JESUS AND THE SABBATH CONNECTION

March 13, 2023 Eddie Leave a comment

The Pharisees and other religious leaders were constantly looking for reasons to condemn Jesus even though Jesus said His mission was the opposite:

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

John 3:17

Self-righteous judgment and condemnation work this way not only for the Pharisees of Jesus’ day but also for modern church members and leaders who don’t know Jesus. Jesus cut across the traditions of men and religious rules that, ironically, paved the way for additional condemnations from religious people.

A good example is the story of the disciples in the grain field on the Sabbath day.

Jesus’ disciples got caught breaking a tradition (not supported by Scripture) regarding the Sabbath. The condemnation by the Pharisees was picky and petty.

A Misunderstanding About the Sabbath

Here was their crime: The disciples were walking through a grainfield and plucked some of the heads of grain because they were hungry. They were condemned by the church leaders for breaking a Sabbath law; then they made sure Jesus knew it! Of course, this was a man-made law regarding the fourth commandment. Jesus attempted to clarify the Sabbath to these religious leaders.

At that time, Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. And His disciples were hungry and began to pluck heads of grain and to eat. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath!”

Matthew 12: 1-2

Was this stealing, or was it something else that was unlawful to do on the Sabbath? The instruction given to Moses by God in Deuteronomy 23:25 allowed the disciples to take some of the heads of grain to satisfy their hunger.

“When you come into your neighbor’s standing grain, you may pluck the heads with your hand, but you shall not use a sickle on your neighbor’s standing grain.

Deuteronomy 23: 25

During this time period, It was lawful to satisfy your hunger but not harvest it (use of a sickle)—the issue the priests had with the disciples related to their laws about activities allowed on the Lord’s Sabbath. The Pharisees considered their activities with the grain as work (gathering and threshing), which was prohibited by the melakhah, which describes at least 39 CATEGORIES of prohibitions on Shabbat (Sabbath). Again, these were man-made laws and not laws/prohibitions that God made. In fact, God says very little about prohibitions on the Sabbath. The most obvious is ceasing from labor, but after that,, God says very little about how to keep it holy or things that can’t be done on the Sabbath. Of all the commandments, only the fourth and fifth commandments do not start with a “Thou Shalt Not,” but rather an invitation by God to remember, rest, and honor. This is something that is positive for the mind of mankind.

Son Of Man-And Lord

The Pharisees carefully watched the movements of the man of Galilee, who claimed to be “The Son of Man.” A title that Jesus liked to use. It had a nice ring of connecting Himself with mankind. He was one of us! But, He was also God…Immanual (God with us). Paul would later explain it this way:

For both, He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren…Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same.

Hebrews 2: 11,14

Jesus said something about the Sabbath that is very revealing about Himself and the Sabbath:

Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.”

Mark 2:28

Here is the Sabbath connection with Jesus. He is one of us, but He is also Lord, even of the Sabbath!

Apparently, the Pharisees didn’t appear to catch what He was saying. First of all, He is proclaiming Himself to be Lord, a title given to God the Messiah! He is God, even of the Sabbath!

Some have mistakenly tried to say that Jesus was indicating that the Sabbath didn’t matter or that Jesus “broke the Sabbath” to make a point. That is far from the truth.

Jesus said,

I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.

John 15:10b

But Jesus did not keep the commandments according to additions and traditions to the law by the religious leaders.

Additions and Traditions

Using the context of this event, the point Jesus made was about additions and traditions by the priests that had made the Sabbath a burden and were not in the spirit of God’s intention of the Sabbath. The religious people had robbed its joy and turned it into a list of do’s and don’t’s.

But Jesus was also proclaiming His Lordship. Jesus was not breaking His own words given at Creation. He is our Lord, even of the Sabbath. If anyone should know what is good or bad on the Sabbath, it would be its Creator.

Jesus made it clear. The Sabbath was made (just like everything else at creation) for the benefit of mankind. Before He proclaimed His Lordship over the Sabbath, He reminded the religious leaders and anyone who had ears to hear:

“The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.

Mark 2:28

By the multitude of non-Scriptural rules, the Sabbath became their master. It became a do-nothing day for fear of breaking a rule. The Sabbath was hallowed at creation, as recorded by Moses in the first and second chapters of Genesis. It was after God had spent six literal days (evenings and mornings) that God said these words:

Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. Genesis 1:31

Even in the Ten Commandments law, written by the finger of God in stone (Exodus 31:18), is the acknowledgment that God is Lord of the Sabbath.

“…the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God…”

Exodus 20:10

The Sabbath From The Beginning

It had been an unwritten gift from the time of Adam and Eve. A gift of rest because God rested after His work. This was long before there was a Jew. Therefore, it was an invitation to all mankind to work six days, then rest in Him.

Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.

Genesis 2:3

He finished His work of Creation and did not add anything else. It was all very good. But it was finished. The Sabbath stands as a memorial in time, repeated every week to teach us to Remember His creative work. What He has blessed cannot be reversed.

Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed, and I cannot reverse it.

Numbers 23:20

Jesus Created The Sabbath

Here is another connection between Jesus and the Sabbath. He made it and blessed it! Both John and Paul tell us that Jesus is God and worked with God the Father to create everything we see, including the Sabbath;

In the beginning, was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The same was in the beginning with God.

All things were made by him, and without him was not anything made that was made. John 1:1-3

In this passage, John uses another name for Jesus, “the Word” He leaves no doubt as to the identity of “the Word” in the proceeding verses, especially verse 14

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. john 1:14

Who else but Jesus fits this description of “the Word“? It would be very fair to read John 1: 1-3 this way:

In the beginning, was Jesus, and Jesus was with God, and Jesus was God.

The same (Jesus) was at the beginning with God.

All things were made by Jesus, and without Jesus was not anything made that was made.

John 1:1-3

This one passage eliminates all those who would claim that Jesus was just another prophet or that He was not a member of the preexistent Godhead. Paul agrees with John:

He (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him ( Jesus) all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him (Jesus) and for Him (Jesus). And He (Jesus) is before all things, and in Him (Jesus) all things consist. And He (Jesus) is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

Hebrews 1: 15-18

The writer of Hebrews adds this:

…in these last days spoken unto us by his Son (Jesus), whom He hath appointed Heir of all things, by whom also He (Jesus) made the worlds;

Hebrews 1:2

Jesus Himself proclaimed His Divinity by taking the name given to Moses at the burning bush when Moses asked what name he should use when he talked to the children of Israel about their pending release from Egyptian bondage:

God told Moses:

And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ”

Exodus 3:14

Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” John 8:58

Jesus’ Connection with the Sabbath-Summary:

1.) He is the Creator or Co-Creator, at the least.

2.) He created everything we see or don’t see. and blessed the Sabbath after finishing the work of creation.

3.) He told us He made the Sabbath for us and not us for the Sabbath. The Sabbath is not meant to be a burden but rather a delight and a joy (See Isaiah 58: 13-14)

4.) He is Lord of the Seventh-day Sabbath. There is no other Lord’s Day described so well in Scripture. The Lord’s day in these exact words only appears once in Revelation 1:10, but it does not specify which day of the week. But using the plethora of verses connecting the seventh day with the Lord’s Day. It is, therefore, very likely the Sabbath (the seventh day) that John was “in the Spirit.” The only other explanation is that John was “in the Spirit” to describe the events of the coming of Jesus.

Religious People and the Sabbath

The religious people of Jesus day and even some of those who remember the Sabbath today want to put burdens on the Sabbath to make it a day of useless time just sitting around. But this rest is also mental and spiritual rest. Jesus proclaimed the following when He invited us with all our burdens to Him.

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11: 28

So the Sabbath is more about coming to Jesus for relief from the mental, physical, and spiritual burdens accumulated during the six days of labor. It was never meant to be a day of does and don’ts or a way to please God.

It encourages time to visit the sick and other acts of mercy. God desires mercy and not sacrifice.

At the end of Jesus’ discourse with the Pharisees, He said,

But if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless. Matthew 12:7

Worship and the Sabbath

Oddly, nowhere in the fourth commandment does it mention it as a day of worship. In fact, formal corporate worship is not limited to any day of the week, as shown throughout the Bible.

But only the Sabbath was proclaimed “holy” and “sanctified” by Jesus Himself. Jesus’ custom, along with Paul and the disciples, was to be present in the synagogue on the Sabbath (Luke 4:16, Acts 16:13, Acts 17:2). So worship on the Sabbath fits with God’s will by both Jesus’ example and reasons for worship (His Creatorship). Those who worship on Sunday should not be condemned, nor those who worship on Saturday. Either way, it does not take away the sanctity of God nor His word to “Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy…”

While formal worship is not described in the fourth commandment, the main reason for worship is there. He is our Creator! He completed His workweek and ended it. He took time, not because He was tired, but because He desired to look at what was “very good.” He invites the same for us today. A day of worship to Jesus and looking to Jesus who is “very good.“

The call to worship Him as Creator becomes a call from a powerful angel (messenger) in Revelation 14 at the end of time. This messenger is one of three angels:

Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people— saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.”

Revelation 14:6-7

This message of Revelation 14 is pointing back to the fourth Commandment and is connected to the two other powerful messages to the earth, Babylon is fallen and warnings against the beast and its mark. (See Revelation 14: 8-9)

Jesus’ Connection With You

So what do you do with Jesus and the Sabbath? Do you accept both as a gift of love from Jesus the Creator? Do you make the Sabbath a way to please God and make yourself more religious by adding on more additions and traditions? Do you ignore it and claim it was stricken from the table of the Ten Commandments? Or do you embrace God’s command as something to enhance your relationship with Jesus?

Jesus said His law was valid forever.

Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5: 17-19

Jesus’ demonstration of mercy, forgiveness, and love extends from the Garden of Eden to the end of time and beyond. The Sabbath is not just another rule but an invitation to be with God in Spirit on His holy day. It is only legalistic if a person puts additional rules on it and thinks that it is a way to gain favor with God or another rule to keep for salvation. It becomes a joy when it is connected with Jesus, and we follow His commandments because of our love and respect for Him…not for just pretentious religious purposes.

“If you love Me, keep My commandments.
John 14:15

Worshipping Jesus on the Sabbath will not stop when He creates a new heaven and a new earth for the redeemed.

“For as the new heavens and the new earth
Which I will make shall remain before Me,” says the Lord, And it shall come to pass That from one New Moon to another, And from one Sabbath to another, All flesh shall come to worship before Me,” says the Lord.

