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Monday, July 13, 2015

Evidence for the Historical Jesus by Professor Gary R. Habermas

History, Philosophy, and Christian Apologetics:
Specializing in Resurrection-of-Jesus Research

     "Billions profess to believe in the historical existence, death, and supernatural resurrection of Jesus. This man from Nazareth, a working-class Jew, made an exclusive claim to personal deity. The size of his popular religion and this one audacious claim refuse to be ignored, yet neither one amounts to evidence.

     Gary Habermas has dedicated his professional life to the examination of the relevant historical, philosophical, and theological issues surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus. His extensive list of publications and debates provides a thorough account of the current state of the issue. Christian believers as well as unbelievers may find within the contents of this site a strong argument for the philosophical possibility of miracles and the historicity of the resurrection of Jesus, as well as the theological and practical implications of this event." by Dr. Habermas - http://www.garyhabermas.com/



Introduction
The subject of the Historical Jesus is perhaps the most popular religious topic in settings such as university and seminary classrooms, written volumes, and doctoral dissertations. Unlike many of these more formal situations, the question-and-answer format utilized throughout this text allows plenty of space to develop additional angles. Hence, the backtracking, necessary repetition, as well as viewing the subject matter from a variety of perspectives allow the conversation to deepen significantly before moving ahead. In the process, it is our hope that new ideas will be expressed and developed. The overall purpose is to provide a historical context for the original gospel proclamation as provided by Jesus’ disciples at a very early date after the crucifixion itself. If we have come close to providing such a basis, then we will have reached our central goal.

 This volume is a transcribed and expanded version of six television programs that appeared originally on “The John Ankerberg Show.” The original material was used by permission, for which we begin by thanking Dr. John Ankerberg, Alan Weathers, and their associates. This explains the similar introduction which appears at the beginning of each chapter. (Continue reading by downloading the whole ebook HERE, in pdf format.)

Thursday, July 02, 2015

4th of JULY is a Satanic Unholy Day in Honor of the god of this world.

The United States of America with its founding fathers believed to be men of God picked the date of 4th of July as their Independence Day? Independence against whom? The so-called Illuminati and High degree Freemason Luciferians stablished a new haven in the New World, a new Atlantis not to worship freely but to continue the ancient demonic plan to rule the world together with the priests  of Baal (Literally the Roman Catholic Priests) and the Church of Rome as the official religion of  the coming One World Government. 


The Occult and The 4th of July - Satanic Holiday - Satanism Hidden in Plain Sight
July 4th & its Occult Tradition(s)
July 4th is the day of the year planet Earth is furthest from the sun. When celebrating tonight, realize the Masonic Founding Fathers picked July 4th to celebrate 'Independence Day' - not to be free from Royal Monarch rule, but as a hidden celebration of Sun Worship.

In virtually all pagan societies, the Sun-god was worshiped as the time of the summer solstice (the longest day of the year). In the old Julian Calendar, June 24 was celebrated as the summer solstice, and the counterpart to the December 25th winter solstice. Since the worship of the Sun-gods in various civilizations is a much written about subject, I’ll only mention here what I deem is important in this research regarding America.

In Babylon it was Tammuz, and in Greece it was Adonis that was “resurrected” during these Midsummer Day festivals to “rule and reign”. The most familiar dates that have been devoted to this Satanic celebration of the death and resurrection of the Sun-god, a pagan messiah, the Babylonian Savior of the World, is the old summer solstice, Midsummer’s Eve, June 23rd. The date, 1776, can be decoded to reveal the number of the New World Order (1110) and the number of the Beast (666). The Birth of America on July 4, 1776. The New World was to be the New World Order...

An event took place during the reign of Pope Gregory XIII (1572-1585) that changed the scope of the Julian calendar. During the sixteenth century, the calendar was ten days “slow”, as the Romans’ during the reign of Julius Caesar was ten days behind the sun. Under Pope Gregory’s orders, an extremely accurate calendar was constructed and the Julian calender replaced. Ten days were “skipped” in October of 1582 to realign the calendar correctly with the sun. Today, virtually the entire world abides by this calendar called the Gregorian, or Western calendar. Many non-Catholic countries did not consent for years, and England did not adopt the modern Gregorian calendar until 1752 – one hundred and seventy years later. With the old Julian calendar eleven days behind the new Gregorian calendar, it was necessary to drop the eleven days. So, in England, in 1752, September 2nd was followed the next day by September 14th.

Many people found it hard to accept that eleven days had just disappeared, so they continued to refer to holidays by the old Julian calendar by the word “old” before the holiday. The “new” date of July 4th was actually the “old” June 23rd. As a result, instead of celebrating Midsummer’s Eve on June 23, many celebrated Old Midsummer’s Eve on July 4th. Satan’s special holiday of “resurrection” and the lighting of fires to the Sun-god was transferred from the 23rd of June, to the 4th of July!


