed His blood for your sins), being forgiven of your sins, being justified of your debt that you owed God, and regenerated by His Holy Spirit. Without His Spirit, you will be striving your whole life to please God in vain, because unless you are covered by His blood, there is no forgiveness. All you need to to is put your faith in Him, and you will be made new and clean, from the very depth of your soul.

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. (Romans 8:29-30)

Through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. (Acts 10:43b)

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; (Romans 3:25)

Trust in the Lord of lords and King of kings and fulfill your soul’s purpose. ❤

Were we Created?

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This wintery season, walking in the woods, I have been fascinated and awe-struck by the LORD’S beauty and glory.

How can we deny His existence, looking at beauty like this? The power, might, beauty, and intelligence of God is on every detail of this scene. Walking through this magnificence, my heart was so full and enlarged because I couldn’t take my mind off Him. I can’t help but think about God in His glory and majesty when I see all of this beauty.

The birds chirping, the snow falling, every single little branch covered in powder white gleaming ice crystals, the crisp fresh air, the chipmunks and squirrels – only a Creator could be responsible for this.

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Sometimes, we can be so quick to think that if we don’t see God Himself standing right before us, that logically, it means He’s not real. I would like to humbly challenge that logic!

Here’s some thought to offer: say you’re walking somewhere in a bushed area one snowy evening and you come across a snowman. I’m guessing that there’s not a doubt in your mind it was created by someone, right? That someone took the time, the effort, the skill, the creativity and the work to create the snowman. There’s no way it could have just appeared there by chance: three big snowballs, large on the bottom, medium on top of that, and a smaller one as the head, dressed in some eyes, a carrot nose, and a smile. It’s logic to believe someone made this snowman, right?

Okay, now what about you?

Yes…you! A beautifully designed human being, with intricate complexities that are unique and remarkable, made in the image of God. Eyes, a nose, mouth, and so much more it would take all of existence to thoroughly study and understand everything that makes up the human being.

Why is a snowman so obviously created by a higher intelligence, yet you, which is so much more complex and beautiful than an inanimate snowman, yet you were not created, but formed by random chance?

Here’s another thought: let’s go back to the snowman. When you came across this snowman one snowy evening in the bushed area, there was not another soul anywhere to be seen. You and this snowman were alone. You couldn’t see who created it.

But the snowman was still created, right? Even if you can’t see who created it, and you most likely never will in your lifetime? The person who created the snowman is indeed real and not some figment of your imagination?

You can’t see God, but it doesn’t mean He isn’t real or that you haven’t been purposefully and carefully created with love by another Being of much greater power and intelligence than we could fathom.

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And this God isn’t just some impersonal being that created you. He’s a God who created you with purpose and love, a God that loved you so much for you that He died on the cross for your sins, that if you trust in Him, you’ll have eternal life. And then, you’ll see Him.♥️

I hope that this helped to understand that it is indeed logical to believe in a God who created us, just as in the same way it is logical to believe that a snowman didn’t just appear, but was created as well! How amazing that a loving God would think us up in His mind full of wisdom, and create us with so much love and care.

Psalm 19

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.

There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,

Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.

His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.

The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.

Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

Psalm 139

O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.

Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.

Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.

For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.

Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.

7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.

If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;

Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.

Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.

Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.

For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.

Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?

I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Jeffrey Epstein Dead by Suicide at Manhattan Jail.

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Jeffrey Edward Epstein

Numbers 32:23 …behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.

A man by the name of Jeffrey Edward Epstein (January 20, 1953 – August 10, 2019) committed sucide today in a Manhattan jail. Epstein was an American financier and convicted sex offender, best known for his alleged sex trafficking of minors and close connections with many of the world’s elite.

“Over the course of many years, Jeffrey Epstein, the defendant, sexually exploited and abused dozens of minor girls at his homes in Manhattan, New York, and Palm Beach, Florida, among other locations.” – Town and Country Magazine

Epstein started his career in banking and then opening his own firm running it from the U.S. Virgin Islands for tax reasons. In 2008, Epstein pleaded guilty to a felony charge of solicitation of prostitution involving a minor and since then has been a registered as a sex offender.

The guilt must have been tremendous for Epstein to take his own life due to the horrible acts he’s committed. Perhaps he thought it was a way out but how wrong he was. Epstein will now have to stand before the Judge of the universe God Himself, to give an account of all that he’s done.

Ecclesiastes 12:14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

The Lord Jesus spoke of those who would offend these little ones who believe in Him.

Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. (Mark 9:42, Luke 17:2)

These are hard truths, this man who took his own life is now eternally separated from God with no hope. Why you may ask? Because he died in his sins he never trusted in Christ in order to be forgiven of his sins. And how easy it is for us would it be to point the finger at him, yes the crimes he committed are horrible no child should have to go through what Epstein forced upon them. But when talking about God none of us are better than him because we all have sinned against God.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

How tragic Epstein could have had forgiveness for his sins by coming to Christ, realising that he needed a Saviour and only the blood of Jesus Christ would have been able to cleanse him from all unrighteousness. How about you are you cleansed from your sins? Have you trusted in Christ that you may have newness of life and a home in heaven?

This is not some game Christians preach to you the gospel because currently if you’re without the Saviour then you’re already dead and on your way to a burning furnace called hell. God doesn’t want you to perish in our sins and tells you to flee from the wrath to come (Luke 3:7), to come to the Saviour of sinners the Lord Jesus Christ. He’s the Ark which will save you for all eternity.

Here’s a wonderful verse from the word of God read it and think hard about it.

1 Timothy 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

Are you a chief sinner? Because that’s exactly who the Lord Jesus came for!!! The Pharisees thought of themselves better than everyone else and here’s what the Lord Jesus said to them.

Mark 2:16-17 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Another soul has been lost for all eternity don’t suffer the same fate as Jeffrey Epstein did come to Christ trust in Him for the forgiveness of your sins.

Texas bloodbath: El Paso Shooting Today

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A man armed with a rifle opened fire at a Walmart store in El Paso, Texas, on Saturday, killing 20 people and wounding 26 others as panicked shoppers and employees scurried for cover before the gunman surrendered to police at the scene.

Our prayers go out to those families who’ve lost loved ones at this extremely difficult time. As Christians we go out to preach the gospel, the gospel means good news. So what’s the good news? Well before we give you the good news we have to give you the bad news first, by doing so then you’ll understand why it’s good news.

The Bad News

The bible tells us that from the garden mankind has fallen because of sin. When Adam and Eve sinned all of mankind fell into sin also because we were in Adam when he sinned.

Romans 5:12, 14 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: … Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.

This tells us that death came upon all men because of Adam’s transgression “even over them that had not sinned after the similitude” this portion in quotes is saying death reigned upon us too even though we had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s sin. That word similitude in the Greek means.

homoiōma

  1. that which has been made after the likeness of something
  • a figure, image, likeness, representation
  • likeness i.e. resemblance, such as amounts almost to equality or identity

ὁμοίωμα homoíōma, hom-oy’-o-mah; a form; abstractly, resemblance:—made like to, likeness, shape, similitude.

Things are not looking good for us, we sinned because Adam sinned, and because Adam sinned death came into the world. Another verse I’d like to bring to your attention is also in the book of Romans.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

It clearly says that “For all have sinned” meaning we all fall short of God’s glory proving that God alone is perfect but we, unfortunately, are not perfect by any means. And what’s the penalty for sin? Well the bible has an answer for that again in Romans.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death;…

God is going to “pay” us what we deserve for our sins which is death. Things look really bad friend, we all sinned therefore death and God’s wrath is upon us and He’s going to pay us the full penalty for our sins. But there’s hope!!!

The Good News

God provided a way out for us to escape the wrath and judgement of God. He sent His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ came and lived the perfect life under the law of God that you and I are not capable of doing. Jesus Christ is perfect and without sin, the bible says concerning Chirst.

2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

The verse here is saying that for He (God) hath made Him (Jesus) to be sin for us (man) that we could have the righteousness of God through Jesus Christ. How wonderful is that? It’s great news!!! Here’s another verse that speaks of Christ taking our punishment from the book of Isaiah.

Isaiah 53:3-5 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Again, He (Jesus) was wounded for our transgressions (sin), He (Jesus) was bruised for our iniquities (sin) the chastisement (discipline) of our peace was upon Him (Jesus) and by Jesus’s stripes or wounds we are healed. The Lord Jesus became a ransom sacrifice giving Himself on the cross for guilty sinners like us, He came out of Heavenly glory and stepped into His own creation so that He could save us from going to hell. That’s true love a love that’s willing to be a sacrifice for you!!!

When Jesus was nailed to the cross He cried out “it is finished”, in other words the debt has been paid on the cross. Remember the verse from Romans “For the wages of sin is death”? Jesus paid that debt in full on the cross satisfying the requirement of God. The rest of that verse says “but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”.

John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

And if you receive the free gift of salvation by placing your trust in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins God can forgive and give you everlasting life. You’ll know where you’re going when you die, you’ll have a home in heaven. Jesus Christ was victorious over death and hell because after he was crucified He was buried and 3 days later rose from the dead and is now sitting at the right hand of the Father in heaven. Giving us full assurance of salvation for those who believe.

