 Have you ever been bored? As a child, I would often find myself looking for a new game, activity or TV show to pass the time. As a Christian, I have found an activity in the perfect will of God that puts an end to boredom. How would you like to personally play a part in fulfilling biblical scripture? Jesus said “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel” (ref Mark 16:15) and “you shall be witness to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth.” (ref Acts 1:8) If you live in North America, as I do, our location is 'the end of the earth' in relation to Jerusalem. So every time you witness and share the Gospel in North America you are fulfilling the scriptures in a way that the apostles never did. That's exciting! Start sharing your faith today and I guarantee you will never be bored again. I have meet some of the most unique and interesting people from around the world. Just from reaching out to others with the good news of Jesus, I have heard amazing stories that I would have not heard otherwise. There is no need to be shy about asking people where they are from or what type of spiritual background they have. People love to talk about themselves and will often tell you more than you can imagine. Whether Muslim, Hindu, Atheist, Mormon or Jehovah Witness most people are willing to have a conversation. If you need help with conversation starters see Adventures in Witnessing Volume Four. Many of whom I witness to have never heard the Gospel message until I shared it with them. What an honor to be the very first person to communicate God’s plan of salvation to someone. There is no greater adventure, on this side of heaven, than sharing your faith with others. Know that God is the one who saves but we are called to be soul winners. How do we win souls? By planting and watering seeds of truth into the lives of others with love. Look at 1Corinthians 3:6-8 where Paul says, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.” Did you catch that? We all play apart in leading someone to the Lord. Any steps you take in directing someone to Jesus is not in vain. Whether it’s passing out a tract, inviting someone to church or being able to share the entire Gospel message. It all counts! So, Go Out & Reach! Global Outreach Day May 25th 2019
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 In the first Seven Miles From Jerusalem we started digging into the scriptures looking at how Jesus is found in the Old Testament. The Passover shows us God’s providential protection and foreshadowed the atoning work accomplished by Jesus on the cross. This theme of provision and protection is found frequently and here are just few more examples. Noah’s Ark: Genesis Chapter 6-9 There came a time when wickedness was great on the earth and God was grieved in His heart. So the Lord said “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.” But God showed Grace to Noah and his family, instructing them to build an ark. The ark was a picture of Jesus. If Noah and his family stay inside the ark they are protected from the wrath of God being poured out on the earth. The New Testament is replete with statements about believers being ‘In Christ’. As we hold fast to Jesus we are in Him like being in the ark, safe and secure. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. John 3:36 Rahab the Harlot: Joshua Chapter 2 & Chapter 6 Before the Israelites conquered Jericho two spies were sent to survey the land. As the authorities were in pursuit they escaped with the help of a woman named Rahab. Because of her kindness they agreed to honor her request for protection from the upcoming invasion and destruction of her city. On the day that Jericho fell, Rahab and her family were kept safe as they followed the instructions to stay inside their home with a scarlet rope hanging from the window. Just as the scarlet blood of Jesus marks and sets us apart Rahab’s scarlet rope marked her family for protection. Rahab not only turned away from prostitution but became a faithful Israelite who is found in the genealogy of Jesus. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. Romans 5:9 The Bronze Serpent: Numbers Chapter 21 As the children of Israel journeyed through the wilderness they became discouraged and spoke against God and Moses. They complained about their condition since leaving Egypt. The Lord sent poisonous snakes among them and many people died. After they repented for their attitudes the Lord told Moses to make a bronze serpent on a pole. If anyone looked upon the bronze serpent, as Moses held it up, they would not be harmed. In His conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus refers to this event and applies it to Himself… ‘And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.’ John 3:14-15 Imagery of the bronze serpent on a pole is very prevalent in our society today. Most hospitals, firetrucks and ambulances have it displayed. In the same way the Israelites were to keep their eyes on the bronze serpent we are to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and what He did on the cross. He died for us, rose from the dead and grants everlasting life to all who believe. Opening the door to Heaven and providing a way to escape the torment of a place prepared for those who have rejected Him.  Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more!