Isaiah 6; 22, 23

Faith

WHEN GOD IS NOT ON THE THRONE

March 3, 2023 Eddie Leave a comment

“Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day (Return of Jesus Christ) will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. 2 Thessalonians 5: 3:4

From the beginning of time, it has been Satan’s purpose to keep God off the throne; he openly spoke of his plans to the angels of heaven.

“How you are fallen from heaven,
O Lucifer, son of the morning!
How you are cut down to the ground,
You who weakened the nations!

“I will ascend into heaven,
I will exalt my throne above the stars of God;
I will also sit on the mount of the congregation.
On the farthest sides of the north;

Isaiah 14:13

He plans to “sit as God in the temple of God” and “sit on the mount of the congregation.” Sitting on a throne represents power and authority.

The Number One Problem of God’s People

Taking God off the throne has been the biggest problem with God’s people throughout history. It has led up to our opening verse, which is in the context of the soon return of Jesus: A “falling away” and “the son of perdition” taking God’s place on the throne in His temple! This “falling away” opens the door to the illegitimate throne room-a false one, which replaces Jesus’ work as our mediator in heaven. The apostate/deceived condition of God’s church before the return of Christ opens doors for the final work of God’s long-time enemy. It is observable in our society today and rapidly gaining ground!

The work of Satan is often more effective if it is in absentia. Revelation 13 confirms this premise when John describes the origin of the “Beast” (a political/religious power). Satan (the dragon) gives his throne and authority to this institution to take God off the throne and replace Him with an unqualified human.

“…The dragon gave him his power, throne, and great authority.”

Revelation 13:2

When it is all said and done, the world’s problems have their basis in the unholy desire to erase the knowledge of the legitimate Creator and put humans in His place. It is not only the worldly atheist and the humanists; it is also found in the church!

The unbelievers and enemies of God have nowhere to run except to their rulers, nor do they desire to turn to God to resolve their problems (unless they come under great conviction by the work of the Holy Spirit.). Consequently, Satan’s attack is directed toward the faithful believers to get their God off the throne. He wants us to believe God doesn’t deserve to be on the throne. The creation of doubt is an excellent weapon in his hand. Replacing God is a victory for him! He succeeds for a time, but eventually, the end comes (Daniel 7: 22, Revelation 20:10, 2 Thessalonians 2:8)

In church history, we have examples that demonstrate God’s people don’t want God to occupy His rightful position. The edifications and warnings of the Bible are almost always directed toward His people. Why? A simple answer: God knows Satan and his plans, so He warns us. He allows us to see the good, the bad, and the ugly of the journey of God’s people (the Bible) in the desire for us to learn from the past.

If Christians do not know they are in a battle with casualties along the way, Satan has them where he wants them! These Jesus passivists are comfortable and eventually become “lukewarm” in their experience. They think “they need nothing.” Revelation 3: 16-17. But the wise understand their safety in Christ alone. When Christians say, “I’ve got this,” they place themselves on the throne seat and deny the truth Jesus taught us,

“I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”

John 15:5

Conversely, we have power in Christ;

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

Satan’s Methods

Lucifer, now named Satan, wants to replace God, even if it is in absentia. He is fine with someone else catching the fever of replacing God as the Supreme Ruler of the Universe. This is a particular problem when the church takes God off the throne and allows mere man to replace Him.

To make this more granular and personal, it can be a complete disaster in our Christian experience if we put ourselves on the throne instead of letting our leader Jesus direct our path. How does this happen? Trusting yourself more than you trust God and His word to direct your paths.

Some have said Satan will never be on the throne. Long term, this is true, but until he is destroyed in the lake of fire, he occupies the throne in many places, including the lukewarm followers and, yes, even the corporate church in some cases! Satan accomplishes two purposes by taking God off the throne:

1.) The focus is no longer on the power of God but on someone else who is much weaker and human.

2.) The destruction of people for eternity, including those who profess to be a believer but trust more in their works than faith in Christ.

Peter tells us (followers of Christ) to be “sober” and “vigilant” (keeping a careful watch) as Satan begins to understand his time is growing shorter every day. He is looking for people (primarily followers of Christ) he can destroy. His efforts to dethrone God are directed at God’s people in the last days. The others are already in his snare.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

1 Peter 5:8

The fact that this passage is directed towards the church is because Peter addressed this letter to the “elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father,” 1 Peter 1:2

God’s word and church history reveal examples of Israel, the early congregation or church, and the dark ages that took God off the throne. These records are for “our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.” 1 Corinthians 10:11.

Let’s take a look at each period in history. Hopefully, we will begin to see the enemy’s hand due to our ancestor’s mistakes and become “sober,” “vigilant,” and aware of the intensified work of the enemy.

Israel’s Mistake of Wanting a King

Before Israel had kings, they were ruled by God’s appointed prophets and judges. One of the most influential was Samuel. As he became older, the people came to him and asked for a king. They wanted to be like other countries that had kings. Also, scripture tells us that Samuel’s sons were corrupt.

Why would God’s people of promise want someone to rule over them other than the Lord? This is a question we should be asking ourselves. Our problems in the world are too complicated for any politician or human to solve. Our great Creator stands in the wings while we put someone weaker and far less wise on the throne. This was the case with God’s people:

Here is that exchange between the Israelites and Samuel:

“Now it came to pass when Samuel was old that he made his sons judges over Israel. The name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba. But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice.” 1 1 Samuel 8: 1-3

The people were worried that corrupt leadership would replace Samuel. This is a legitimate concern, but the people always thought they could figure things out themselves instead of turning to God for solutions.

Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, and said to him, “Look, you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.”

Verse 4-5

While their reasons were legitimate, their idea of a solution seemed more like peer pressure and the desire to be like the other nations that had a king. Is that happening to our churches today? We want to be like the world, so we compromise. We won’t allow God to find a better way. Our reasons may be legitimate, but those reasons overlook the will of God as already stated in His word!

But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” So, Samuel prayed to the Lord. And the Lord said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.

Verse 6-8

Samuel was upset that the people would request such a compromising thing, but he prayed anyway. The people did not pray. What happens to the people of God when they leave the praying up to their pastors and/or leaders? Do they become more dependent on them than God? The answer is yes!

God gives them what they want and reminds Samuel that the people reject God’s rulership and seek to take Him off the throne. God plainly states my people do not want me to “reign over them.”

According to all the works they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt, even to this day—with which they have forsaken Me and served other gods—so they are doing to you also. Now, therefore, heed their voice. However, you shall solemnly forewarn them and show them the king’s behavior who will reign over them.

Verses 8-9

From the time they were delivered from Egypt, the people wanted to serve other gods! What?! What a hurt this must have been to the Lord.! The people saw miracles like you, and I have never seen! God not only delivered them from the most powerful nation in the world, but He fed them from heaven. Even their clothes did not wear out. God camped with them in the desert sanctuary. What more could he have done? Despite all this, they were drawn to “other gods.” They wanted a king to rule over them and take God off the throne!

But God gave them one last chance to think about what they were asking. He knew their king’s behavior and how he would treat them. Perhaps, a dim picture of their future with a king would make them change their mind.

That behavior is described in verses 1 Samuel 8: 10-18. Their sons would be taken and used for warfare and his own personal gain. Their daughters would also be taken and put to work in his palace. He would take the best of their products from the fields and give them to his servants. Their servants and livestock he would also take and make his own.

God knows they will be disappointed, so He tells Samuel the ugly truth,

“And you will cry out in that day because of your king whom you have chosen for yourselves, and the Lord will not hear you in that day.”

Verse 18

You would think they would have second thoughts. But they didn’t understand because of their hard hearts and stiff necks. They were on a mission to be like the other countries. So, they responded with a firm “No!”

“No, but we will have a king over us, that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.”

Verse 19-20

Saul would become the first king of God’s people, followed by David, then Solomon. Then God’s people would divide into two camps, Israel and Judah. Between them, they would have forty-two kings. Thirty-one of Judah’s kings were evil (74%). All of Israel’s nineteen kings were evil!

THE NEW COVENANT- GOD BACK ON THE THRONE

Before the Lord returns, God makes a new covenant. God’s new covenant includes these words: “…and they shall be my people.” In the hearts of each true believer, God is on the throne!

For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.

Hebrew 8:10

Keep in mind that this covenant is not just for the Jewish people but for all who are “in Christ.” People after Christ is have many of the same problems as ancient Israel.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.

Galatians 3: 28-29

We have often heard that the Bible is a story of paradise lost and paradise restored. But it is also the story of God being removed from the throne and God returning to the throne. From distrust to trust, from no faith to faith alone. From the worship of useless idols to the worship of the true Creator God. In fact, this is the last call to the people of planet earth….to worship Him, who is Creator:

“Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.”

Revelation 14:7

The most important question a Christian can ask to be assured of salvation is this:

“Is God on the throne in my life?

Do I trust Him even if my prayers appear don’t go the way I want them to?

Do I turn to him when I have problems and am downcast?

Do I have peace and rest knowing that I have made my petitions to Him and decided to trust Him no matter the outcome?

Do I fully believe His promises as found in Scripture?

Removing God from the throne always involves a distrust of God and trust in weak mortal humans such as ourselves.

Next time, we will discover how God was taken off the throne at the time of the early church. Paul predicted the scattering of the flock.

“For I know this, that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.” Acts 20:29

Then during the dark ages, the throne of God was replaced by earthly intermediaries making the sin-pardoning confessional room of Jesus vacant (desolate). Because of the power of the church in Europe, the United States became a hideaway for those who wanted a “coucntry without a king and a church without a pope.” They wanted God back on the throne! They had to leave Europe, where kings and dictators led countries and removed personal freedom. T

But sadly, the United States has begun to take God off the throne again and replace it with politics and force. It started as a lamb-like (Christian) nation with the idea of personal freedom with the ideal of individual religious liberty, but it will eventually take God off the throne and replace him with an image of a beast (Revelation 13).

Knowing this, we must avoid those who would force God back into schools, government, etc., through the unholy combination of politics and big religion. God does not work by force and civil laws. He is the one who offers all humans freedom to choose. Government and religion should never come together. This is called spiritual adultery, i.e., intercorse between church (God’s people) and state (political power). But it has happened in the U.S. anyway! Because Satan wants God off the throne!

Remember and believe the promise of Jesus’ coming kingdom. Then He will be on the throne forever.:

“…the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, and the kingdom shall not be left to other people….”