The “birthday” of the U.S., the 4th of July, 1776, is “Old Midsummer Eve, the day when the world – since ancient Egypt and Babylon – has given worship to Bel by lighting fires! Research reveals that in addition to bonfires, FIREWORKS also became a new form of celebration in Europe of Old Midsummer’s Eve (July 4th).

Mankind continued its celebration of June 24th as Satan’s holiday well beyond ancient Babylon. The Celtic Druids, who sacrificed both humans and animals in fires to Bel, lit fires on the 24th of June, Midsummer Day. In the centuries following the Druids, the lighting of huge bonfires and torches on the 23rd of June, Midsummer’s Eve, extended all throughout pagan Europe. The “Midsummer’s Eve” bonfires to Bel on June 23rd crossed the ocean and became the Fourth Of July fireworks celebrations to BEL, the “god” behind the birth of Last-Day Babylon which would usher in a New Order of the Ages with “liberty and justice for all.”

One of the symbols of the celebration of the 4th of July was the Phoenix, the fire bird that is sacred to the sun and rises from the ashes. The original Great Seal of the United States depicted a Phoenix instead of an eagle, which was emblematic of America being the “resurrection” of Babylon. The Phoenix was later changed to an eagle, the symbol of both old Babylon and old Rome. The next time you celebrate the 4th of July by viewing a local or national display of FIREWORKS, think of the roots of the celebration, and the real spirit which “birthed” this day into being.

Monday, May 11, 2015

The Fire of the LORD of Israel.

There never was, nor is, nor ever will be the least particle of holiness in the world, but what flowing from Jesus Christ, is communicated by the Spirit, according to the truth and promise of the gospel. (The Holy Spirit: His Gifts and Power, 248.) -  John Owen


A New Obedience: The Coming of the Spirit

THE WHORE OF BABYLON and the CHURCH OF TARES.

UPDATED DIRECTOR's CUT - Church of Tares: Purpose Driven, Seeker Sensitive, Church Growth & New World Order
"See how the best business practices of management guru Peter Drucker have been borrowed by Rick Warren, Bill Hybels and Bob Buford to build influential megachurches. Updated material includes a biblical examination of the office of “celebrity pastor,” the unbiblical practice of “vision casting,” how the Purpose Driven and Seeker Driven movements treat detractors, the Purpose Driven Continent of Africa, the use of non-profit pulpits to sell books and more on “Chrislam.” This information is especially vital to those who follow Rick Warren, Bill Hybels, Bob Buford, Andy Stanley, Steven Furtick, Perry Noble, Mark Driscoll, Ed Young Jr., Mark Batterson, James MacDonald and others within the movement."


"BUILDING THE ONE WORLD RELIGION-“And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” Revelation 18:4

 There is a hardcore, full-court press happening right now to unify all Christian denominations under the banner of the Roman Catholic Church, and the charge is being led by none other than apostate pastor  and Chrislam founder Rick Warren of Saddleback Church in California. Warren has a purpose driven plan to break down and destroy the Christian church, and unite the pieces with Rome.



In the above video, Rick Warren is seen slyly referring to Pope Francis as “our pope”, and then going on to brag about what a great job he is doing. He wants you to blithely assume that of course Pope Francis is the “spiritual head” over all of Christianity and not simply over the Roman Catholic corporation. He slips it in like that’s what everyone already thinks and believes. This is nothing more than mental conditioning. A bible believing Christian under no circumstances ever would acknowledge that any pope in the Roman system had any sort of rule over them of any kind.

In the second video, Warren lays out his reasons for why all Christian denominations should be united under Rome while failing miserably in his lame attempt to explain away Mary worship and worshipping of dead saints. He very incorrectly asserts that we “all worship the same Jesus” which, if the bible is true, we clearly do not. Warren holds great sway over the millions of his Laodicean Christian followers who simply accept what he speaks as the truth, and will never once check it against scripture. The Roman Catholic “jesus” is received by eating a magic wafer and drinking wine. The actual Jesus of the bible is received by grace through faith and nothing else. One has nothing at all in common with the other.

 “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.” 2 Thessalonians 2:3,4" - http://www.nowtheendbegins.com/blog/?p=28695

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

SILVERADO in the ANCIENT Egyptian Kingdom (The Truth about Silver)



"The earliest Egyptians didn't have a word in their language for silver, only gold and electrum - an alloy of gold and silver found naturally. When silver was first introduced it was considered more valuable than gold, most likely because it was rarer. This may be verified because silver jewelry at the time was thinner and weighed less than comparable to gold jewelry. And silver items during the Old Kingdom of Egyptian rule were listed above gold items in household inventories.