The Hard Truth

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We grieve for all those people who lost their lives today, we hope and pray that those who died had already placed their trust in the Lord Jesus for the forgiveness of sins. But the sad reality is that most likely these people never trusted in Christ, perhaps some were atheist, Muslims, Hindus, Catholics etc. If you’re not a believer then you’re currently dead in your sins but you don’t have to remain dead you can be made alive in Christ. The most popular verse in the bible says:

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

That’s a wonderful gift none of us deserves, God gave His only Son to die for us guilty wretched sinners. The free gift of salvation is offered to anyone, that word in John 3:16 says “whosoever” is a wide word taking in all, the invitation goes out to all will you take it? Today is the day of salvation do not put it off, I’m certain that these people who tragically died didn’t think it was their last day on earth.

The Brevity Of Man

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The bible speaks to how short our lives are if we are fortunate to live 90 years or so that would be great, but ask anyone who is that age and they will tell you life goes by fast. You’re not guaranteed to live to 90, hundreds of people die every day and you never know when it’s your turn to die.

Isaiah 40:7 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass.

We are the grass spoken of in this verse of Isaiah, we spring up, live our lives and before you know it you’re life is done. O friend trust in Christ today and be saved!!!

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Vast Apostate Army friend or foe of the Gospel?

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2 Timothy 4:14–15 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.

Introduction

First and foremost I don’t agree with the Watchtower/Jehovah Witnesses in what they teach, the Watchtower organization is a cult and has deceived indoctrinating many people into false doctrine about who Jesus Christ is and many other things the Bible teaches. While I agree with the Vast Apostate Army that the Watchtower is a destructive cult. There are other things I disagree with in this movement.

The Vast Apostate Army’s mission?

They’re a wide collection of people from different country’s who’ve banded together through similar experiences they had from at one time being members of the Jehovah Witnesses also known as Watchtower. Most of them were either born into a family of Jehovah Witnesses or became members of the organization. And now we have a bunch of unconverted people confronting JW’s with fleshly messages, a message devoid of the only one who matters Jesus Christ.

Our mission is to raise global awareness of the harm some of the Jehovah’s Witness/Watchtower’s policies can to to individuals, families, and the wider community. It is our hope that this awareness will lead to policy reform within the organization to better protect it’s members as well as members of the general public. We also aim to reach survivors of abuse within the organization who very likely think they are alone and the mishandling of their specific case was just a one off. You are not alone! There are thousands more and there is support. Lastly, many of us still have loved ones inside the organization and wish to free them from the mental grip of a high control group (cult). We fight for justice, reform, and healing. — Vast Apostate Army

If you visit their site you’ll see “Welcome To The Vast Apostate Army An Army Of Love” in bold green letters, let us test this claim of “love”. As Christians, we know theirs only one true love which is the love of God. God has shown His unending eternal love when He gave His Son the Lord Jesus Christ to die for the sins of the world, and as a result, we share the Gospel with others so that they could also know this love.

Satan also counterfeits a false “love”, the type of “love” the world receives. This false love affirms mottos such as “love is love” a saying popular among the LGBT community. A fleshly love which agrees with sex outside of the marriage covenant. A love which proclaims “tolerance” to all just not when you mention the word of God. Therefore, if the Vast Apostate Army says they’re an army of love which love are they referring too?

I’ll be fine thanks

The movement’s strategy is typically visiting kingdom halls and disrupting their services by attending and during the service inciting a sort of flash mob, or picketing these locations. They normally will draw up signs with statements such as “I mourn for the suicide victims in the Watchtower”, “you can leave there is support”, “protect your kids for the Watchtower” etc. There’s nothing wrong with these messages, I agree we should protect our children for such people as the Watchtower.

I came across a few of these VAA members YouTube channels and never do I see any of them sharing the Gospel with Jehovah Witnesses. If they want the Watchtower to be done away with which I do as well. The only way is to share the Gospel, that they can have forgiveness of sins by placing their trust in the ransom sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. All individuals who got saved left the Watchtower and are no longer Jehovah Witnesses.

The members of the VAA will typically have a message of how their family was destroyed, how a person was abused, shunned and disfellowshipped. Using their personal experiences when they were involved with this cult should be used but not the main message. There’s power in the Gospel of Christ!

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Six months ago I came across one of Stacey’s YouTube video’s in which she confronts two elders at a university campus, afterwards, I made a few comments stating that she must be born again. Here’s what transpired.

“This is actually not good “unwitnessing” or whatever you want to call it. I fully agree that the JW cult are seriously wrong in all their doctrine, how they conduct themselves, shun anyone who’s not a JW’s, sex abuse etc. But more importantly above all of that they deny the Lord Jesus Christ as God in the flesh and need salvation. I say this to you with love, you need to be saved, you need eternal life just as much as those JW’s. JW’s need to hear the gospel and be saved, sure use those facts you have also in order to reach them but they need to hear the gospel.”