 On the day that Jesus rose from the dead, two of His followers were on a seven mile journey from Jerusalem to the village of Emmaus. A stranger joins them along the way. They converse about the extraordinary events surrounding Jesus and His resurrection. As they reasoned, the stranger said “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and enter into His glory?" They would soon find out that the stranger was actually Jesus himself. Then beginning with Moses, Jesus shows them how the Old Testament scriptures point to Him. This would be a Bible lesson they would never forget. After their eyes were opened to see that the stranger was Jesus they exclaimed “Did not our hearts burn within us as He spoke to us and opened up the scriptures?”
Just as this passage, in Luke chapter 24, shows Jesus teaching about himself from the Old Testament we would be wise to follow suit. The Old Testament is rich with not only messianic prophecies but also types and shadows of Jesus. Themes of mercy, grace, redemption, sacrifice and salvation run all through its pages. In this blog series, I will highlight just a few of these edifying gems that ties the Old and New Testaments together by the thread of Jesus. Passover: Exodus Chapter 12 The children of Israel are being held captive by the Egyptians. In their suffering and cry for help God sends Moses. After multiple plagues are brought against the Egyptians, Pharaoh remains determined to hold the Hebrews captive which sets the stage for the Passover. The Lord gives the instructions for every man to take for his household a lamb without blemish. At a set time they shall kill their lamb and sprinkle blood on the two doorpost and the lintel of their houses. On that night the Lord will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down all the firstborn of the Egyptians. Houses marked with blood from the lamb will be passed over by the Lord with no harm coming to those who remain inside. The apostle Paul, in 1Corintians 5:7, identifies Christ as our Passover who was sacrificed for us. Just as the children of Israel were held in bondage and needed to be set free, all of mankind is bound by the chains of sin and is in need of deliverance. Jesus came as the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Being perfect and without blemish He shed His blood for us. Rising from the dead on the third day so that whoever believes in Him will be seen and accepted as righteous by God. From the Passover we also get a very interesting visual. Notice how the blood is applied to the top of the door frame and then to the far right and the far left as well. This is a picture of the coming Messiah, Jesus, who bled from His head and His outstretched hands, one to the left and the other to the right. The blood of the lamb was applied to the doorpost as a sign marking those to be protected. The blood of Jesus brings freedom and protection for those who remain in Him. Stay tuned for more ‘Seven Miles From Jerusalem’ where we will see Jesus again. 
When sharing your faith in Jesus with others you will inevitably come across a Bible critic. Their most common argument will assert that the Bible is an untrustworthy relic that has been altered. Here are some ways to respond and to present the reliability of God's wonderful message. If you have an extremely important message to convey, what would be the best way to ensure that it was delivered? How about telling the person directly and then leaving a written copy of the message? Essentially, this is what God has done for us, Jesus came and personally shared His message with humanity and now we have a written copy preserved in the Bible. God even sent His prophets to foretell His arrival. I know what the critics say, “The Bible is just a book written by men that has been pass down and altered over the years.” Could that be true? Do we have a God powerful enough to create the universe but not powerful enough to preserve and protect His written word? I say He has preserved it and here’s why. The Bible, was written by approximately 40 different authors who were directed by the Holy Spirit over a period of about 1600 years. Its main theme and message stays uncannily consistent despite the diversity of the writers. It is the most printed and distributed book in the history of mankind despite numerous attempts to ban or destroy it. What does the Bible say about itself? "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness," 2 Timothy 3:16. I can hear the critics saying “That’s circular reasoning" but there is nothing wrong with self-authentication if it’s true. Since the Bible claims to be from God how can we test its credibility? The answer is prophecy. Hundreds of years before the modern state of Israel was established the Bible prophesied that God would select a unique group of people to be His chosen ones (2 Samuel 7:24). He would give them their very own land (Psalm 105:10-11). Scatter them around the world because of disobedience (Jeremiah 31:10). Regather them back to their land and the city of Jerusalem, which will be a place of international controversy (Jeremiah 16:15 & Zechariah 12:2). All of these prophesies have come to pass or in the case of Zachariah 12:2 are unfolding before our eyes. Hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus, the Bible prophesied that God would send the Messiah to be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), a preacher and miracle worker (Isaiah 61:1-2), crucified (Psalm 22:16-18), die as a sacrifice for sin (Isaiah 53:5-6) and be raised from the dead (Psalm 16:10). Precisely what Jesus did as He fulfilled these prophesies. And for the critics who claim Jesus was just a myth, there are non-biblical accounts of Jesus and the events of his ministry found in the non-Christian writings of Josephus, the Jewish Talmud, Pliny the Younger and Tacitus. My favorite proof that the bible is of divine origin comes from my own personal experience. There is no criticism brought against the Bible that can change the fact that . . . after I repented of my sins, put my faith in Jesus and got baptized . . . the words and instructions of the Bible became alive to me. No longer are they black and white words on a page but words of living color as they now speak to my spirit and soul. Transforming my thoughts and actions in a way that can only be supernatural. Showing me how to walk in holiness and show love to others. No longer bound by unforgiveness, bitterness, addictions or ungodly attitudes. Not only I, but untold millions of others have experienced personal revelation from God’s word after believing that Jesus died on a cross to pay the price for their sins and rose from the dead on the third day. I am now alive to the things of God and understand why Jesus said “Unless one is born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God”. (Ref. John 3:3) Christians have been accused of having blind faith for trusting the Bible, saying “It’s just a book written by men.” The very same argument can be said to the critic who puts his faith in the writings of other critics. So where will you put your faith? For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edge sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thought and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
Great Book!