In the middle Egyptian Kingdom gold was valued at about double that of silver. One of the first measurements of value was the silver shat. It was a flat round silver disk of a specific weight. It was not used as coinage per se but as a measurement of value. A cow was valued at 8 shats while a modest house was valued at 10 shats. One could exchange the house for the cow and demand an additional 2 shats of beer, bread, or other goods.

The Egyptians used silver by itself, in conjunction with gold, and as an overlay of copper. Solid silver coffins did appear but in most cases silver was used as a trimming or overlay.
Silver, as well as gold, jewelry in ancient Egypt was worn for decorative purposes and served a religious purpose. An amulet was thought to have spiritual powers that were bestowed on the person wearing it. An amulet is the representative symbol of a power fashioned into a concrete form, such as jewelry. For example: The beetle or scarab represented rebirth and was often worn by the deceased when they were entombed to help them in their journey to the afterlife." - Why was silver more valuable than gold in ancient Egypt?  http://www.answers.com/Q/Why_was_silver_more_valuable_than_gold_in_ancient_Egypt




"Gold was considered to be the skin of the ancient Egyptian gods, but their bones were thought to be of silver.

At the onset of recorded history, silver may have been unknown to the ancient Egyptians. They could obtain gold and even electrum, which was a natural alloy of silver and gold from the mountains of the Eastern Desert and Nubia, but the Egyptian language at first lacks a word for silver. They described it only as the "white metal", and when they did run across it, they seem to have regarded it as a variety of gold.

When silver was finally introduced into Egypt, it probably was more valuable than gold. It continued to be rare, and on lists of valuables, items of silver were listed above those of gold during the Old Kingdom. Jewelry made of silver was almost always thinner than gold pieces, as indicated by the bracelets of the 4th Dynasty queen Hetephere I, in marked contrast to the extravagance of her gold jewelry. A silver treasure excavated at the site of Tod comprised vessels probably made in Crete, or perhaps somewhere in Asia but under Cretan influence. This cache dates to the reign of Amenemhat II who ruled during the 12th Dynasty, and is roughly contemporaneous with the finds of fine silver jewelry at el-Lahun and Dahshur.



However, by the Middle Kingdom, silver may probably have been considered less valuable than gold. By this time, there was perhaps a much better supply of the metal. According the the Rhind Mathematical Papyrus, which was written in the Second Intermediate Period but perhaps composed originally during the 12th Dynasty, silver had acquired a value approximately half that of gold. By the 18th dynasty silver and copper had been established as a mostly abstract means of exchange, with silver continuing to be worth about half its weight in gold. It was imported into Egypt from western Asia and the Mediterranean. In fact, by the New Kingdom onwards, there was a readily available supply of silver. Nevertheless, studies of metal prices between the 12th and 19th Dynasties seem to indicate that its price remained relatively constant at about half the value of gold. Copper was valued at about one-hundredth the value of silver.



Interestingly, demand seems to have not always played a major role in the price of silver. For example, there was little silver found in the tomb of Tutankhamun, perhaps because there was an abundance of the material, though perhaps it may have had something to do with personal, religious or artistic preferences at that specific point in time. The rulers of the 21st and 22nd Dynasty, who were buried at Tanis used considerably more silver in their burials. Sheshonq II had a solid silver coffin with gilded details in the form of the hawk-god, Sokar.






Left: Silver casket of Sheshonq II of the 22nd Dynasty
Right: Silver Coffin of Psusennes I from the 21st Dynasty

Silver, generally treated much like gold and electrum, could also be stained black using sulphur. This niello was occasionally applied as decoration. Beaten into sheets, silver was used to plate copper and other materials, especially mirror surfaces.

Interestingly, silver also acted as a valuation for exchange. Perhaps as early as the Middle Kingdom, the values of commodities such as bread, beer, clothing and just about every other item available for trade had their values expressed in comparable units based on the weight of precious metals. The shat (seniu, Sna or shena) was originally a flat silver disk. It came to denote about 7.5 or 7.6g of silver. A deben, or kit, was a weight of 90 to 91g. It should be noted that the shat was always used as a unit of value and not as a weight for other purposes, while the deben was used in such a manner. This does not imply that coinage was in use, but these weights were used to express abstract values in contracts, trade and bookkeeping. At the end of the 18th dynasty a goat, for example, cost one half of a shat of silver, a cow was eight shat and a typical house cost ten shat of silver. A male slave could bring seven deben of silver, while a female slave might bring four deben. However, items could and frequently were also be expressed in the form of copper, and sometimes gold.