I also quoted 1 Corinthians 15:3–15:4. “You need to approach them in a loving way, we’ve all been lost just like they are, I too was completely lost and dead in my sins but the Lord saved me and now I’m born again. Are you saved? Because the Lord Jesus said:”

Then I quoted John 3:3 “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:7 “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.”

“If you believe in God then you’ll have no problem loving your enemies only a born again Christian can love/pray their enemies though a heart of love. The scriptures saith:” (Matthew 5:43–5:46) I then ended my comment saying “Keep on speaking to JW’s they need to know how wrong the Watchtower is, but I’ll keep you in my prayers that you become born again and escape the wrath of God, you don’t need to miss heaven and go to hell. I would hate for that to happen to you. I pray you have ears to hear and harken unto these words.”

Stacey’s response was this “I’ll be fine thanks”. “It is literally none of your concern if we’re “saved” or not according to your personal beliefs. Aren’t you done with pushing your beliefs on others after having freed yourself from a high control group? Be happy with your faith and let others be happy with theirs or lack there of. Thanks.”

More recently in a video Parker and Stacey “crashed” a JW memorial and were kicked out while they were leaving the building Parker said “in Jesus name Amen” I found this strange because Stacey doesn’t want to discuss anything about Jesus Christ but here they are using His name? I decided to reach out once again this time to Parker. I said:

“I asked Stacey sometime ago if she was saved and she said no thanks. I heard you say “in Jesus name Amen”? It’s horrible that the Watchtower had a huge negative impact on your family. It’s great that you’re standing up against the false doctrines of the Watchtower, I myself do the same, but the question is are you saved? Additionally, saying the Watchtower ruined my family shouldn’t be your main message, the Gospel is what should be shared with JW’s and all who are not saved. Would appreciate a response to the question are you saved? Thanks.”

To my surprise Stacey responded not Parker saying:

“let me put your mind at ease. I’m not interested in your relihion where you think a person needs saving or we are lost and doomed to burn in hell. So no thanks to ever being “saved” by YOUR personal “savior”. I don’t need it. I also don’t need your Jesus. 😉”.

What does this mean for us Christians?

Not only do we face the real threat of cults indoctrinating many people leading them to a lost eternity in hell, but we also face movements such as Vast Apostate Army who are making it harder for Christians to spread the Gospel of peace to the lost. We have an army of lost people going into kingdom halls and approaching JW carts to do “unwitnessing” while at the same time making it more difficult for us to reach these lost souls with the truth of the Gospel.openair

Satan will use anything to try to stop the Gospel message from going forth the scriptures say that he comes as an angel of light. The devil will also use movements such as VAA in order to make it more difficult to reach people with God’s truth.

2 Corinthians 11:13–14 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

My hope is that all the members of Vast Apostate Army would be born again they all of them would go out in the power of the Holy Spirit in order to rise up against the Watchtower. Until they wake up and see that it’s the power of God that changes a person they won’t see the true potential through God’s mighty hand. He alone can overcome the multi-million dollar cult organization known as the Watchtower.

1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

Christ Divides

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1 Corinthians 15:3–4 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

In the name of tolerance

We live in a world which claims “tolerance for all” unless you preach the Gospel, how that Christ died for the ungodly; how the Lord Jesus loved us so much He sacrificed Himself on the cross so we can have eternal life when we place our trust in Him. The Gospel is confrontational against sin but it’s a message of love.

How can a loving message such as that cause others to say Christians are preaching “hate”? Because we love you and want to warn you to flee from the wrath to come, is that hate? Are you being “tolerant” towards Christians when we speak God’s word or “intolerant”? There seems to be a double standard unless we agree with sin, homosexuality, fornication, lying, stealing etc. Then you won’t “tolerate” us.

As Christians we’re not “tolerant” when it comes to sin, we never said we were. We love all people but just because we love you doesn’t mean we agree to your sin. On the other hand secularist claim “tolerance” but they won’t tolerate the Gospel.

Things not much different today

Things are not so much different from 2000 years ago when Jesus Christ stood before the people of Jerusalem. As the Lord Jesus preached and taught in the temple He was approached by the religious Pharisees and Sadducees who wanted to maintain control over the people and therefore sought a reason to have Him killed. These two parties collectively made up the Sanhedrin and they were a ruling body of seventy-one members with the High Priest as the chief officer.

Then we have the Herodians who wanted to restore someone from the family of Herod to the throne in Judea as well as other areas ruled by Herod the Great. The Herodians were the political leaders of those days.

And we also had those who were devoted to studying the scriptures called scribes, the scribes were the ones who drew up legal documents. They also copied the Old Testament Scripture and determined how they would apply to every day living.