Daniel 2:44

Prophecies for Our Time

TIME IS FULFILLED-PART 2

February 11, 2023 Eddie Leave a comment

But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,

Galatians 4:4

In “THE TIME IS FULFILLED”-Part 1, a similar statement regarding the coming of Jesus and the fullness of time was presented:

Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

Mark 1:-14-15

God knows the end from the beginning. The events of His kingdom come exactly as predicted and on-time as well. When the time was fulfilled, God sent Jesus for our salvation. A cross awaited Him. But what does “the time is fulfilled” and “fullness of time” mean? The time had come in God’s great time clock for Jesus to appear as the “Lamb that takes away the sins of the world.”

The coming of Jesus as the Messiah was predicted down to the year and the season. That prophecy is found in Daniel 9. It tells not only of His arrival on the scene as the “Anointed One” but also of His crucifixion, His keeping of the covenant, the final rejection of Jesus by His covenant people, and the acceptance of Jesus by the Gentiles.

When I first understood this prophecy exactly as God spoke it to Daniel, my faith lept! It was increased! I hope it does the same for you.

A Prophecy Sealed Until Our Day

It is likely that the theologians of Jesus’ time on earth did not know of this prophecy because God had commanded that the words be sealed up until the time of the end:

“But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.”…And he said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand.

Daniel 12: 4, 9-10

Did you notice in the passage above the description of the people on earth during the time of the end? Does it not describe our generation exactly?

Many running to and fro, knowledge will increase. Never in earth’s history has travel been so fantastic. At the beginning of the 20th century, just over 100 years ago. Mankind could travel only as fast as a horse could take him. Then it moved to train, planes, and automobiles.

*There are over 16. 4 million flights handled by the FAA every year. There were none just 100 years ago. (*US Transportation, Federal Aviation Commission

*There are 1.4 billion cars worldwide (as of 2022). There was just a handful 100 years ago. (*Hedges & Company)

Indeed, many people are running to and fro…to somewhere in the world and back either for work, pleasure, or vacations.

The prophecy also describes people made white (a metaphor for righteousness through Christ), contrasting the wicked who do not understand the times. What are they doing? They are living wickedly. They have become hedonistic (focused on pleasure, particularly sexually indulgent). No reference is required here. It is thrown in our faces everywhere and all the time.

So the prophecies were meant for our time. A society that needs proof. Perhaps your experience with Christ could use additional reasons for your faith. Let’s look at the prophecy that predicted the exact times of Jesus life upon the earth:

______________________________________________

Daniel 9 Explained Clearly

Let’s read it thoroughly…

“Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks (7), and threescore (60) and two weeks (2): the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.

And after threescore (60) and two weeks (2) shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.

And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week (1): and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.”

Daniel 9: 24-27

If you count up the number in parenthesis, the sum will be 70 years mentioned at the start. There is a reason why they are split up that way i.e., 7 weeks + 60 weeks + 2 weeks + 1 week. This will be explained later. For now, let’s figure out the starting date for the 70 years.

The setting for these verses is important in understanding the prophecy. Daniel and his people (The Jews) had been taken captive by Babylon, and the city of Jerusalem was destroyed and lay desolate as prophesied by Jeremiah. It was predicted by Jeremiah that they would be in captivity for 70 years!

“In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.”

Daniel 9:2

As the 70 literal years drew near to the end, Daniel began to pray and confess his sins and the sins of the people (Verses 4-20). Then Gabriel (an angel) came and informed Daniel that he had come to

“give thee skill and understanding.”

Daniel 9:22

Then Gabriel beings to explain verses 24:27 above. But, this is part of the unexplained part of the 2300 days found in Daniel 8 (A study for another time)

From Daniel 9: 24-27 above, we observe the following:

70 weeks was given to Daniel’s people (Israelites) and the city of Jerusalem to:

Finish the transgression.
Make an end of sins.
Make reconciliation for iniquity.
Bring in everlasting righteousness.
Seal up the vision and prophecy.
Anoint the most Holy.

So God was giving the Jewish people 490 weeks to do all those things. Impossible to do on their own, but achievable under the power of a mighty God. With God’s bidding comes His ability to do it through His strength.

So let’s set this stake in the ground: The 70 weeks are given to the Jews.

An easy calculation shows that 70 weeks is 490 days (7 X 70). In Bible prophecy, the day = year principle should be used to unlock the timelines for history. The verses that support this principle can be found in the passages below:

“After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise.”

Numbers 14:34

“And when thou hast accomplished them, lie again on thy right side, and thou shalt bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days: I have appointed thee each day for a year.”

Ezekiel 4:6

God was giving the Jewish people 490 years for their assignment. During this time, he sent prophets and others to inspire and help keep them close to Him. But as one reads their story, it is quickly seen that they often went after other gods and forsook the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob…the one and only true Creator God!

“Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city…”

Daniel 9: 24

If we can determine where the 490 years began (with certainty), we can understand the other parts of the prophecy.

The timelines start here:

“….from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem.”

Daniel 9: 25

This command to restore and build Jerusalem can be found in Ezra Chapter 7, when Artaxerxes gave the commandment in 457 BC (**See the notes at the end).

So, now that we have a starting date, let’s see where it takes us: The first stop is the coming of the Messiah, the Prince.

“Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince….

Daniel 9: 25

The Messiah, the Prince, can refer only to Jesus himself. He is both the Messiah and a Prince

He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

John 1:41

Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

John 1:45

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah 9:6

From this, we know that from the commandment to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Jesus would be a certain length of time. How long?

Daniel 9: 25

From 457 BC to Jesus is prophesized to be 69 weeks or 483 days, or 483 prophetical years. Let’s do some math:

Starting at 457 BC and moving through history 483 years brings us to the fall of 27 AD.

This is the date Jesus was baptized by John (anointed), and He began his ministry as the prophecy predicted. Here is an important verse in connection with Jesus’ baptism:

“When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:“

Matthew 3:16

A dove represents the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

69 weeks or 483 years of the 70 weeks or 490 years has been explained. Isn’t it comforting to know that God, through the prophet Daniel let the world know when Jesus would come on the scene?

Now let’s look at the last week or 7 years. This is where Hal Lindsey and his followers use the 7 years as a period of tribulation. They disconnect it from this timeline and attempt to run it down to the end of time after Jesus “raptures the church.”

But we will let the verses speak for themselves and maintain the timeline that is constantly demonstrated in the book of Daniel. If we keep the last week in the context of the remainder of the prophecy, as it was intended, we learn the most interesting part of this prophecy.

Daniel tells us Jesus would be cut off, after His 3 1/2 years of ministry as the Son of Man and Messiah:

“Messiah be cut off, but not for himself:….”

Daniel 9: 26

Jesus died for our sins and not for Himself. Would you not agree that this verse is a direct reference to Jesus?

But before He is cut off, he would do the following:

“And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease,

Daniel 9:27″

Jesus was to “confirm the covenant with many for one week or 7 days, which is 7 years in prophecy. But He is “cut off” in the middle of the week or 3 1/2 days, which is 3 1/2 years in prophetic time.

Jesus’ ministry was exactly that long (3 1/2 years) before He was “cut off” or crucified on a Roman cross in 31 AD. He ministered from 27 AD to 31 AD.

As Daniel 9:27 stated, the sacrifices and oblations also ended at the time of Jesus’ death. The law of ceremonies had taught the Jewish nation about the price of sin, the sacrifice for it, and the plan of salvation. Those ceremonial laws were the school master at bringing people to Jesus and help them understand the lesson of sin, forgiveness, and grace. The School Master died forever the day Jesus died on the cross as the true Lamb of God.

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

Galatians 3:24, 25

All the festivals, drink and meat offerings, and special Sabbath days (Not the weekly Sabbath) were shadows pointing to the body of Jesus. All those had served their purpose and were fulfilled in Christ:

“Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.”

Colossians 2:17

The schoolmaster is not the ten commandments (which are eternal) as some may try to assert.

On the other side of the cross before Jesus, the people looked forward in faith to Jesus (the Messiah) and what He would do for them. All of us on this side of the cross look back in faith at what Jesus has done for us.

It is all about faith regardless of where a person stands in time.

Something extraordinary occurred at the crucifixion of Christ to demonstrate the truthfulness of the two verses above:

Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;

Matthew 27: 50, 51

Thus ended the rounds of ceremonies and the laws put in place by Moses to teach about Jesus. Please note: These laws did not include the 10 commandments as some would assert. A study for another time.

Jesus told His disciples this:

But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.“

Matthew 15: 24

By directing the priority of their mission, Jesus was “confirming the covenant” with the children of Israel during His ministry. With them, He spent most of His time. His plea for the coming Kingdom of God was a message primarily to the Jews.

He also told His disciples to do the same:

“These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not:

But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

Matthew 10: 5, 6

The disciples did this for 3 1/2 more years after Jesus was “cut off” or crucified in 31 AD. The timeline takes us 3 1/2 years forward to the end of the 70 weeks or 490 years.

In the year 34 AD, some interesting things happen to mark the end of the 490 years “determined” or “cut off” for the Jewish nation:

In this year, Stephen was martyred, and Paul was converted to be the teacher to the Gentiles

“I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.”

2 Timothy 1:11

A very interesting passage of scripture also marks the end of 70 weeks given to the Jews to do all those things of the covenant listed in Daniel 9. It is a point where the responsibility of carrying the gospel to the entire world is taken off the shoulders of the Jews and given to the Gentiles. It is the point where God determines who is a real Jew or seed of Abraham.

Paul and Barnabas were preaching to a large group, but were interrupted by the Jews because of the large following of the two disciples. Those religious leaders who were interrupting contradicted Paul and Barnabas and actually blasphemed God! But it is what Paul and Barnabas say that marks the Spiritual transition from Jew to Gentile.

“But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

Acts 13: 45, 46

The appointed people of God had failed to keep the covenant (agreement), and God turned to the Gentiles and made them heir to the promises of God:

“And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.“

Galatians 3:29

No longer was there a distinction between literal Jew and God’s chosen people simply identified as belonging to Christ:

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.“

Galatians 3:28

For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:

But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Romans 2:28, 29

So Jesus came the time was full…when the events of Daniel 9 were complete, God sent forth His Son to teach and become a sacrifice for our sins. After His resurrection and return to the Father, The anointing of the Holy Spirit was given to all who would believe Him to finish the work and proclaim to the world, “The time is fulfilled.” Jesus is coming soon, but this time, there is no succinct time line…But Jesus did give us signs and warnings. Indeed, our God is an On-time God. Below is a chart that helps explain the timelines:

Appendix-For Deeper Study

Notes about the dates described above:

Ezra has three decrees with different dates that could be used. Nehemiah has a date also. But in the decision as to which one to use, you must keep in mind the keywords of the prophecy: “the command to restore and rebuild Jerusalem.” There is no reference to the rebuilding the temple, although that was part of the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

The four decrees are :
1.) The decree of Cyrus (Ezra 1:1-4)
2.) The decree of Darius I (Ezra 6:1-12)
3.) The decree of Artaxerxes I (Longimanuus) (Ezra 7: 12-26)
4.) The decree of Artaxerxes (Nehemiah Chapters 1 and 2)

Let’s eliminate some of the dates based on the guiding verse of Daniel 9:25

Ezra 1-gave instruction only for the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. Said nothing about the whole city. We can eliminate this date.