It should be noted that these weights appear to have changed over time. A late Middle Kingdom account (Papyrus Boulaq 18) refers to small and large deben. It would seem that prior to the New Kingdom, a deben may have weighed less. Also, towards the end of the New Kingdom, it would appear that the value of most items were expressed in either gold or copper, rather than silver." - http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/silver.htm

References:
TitleAuthorDatePublisherReference Number
Ancient Egypt (Anatomy of a Civilization)Kemp, Barry J.1989RoutledgeISBN 0-415-06346-9
Ancient Egypt The Great Discoveries (A Year-by-Year Chronicle)Reeves, Nicholas2000Thmes & Hudson, LtdISBN 0-500-05105-4
Atlas of Ancient EgyptBaines, John; Malek, Jaromir1980Les Livres De FranceNone Stated
Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt, TheWilkinson, Richard H.2003Thames & Hudson, LTDISBN 0-500-05120-8
Dictionary of Ancient Egypt, TheShaw, Ian; Nicholson, Paul1995Harry N. Abrams, Inc., PublishersISBN 0-8109-3225-3
Egyptian Treasures from the Egyptian Museum in CairoTiradritti, Francesco, Editor1999Harry N. Abrams, Inc.ISBN 0-8109-3276-8
History of Ancient Egypt, AGrimal, Nicolas1988BlackwellNone Stated
Life of the Ancient EgyptiansStrouhal, Eugen1992University of Oklahoma PressISBN 0-8061-2475-x
Tutankhamun (His Tomb and Its Treasures)Edwards, I. E. S.1977Metropolitan Museum of Art; Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.ISBN 0-394-41170-6



Sunday, February 22, 2015

JESUS - REDEEMER, THE CHRIST, PROPHET, PRIEST & KING. ( We Believe in Jesus Series)

Youtube VID:We Believe In Jesus - Lesson 1: Jesus the Redeemer
There's an old story about a little boy who built a toy boat. He carefully painted the hull and made small sails for it. When the boat was ready, he sailed it in a stream. It floated easily for a time, but then got swept away by the current. The boy searched for his lost boat, but never found it. Sometime later, he was surprised to see his little boat in the window of a shop. He rushed inside and said, "My boat is in the window!" The store clerk replied, "I'm sorry, son, but you'll have to pay for it." The boy worked for weeks to save enough money to buy back his boat. As he left the store with the boat in his hands, he told it, "Little boat, now you're mine again. I made you, I searched for you, and I bought you back."

 In many ways, the relationship between Jesus and his people is similar to the relationship between this little boy and the boat. The Son of God created us, but we strayed into sin and were lost. But he never forgot us. He came to earth to seek and to save what was lost. And after he found us, he paid the ultimate price to redeem us — the price of his own death.

 This is the first lesson in our series, We Believe in Jesus. In this series, we'll explore the area of theology known as Christology, the doctrine of Christ. Throughout these lessons, we'll examine many different truths about the person and work of Jesus Christ that his followers have affirmed for thousands of years. We've entitled this first lesson "The Redeemer" because we'll focus on how Jesus redeems sinners from sin, and ensures the final restoration of creation for our enjoyment and for the glory of his Father.

 In this lesson on Jesus the Redeemer, we'll explore the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, during four different periods. First, we'll consider his existence and plan in eternity, before the creation of the world. Second, we'll survey his activity during the initial period of creation. Third, we'll speak about the era of redemption that began after humanity's fall into sin and stretches through the present age. And fourth, we'll examine the consummation of history that will take place when he returns. Let's begin with eternity. - CONTINUE READING, PLS CLICK HERE.
Youtube VID:We Believe In Jesus - Lesson 2: Jesus the Christ

Lesson 2: The Christ

Explores the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

 Run Time: 122 min.
Instructor: Multiple Instructors
Lesson 2 in the series We Believe in Jesus
Companion Lesson: The Christ: Discussion Forum
Introduction
In most parts of the world today, people have at least two names. For example, they might have both a family name that identifies them as part of a particular group, and a given name that identifies them as individuals. So, when we teach children about Jesus Christ, they often assume that "Jesus" is his given name and that "Christ" is his family name. In fact, sometimes even adults have this misconception. But this shouldn't be surprising. After all, even the Bible sometimes uses the word "Christ" as if it were Jesus' name. But in reality, the word "Christ" is a title that identifies Jesus' service and honor in God's kingdom.

This is the second lesson in our series We Believe in Jesus. And we've entitled it "The Christ." Our strategy in this lesson will be to focus on events and characteristics of Jesus' life that help explain what it means for him to be the Christ.

The word "Christ" simply means anointed one. It translates the New Testament Greek word Christos, which itself translates the Old Testament Hebrew word Mashiach or Messiah.

Many people are surprised to know that the Bible doesn't use the term "Christ" or "anointed one" exclusively for Jesus. It's actually a fairly common term in the Old Testament, referring to people that were anointed with oil to mark them as God's special servants. At certain stages in Old Testament history, all prophets, priests and kings could be called "anointed ones," in a general sense.

For example, one of the most important meanings of the term "Messiah" or "Christ" in the Old Testament was its reference to the descendants of David that served as kings over Israel and Judah. We see this in places like 2 Chronicles 6:42; Psalm 89:38-39, as well as verse 51; and Psalm 132:10, 17.