The Lord Jesus dealt with each one of these groups as they opposed Him as He preached to the people in the Synagogue or towns. As they would look to entrap Him in anything concerning the scriptures. The religious parties were those who were self-righteous they considered themselves to be “good persons”. Jesus Christ was telling them they’re not good because they have all sinned and are trying to keep others from receiving forgiveness for their sins from God.

There was a division among the people because of him

In the Gospel of John, there are 3 different times in which the word “division” was used in reference to their reaction to Christ. The religious authorities felt threatened, but not only them the people (Jews) also were at odds with Jesus Christ and among themselves.

John 7:43 So there was a division among the people because of him.

John 9:16 Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.

John 10:19 There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.

There’s another account in the Gospel of Matthew when the Pharisees had sent people to falsely testify again Jesus always looking to entrap Him. The Lord Jesus was either hated or loved, there weren’t any individuals who were indifferent towards Him. You will always find two types of people believers or unbelievers. The following scripture from chapter 27 in Matthew shows the hatred towards the Son of God. But not only that it also shows someone who was trying to “ride the fence” sort of speak.

Pontius Pilate was the prefect of Judea from A.D. 26 to A.D. 36. Although Pilate’s residence was in Caesarea he was in Jerusalem for the time of the Passover. Pilate was a man under the rule of Augustus Caesar. The Jews being under Roman rule were afraid of losing their way of life to the Romans and feared that they would be destroyed. They brought Jesus to Pilate with the accusation of causing an uproar among the people and against Caesar.

When Pontius Pilate asked “Shall I crucify your King?” in reference to Jesus Christ, the Jews answered, “We have no king but Caesar” (John 19:15). Reading the following text we see the entire scene played out as Pontius Pilate tries to release Jesus and excuse himself from taking part in delivering up the Son of God to be crucified.

Matthew 27:1–24 When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death: And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor. Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in. Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Israel did value; And gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord appointed me. And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest. And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly. Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas. Therefore when they were gathered together, Pilate said unto them, Whom will ye that I release unto you? Barabbas, or Jesus which is called Christ? For he knew that for envy they had delivered him. When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him. But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas. Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.

All of the attempts of Pilate didn’t work. Jesus made no defence before Pilate Pilate marvelled that Jesus did not attempt to defend Himself. Pilate admitted Jesus was innocent and told the crowd that Jesus was innocent. Pilate attempted to release Jesus. Pilate denied responsibility in the Lord Jesus’s death and tried to put the responsibility on the Jews. Pilate tried to wash his hands of the matter and delivered Him up to be crucified. Pilate had the chance to set Him free but he was afraid of Caesar and wanted to please the people.

Is the world any different today?

Today’s Christians face the same challenges just with different names attached. Instead of the self-righteous religous Pharisees and Sadducees, we now have world religions like Judaism, Catholicism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and cults (Jehovah Witnesses, Mormons).

Instead of the political Herodians, we have politicians who create ungodly rules such as “free speech zones”, “noise level laws” and other mandates which tries to prevent the Gospel from going forth. Instead of the scribes, we have citizens who try to prevent the good news from being preached as they bring their secular views or mock and scoff. Nothing really has changed, either you’re for Christ or against Him. Either your for God or an enemy of God.

As an encouragement continue to preach the word no matter what opposition you come up against. God is worth it all! I’ll end this with 2 appropriate scriptures from Moses and Joshua.

Exodus 32:26 Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD’S side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him.

Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Christ divides, which side are you on?

A clear beautiful day…

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Bluest blue

It’s a sunny peaceful Tuesday morning a day like all the rest. The sky was clear and blue, so clear as if the sky were like the crystal clear waters of the Arctic. At this time people were getting out of their warm beds, taking their morning showers and getting ready for the day. The East Coast was ready for just another day or was it?

The bench

A man was eating a bagel with cream cheese by the east river on Wall Street while enjoying the river view, and a lady sat by him reading her morning paper. Two New Yorkers gearing up for another day of work as the hustle and bustle of the city grew. A strange thing occurred at that moment as confetti fell from the sky. The two individuals looked at one another perplexed; was a parade going on no one knew about?

The two individuals shrugged their shoulders as they parted ways from that bench not giving it another thought. Confused the man made his way into his place of business located on the 10th floor. The morning went on as normal until 9:02 am. A frightened coworker comes bursting through the doors yelling “a plane crashed into the Twin Towers!”. She was hysterical and you can see the fear in her eyes as her coworkers helped to calm her down. The CEO made an announcement stating the TV in the board room would be on for all who are interested in knowing what’s happening.

As you can imagine all channels were reporting on an event which changed life as we knew it not only for the people of New York only but also for all people in the world. The day is called September 11, 2001.