Ezra 6-simply the endorsement by Darius of the decree of Cyrus. Only mentions the building of the “house of God.” We can eliminate this date.

Ezra 7 makes provision for the complete restoration of the Jewish state, including the right to appoint magistrates and judges, hold trials, and pass and execute sentences upon violators of their own national laws. This date fits the idea of “restoring and rebuilding Jerusalem.”

Nehemiah 2-Wording has not been preserved, but was simply a reinstatement of Artaxerxes original authorization to Ezra recorded in Ezra chapter 7.

Determination of the date of the decree: It was in the seventh year of Artaxerxes’ reign (Ezra 7:7,8)

Biblical evidence for the 457 BC start date:

The dates for Artaxerxes’ reign are well documented in ancient sources: Greek historians, Ptolemy’s Canon
The Babylonian business tablets
Elephantine papyri from Egypt
From the above documents, we know that Xerxes was killed in late December of 465 B.C. and the reign of Artaxerxes began at the time.

Artaxerxes Reign	Fall to Fall
First year	464/463 B.C.
Second year	463/462 B.C.
Third year	462/461 B.C.
Fourth year	461/460 B.C.
Fifth year	460/459 B.C.
Sixth year	459/458 B.C.
Seventh year	458/457 B.C.

Therefore, the seventh year of Artaxerxes, according to Jewish reckoning, extended from the fall of 458 to the fall of 457 B. C.

Note: the references in this prophecy to the destruction of the city and temple and desolations:

“….the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined… for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate”

Daniel 9:27

This is not a reference to a small historical character called Antiochus or a future Anti-Christ, but to the total destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 70 AD as predicted by Jesus himself when he told the disciples. There has never been a temple since then and never will be!

“Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”

Matthew 24:2

“Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains,. Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! And pray that your flight may not e in the winter or on the Sabbath. For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.”

Matthew 24: 15-22

The total destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman soldiers was horrible. Many who tried to escape were crucified outside the city. At one time, the number of crosses outside the city almost made it look like a forest of trees. Those who heeded the advice of Jesus escaped the city and remained alive.

The abomination of the fourth beast of Rome made desolate the once proud city of Jerusalem. The rebellion of the Jewish nation was humbled forever.

The church of Jesus replaced the Jewish nation as His witness. Now if you are Christ’s, you are a person of the promise.

The temple and the city were destroyed, never to be rebuilt again. The next city is the Holy City, New Jerusalem, built by the Lord Himself. It will come down from heaven and set up on the new earth.

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

Revelation 21: 1 – 3

Israel in Bible Prophecy

“THE TIME IS FULFILLED”-Part 1

February 10, 2023 Eddie Leave a comment

Mark 1:-14-15

The time is fulfilled…the prophecies of the Old Testament were fulfilled in Jesus’ coming as the Messiah the first time. It is also the track we are on when the warnings of pleadings of Jesus are complete, and judgments begin to fall on the earth and are culminated with the return of Jesus.

Jesus is unlike any god, religious leader, philosopher, seer, or person on the earth because of the many plain-spoken prophecies concerning Himself. Unlike many “seers” such as Nostradamus, the prophecies concerning Jesus are direct and not subject to fancy interpretations of mystical words. and phrases.

Prophecy-First Coming as the Messiah

Prophecies regarding the Messiah reach back thousands of years. After John was imprisoned, Jesus started his ministry by proclaiming a clear message of the fulfillment of ancient prophecies concerning Himself.

Even at the end of his earthly ministry, three and one-half years after it started, He gave a “Bible study” to the disciples to equip them for their work of proclaiming the good news of Himself to the world. His study centered around prophecy.

Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.

Luke 24:44-45

His ministry at the start began with prophecy and itended with prophecy.

The Coming Messiah’s Message

In the book Desire of Ages p. 231, the author makes a clear list of high-level Biblical events at the time of is coming as Israel’s Messiah (This would cover the time from his birth tot the start of his ministry around 27AD. I have separated the paragraphs into distinct events around Jesus’s time for clearer reading. These events were announcing His coming, which was more detailed in the prophecies of the Old Testament writers.

“The Messiah’s coming had been first announced in Judea. In the temple at Jerusalem, the birth of the forerunner had been foretold to Zacharias as he ministered before the altar.

On the hills of Bethlehem, the angels had proclaimed the birth of Jesus.

To Jerusalem, the magi had come in search of Him.

In the temple, Simeon and Anna had testified to His divinity.

“Jerusalem and all Judea” had listened to the preaching of John the Baptist, and the deputation from the Sanhedrin, with the multitude, had heard his testimony concerning Jesus.

In Judea, Christ had received His first disciples. Here much of His early ministry had been spent.

The flashing forth of His divinity in the cleansing of the temple,

His miracles of healing, and the lessons of divine truth that fell from His lips, all proclaimed that which, after the healing at Bethesda, He had declared before the Sanhedrin—His Sonship to the Eternal.”

There are some 300 prophecies in the Old Testament concerning Jesus.

But sadly, the leaders in Israel and the people didn’t understand nor accept their Messiah. It was the duty of the priests to prepare the people for the arrival of their Messiah by rightly dividing the word of Scripture, particularly prophecy. But, alas, they preferred to turn the scripture into what they preferred in a Messiah rather than what the Holy Scripture clearly revealed. Consequently, Jesus, as the Messiah, was hardly recognized by the leadership.

“If the leaders in Israel had received Christ, He would have honored them as His messengers to carry the gospel to the world. To them, first, were given the opportunity to become heralds of the kingdom and grace of God. But Israel knew not the time of her visitation. The jealousy and distrust of the Jewish leaders had ripened into open hatred, and the hearts of the people were turned away from Jesus.”

“The Sanhedrin had rejected Christ’s message and was bent upon His death; therefore, Jesus departed from Jerusalem, from the priests, the temple, the religious leaders, the people who had been instructed in the law, and turned to another class to proclaim His message, and to gather out those who should carry the gospel to all nations.” Desire of Ages, p.231, 232

Jesus turned to the people of Galilee as a more favorable field for His work. The rabbis of Jerusalem despised them as rude and uneducated, but they were more open and free from the bigotry of the priests. They were more open to the reception of the truth.

Please don’t miss what was said here. Jesus turned to the leaders of Israel FIRST. They were given the first opportunity to become heralds of the kingdom and the grace of God! Why? But they rejected it, and God had to take the message to those who were more open to receiving truth rather than fanciful interpretations of Scripture. Jesus had instructed His disciples to take it to people who were open to receive it. If they didn’t, they were to symbolically shake the dust from their feet and move on. Matthew 10:14

So it is today. The message of Christ is to go to those who will listen. If not, go to those who are open to truths about Jesus. But the message today is not about the first coming; it is about the warnings concerning the second coming and the end of time as we know it.

As the people of planet earth await the powerful return of Christ. There is plenty of prophecies that clearly paint the picture of His soon return, but that we will study another time. For now, let’s stick with the prophecies concerning his coming to the earth as the promised Messiah.

Corrupt Religious Leaders

The religious leaders coveted power over the people rather than humbly becoming servants and educators of the people. They were more interested in maintaining tradition than truth. Their positions of popularity were preferred over the truth of the word of God. Their offices had become corrupt, and they relished in the love of money. So ingrained in the Jewish teachings was the false idea of the Messiah as a warrior and King that even the disciples, after three and one-half years of being with Jesus, needed a Bible study on the prophecies concerning Himself.

Then He said to them, “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 to enter into His glory?” And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded (explained) to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.

Luke 24: 25-27

This verse added so much clarity to me when I first stopped to consider what these verses revealed. It did not need any fanciful interpretation. It is a message to the disciples that applies to His followers today.

1.) Are we foolish and slow to understand what the prophets have spoken about Jesus? How clear are you on the prophecies of Jesus’ first and second coming?

2.) The disciples expected the coming Messiah to be as a conquering King to free them from the Romans. The learned Sanhedrin taught this. Instead, Jesus came as a sacrificial leader that would receive glory because of death rather than war. There was a cross before there could be a crown.

3.) Jesus refers to the writings of Moses (the first five books of the Bible) and the prophets (Major and minor prophets) as “Scripture.“

4.) Jesus gave them a study about Himself from the Old Testament! There was no New Testament at this time. In fact, “Scripture” is a word that refers to the Old Testament only. Scripture ( or the Old Testament, which is referred to as the Tanakh by modern Jews)) was what Jesus and the Apostles used to proclaim the gospel to the world. This does not diminish the inspiration for the apostles’ writing and letters in the New Testament. Since this is true, we should never limit our study of Jesus Christ to the New Testament only. We will miss out on almost two-thirds of the story of Jesus if we fail to read and understand its message. It is relevant to the modern Christian today.

When Jesus came preaching, “the time is fulfilled,” it had a very literal application…a very specific time. Next time, we will look at an amazing prophecy from the book of Daniel that specified the exact time Jesus would appear on the scene. And, wouldn’t you know it, the religious leaders of our time have misinterpreted it to fit in with the Hollywood version of end-time events instead of the clear message of Christ’s second coming.

This prophecy in Daniel helps explain why Jesus started His ministry with the Jews as His priority and why He instructed His disciples to do the same. He told them:

“Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the Samaritans. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’

Matthew 10: 5-7

This would be the case for an additional three and one-half years. The house of Israel was God’s “lost sheep.” They had wandered from God!

This prophecy in Daniel also explains the words of Paul, who became the “preacher to the Gentiles.” 1 Timothy 2:7, 2 Timothy 1:11.

Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.

Acts 13:46

Jesus kept the covenant explained by Daniel by giving the promised people the first opportunity to become His voice to the world, but they rejected it. He turned to a people that were not his people. This was also prophetic. It happened as the hourglass of probation ran out on the house of Israel.

I will plant her for myself in the land; I will show my love to the one I called ‘Not my loved one.’ I will say to those called ‘Not my people,’ ‘You are my people, and they will say, ‘You are my God.’” Hosea 2:3

Herein are the elements of the New Covenant that was to be given to both those called “not my people.” (Gentiles) and the Jews (His people of promise). It applies to all those who are “in Christ.”