But portions of the Old Testament also created the expectation that a very special Anointed One was going to come in the future. He would embody all these roles in unique ways, and would accomplish all of God's saving purposes in the world. And this person came to be known among the Jews simply as the Messiah or the Christ. And of course, Christians around the world know that Jesus was this great Messiah, the final Anointed One, the Christ.

Our discussion of Jesus the Christ will divide into four parts. First, we'll look at the theological significance of some events from the period of his birth and preparation for his role as Christ. Second, we'll explore his public ministry as the Christ. Third, we will examine his passion and death. And fourth, we'll investigate the events that comprise his exaltation as the Christ. Let's begin with Jesus' birth and preparation. CONTINUE READING PLS CLICK HERE.

Forum 2: The Christ

Discussion forum of the multimedia production We Believe In Jesus: The Christ - AVAILABLE HERE.
Youtube VID:We Believe in Jesus Lesson 3: Jesus the Prophet

 Run Time: 105 min.
Instructor: Multiple Instructors
Lesson 3 in the series We Believe in Jesus
Companion Lesson: The Prophet: Discussion Forum
INTRODUCTION
In most parts of the world today, people have at least two names. For example, they might have both a family name that identifies them as part of a particular group, and a given name that identifies them as individuals. So, when we teach children about Jesus Christ, they often assume that "Jesus" is his given name and that "Christ" is his family name. In fact, sometimes even adults have this misconception. But this shouldn't be surprising. After all, even the Bible sometimes uses the word "Christ" as if it were Jesus' name. But in reality, the word "Christ" is a title that identifies Jesus' service and honor in God's kingdom.

 This is the second lesson in our series We Believe in Jesus. And we've entitled it "The Christ." Our strategy in this lesson will be to focus on events and characteristics of Jesus' life that help explain what it means for him to be the Christ.

 The word "Christ" simply means anointed one. It translates the New Testament Greek word Christos, which itself translates the Old Testament Hebrew word Mashiach or Messiah.

 Many people are surprised to know that the Bible doesn't use the term "Christ" or "anointed one" exclusively for Jesus. It's actually a fairly common term in the Old Testament, referring to people that were anointed with oil to mark them as God's special servants. At certain stages in Old Testament history, all prophets, priests and kings could be called "anointed ones," in a general sense.

 For example, one of the most important meanings of the term "Messiah" or "Christ" in the Old Testament was its reference to the descendants of David that served as kings over Israel and Judah. We see this in places like 2 Chronicles 6:42; Psalm 89:38-39, as well as verse 51; and Psalm 132:10, 17.

 But portions of the Old Testament also created the expectation that a very special Anointed One was going to come in the future. He would embody all these roles in unique ways, and would accomplish all of God's saving purposes in the world. And this person came to be known among the Jews simply as the Messiah or the Christ. And of course, Christians around the world know that Jesus was this great Messiah, the final Anointed One, the Christ.

 Our discussion of Jesus the Christ will divide into four parts. First, we'll look at the theological significance of some events from the period of his birth and preparation for his role as Christ. Second, we'll explore his public ministry as the Christ. Third, we will examine his passion and death. And fourth, we'll investigate the events that comprise his exaltation as the Christ. Let's begin with Jesus' birth and preparation. CONTINUE READING PLS CLICK HERE.
Youtube VID:We Believe In Jesus - Lesson 4: Jesus the Priest


 Run Time: 126 min.
Instructor: Multiple Instructors
Lesson 4 in the series We Believe in Jesus
Companion Lesson: The Priest: Discussion Forum

INTRODUCTION

Most of us can barely imagine being invited to meet someone very famous and powerful. But we all know how we might react. We'd say to ourselves, "Will someone introduce me? What should I wear? What should I do? What should I say? Who can show me how to act when I'm there?"

Imagine that you were invited into the glorious throne room of God. The one who created all things. You might have a similar reaction, actually one vastly stronger. "Is there anyone to introduce me to God? What should I do? What should I say? Who can show me how to act in God's presence?"
Happily, there is someone who can prepare us to meet with God, who can introduce us to him, and can cause God to look favorably on us so that we don't need to fear his judgment. And of course, this person is Jesus Christ, and he is our Great High Priest.

This is the fourth lesson in our series We Believe in Jesus, and we have entitled it "The Priest." In this lesson, we'll explore the ways that Jesus fulfills the biblical office of priest, mediating the covenant between God and his people.
As we've seen in prior lessons, in the Old Testament God instituted three offices through which he administered his kingdom: the offices of prophet, priest and king. And in the final stage of God's kingdom, which we commonly call the New Testament age, all three of these offices find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus.