 If you have an extremely important message to convey, what would be the best way to ensure that it was delivered? How about telling the person directly and then leaving a written copy of the message? Essentially, this is what God has done for us, Jesus came and personally shared His message with humanity and now we have a written copy preserved in the Bible. God even sent His prophets to foretell His arrival.
I know what the critics say, “The Bible is just a book written by men that has been pass down and altered over the years.” Could that be true? Do we have a God powerful enough to create the universe but not powerful enough to preserve and protect His written word? I say He has preserved it and here’s why. The Bible, was written by approximately 40 different authors who were directed by the Holy Spirit over a period of about 1600 years. Its main theme and message stays uncannily consistent despite the diversity of the writers. It is the most printed and distributed book in the history of mankind despite numerous attempts to ban or destroy it. What does the Bible say about itself? "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness," 2 Timothy 3:16. I can hear the critics saying “That’s circular reasoning" but there is nothing wrong with self-authentication if it’s true. Since the Bible claims to be from God how can we test its credibility? The answer is prophecy. Hundreds of years before the modern state of Israel was established the Bible prophesied that God would select a unique group of people to be His chosen ones (2 Samuel 7:24). He would give them their very own land (Psalm 105:10-11). Scatter them around the world because of disobedience (Jeremiah 31:10). Regather them back to their land and the city of Jerusalem, which will be a place of international controversy (Jeremiah 16:15 & Zechariah 12:2). All of these prophesies have come to pass or in the case of Zachariah 12:2 are unfolding before our eyes. Hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus, the Bible prophesied that God would send the Messiah to be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), a preacher and miracle worker (Isaiah 61:1-2), crucified (Psalm 22:16-18), die as a sacrifice for sin (Isaiah 53:5-6) and be raised from the dead (Psalm 16:10). Precisely what Jesus did as He fulfilled these prophesies. And for the critics who claim Jesus was just a myth, there are non-biblical accounts of Jesus and the events of his ministry found in the non-Christian writings of Josephus, the Jewish Talmud, Pliny the Younger and Tacitus. My favorite proof that the bible is of divine origin comes from my own personal experience. There is no criticism brought against the Bible that can change the fact that . . . after I repented of my sins, put my faith in Jesus and got baptized . . . the words and instructions of the Bible became alive to me. No longer are they black and white words on a page but words of living color as they now speak to my spirit and soul. Transforming my thoughts and actions in a way that can only be supernatural. Showing me how to walk in holiness and show love to others. No longer bound by unforgiveness, bitterness, addictions or ungodly attitudes. Not only I, but untold millions of others have experienced personal revelation from God’s word after believing that Jesus died on a cross to pay the price for their sins and rose from the dead on the third day. I am now alive to the things of God and understand why Jesus said “Unless one is born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God”. (Ref. John 3:3) Christians have been accused of having blind faith for trusting the Bible, saying “It’s just a book written by men.” The very same argument can be said to the critic who puts his faith in the writings of other critics. So where will you put your faith? For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edge sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thought and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 
God chose the Jewish people to be a special people set apart from the rest of the nations.