Jesus is the great Unifier between the lost sheep of the house of Israel and the Gentiles. Those called “His people” and those called “Not His people.” He erases the distinction between the two and makes us all one in Him.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:28

Because Israel didn’t believe, God had to turn to the Gentiles to carry His message to the entire world rather than keep it in a small plot of land called Jerusalem. This was prophetic! The time was fulfilled, and the kingdom of heaven was at hand.

Born Again, Faith, Reasons to Believe

JOHN THE BAPTIST-THE GOAT

February 8, 2023 Eddie Leave a comment

A popular phrase in the sports world today is expressed in the acronym G.O.A.T., which means “greatest of all time.” For example, Tom Brady is considered the greatest of all-time quarterbacks in American football He is arguably worthy of the title, having won 7 Super Bowls.

Jesus designated John the Baptist as the greatest of all time when he said,

“Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women, there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist;.”

Matthew 11:11 (a).

But Jesus didn’t stop there; He added another thought-provoking statement…

“but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

Matthew 11: 11 (b)

Wow! Who of us is greater than John the Baptist? It is those who are the least in the kingdom of heaven! Isn’t it just like Jesus to encourage the least of us by calling us greater than the spiritually powerful, well-known messenger of God? He was always the champion of the small and unimportant in society.

It leaves me with questions: How can this be? What made John the Baptist the G.O.A.T. among men, and what makes the least in the kingdom of heaven greater than the G.O.A.T.?

Who was John the Baptist?

John the Baptist was a prophet. But even more, he was also a part of the prophecies about the first coming of Jesus. For example, Jesus quoted Malachi 3:1 and applied it to John…and rightly so…

“For this is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You.”

Matthew 11:10

Often when a dignitary of the Roman empire traveled, men would go ahead of the caravan and remove brush, fill in holes, etc, to allow for a smooth ride. But John’s preparation for Jesus was a spiritual preparation…He was an introduction to the “lamb, which takes away the sin of the world” John 1:29.

John made the way for the coming of Jesus through His message in the wilderness. A message of repentance and remission because the (Messiah) would soon appear. Even today, the message of repentance and remission of sins makes way for the Lord to come into the lives of sinners.

John’s birth and his greatness were prophesied by an angel to John’s father, Zacharias. The angel also disclosed the message John was to proclaim.

For he will be great in the sight of the Lord,…He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest;
For you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways,
give knowledge of salvation to His people
By the remission of their sins, Luke1: 15, 16

Luke 1:15

John’s Message

Although Zacharias was not able to talk because of his doubt, he would later open his mouth in faith and further prophesy about John under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit ( v. 67-79)

What a powerful spiritual resume John possessed!

The emphasis of John’s message is made clear in the angel. His purpose was to give knowledge of salvation to “His people.” Yes! God had His people who, like the children of Egypt, needed to escape bondage. This bondage was not a foreign power but their sins.

John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

Mark 1:4

The way of escape was through repentance (the Greek word is metanoia-a change of mind) and the remission of their sins. Remission, in Greek, is aphesis, which literally means release from bondage and imprisonment. God’s people must have considered forgiveness and freedom almost hopeless since the religious leaders had made up so many man-made religious rules. They added to the word of God that made it almost impossible for a person to feel free and forgiven. They were the marketers of rules related to sin. John was to give God’s people knowledge of salvation, giving them freedom of spirit.

The repentant’s immersion under the water by John (baptism) was an outward demonstration of an inward transformation. It was not another man-made rule to save them; it was the ceremonial public display of the act they had already performed through the conviction of the Holy Spirit: Repentance. They came up from the water free from the bondage of the guilt of sin. Remission. They were now free from the guilt of sin and would learn to walk (live) in a new way, led by the Spirit and not by the flesh.

Being baptized was their very first act of obedience, but now they obeyed God’s will out of a transformation (born again) rather than the bondage of man-made rules and requirements. There remained “rules,” but they were God’s and not additions of sinful religious men’s requirements for righteousness.

John taught salvation by faith, not through works. Works have their place, but not as a means to salvation. But faith must have an object; otherwise, it is just a word. This faith was to be placed in the coming Messiah,” the Lamb that takes away the sin of the world.” This proclamation was the capstone of John’s message.

This message of freedom from sins (salvation) via repentance and remission and the substitutionary death of Jesus paved the way for the coming Messiah, who would then magnify the kingdom of God.

________________________________

John’s Doubts

No prophet had a greater privilege than that of being the personal herald of the Messiah at His first coming. Any prophet would have desired to be in John’s place. He, therefore, was great in the sight of the Lord in this sense. He was “more than a prophet.“

Yet John had doubts. Doubts are common among Jesus’ followers, especially when experiencing trauma, broken bones, and hearts.

There is no prophecy (that I know of) that predicted the imprisonment of John. This trauma likely discouraged John because it was unexpected and painful. It seemed to go against the benefit of the message of Jesus to release those who were captive. This allowed a bit of doubt to creep into John’s heart. (Sound familiar?) So he sent a message via his disciples to Jesus to help clear the air about the Messiahship of Jesus (Matthew 11: 2-3).

His question suggested confusion.

“Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?”

Matthew 11:3

Jesus told them to…

“Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”

Matthew 11: 4-6

Jesus’ message to John was to remember the source of his faith as found in Scripture. Jesus described the ministry of the Messiah, which was also Bible prophecy. The works of the coming Messiah are described by many prophets, including Isaiah (Isaiah 61:1, 29:18, 35: 4-6)

The fulfillment of the prophecy concerning Jesus should strengthen our faith in God. Jesus put it this way;

Now I tell you before it comes that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He.

John 13:19

Prophecy gives us reason to believe and be faithful. False prophecy, however, takes faith away. But, notice something else…Jesus’ answer for John’s disciples was a non-traditional picture of the coming Messiah.

Jesus’ altered the traditional understanding of the Messiah’s mission in His response to John’s messengers. Instead of a political messiah who will bring judgment on the enemies of the Jews and break the yoke of Roman imperialism, Jesus is the Messiah who is socially, spiritually, and personally conscious of the needy; He heals, resurrects, and proclaims good news to the poor.
Andrews Study Bible, p. 1264, commentary on Matthew 11:4-6

Those creators of additional rules also skewed scripture to paint a picture of a king who would come and free them from the bondage of the Romans. But Jesus, the Christ, came to them in a way they did not desire…lowly and meek for the purpose of freedom from the bondage of sin.

Even John may have been confused by the popular understanding of the work of the coming Messiah. Jesus had not set Himself up as king, and nothing dramatic on the political front was happening in Jerusalem. So it is today. Much of the world expects Jesus to direct in the building up of literal Israel and become their king.

When John’s disciples returned to him with Jesus’ message, It contained a blessing and a hint of rebuke.

And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”

Matthew 11:6

Are we offended by Jesus? Do we want Him to make a more dramatic display related to the political world? Since we are not as important and powerful as some, are we ashamed of the gospel of Christ? It seems sin, and the world have a louder voice than Jesus.

The Faith of John

You and I are not in prophecy as succinctly as John the Baptist, but yet we are greater than him? How can this be?

After the messengers departed, Jesus spoke to the crowd concerning John. He asked questions that highlighted the spiritual character of John.

““What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. Matthew 11: 7-9

A reed, blown to and fro by the wind, was a fitting symbol representing those swayed by the winds of popular opinion. Such reeds were well-known in the area because they grew by the Jordon River and were moved by every slight breeze. Likewise, those whose foundation is based on the ways of the world and its definition of greatness are easily manipulated. John was not one of these.

Paul knew this metaphor as well. He gives us additional understanding. In his message to the Ephesians, Paul said there are..

“…children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, Ephesians 4:14

John was firm in his understanding of God’s word but was open to the additional light Jesus proclaimed. The priests and their schools did not educate John. His heart and mission were prepared by the Holy Spirit and personal knowledge of God’s word. He embraced time in the desert that allowed for God’s voice to be heard, and he avoided strong drinks that could have clouded and confused his mind. The human mind is God’s pathway to the heart. It must be kept clear of rubbish if a person desires God’s voice to be heard.

We have the same opportunity as John to know the truth directly from God’s word. The fewer channels God’s word travels, the purer the message. If we are spoon-fed once a week through someone else, even our pastors, our faith is weakened by dependence on others.

As we commune with God, we should be listening for personal application through God’s voice in moments of prayerful solitude. By determination to apply God’s will in our lives within the context of His written word, there will be a more solid foundation for faith and avoidance of fanciful interpretations of the plain word of God…even if it goes against our tradition and denominational beliefs. It is critical that we seek the Holy Spirit to “guide us into all truth.” John 16:13

As a result, we will be resolute in our faith in Jesus, as was John. Doubts may creep in, especially during times of trauma. But Jesus heals the brokenhearted and provides living bread and water for revival in our hearts. Broken bones will heal back stronger. So will the testing of our faith.

Our challenge is to trust God regardless of the circumstance and how bleak it may appear.

What Heaven Calls Great

But, is our knowledge of God and our mission greater than John the Baptist? Personally, I can answer, “I hardly think so.”

The definition of great by the world versus heaven’s meaning is stark.

The world describes greatness through wealth, popularity, rank, nobility, intellectual gifts, and athletic abilities. But the estimation of heaven places greatness on the ones who love God and mankind as himself. These two attributes will lead to actions just like Jesus’ prophetic ministry on earth, e.g., feeding the hungry, visiting those in prison, providing clothes for the naked, etc. (Matthew 25: 34-36)

He (John) refrained from seeking honor for himself, but pointed all to Jesus as the Promised One. His unselfish joy in the ministry of Christ presents the highest type of nobility ever revealed in man.
Desire of Ages, p. 219

So if John possessed all these things, how can the least in the kingdom of heaven be greater?

John’s life was lonely in some respects but not in other ways. There is no record of John ministering to the poor or healing the sick. His message was great but mostly one-dimensional for a purpose. The spirit of God was upon him. He never lacked the comforting presence of God. But John “was not permitted to see the result of his own labors. It was not for him to see the blind restored to sight, the sick healed, and the dead raised to life. He did not behold the light that shone through every word of Christ, shedding glory upon the promises of prophecy.” Desire of Ages, p. 219

The least of us, however, have seen the mighty works of Jesus and heard His words through the accounts of those who knew Him best. In this sense, we are more privileged and greater than John the Baptist.