For this reason, studying the importance and function of these offices throughout history can help us understand Jesus' present administration of God's kingdom, as well as the blessings and obligations of his faithful followers. In this lesson, we'll focus on Jesus' office of priest. We'll define a priest as:

A person who mediates between God and his people so that God will receive them into his special holy presence to grant them his blessing.

We all know that God is invisibly present everywhere all the time. But at certain times and places, he also manifests himself in special, visible ways. For example, he does this in the radiant splendor of his heavenly throne room. And he sometimes does this on earth, too. And whenever creatures come near this kind of manifestation of God, we have to be properly prepared, represented and led, so that we can receive God's approval and blessings. In the Bible, this kind of preparation, representation and leading was the job of the priests.

Like our lesson on Jesus' office of prophet, this lesson on Jesus' office of priest will cover three main topics. First, we'll examine the Old Testament background to the priestly office. Second, we'll explore the fulfillment of this office in the person and work of Jesus. And third, we'll consider the modern application of Jesus' priestly work. Let's look first at the Old Testament background to Jesus' priestly office. CONTINUE READING PLS CLICK HERE.

 Youtube VID: We Believe In Jesus - Lesson 5: Jesus the King.

 Run Time: 126 min.
Instructor: Multiple Instructors
Lesson 5 in the series We Believe in Jesus
Companion Lesson: The King: Discussion Forum

INTRODUCTION

The history of humanity is often written according to the reigns of powerful kings. We've all heard of kings who ruled large portions of Asia, Europe, Africa and Latin America. Some of them conquered so many enemies that their empires seemed to stretch to the far corners of the earth. And they all have at least one thing in common. They're gone; they're dead; they don't rule any more. Their mighty armies have disappeared, and their power has vanished.

There's only been one exception to this rule. There's one king whose power has never faded, and whose kingdom will never end. And that king, of course, is Jesus.

This is the fifth lesson in our series, We Believe in Jesus, and we have entitled it "The King." In this lesson, we'll see how Jesus fulfills the Old Testament office of king, ruling as God's faithful servant and Son. As we've seen in prior lessons, at various stages of Old Testament history God instituted three offices through which he administered his kingdom: the offices of prophet, priest and king. And in the final stage of God's kingdom, which we commonly call the New Testament age, all three of these offices find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. In this lesson, we'll focus on Jesus' office of king.
For our purposes, we'll define a king as:


A human being established by God to exercise rule on God's behalf over his kingdom.

As this definition indicates, God always has been and always will be the ultimate ruler over all creation. But he has also appointed human beings to serve as his vice-regents. These human kings serve under him, and further his purposes and goals for his kingdom. As we keep this basic definition in mind, we will be able to gain many insights into the biblical office of king, and into how Jesus fulfills this office.

This lesson will follow the same format as our lessons on Jesus' offices of prophet and priest. First, we will examine the Old Testament background to the office of king. Second, we will explore the fulfillment of the office of king, in Jesus. And third, we will explore the modern application of Jesus' kingship to our own lives. Let's look first at the Old Testament background to Jesus' office of king. CONTINUE READING PLS CLICK HERE. 

DOWNLOAD WE BELIEVE IN JESUS STUDY GUIDE PLS CLICK HERE ( IN pdf FORMAT)

The above Bible Study Lessons are taken from THIRD MILLENNIUM MINISTRIES Seminary Courses Online, You can Read and Study more Online Seminary courses by visiting their website. Pls Click HERE to visit their website. OTHER LANGUAGES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE.

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Yeshua - The Way, The Truth and The Life.

Youtube VID: Do you believe there's only one way to God? Tim Keller at Veritas

Don't Christians believe there's only one way to God? Isn't that narrow? Tim Keller argues that it all depends on whether or not Jesus is who he says he is. But where does that leave millions of Muslims, Sikhs, Jews? Hear Tim Keller answer some of the hardest questions about Christianity, brought to the table by NBC journalist Martin Bashir.


Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. - Mt. 7:13-14 KJV


Is Jesus really the only way? 
Posted by John on July 22, 2008 12:43 PM on ReformationTheology.com

(thoughts and ideas on sharing the gospel from a Reformed perspective)

Is Jesus really the only way? In an environment of such plurality and diversity this really seems an implausible or even arrogant claim of Christians. When confronted with the exclusive claims of Christianity, the question on many people's minds is how can Christians be so narrow as to believe that all non-Christians will be excluded from heaven? There are plenty of good people who are not Christians. Do Christians think they are better than others? So the question often put to Christians is what about a person, a good person who has been good all their life ... will they go to heaven?