(Ref. 2 Samuel 7:24) He gave commandments and instructions on how they should live and conduct themselves as a unique nation that would introduce the Messiah and play a pivotal role in the history of the world. (Ref. Isaiah 49:6) The land of Canaan was given to them as an inheritance from God. (Ref. Psalm 105: 10-11) They were scattered around the world in disobedience, regathered back to their land and established as a nation to fulfill God’s purposes. (Ref. Jeremiah 31:10 & Jeremiah 16:15) It was prophesied in the book of Zechariah that Jerusalem would be a city of international conflict, precisely what we are witnessing today. (Ref. Zechariah 12:2) It has been rightly stated by others, “If the Palestinians were to lay down their weapons there would be no more war. If the Israelis laid down their weapons there would be no more Israel.” The land belongs Israel and they have gone to extreme measures to cultivate peace and prosperity for the Palestinians. “I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” Genesis 12: 2-3
For more information on this controversial subject please watch this video.
 Welcome to Adventures In Witnessing volume six.
For the third year in a row, I visited the annual convention of Jehovah Witnesses. This most recent time, I purposely arrived at the arena just as the final session of the day was coming to a close. This is a great time to engage in conversations as people leave the arena. My friend, Mike, and I would approach people with an opening question like this, “Hello, we are not Jehovah Witnesses, but enjoy coming to events like these to learn more about other beliefs. Would it be alright if we ask you some questions?” Almost everyone agreed to speak with us. My favorite start up question is, “If you died tonight and Jehovah asked you, 'Why should I let you live on paradise earth?' what would your answer be?” I ask this question because most JWs don’t believe they will go to heaven but hope they will be considered righteous enough to live on paradise earth. The overwhelming response to this question is most often based around them counting on their own merit or works such as Bible study or door to door outreaches. I’ve heard many testimonies from ex JWs that said they never heard an accurate teaching on the Grace of God while in the JW organization. I use Ephesians, chapter two to share God’s grace with them. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 This year, I felt led to focus on the assurance of salvation. It’s was very sad to us as we heard one person after another say that they were uncertain of what their fate would be when they died. No one thought they would go to heaven, no one had assurance of living on paradise earth and some didn’t even know if they were presently considered right in God’s eyes. They were hoping that their acts of service, knowledge of Jehovah through Bible study and attitudes would allow them to be considered worthy at the end of their lives. Ex JWs commonly testify that the catalyst for their exit from this organization into a true relationship with God began with a desire to know who the real Jesus is. For this reason, I try not only to focus on the Grace of God, but also on who Jesus is. It was amazing this year, as I was sharing about the deity of Jesus with a new JW convert, she was speechless and visibly shaken as I showed her Isaiah 9:6 from her own bible. She read about the child (Jesus) that was given to us and will be called Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Price of peace. I asked her who can offer eternal life except God alone? Who can forgive sins except God alone? Who can answer prayers except God alone? I proceeded to show her John 10:27-28, where Jesus offers eternal life, something only God can do. The following is a response to the teaching of the Jehovah Witnesses. Here are some ways to address their misunderstanding of who Jesus is, the True Church and genuine salvation. There is a messianic prophecy that speaks of a child being born unto us whose name will be Mighty God. (Ref. Isaiah 9:6) Who can offer eternal life except God alone? Who can forgive sins except God alone? Who can answer prayers except God alone? Jesus offers eternal life, has the power to forgive sins and answers prayers. (Ref. John 10:28, Luke 5:24 & John 14:13-14) Jesus is the image of the invisible God. He offers eternal life, has the power to forgive sins, can answer prayers and accepts worship that belongs to God alone. While remaining enthroned in heaven, God pitched His tent among us as Jesus, the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature. The