As The World Looked On

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None could believe it how can a plane crash into such a large building it had to be a horrible accident right? At 9:03 am a second plane United Airlines Flight 175 crashes into floors 75–85 of the WTC’s South Tower, killing everyone on board and hundreds inside the building. It’s now crystal clear this is no mistake this is a horrific event taking place before our eyes. As the world watched, eyes glued to their screens, and people watching from afar it was just unimaginable.

Those people who entered into the Twin Towers on 9/11 never thought it would be their last day to live. Neither did those men, women and children as they boarded those 4 aeroplanes. It was a tragedy of enormous proportions, a day in which the world will never forget; a day which is remembered each year since those attacks and how is it that we still go about living life as if we will never die?

The remembrance of that day is seared into my mind, the smell of the smoke, the sounds of sirens, the chaos and commotion in the streets of Manhattan. Life truly is fleeting.

Psalms 103:15 “As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.”

Sobering Messages

Many loved ones were lost in those tragic moments, they were their one moment hugging their loved ones and gone the next. How fragile is the life of man, the Bible says that our life appears for a moment and then vanishes away.

James 4:14 “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”

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Please consider these actual last messages from those who perished in those attacks on 9/11. Think hard on this because you don’t know when you’re last day on this earth will be. The following are messages from victims of these attacks.

Melissa C. Doi was a graduate of Northwestern University, with hopes of one day becoming a ballerina. She worked as a manager at a financial company. The terrified young woman called 911 from the 83rd floor of Tower 2.

MD: It’s very hot, I see…I don’t see, I don’t see any air anymore!

911: Okay…

MD: All I see is smoke.

911: Okay dear, I’m so sorry, hold on for a sec, stay calm with me, stay calm, listen, listen, the call is in, I’m documenting, hold on one second please…

MD: I’m going to die, aren’t I?

911: No, no, no, no, no, no, no, say your, ma’am, say your prayers.

MD: I’m going to die.

911: You gotta think positive, because you gotta help each other get off the floor.

MD: I’m going to die.

911: Now look, stay calm, stay calm, stay calm, stay calm.

MD: Please God…

Brian David Sweeney a passenger on Flight 175. He left a voicemail for his wife Julie that day. In the message, he can be heard telling his wife that he loved her and to “go have good times.”

Jules, this is Brian. Listen, I’m on an airplane that’s been hijacked. If things don’t go well, and it’s not looking good, I just want you to know that I absolutely love you. I want you to do good, go have good times same to my parents and everybody. I just totally love you… and I’ll see you when you get there. Bye babe. I hope I call you. — Brian David Sweeney

How heart-wrenching are these messages can you imagine being in such a situation knowing that you’ll never see the faces of your loved ones again?

The Bad News

My friend life is fleeting, you hear one moment and gone the next. Will you continue to live life as if you’ll never face death? Will you continue to gambling with your soul. Do you know where you’ll spend the rest of eternity once you die? If you’re not saved the bible gives us a clear understanding of what the future holds for those who are not saved.

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Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

God tells us in His word the Bible that we all have sinned, we’ve all have lied before, or lusted after another person, been angry at someone. We’re born in sin and have committed sin. We can look at God’s law and know for certain that none of us are perfect. Let’s look at God’s law.

God’s Law (Ten Commandments)

  1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
  2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
  3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
  4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
  5. Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
  6. Thou shalt not kill.
  7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
  8. Thou shalt not steal.
  9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
  10. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.

As you can see we fall short on all of these if you never loved God fully every moment of your waking day that’s a sin. If you’ve used God’s name in vain that’s a sin, if we have spoken a lie against someone that’s a sin.

You may be thinking I never killed someone?! Do you know what the Lord Jesus said concerning this He said:

Matthew 5:21, 22 “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.”

Just being angry at someone is a sin and I’m certain that if you’ll think hard you’ll remember being upset at someone before. Because we are sinners we are not capable of standing before God. We are in desperate need of a Saviour and God in His loving tenderness did just that.

The Gospel (The Good News)

God loves us so much He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, who died on the cross as a perfect sacrifice to pay the penalty for our sins. He was crucified on the cross and cried out “it is finished” meaning He paid the penalty for our sins taking the wrath of God upon Himself.

And physically rose from the dead three days later proving His sacrifice was acceptable to God the Father. Jesus Christ ascended up into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father triumphant over death. And anyone who places their trust in the ransom sacrifice He provided will be granted everlasting life, a home in heaven. We can be saved from death and hell once we place our faith in Christ alone.

Therefore, if you want to receive the free gift of life thereby removing the wrath of God upon you, then you must receive Him and His sacrifice by faith. If you want forgiveness for your sins against God, you must ask for forgiveness of your sins with a truly repentant heart and He will grant you everlasting life.