The works of Christ will compel us into a ministry to a dying world. Our inspired work of healing the sick, feeding the poor, and visiting those in need will not necessarily be miraculous. We might never see the results of our ministry. But, like John, one day, we will see the full-grown plants of the planted seeds. In this sense, the least of us is greater than John…we minister in the name of Jesus. We have so many more ways to talk to crowds. But that ministry must also include preparing the way for Jesus. A ministry to those in need without pointing them to Jesus is on the same level as the work of the atheist or humanist.

A ministry to those in need without pointing them to Jesus is on the same level as the work of the atheist or humanist.
Author

John and Elijah

The last generation before the return of Christ will bear a message like Elijah and John preparing the world for the coming of Christ (the second time). His coming, this time, will not be by a river. It will be a spectacular event where every eye will behold Him, and it will be destructive to those who are not hidden “in Christ.“

Will you be great in the sight of heaven? Think in terms of spirituality and ministry, not the size of your church. We will do the same work as John, Elijah, and Jesus. Try not to think about the miracles He performed but rather the character and love He had for those who needed Him the most. If this leads to their connection with Jesus, the title of G.O.A.T. in the kingdom of heaven belongs to you. But you will cast that crown to the ground because it was Jesus who did the work in you and through you.

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will also do; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.

John 14:12

So if you are small, humble, and invisible to the world but doing the works God has assigned you, you are part of a greater work and greater than the greatest on earth. You are great in the sight of heaven. Our greatness is not ours. It depends on God in us and through us. Then out of us to others. In Christ, you, too, can become the G.O.A.T. in the kingdom of heaven.

Personal Journey With Jesus, Reasons to Believe

The Clockmaker

January 20, 2023 Eddie Leave a comment

A Bike Ride Out of Atheism

Back in the mid-’70s, I was an evolutionist bicycle rider. I was fulfilling a dream trip by riding cross-country from LA back to Nashville. As I rode along in the open deserts of Arizona, I had plenty of time to think and observe the beautiful scenery.

One day, as I peddled across the high desert towards Flagstaff from the Grand Canyon, I could feel the strength in my legs and my circulatory system working in harmony with all parts of my being. I felt strong and happy. My eyes could see the far-off snow-capped mountains outside Flagstaff (San Francisco Peaks). The blue sky was incredible, and the feel of the cool high desert air on my skin and in my lungs led me to ponder the complexity of life. I began to extrapolate my thoughts.

I reasoned that if I had never seen a clock before but studied it, I would discover a few things. This study would take a while, but initially, I would see that the hands of the clock corresponded to the daily cycle of the sun.

I would discover quickly that the parts of the clock were precise…working together to move the hands exactly to measure time. Ah! Here is its purpose. All that I learned would tell me there must be a CLOCKMAKER. I didn’t know who or where he lived, but I knew he was out there somewhere. I had never met him, but somebody probably had. So, if I wanted to know more, I would (theoretically) start some research and learn as much as possible about the CLOCKMAKER. While the clock and its workings are interesting, it is the punctilious CLOCKMAKER, the originator of this instrument, that is more fascinating.

My extrapolated thought process continued. Our bodies, how we were born, how we are sustained and have the ability to pro-create is far more complicated than a simple clock. I reasoned, there must be a punctilious PERSON MAKER! When I came to that conclusion, I said the first meaningful prayer in my life, “God, if you are out there, please reveal yourself to me.” Well, He did in a way I had not anticipated. The prayer was forgotten as my trip progressed. It was not until many months later that I remembered it.

When I returned from my trip, Julie (the mother of our children-may, she rest in peace) was attending evangelistic-type Bible studies. She seemed different. Calmer. I made fun of her so much that she finally threw a dare at me. She said,

“take my notes and prove me wrong.”

This appealed to my scientific, history-loving, college-educated mind, so I took her up on it. She was crafty to draw me in like that. I knew what she was up to, but I believed I could easily find the errors in the Bible and discount Jesus and the whole world of religion in a few sentences. After all, I was educated. She only had a high-school diploma. But, I would learn that wisdom doesn’t require a Ph.D. behind your name.

To make a long story short, I studied Jesus and the entire Bible for months like I would study a book about the CLOCKMAKER I had never seen. In the early and mid-70s, there was not the madness of the internet, so I researched the church’s history and the Bible’s prophecies at the downtown library in Nashville. Wow! What a journey. My research revealed I knew very little about the Bible, Jesus, and the journey of the Jews.

My conclusions?

Jesus was all He, the prophets, and his disciples claimed Him to be!
Author

Jesus was the prophetic Messiah on a mission to save the world from eternal death and offer us eternal life. He is also part of the Godhead and is, therefore, our Creator God (See John Chapter 1: 1-14. Colossians 1: 15-18, Hebrews 1: 1-2).

I would not have known if I had kicked the clock away with no interest in how it worked. What I learned changed my life and direction eternally, as it has millions of others. I discovered there is a spiritual side to us and not just physical. Jesus said,

The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.

John 6:63

Needless to say, Julie was happy and amazed at my transformation as I was amazed at her change! In my efforts to prove her wrong, I found her God!

My point is this…the physical world we see had a beginning and a Creator. None of us were there. While we can’t see the Creator (like I couldn’t see the clockmaker), God put within us all His Spirit to tap into and give us the desire to know Him. Yes, we can know the great Creator.

“…let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord.

Jeremiah 9:24

We can know about Him through the prophets. creation, and Jesus in the Bible. Even without the Bible, creation is the evidence of His design that gives us faith in Him. In fact, the Bible’s definition of faith is based on evidence and substance:

“Now faith is the SUBSTANCE of things hoped for, the EVIDENCE of things not seen.”

Hebrews 11:1.

We can have reasons to believe. It doesn’t have to be blind.

The Bible, written by over 40 different authors with the same God experience, is deeper and more accurate than INTERPRETIVE science because there is a God bigger than His creation. Not in size but in complexity. The inspired writers (2 Peter 1:21) moved by God’s Spirit, point our eyes to the heavens to see the power of the unseen Creator.

“For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been CLEARLY SEEN, being understood from what has been made, so that people are WITHOUT EXCUSE.

Romans 1:20

(It would have been silly for me not to believe there was a clock-maker because the evidence was right there in front of me. The same thought holds true for God-the, Creator.)

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

Psalm 19:1

(We can learn about God in His creation which is the work of His hands)

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

Psalm 8:3-4

Let all the earth fear the Lord;
Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.
For He spoke, and it was done;
He commanded, and it stood fast. Psalm 33: 8-9

(We are so small when we look at the universe. It is because we are created. He is the Creator.)

How foolish can you be?
He is the Potter, and he is certainly greater than you, the clay!
Should the created thing say of the one who made it,
“He didn’t make me”?
Does a jar ever say,
“The potter who made me is stupid”? Isiah 29: 16 NLT

One last point. As Moses writes in Genesis, God did all this in 6 literal days (evenings and mornings). This is outside the realm of science and their calculations based on things as they know them and their assumption that …

…all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.”

2 Peter 3:4

Creation from nothing is only possible from an eternal Creator. Our week of 7 days testifies to creation week. Why not a 10-day or 5-day week?

If you are having trouble with belief, I recommend you get to know the CLOCKMAKER.

At a certain point in my studies and discovery, I prayed the second meaningful prayer in my life:

“Lord, I don’t know what you will do with me. I have made so many mistakes and sinned so much. Would you forgive me? Please put me to work. I don’t want to be a pew warmer.”

He answered this prayer immediately.

I was baptized and began a journey of ministry. What a ride it has been! Julie was very happy. But the enemy of souls does not give up easily, nor does the flesh.

These last 48 years have been a battle, but God is faithful never to leave me nor forsake me despite the war raging around me. Battles have been won and some lost, but I am thankful for the strength of the CLOCKMAKER …” because the one who is in (me) is greater than the one who is in the world.; 1 John 4: 4

So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being, I delight in God’s law;but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! Romans 7: 21-25

If you are having trouble with belief, I recommend you get to know the CLOCKMAKER.

Born Again, Faith

NICODEMUS-BEARING FRUIT

January 16, 2023 Eddie Leave a comment

“In the interview with Nicodemus, Jesus unfolded the plan of salvation and His mission to the world. In none of His subsequent discourses did He explain so fully, step by step, the work necessary to be done in the hearts of all who would inherit the kingdom of heaven. At the very beginning of His ministry, He opened the truth to a member of the Sanhedrin, to the mind that was most receptive, and to an appointed teacher of the people. But the leaders of Israel did not welcome the light. Nicodemus hid the truth in his heart, and for three years, there was little apparent fruit.” Desire of Ages, p. 176

Godly Patience

Let not there be discouragement when a friend, family member, or acquaintance shows little fruit from constant prayer requests and/or the planting of God’s word. The growth from a seed to a plant takes time. Sunshine, food, and water nourish the little seedling to grow. Weeds may grow up to try to choke out the plant. Weeds should be carefully removed from near the plant, but God does not allow sinful man to do this work. The plant must grow at the rate and wisdom of God’s leading.

If tempted to judge others in your congregation based on their fruit and rate of growth, keep in mind two things:

1.) God is tending the garden He plants of receptive and willing people. Each person is at a different point in their Jesus Journey, so the plant of believers should only provide to others the things God has given us: Sunshine, food, and water to each person. Be careful not to hang heavy burdens on a small plant. When it is a strong mature plant, it will be ready for its intended purpose.

2.) The tares and wheat will grow together in the church until the harvest. It is not our place to weed the garden or to harvest. Weeding may have the intended results of damaging the wheat. It is not our place to generalize and pronounce judgments on a church as a whole because of tares. We should only water and ensure we do not block the Son for everyone because we do not know who is wheat and who are tares. God looks on the heart…we can’t see a person’s heart. It is a natural spiritual result that weeds will often dry up on their own if they reject the water and bread of life. But we should never stop offering both. People can change.