Actually, Jesus himself answered this question. When asked by a rich young ruler what must he do to gain eternal life, Jesus answered: "If you want to enter life, obey the commandments" (Matt 19:17). So Jesus himself makes it clear that a good person who obeys all of God's commands would merit or qualify for eternal life. This includes all good people of all time from all nations, peoples, races and languages. The point is that if anyone could obey all God's commandments, they will live (also see Rom 2:6-8). So in answer to the question, yes a good person who has done good all their life would merit eternal life. The Scripture declares, however, that there is no one on earth who fits that description (Rom 3:9-18). There is no one who does not sin when measured against the holiness and majesty of God. That means you ... and that means me ... yes, all of us have utterly failed to follow the law God has given us. Only Jesus Christ alone has obeyed all of God's commands and earned a place at the right hand of God (Hebrews 4:15). You see, it is always important to look at context, for after Jesus tells the rich young ruler, "If you want to enter life, obey the commandments", He then goes on to explain but "With man this is impossible..." (Matt 19:26) So it is very important to note that Jesus teaches that the first prerequisite of eternal life in God, is when by God's grace, we recognize our utter impotence to save ourselves by human effort due to our moral corruption. This slavery we have to our rebellion renders it impossible to obey God's commands. In fact Jesus saved his greatest criticism of people on earth for the Pharisees because they believed and trusted in their own righteousness and moral ability to please God.

So what is Jesus saying here because this is really important? He is saying that in God's economy both moral and immoral people are equally alienated from God. God is equally offended by both. This may be counter-intuitive but moral people are lost because of their "goodness". Why? It is often the case that goodness keeps people from God. In fact many people avoid Jesus by avoiding sin because they are trying to become their own saviors ... attempting to justify themselves. But the gospel is neither moralism nor relativism and so it is equally offensive to the moral and the irreligious. So Christ calls us to repent of both our good and bad works, for we have no righteousness of our own.

If you look to your moral performance as the basis of your relationship with God, then you commit idolatry because inwardly you are setting up self as a false savior which could never be good enough to please God. If we are trusting in being politically active, generous, compassionate, a good parent, a good spouse, or trusting in our moral uprightness or our service to others then we trust in these as our "Saviors". Human beings look everywhere for significance and worth and if we do not trust God provides this in Christ we will fill that void by our own futile attempts. Dr. Tim Keller once wisely said, "Every sin is rooted in the inordinate lust for something which comes because we are trusting in that thing rather than in Christ for our righteousness or salvation. At the moment we sin it is because we are looking to something to give us what only Jesus can give us. Beneath any particular sin is the general sin of rejecting Christ-salvation and indulging in self-salvation."

Christianity differs from all other religions because the gospel is news we declare about what God has done for us. It is not advice on how to live for him. Jesus came to inform us that every human idea about how to reach God is wrong and He shattered every human category. In the gospel "I am accepted through Christ, therefore I obey" while every other religion operates on the principle of "I obey, therefore I am accepted." The principle of 'religion' is the deep default mode of the human heart. Our hearts are never empty because we are always trying to fill it with something that comforts or justifiies us.

As an example of Jesus dislike of people who trusted in their own morality, Jesus said, "If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, 'We see,' your guilt remains." (John 9:41) Those who think God will accept us based on goodness actually understand only part of the truth. Yes, God loves what is good. But since He also loves the truth, we must confess that, in light of God's holy law, we are not good and have woefully failed to do what is pleasing to God, replacing God with worthless self-pleasing idol substitutes, and so we justly deserve to be punished for it. Those who think they have done enough to please God have not understood or considered the seriousness of their condition. 

 John Calvin once said, "Man is never sufficiently touched and affected by the awareness of his lowly state until he has compared himself with God's majesty." In light of the holiness of God all persons, even the best of us, would become undone. This was the case even with the holiest of the saints of the Bible. When it pleased God to reveal himself to them, they fell at his feet as though dead. God created us to enjoy and glorify Him, but humans voluntarily rebelled against God falling into the bondage of the self-centeredness of sin and cannot help themselves out of it.

So the point of the exclusiveness of Christianity is not to show the rest of the unbelieving world that Christians are better or more moral than others. Christians are not better. Rather, the purpose is to communicate that we all share the same alienated condition as human beings and so we bring the gospel as beggars pointing other beggars to the only bread. Jesus does not point to some innate goodness in yourself. You have none. I have none. He is a Savior who comes from the outside to save those who acknowledge themselves sinners in need of a Savior.

To understand this more clearly we must not rely on our opinions. Rather we should simply listen as we let God speak. Let us look and see what Jesus states is the means for obtaining eternal life. First, Jesus makes clear that all the law and the prophets are summarized in just two commandments.

"And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?" And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the prophets." (Matthew 22:35-40)

Next, God makes it clear that in order to gain entrance into His favor one must not fail to obey and keep all of God's law. For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. (James 2:10).