Lord our God is one but has revealed Himself to us in many ways and most commonly as God the Father, God the Son and Holy Spirit. (Ref. John 1:1, Colossians 1:15, John10:28, Luke 5:24, Matthew 28:9, John 14:13-14, Psalm 123:1, Hebrews 1:3 & Acts 5:3-4) When Jesus said "before Abraham was, I AM", they picked up stones to kill Him because He was claiming to be God. (Ref. John 8:58-59 & Exodus 3:14) God says He will not give His glory to another. We read in Revelation, chapter five, where multitudes are worshipping Him who sits on the throne and the Lamb. They are worshipping God the Father and Jesus. (Ref. Isaiah 42:8 & Revelation 5:11-14) Do you believe Jesus returned invisibly without public fanfare in 1914? Please know that Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels. All the tribes of the earth will mourn as they see Him coming with power and great glory. (Ref. 2Thessalonians 1:7-8 & Matthew 24:30) Do you believe that the Watchtower organization and the Jehovah’s Witnesses is God’s sole channel(s) of communication? If so, that would mean that the true Church needed to be restored. Please know that Jesus said He would build His Church and that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Ref. Matthew 16:18) The true Church has never needed to be restored. No earthly organization can claim to be the only right way to God. When a person follows the instructions of Jesus and gets born again his name gets written in the Book of Life and he becomes a child of God. (Ref. Hebrews 12:23 & Philippians 4:3) From Genesis to Revelation God’s primary message to us is how to have a relationship with Him, knowing Him and spending eternity with Him. The main goal is not the prospect of life on a paradise earth. (Ref. John 17:3, 1John 5:20 & John 1:12) Jehovah’s Witnesses put a major emphasis on their deeds such as multiple weekly meetings and required public canvassing outreaches. Please know that Ephesians 2:8-10 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." First we get right with God through faith, then He directs our steps and sends us on our own unique outreach. Untold millions of people from around the world have put their faith in Jesus, who died for our sins and rose from the dead on the third day. They have experienced, without the teachings of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, the transforming power of Christ with the Holy Spirit bearing witness that they are born again children of God. I hope this post will help you plant some seeds of truth into the lives of those deceived by a dangerous organization.  The Talmud states in Yoma 39b that during the Yom Kippur service in the Temple, a red thread would be tied to the doorway of the sanctuary. If the sacrifice was acceptable and Israel’s sins forgiven, then the thread would turn white. The Talmud shows that during the last 40 years of the 2nd Temple, this miracle ceased to occur and the thread would remain red. Yeshua died and rose from the dead 40 years before the destruction of the 2nd Temple; this signifies that the sacrificial system was no longer effective and that another system for atonement had been established. The Forever Commandments The priest shall make atonement for the children of Israel, for all their sins, once a year. It's an everlasting statute. (Ref. Leviticus 16:32-34) If Yeshua is not the Messiah then God gave Israel commandments and left them without a way to keep them since there’s no standing temple. Yeshua is the Messiah and the Torah commandments are fulfilled in Him. Yeshua said: "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. (Ref.Matthew 5:17) Yeshua is Jesus Yeshua took care of the sin problem by going to the cross and dying as the perfect sacrifice, paying the price for our disobedience. He rose from the dead so that whoever follows and confesses Him will have his name written in the Book of Life. He will return again to fulfill the remaining messianic prophecies, establish His kingdom and then be recognized by all the world as the Messiah. Jesus came the first time lowly and riding on a donkey. Died on Passover as the Lamb of God. Rose from the dead on the feast of firstfruits. He sits at the right hand of the Father and will return with the clouds of heaven as the trumpet sounds. (Ref. Zechariah 9:9, John 1:29, Luke 24:46,Psalm 110:1, Daniel 7:13 & Zechariah 9:14) Yeshua the Messiah said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (Ref. John 14:6)  By the 1800’s some new and persuasive ideas in the field of philosophy and science began taking root.