He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do you want us then to go and gather them up?’ But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the tares, you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, Matthew 13: 28-30b

“…Jesus was acquainted with the soil into which He cast the seed. The words spoken at night to one listener in the lonely mountain were not lost. For a time, Nicodemus did not publicly acknowledge Christ, but he watched His life and pondered His teachings. In the Sanhedrin council, he repeatedly thwarted the schemes of the priests to destroy Him. When at last Jesus was lifted up on the cross, Nicodemus remembered the teaching upon Olivet:

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up,

John 3:14

The light from that secret interview illumined the cross upon Calvary, and Nicodemus saw in Jesus the world’s Redeemer.” Desire of Ages, p. 176

“After the Lord’s ascension, when the disciples were scattered by persecution, Nicodemus came boldly to the front. He employed his wealth in sustaining the infant church that the Jews had expected to be blotted out at the death of Christ. In the time of peril, he, who had been so cautious and questioning, was firm as a rock, encouraging the faith of the disciples and furnishing means to carry forward the work of the gospel. He was scorned and persecuted by those who had paid him reverence in other days. He became poor in this world’s goods, yet he faltered not in the faith which had its beginning in that night conference with Jesus.” Desire of Ages, p. 177

After the death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, Nicodemus came forth boldly. He had received the Son, water, and bread of life. His faith in Jesus grew to be as firm as a rock. His rebirth occurred that night with Jesus when he realized his great need to change from dry religiosity to a productive follower of Jesus. The emphatic words of Jesus stayed with him:

“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”…
“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
John 3: 3,5

Fruit

Nicodemus’ support came in the form of the wealth that others lacked. When persecution came, he encouraged the disciples in their work. It is likely that the fruit bore by Nicodemus fed the little church of believers. The church became stronger and moved faster under the power of the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit that is the most powerful fruit that is given as a gift to that one who has been reborn. It was the power that led to the growth of the church of believers. These seedlings of God’s word would bear much fruit and spread this seed of life throughout the world. Fruit would come forth to feed those who would “take and eat.”

Unity always results when a church is filled with people who have been reborn and accept the mission of Jesus to…

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

Mark 16:15

When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly, there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.

Acts 2: 1-2

Conclusion

The body of Christ, His church, can learn from that powerful conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus. It starts with a startling fact from Jesus: If we have not been reborn, we will not enter into the kingdom of heaven. But, the power of the Holy Spirit to do this work is encouraged by the receptive heart moved and convicted by looking and learning of Jesus.

The wind is heard among the branches of the trees, rustling the leaves and flowers, yet it is invisible, and no man knows whence it comes or whither it goes. So with the work of the Holy Spirit upon the heart. It can no more be explained than can the movements of the wind. A person may not be able to tell the exact time or place or to trace all the circumstances in the process of conversion, but this does not prove him to be unconverted. By an agency as unseen as the wind, Christ is constantly working upon the heart. Little by little, perhaps unconsciously to the receiver, impressions are made that tend to draw the soul to Christ. These may be received through meditating upon Him, through reading the Scriptures, or through hearing the word from the living preacher. Suddenly, as the Spirit comes with a more direct appeal, the soul gladly surrenders itself to Jesus. By many, this is called sudden conversion; but it is the result of long wooing by the Spirit of God—a patient, protracted process. Desire of Ages, p. 172

After conversion, the heart is changed to love like Jesus and compelled to tell the world of Him.

The Christian’s life is not a modification or improvement of the old but a transformation of nature. There is a death to self and sin, and a new life altogether. This change can be brought about only by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit. Desire of Ages, p. 172

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking, and envying each other.

Galatians 5: 24-26

Born Again, Faith

NICODEMUS-THE WIND

January 14, 2023 Eddie Leave a comment

The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

Nicodemus answered and said to Him, “How can these things be?”

Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and do not know these things? John 3:8-10

“The figure of the new birth, which Jesus had used, was not wholly unfamiliar to Nicodemus. Converts from heathenism to the faith of Israel were often compared to children just born. Therefore he must have perceived that the words of Christ were not to be taken in a literal sense. But by virtue of his birth as an Israelite, he regarded himself as sure of a place in the kingdom of God. He felt that he needed no change. Hence his surprise at the Saviour’s words.: Desire of Ages, p. 72

The metaphor of being born again brings up a picture of newness…a complete change. Again, the learned Nicodemus must have been familiar with Ezekiel’s and David’s picture of God’s work of creating a new heart and a new spirit in the life of those who were still a child of this world.

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”

Ezekiel 36:26

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Nicodemus was still perplexed, and Jesus used the wind to illustrate His meaning.

By an agency as unseen as the wind, Christ is constantly working upon the heart. Little by little, perhaps unconsciously to the receiver, impressions are made that tend to draw the soul to Christ. These may be received through meditating upon Him, through reading the Scriptures, or through hearing the word from the living preacher. Suddenly, as the Spirit comes with more direct appeal, the soul gladly surrenders itself to Jesus. By many, this is called sudden conversion; but it is the result of long wooing by the Spirit of God,—a patient, protracted process. Desire of Ages 172

The “wooing” of the Spirit of God is explained in the book of Jeremiah,

“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.” Jeremiah 31:3

God Draws-He Never Forces

God never forces. Instead, he uses “reason” and appeals to our hearts and minds about our sins and His solution (Isaiah 1:18) .

“Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the Lord,
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.

Isaiah 1:18

He displays His “everlasting love” to draw people to Him. People come to Him out of a realization of the love and sacrifice of our Creator. Nicodemus was drawn to Jesus because of the love and patience demonstrated to him. Yes, theology and the explanation of God’s word play a large part in leading us to salvation; but they cannot save within themselves. Only Jesus can save. It is His work alone through the promised giving of the Holy Spirit that produces God’s desired results.

‘Through faith, we receive the grace of God; but faith is not our Saviour. It earns nothing. It is the hand by which we lay hold upon Christ and appropriate His merits, the remedy for sin. And we cannot even repent without the aid of the Spirit of God”. Desire of Ages, p. 175

Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.

Acts 5:31

Soon Jesus would demonstrate His great love through His sacrificial death on a Roman cross. Nicodemus would witness this pivotal act of salvation and draw him even closer to Jesus, especially after the resurrection. The resurrection would seal the deal for many, even the priests who doubted Jesus.

As Nicodemus considered the blowing of the wind, the Spirit, and being born again, Jesus turns Nicodemus’ mind back to the Tora. Jesus recalled the incident of Israel’s salvation from the deadly bite of snakes in the camp of Israel and what God instructed Moses to do. It was a metaphor and forecast of the crucifixion. Jesus is teaching Nicodemus to understand that salvation is not based on religious acts but on the love of God. This act of God’s love and sacrifice would “woo” or “draw” this religious leader to Jesus even more. Here he would find a salve for his soul in Jesus.

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

Jesus emphasizes what initiated eternal life by repeating Himself with the most beloved words of Christendom:

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

In Jesus’ final days before the crucifixion, Jesus prepared the hearts of The followers of his pending death as predicted in the the Tanakh. This act of love would be a universal platform for the “wooing” and “drawing” of everyone to Jesus.

And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” This He said, signifying by what death He would die.

John 12: 32-33

Those who had been bitten by the serpents might have delayed to look. They might have questioned how there could be efficacy in that brazen symbol. They might have demanded a scientific explanation. But no explanation was given. They must accept the word of God to them through Moses. To refuse to look was to perish.

Not through controversy and discussion is the soul enlightened. We must look and live. Nicodemus received the lesson and carried it with him. He searched the Scriptures in a new way, not for the discussion of a theory, but in order to receive life for the soul. He began to see the kingdom of heaven as he submitted himself to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

There are thousands today who need to learn the same truth that was taught to Nicodemus by the uplifted serpent. They depend on their obedience to the law of God to commend them to His favor. When they are bidden to look to Jesus, and believe that He saves them solely through His grace…”
Desire of Ages, p. 175

Born Again, Faith

NICODEMUS-HOW CAN I KNOW?

January 13, 2023 Eddie Leave a comment

Nicodemus wanted to know how he could know if he was born again. The rich young ruler wanted to know what he could do to have eternal life. The questions are similar, the answer to both is found in Jesus, not in works, position, or tradition.

Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”

Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. John 3: 3-6-Nicodemus

“Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” Matthew 19:16=Rich Young Ruler

We are born of flesh through our mothers. But, being born of the Spirit is the work of God alone. No earthly flesh can get you born again. It is the Spirit that will change us into a new life, free from the ancestral tendencies of sin.

Over the years, I have heard many reasons why someone will miss out on the kingdom of God. Most of them have to do with some cherished sin, dogma, or worldview. But, the number one reason for a person to perish without any hope of a future with God is to reject Christ and push away the work of the Holy Spirit. For the unbeliever, it comes down to simply not believing He is the Son of God. But also unbelief that He can give a person both forgiveness of sins and the power over their cherished sins.

Nicodemus was not an unbeliever. What would keep him out of the kingdom was that He had never been born again! Jesus made it very clear that…

“…unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.“
John 3:5

This mystified the learned Pharisees. A hard question for each person who is a believer and points to their church-going upbringing, denomination, and tradition must ask this:

“Have I been born again? How do I know?”

Nicodemus went through this conversation with Jesus because he thought one way, and Jesus corrected him. It is not unusual for God to ask us to take an inventory of our lives.

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.

2 Corinthians 13:5

I hope you caught the answer to the “test.” It is whether you know (or do not know) that Jesus Christ is in you. If you can’t answer affirmatively, maybe you have not been born again. Because if you have been born again, you will know” that Jesus Christ is in you.”

Are you a churchgoer, a church leader, or a pastor, but the experience of being born again mystifies you? If your thoughts are more on being good (fill in the denomination name), then maybe you are like the prideful Nicodemus and have never been born again.

Jesus continued:

“That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. ”

John 3:6

Here Jesus mentions two entities: flesh and spirit.

Flesh-Our Nature

By nature, the heart is evil; No human invention can find a remedy for the sinning soul. Job asks:

“who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.” Job 14:4.

“The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.” Romans 8:7

Can an Ethiopian change his skin or a leopard its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil. Jeremiah 13:23

“Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.”

Matthew 15:19

Paul struggled with this, but he knew the answer:

I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Romans 7: 21-24

The answer:

I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! Romans 7:25

The fountain of the heart must be purified before the streams can become pure. He who is trying to reach heaven by his own works in keeping the law is attempting an impossibility. There is no safety for one who has merely a legal religion, a form of godliness. The Christian’s life is not a modification or improvement of the old, but a transformation of nature. There is a death to self and sin, and a new life altogether. This change can be brought about only by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit.” Desire of Ages, p172

Notice: The Christian life is a “transformation of nature...and the “effectual working of the Holy Spirit. ”

“There is, therefore, now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who^[do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:1

As each person is convicted of their sins, they will turn to Jesus alone. The Holy Spirit brings conviction of sin (John 16:8). This is part of your birth pains! But you have not been born again yet.

Conviction leads to repentance again, the work of the Holy Spirit. Repentance comes when you get a good view of God’s goodness toward you! It is the realization that you must turn from what you are or have been doing because it dishonors the goodness of God, and you have no power. You are still in birth pains.