"And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" He said to him, "What is written in the Law? How do you read it?" And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself." And he said to him, "You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live." (Luke 10:25-28)

But how often have you done this? As I read this and answer honestly, I can only confess that not for a moment do I love God with all my heart nor do I love my neighbor as myself. Each day along with the "good" there is the constant reality of pride, self-righteousness, hypocrisy, lust, hatred, covetousness, jealousy, envy and more. The Scripture says, For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous ( that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

(Ephesians 5:5-6 ESV) or all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them." (Galatians 3:10 ESV) And the curse described here for violating God's law is eternal. See Matthew 25:41-46. I must admit, that in light of this, in light of God's perfect standard I am undone.

Why? Because God's holy standard is not graded on a curve but calls us to perfectly obey his law in word and deed. So if you look at God's law, and you are honest, you will become increasingly aware that you fall woefully short of having kept any of it. For the purpose of God's law to us is not so that we would see our ability, but that it would reveal our inability, "for through the law comes knowledge of sin." (Rom 3:20).

"But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when Gods righteous judgment will be revealed. He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury." (Romans 2:5-8) "...when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed."(2 Thessalonians 1:7-9)'

Thankfully God has provided a means apart from his law, lest none of us would have hope. But before you see your need for that you need to recognize your hopeless condition in light of God's standard which is moral perfection for you in light of his holy law. So we implore you on behalf of Christ, take the time to examine yourself; have you ever honored yourself above others, been proud, selfish, put yourself before God, coveted, lusted, lied, envied, stolen, worshipped false gods, hated others, fornicated? If you have committed any of these sins, even in your heart, then, according to the true testimony of Scripture, then judge yourself truly: the just punishment for your sins is to be cast into the lake of fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

"Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.(1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

"...for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death." (Revelation 21:7-8)
Again, the purpose of showing these passages to you is not for me to look down on you from some higher moral ground ... no, I am right there with you. For all persons who call themselves Christians have been guilty of of the same. So if you have committed any of the above sins, you are not alone. But it is necessary that your true condition before God is revealed and acknowledged, that no one (not you, not me) is capable of keeping God's law through their own effort. There is not a just man on earth who has never sinned for none is righteous, not even one. If by reading God's law you see that you see you are guilty of breaking it, then this is very good. God is working in you.

But now we have a very serious dilemma. If all who do not keep the law of God are to receive just punishment, then the entire human race has no hope of doing anything to please God and we are all without hope of helping ourselves. We are morally unfit for the task. There is no way to free ourselves from this cursed bondage so that we might live. Who will help us?

God resolved the dilemma by coming to earth Himself in the person of Jesus Christ who lived the life we should have lived and died the death we deserve. "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Cor 5:21) Jesus humbled himself to become a human being, suffered for sinners the stripes we deserve. He endured on behalf of all his people who would call on his name.

If you are a sinner who acknowledges that you justly deserve the wrath of God save for Christ's mercy ... if you place your trust in Jesus alone who died for sinners and whom God rose from the dead, then God counts His perfectly righteous life as your own. Having no righteousness of your own by sheer grace, he grants to you the perfectly righteous life of Jesus, who justly bore the full wrath of God for your sin. So if you have renounced all self-sufficiency and flee to Him knowing you need mercy, then He not only forgives your sins but adopts you as his very own child. To those who believe, Jesus has redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.

"But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it” the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith."

What we learn from all this is that, apart from Him, we can do nothing. If the Spirit of Christ has opened your heart to place faith in Jesus Christ we must acknowledge that salvation is all of the Lord, not of yourselves. "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God." (Galatians 4:3-7)

What about faith? Where does one get it? Are some more wise? Do some persons choose Christ because they are more sensitive to spiritual things than others? no. Jesus taught that no one can believe in Him unless it is granted through the gracious work of the Holy Spirit (John 6:63-54) and all persons so granted will believe (John 6:37). therefore the Bible plainly teaches that faith is the gift of God. God requires all persons to believe the gospel. It is his command, but since no one by nature is inclined to do so, God has mercy on those He came to save.

To Summarize:

Man was created to glorify God & Enjoy Him forever
"Worthy are you, our Lord and our God to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things." (Rev 4:11) "Do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor 10:31)

Man has failed to glorify God & is under His just condemnation
"For all have sinned..." (Rom 3:23) The wages of sin is death (Rom 6:23) "These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction" (2 Thes 1:9)

Jesus fully bore the wrath and suffered the punishment sinners deserve
Not wishing that sinners perish forever, God determined to save a people for Himself in the Eternal Son who became a man and lived the life we should have lived and died the death we justly deserve. God loves sinners and sent His Son to be the wrath absorbing sacrifice for their sin (1 John 4:10; John 6:37) he "...gave His life as a ransom for many" (Mk 10:45) & "rose again" from the dead (2 Cor 5:15) on their behalf.

All who, by the grace of God, turn to Jesus in repent submissive faith are forgiven 
& begin a life-changing, eternally satisfying relationship with God! "Repent and believe the gospel (Mk 1:5) "In Your presnece is fullness of Joy (Ps 16:11)
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