Charles Darwin brings forth the theory of evolution and now the stage is set for a group of influential German theologians to share their ideas of ‘higher criticism’ against the Bible. American theologians bring these teachings to the states and liberal Christianity is born. It’s the birth of the ‘social gospel’. What is the ‘social gospel’? It’s a focus on social issues rather than focusing on spiritual transformation. So what’s the problem with liberal Christianity? Jesus is all affirming: ‘LC’ teaches that Jesus hung out with sinners so He has no problem with their sin. However, Jesus never affirmed people in their sin but He came to save us from our sin. As stated by Dr Michael Brown "He practiced transformational inclusion not affirmational inclusion". The message is 'come as you are and be transformed by the love of God and be set free from sin, no longer a slave to sin.' (Ref. John 8:11) Everyone goes to Heaven: ‘LC’ teaches that eventually everyone will make it to heaven. The Holy scriptures are clear that we have one life to live in the natural and then we are judged. (Ref. Hebrews 9:27, John 5:24 & Daniel 12:2) Paul writes, ‘Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.’ 1Corinthians 6:9-10 There is no Hell: ‘LC’ teaches that Hell is merely bad circumstances or the struggles of life on earth. Jesus speaks of the unrighteous being cast out into a place of outer darkness and tormented with everlasting punishment. (Ref. Matthew 25:30 & Matthew 25:46) Jesus never said anything about Homosexuality: ‘LC’ teaches Jesus never addressed the issue of homosexuality so he must be fine with it. Jesus said that He came to fulfill the Law. The Law of Moses which Jesus came to fulfill condemns all forms of homosexuality. (Ref. Matthew 5:17 & Leviticus 18:22) Jesus confirmed the definition of marriage in Mark 10:6-8 ‘But from the beginning of creation, 'God made them male and female.' 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' So they are no longer two but one flesh.’ Jesus also said that sexual immorality defiles a person. (Ref. Mark 7:20-23) There is a multitude of sinful behavior that Jesus didn’t name while teaching, but there’s no reason to believe He affirms those sins just because he didn’t mention them. Good works trumps repentance: ‘LC’ puts an unbalanced emphasis on the benevolence scriptures to the point that if you mention sinful behavior they will attack you with accusations of not ‘selling all you have and giving to the poor’, ‘feeding the homeless’ or ‘living like Mother Teresa’. The Bible is clear that putting good works before repentance will void the credibility of those works and be seen as filthy rags in God’s sight. (Ref. Isaiah 64:6) Ephesians 2:8-10 says ‘For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.’ First we get right with God through faith, and then He directs our steps into all kinds of wonderful acts of benevolence. Notice that the earliest followers of Jesus were not all called to give or serve the Lord in the same way. Some gave up property and houses while others kept theirs. Some went on missions and others stayed home. Everyone’s calling from the Lord is personalized. (Ref. The Book of Acts) Believes evolution is a fact: Despite the fact that no evidence confirming macro evolution has ever been found, ‘LC’ puts blind faith into this theory and teaches it as fact. The fact remains that no form of cosmic, chemical, stellar, organic or macro evolution has ever been proven. What we do see are variations within the same species called micro evolution. When analyzing the fossil record, there are no transitional examples hence the term ‘missing link’. What is seen in the fossil record is more in line with the Biblical narrative of a global flood in the days of Noah. (Ref. Genesis Ch. 6 & 1Corinthians 15:39) Secular science trumps Biblical interpretations of science: Because ‘LC’ does not view the Bible as the final authority in all areas of life, secular science is the foundation for their world view. Secular scientist and creationist both have the same scientific data to analyze. If your presupposition cancels the idea of supernatural evolvement by God then your interpretation of the data will automatically be bias. Thankfully, the scientific community of today has seen an increase of Intelligent Design proponents who question the validity of Darwinian evolution. (Ref. Colossians 2:8) Men decided what books make up the Bible: ‘LC’ will focus on certain regional councils that voted which books of the Bible should be the cannon of Scripture. This is used as a tactic to bring doubt regarding the reliability of the Bible. God decided the cannon of Scripture and has been confirming it in various ways since the beginning of Church history. Just look at the writings from Church fathers of the 1st and 2nd century to see their acceptance of our current 66 books and their denial of false gospels. (Ref.2Timothy 3:16) Conclusion: By denying the authority of the Holy scriptures and the deity of Jesus, Liberal Christianity is nothing more than a works based religion. The social gospel is in danger of accomplishing nothing more than making the world a better place from which people will to go to hell. Solution: Despite the fact that many Liberal Christians don’t believe in the supernatural events of the Bible there is one supernatural event that must take place for one to be accepted by God. Jesus said “unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." & “unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” (Ref. John 3:3-5) Believe that God did the most loving act imaginable when He took on the form of a man to experience human life first hand. Jesus was tempted like us but did not sin. He died on the cross to pay the price for our sins and was literally raised from the dead on the third day so that whoever believes in Him and commits their life to Him will have eternal life with God and escape the torment of everlasting separation from His kingdom. For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 2Peter 1:16  Welcome to Adventures in Witnessing Volume Five.