God’s Promise of the Free Gift of Eternal Life

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Ephesians 2:8, 9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Romans 10:13 “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

As Christians, we pray that those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, were saved, we hope they knew the LORD GOD that they knew while they were on their way to death would pass unto life eternal, having perfect peace with God. The sobering thought is that while we pray for them if they never placed their faith in Jesus Christ then they perished and are lost forever in hell. It’s not easy to say but it’s the truth. You still have a chance to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, do it today and live!!!

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He Gives and Takes Away

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If He tells you to drop it, drop it. If He tells you to pick it up, pick it up. With every step and every move you take, look up to the One who is your Lord. He’s not just the God who saved you, He’s your Lord. He’s your Father. He’s your Master. And He knows what’s best. Better than  y o u  know what’s best.

Trust Him and obey Him. Love Him more than anything on this earth, and being obedient to His voice will be natural even when it’s difficult. And know that goodness is written all over not only what He gives, but also what He takes away. Praise and love Him through it all.💕

{Job 1:21}
“And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Getting Lost in Him

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I love getting lost in You. In Your Word. In Your presence. In Your love. I love hiding away with you in that secret place only meant for us. I love being with You. I love being Yours. I love crying to You, with all of my cares and burdens. I love telling You how much I love You. I didn’t know my heart could love this much, until you swept me off my feet like the King You are. I’m so in love with you and I’m so glad You’ll be mine forever. I’m going to hold on to you tightly for the rest of my life. So tight that nothing could possibly get between us. So tight that we’re one. I love You so much, I desire You more than life itself, and I want You more than all the treasures this world has to offer. You are so worthy! I adore you! Thank You for Your passionate love – the love that saved my life.♥️

That grand word “whosoever” is ringing thro’ my soul,

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That grand word “whosoever” is ringing thro’ my soul,
Whosoever will may come;
In rivers of salvation the living waters roll,
Whosoever will may come.

O that “whosoever”!
Whosoever will may come;
The Saviour’s invitation is freely sounding still,
Whosoever will may come.

Whenever this sweet message in God’s own word I see,
Whosoever will may come;
I know ’tis meant for sinners, I know ’tis meant for me,
Whosoever will may come.

I heard the loving message, and now to others say,
Whosoever will may come;
Seek now the precious Saviour, and he’ll be yours today,
Whosoever will may come.

To God be all the glory! his only Son he gave,
Whosoever will may come;
And those who come believing, he’ll to the utmost save,
Whosoever will may come.

The Gospel

Romans 1:18–25 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Acts 13:26–30 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him. And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain. And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre. But God raised him from the dead:

Romans 10:9–10:13 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Get Close To God

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Never let any single thing, human or otherwise, be closer to you than your Maker is. Your union with Jesus must be a union untouched by outside hands – it must be so deep and strong and high and wide and all-consuming and first and foremost above all other relationships, that nothing on the outside can penetrate it. Jesus is your Saviour, your God, and your first love. Your relationship with Him will set the foundation of your entire life and all of your relationships – none of which should ever be more important or close to you than Jesus Himself. Get close to God, deepen your bond with Him. Love Him more than anything this world has to offer. Be satisfied in Him above all else. Be willing to serve Him unto death if He so desires. Jesus is a jealous God and wants all of you.

Make Him your everything, because He is your Maker.♥️

[Revelation 2:4]
[Jesus said], “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” 

[Hebrews 12:29]
“For our God is a consuming fire.”

[Exodus 34:14]
“For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name isJealous, is a jealous God:” 

My God is Able

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And He is perfect. And strong. And Mighty. And able to do abundantly more than we can ever imagine.

Ephesians 3:20-21
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.“

Worship Our Maker

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“And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.” Galatians 4:6.

I’m meditating on this right now. One day a little while ago, I was weary and exhausted. So I began listening to worship music.

I needed my love and I needed to rest and be filled by Him. So I put on worship music and just got lost in the beautiful worshipful words to Jesus. And I could physically feel my heart burn as I was saturated in the truth of His beauty and grace as I worshiped Him. I could feel His love just be poured in me and my love for Him and desire for Him just fill me to overflowing. In that moment, nothing else mattered. In that moment, everything about Him and His love was intensified and I could have just melted; only He mattered, and my eyes were fixated on Him. The world washed away, and only He was present.

“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” John 4:24

This is what it is to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. He poured His love into us by His Spirit, and our response is deep heart worship and yearning for Him, and a personal intimate affectionate relationship where we cry out, “Abba, Father!”.

“And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Romans 5:5

This deep heart burning worship of our Maker is a testimony that we’re His sons and daughters and have eternal life inside of us. We have eternal life inside of us because we love, we cry out to, and we worship e t e r n a l life Himself.