“…do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

Romans 2:4

Repentance will lead us to ask Jesus only for forgiveness (Confession). You will open the door to your heart to let Him come in and be a personal God to you (Rev. 3:20). If you make a firm decision to follow and obey Him, you will be bold. Your first act is a public declaration by following Jesus in baptism by immersion. This baptism shows that you have died to your old way of life and risen as a new person.

Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Romans 6:4

There is a death to self and sin, and a new life altogether. This change can be brought about only by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit.
Desire of Ages, p. 172

The Spirit-A New Nature

Walking in the newness of life means “living” in and according to God’s will. You will desire to grow in your experience with Christ. Your attention towards self with change to humble service and love of other people. This is how you will know you have been reborn and are a true disciple of Christ.

By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

John 13:35

Sadly, I have often seen someone convicted of sin commit to Christ. They are baptized and then immediately (if not later) return to their old way of life. What happened? They were baptized but did not rise out of the waters, a new creature in Christ. They were not reborn! They went into the grave of baptism and came up a wet unconverted sinner.

There are two ditches we can fall into if we are not careful. They are direct opposites of each other.

First is thinking you have to reach a point of perfection before you can enter the kingdom of God. The other is the dangerous teaching of the presumption that I am locked in once I have received Christ into my life and been baptized. I can’t fall from grace.

Don’t get caught in the trap of thinking you can reach a point in your experience where you stop sinning because you can’t!

Don’t misunderstand. God will give you either instant or a battled victory over sins that “so easily beset you,” such as drinking, drugs, temper, theft, lying, etc., but you are still a sinner saved by the grace of God through the faith. The big difference is that you are aware of your sinfulness and desire to really change things in your life to glorify Him!

Sinning is not limited to the legalistic view of obeying the ten commandments. As Jesus explained, it is a heart or spiritual experience of trust that leads to obedience to God’s will. For example, we can sin by not trusting God. or by knowing to do good and not doing it.

“for whatever is not from faith is sin..” Romans 14:23

“…to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

James 4:17

It is a sad, unproductive selfish person who thinks they must stop sinning entirely before entering the kingdom of heaven. They don’t understand justification (being made righteous by the blood of Christ). They do not understand a life of faith. They do not understand that the works of the law do not justify them.

Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.

Romans 3:28

Conversely, It is a presumptuous person who thinks once they are baptized, they are locked in and cannot fall from God’s grace. God continues to tell us to be on guard against the wiles of the devil and our own sinful nature. If we could not fall from grace, why would we need to put on the armor of God?

You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. Galatians 5:4

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Romans 6:13

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

1 Corinthians 10:12

These words of Paul were written to believers in Rome and Corinth. Not to unbelievers!

The presumption of being unable to fall is just as dangerous as the legalists who feel they must be good enough and constantly fearful of salvation in Christ. Sanctification (the work of a lifetime, where God shapes a person’s life) is not appreciated by these believers.

How Can I Know I Have Been Born Again?

Keep this in mind. It is for our encouragement and God’s will for us to know we have salvation and have been born again. It happens by faith (trust) in God and His word:

“These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

1 John 5:13

The first part of this verse is often quoted, but the last part is just as important. “that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” As we get to know the written word of God and have a personal experience with Jesus, He gives us assurance and the ability to continue to trust in God. Some people start the good fight of faith but fade away because there is no power from the saving knowledge in their experience with Jesus. They have left the side of Jesus and fallen into unbelief.

Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God;

Hebrews 3:12

Conclusion

We will know that we have been born again, and so will our friends and family because there will be a decided change in the person’s personality, lifestyle, and love for others. Why? Because Jesus has given us a new heart through the work of the Holy Spirit, not just one time, but continually. A Christ-like love will mark our lives for others and the God we serve.

“While the work of the Spirit is silent and imperceptible, its effects are manifest (made known). If the Spirit of God has renewed the heart, the life will bear witness to the fact. While we cannot do anything to change our hearts or to bring ourselves into harmony with God; while we must not trust at all to ourselves or our good works, our lives will reveal whether the grace of God is dwelling within us. A change will be seen in the character, the habits, the pursuits. The contrast will be clear and decided between what they have been and what they are. The character is revealed not by occasional good deeds and occasional misdeeds but by the tendency of the habitual words and acts.” Steps to Christ p. 57

The work of the Holy Spirit to change our sinful tendencies is as imperceptible and invisible as the paths of the wind. It is because it is the Spirit of God who works on our hearts and minds to change us. The Spirit cannot be seen. Won’t you allow Him to do that in your life today? He can’t do it unless you give Him permission.

The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
John 3:8

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
Revelation 3:20

Born Again, Faith

Nicodemus-Theology or Spirituality?

January 12, 2023 Eddie Leave a comment

My wife and I have become fans of the series on the life of Christ called “The Chosen.” As I watch this, like many people, it has encouraged me to study closer the Scripture (Old Testament) and the New Testament writings. I want to know Jesus better! Don’t you?

It seems that the series’ writers have taken a peak at the book, Desire of Ages, by EG White. So I started to reread this book (written over 100 years ago) along with the Bible…not so much for theology, but for a closer walk with Jesus.

One of my favorite scenes in The Chosen is the rooftop meeting with Jesus. But, in the book Desire of Ages, even more, insight stimulated my mind and imagination.

It is highly likely that “Nicodemus related to John the story of that interview, and by his pen, it was recorded for the instruction of millions.” (Desire of Ages, p. 177

This was brought out in The Chosen as well.

In this account in John 3: 1-17, Jesus reveals to Nicodemus and the reader, who prides themselves in their religion, the critical experience of being born again.

In their discussion, Jesus cuts right to the heart of Nicodemus’ spiritual needs. Jesus starts their discussion with the expression of intense truthfulness, “Verily, Verily” (KJV) or “Very truly.” (NIV), or ” “Most Assuredly” (NKJV). Whatever translation is used, Jesus’ wants us to know His words are true without exception.

“Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again…
Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. John 3:3
John 3:3,5

Nicodemus is not that different from many religious people who have never been born again, including leaders and, dare I say it?… Pastors.

The critical topic of Jesus’s words about being “born again” will be the topic for the next few blogs. I will be more brief than usual because I don’t want the power of God’s word to go without serious contemplation by the reader. As a pastor and evangelist at heart, this is what drives the ministry God has thrust upon me…I mean this in a good way. God’s word and Spirit compel me to do so.

*A quick review of the New and Old Testament shows that the term “Born Again” is not used by any other disciple or prophet except for Peter (1 Peter 1: 23), although many references in the Bible describe a new heart and a new mind that God gives the “born again” believer. More on that next time.

Nicodemus Was Good At His Religion

“Nicodemus was highly respected and held a high position of trust in the Jewish nation. He was highly educated and possessed talents of no ordinary character, and he was an honored member of the national council. With others, he had been stirred by the teaching of Jesus.” Desire of Ages, p. 167

“Nicodemus had come to the Lord thinking to enter into a discussion with Him, but Jesus laid bare the foundation principles of truth. He said to Nicodemus; It is not theoretical knowledge you need so much as spiritual regeneration. You need not have your curiosity satisfied but have a new heart. You must receive a new life from above before you can appreciate heavenly things. Until this change takes place, making all things new, it will result in no saving good for you to discuss with Me My authority or My mission. ” Desire of Ages, p.171

Theology has its place, but it cannot provide salvation from sin and eternal death. Nicodemus was a great theologian, but spiritually He lacked something. He could feel it! He was drawn to the teachings and person of Jesus. Consequently, he came to Jesus alone at night.

Herein is a great truth. Coming to Jesus alone, whether at night or in the morning, without companions or the church, will produce a firmer and truer relationship with Jesus. It will enrich the worship service you attend. Your worship will be in spirit and in truth. It is your quiet time with Jesus, where the words of God will provide clarity and peace.

Each person who has been stirred by the words of God and drawn to Jesus will want to learn of Jesus. This is all-important, but the things of the Bible will not be of any lasting value if that person is not born-again.

“Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
John 3:2

“The opening words of Nicodemus were designed to express and to invite confidence, but they really expressed unbelief. He did not acknowledge Jesus to be the Messiah, but only a teacher sent from God.” Desire of Ages, p. 168

At this point, Nicodemus was influenced by his religion, tradition, and pride. He had not come to the point where He could acknowledge Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah as predicted by the Prophets. So it is with ourselves. Getting to know Jesus personally may be corrupted by our pride in being good at our religion or denomination. As Nicodemus, we may be lacking in a personal experience with Jesus.

“Instead of recognizing this salutation, Jesus bent His eyes upon the speaker as if reading his very soul. In His infinite wisdom, He saw before Him a seeker after truth. He knew the object of this visit, and with a desire to deepen the conviction already resting upon His listener’s mind, He came directly to the point, saying solemnly, yet kindly,

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

Desire of Ages, p. 168

How is it with you today, my friend? Will you see the kingdom of God? Do you sneak away from everyone and spend time talking and conversing with Jesus? Do you listen to His words to understand Him or to confirm your and your church’s views on theology? Or does your day start or end with a good movie and your blanket?

More importantly, have you been born again? How would you know? Do you look at your “good works?” Do you point to your position in the church? Next time, we will see how Jesus answers this question to help us understand what it means to be “born again.”

A Misunderstanding About the Sabbath

Son Of Man-And Lord

Additions and Traditions

The Sabbath From The Beginning

Jesus Created The Sabbath

Jesus’ Connection with the Sabbath-Summary:

Religious People and the Sabbath

Worship and the Sabbath

Jesus’ Connection With You

Share this:

Like this:

Satan’s Methods

Israel’s Mistake of Wanting a King

THE NEW COVENANT- GOD BACK ON THE THRONE

Share this:

Like this:

A Prophecy Sealed Until Our Day

Daniel 9 Explained Clearly

Appendix-For Deeper Study

Share this:

Like this:

Prophecy-First Coming as the Messiah

The Coming Messiah’s Message

Corrupt Religious Leaders

Share this:

Like this:

Who was John the Baptist?

John’s Message

John’s Doubts

The Faith of John

What Heaven Calls Great

John and Elijah

Share this:

Like this:

A Bike Ride Out of Atheism

Share this:

Like this:

Godly Patience

Fruit

Conclusion

Share this:

Like this:

God Draws-He Never Forces

Share this:

Like this:

Flesh-Our Nature

The Spirit-A New Nature

How Can I Know I Have Been Born Again?

Conclusion

Share this:

Like this:

Nicodemus Was Good At His Religion

Share this:

Like this:

"He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. Colossians 1:28