It's time to look at some common objections to our faith. Have you ever been called for jury duty? I, like most people, dreaded receiving that letter until I realized how great of a witnessing opportunity it is. Normally you are stuck in a crowded room for about 8 hours with almost nothing to do except converse with each other. On one such occasion, I was having a spiritual conversation with someone who made a statement that I had never heard before, she said, “Jesus never said I am God, worship Me." I now know that this is a very common objection to the deity of Jesus. Yes, it is true that He never said those exact words but did He claim to be God in other ways? Here is the short answer first. Who can offer eternal life except God alone? Who can forgive sins except God alone? Who can answer prayers except God alone? Who can offer rest for the soul except God alone? Jesus offers eternal life, has the power to forgive sins, answers prayers and offers rest for the soul. (Ref. John 10:28, Luke 5:20-24, John 14:13-14 & Matthew 11:28-29) By His own words and actions Jesus demonstrated His deity. He allowed people to worship Him without rebuke. (Ref. Matthew 28:9) God says He will not give His glory to another. (Ref. Isaiah 42:8) We read in Revelation chapter 5 where multitudes are worshiping Him who sits on the throne and the Lamb. They are worshiping God the Father and Jesus. (Ref. Revelation 5:11-14) When Jesus said “before Abraham was, I AM” they picked up stones to kill Him because He was claiming to be God. (Ref. John 8:58-59 & Exodus 3:14) Jesus said "I and My Father are one." (Ref. John 10:30) His earliest disciples called Him God. Thomas said to Him “My Lord and my God!” Paul wrote that we should be looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. Peter makes reference to Him as our God and Savior Jesus Christ. (Ref. John 20:28, Titus 2:13 & 2Peter 1:1) Here's a good question to ask, if someone presents this objection to you. “If I or another human being walked up to you and said 'I am God worship me' what would your response be?” Almost everyone's response is “you are crazy” so why would Jesus make a statement like that knowing how people would respond? The Trinity, or as Dr. Michael Brown calls, God's Complex Unity, is also commonly objected or misunderstood. Here's a few ways to explain this to others. The word trinity is commonly used to describe God. However, this word is not in the Bible. What is the trinity? What is God’s complex unity? The Holy Scriptures affirm that the Lord our God is one. Adam and Eve are two that become one. The Tabernacle is made up of many parts that become one. (Ref. Deuteronomy 6:4, Genesis 2:24 & Exodus 36:13) God who is enthroned in the heavens yet at the same time can fill the earth with His glory and have His spirit move about the earth has revealed Himself to us in many ways. (Ref. Psalm 123:1, Numbers 14:21, Genesis 1:2 & Psalm 51:11) He communicates to Moses from the burning bush. He went before the Israelites by day in a pillar of cloud and a pillar of fire by night. His glory appeared in the cloud. They saw the God of Israel and under His feet as it were a paved work of sapphire stone. (Ref. Exodus 3:4, Exodus 13:21, Exodus 16:10 & Exodus 24:10-11) God has a conversation with Abraham while in human form. (Ref. Genesis Ch.18) While remaining enthroned in heaven, God took on the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of man, as Jesus, the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature. The Lord our God is one but has revealed Himself to us in many ways and most commonly as God the Father, God the Son and Holy Spirit. (Ref. Philippians 2:8, Hebrews 1:1-4, Colossians 1:15-20, John 1:1, John 1:14 & Acts 5:3-4) God created water, the very substance we look for when looking for signs of life. Water comes in three forms: liquid, ice & steam. Jesus referred to Himself as Living Water, which again is a way in which He is revealing Himself to us. And if one man made computer can run multiple programs and multi task at the same time, why do we limit what the creator of the universe can do? I recently heard Matt Slick explain the Trinity by looking at the concept of Time. Time is only made complete by The Past, The Present & The Future, three in one. A Muslim or Jehovah Witness might ask, “If Jesus is God, how can God die? Why did He pray to Himself? Why did He say “My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?” God did the most loving act imaginable. He took on the form of a man to experience human life first hand. Jesus taught us how to have a relationship with God by praying to and worshiping the Father. He was tempted like us but did not sin. His human flesh died but was raised on the third day. His spirit never died. While on the cross Jesus cries out “My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?” because He was pointing people to the messianic prophecy of Psalm 22 which describes His crucifixion experience. He demonstrated His love for us by paying the price for our sins. Until next time, keep on witnessing! |
Scott MyersFollower of Jesus Archives
March 2024
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