The Lost Sheep

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the lost sheep

The gospel of Luke 15:11-32 records for us the parable spoken of by the Lord Jesus of the prodigal son. He tells us of a son who asks for the inheritance he would receive from his father, the father agrees and gives the son his inheritance. The son journeys to a far away country and wasted all of it on riotous living. After spending all that he had there arose a famine in the land.

He was so hungry that he joined himself to a citizen of that country becoming a slave and was sent to feed pigs. He became so hungry that he found himself that he filled his belly with the food the pig slop, coming to the realization that he was perishing. At this time he said:

Luke 15:18, 19 “I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.”

Lost?

Are you lost just like the prodigal son? Would you like to know? Ask yourself have you sinned? What does sin actually mean?

Hebrew: Sin חַטָּאָה chaṭṭâʼâh, khat-taw-aw’; or חַטָּאת chaṭṭâʼth; from H2398; an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender:—punishment (of sin), purifying(-fication for sin), sin(-ner, offering).

Greek: Sin ἁμαρτία hamartía, ham-ar-tee’-ah; from G264; a sin (properly abstract):—offence, sin(-ful).

Sin is anything which goes against God’s moral character. Think and be honest have you ever told a lie, stolen anything regardless of its value, lusted after someone, had sex before marriage, used God’s name in vain? If you answered yes to any of these then you’ve sinned against God. God tells us that we’re in terrible danger because of our sin the penalty for sin is death. Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death;…” 

sin

We’re also born in sin because of the fall of man, when Adam sinned death passed unto all mankind. Romans 5:12 “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:”. Therefore you’re born in sin and have committed sin against a Holy and righteous God and one day He’s going to judge the world in righteousness. Anyone who hasn’t lived a perfect sinless life is in danger of hell. The book of Jude says those who are ungodly are going to be judged.

Jude 1:15 “To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.”

The book of Revelation says that God’s wrath will be poured out on the ungodly.

Revelation 14:9-11 “And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.”

No one who’s unsaved will be able to escape the judgement of God, therefore friend what are you going to do?! There’s good news! Wonderful news!!!

The Gospel

God the Father loves us so much He sent His Son, Jesus Christ the Son of God to save us. Jesus bore our sins in His own body and gave Himself as a ransom sacrifice, was crucified on the cross taking upon Himself the punishment you and I deserve. He was buried and bodily rose from the dead three days later defeating death and hell. Ascended up to heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father. If you come to Him as a guilty sinner and place your trust in the Lord Jesus you can have eternal life and know for certain you’ll have a home in heaven.

Here’s the full verse from Romans.

Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Salvation is a free gift you cannot earn it, it’s offered to you as a free gift and all you have to do to receive it is believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.

Acts 16:30, 31 “And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”

John the apostle in his gospel writes.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

What wonderful love which knows no boundaries!!! Will you come to Him, will you accept the free gift of salvation?

Jesus Christ said:

Matthew 11:28-30 “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Bible verses to read:
Luke 15:11-32
John 14:6
Matthew 11:28-30
John 3:16
1 John 1:9
Romans 1
1 Corinthians 8:6
Romans 3:22-25

The prodigal son ends with the son being received with joy by his father and having a huge fest because the son was once dead but once he returned to his father he was alive. You too can have life eternal by coming to God.

Luke 15:22-24 “But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put [it] on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on [his] feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill [it]; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.”

The Gospel of God

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You are loved. You are loved more than you can ever understand, by the God who made you. No matter what you have been through, no matter what you have done, you can turn to Jesus Christ and be forgiven, cleansed, and experience eternal life. God can give you healing from all of your hurts, your mistakes, and your past. He can give you true freedom, true love, and true forgiveness. We are only made whole by Jesus Christ. He knows everything you have done, all your secrets, your sins, and wants you to bring it all to Him in faith and surrender to Him as Lord. All you have to do is cry out to God and recognize you have sinned against Him (we all have) and that you can’t save yourself. Only Jesus can save us. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He is not one of many truths, He is the only truth. He is the only way to salvation, and He is the only one who can give you life by being born again. You can be given salvation if you put your trust in Him. Accept that Jesus is God who came in the flesh to be that perfect sacrifice for our sins, and we deserve hell because we’re imperfect and sin and God is holy and just – but Jesus can save you. All you have to do is genuinely reach out to Him and ask Him to forgive you and be your God and Saviour. Trust in Him. You can experience a healing, wholeness, and a love that nothing and nobody else will ever give you! No matter what circumstance you face, the Lord Jesus can give you peace that is beyond this world. You can be made right with God and be given eternal life. Just ask Him!♥

Bible verses to read: John 14:6 Matthew 11:28-30 John 3:16 1 John 1:9 Romans 1 1 Corinthians 8:6 Romans 3:22-25