Jesus, the God Who Became Man – Luke 2:8-17

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. (Luke 2:8-17)

There are many who would try to tell you that Jesus was not a real historical figure. There are also those who would tell you that Jesus was not a real man, who was flesh and blood. This belief is associated with Docetism, it is an early Christian heresy. Some churches in the Oneness Pentecostals and Unitarians stress the divine, spiritual nature of Jesus. What the gospels give us is several eyewitness accounts to the birth, life, death, and resurrection of a real true to life, flesh and blood man, who was of divine origin. He was not a creation of man, nor of God, rather he is God. The gospel of John says that he is the very word of God who created all things. Christmas is our remembrance of when God came down and dwelt among his people, and then laid himself down as a sacrifice for the sin of man. Once this penalty was paid. He (Jesus Christ) picked up his life and returned to his throne at the right hand of the Father. Make no mistake, these things happened.

There are also several other witnesses concerning Jesus, that are extra-biblical. There are historical accounts from ancient Roman and Jewish historians and official. These accounts corroborate the existence of a real man who is named Jesus. These documents support the gospel accounts of the crucifixion of Jesus under Pontius Pilate. They document the early growth of the church and their early belief in the deity of Jesus.

Flavius Josephus (Jewish Historian, c. 90 AD): Mentions Jesus, James (his brother), and reports of him as the Messiah, aligning with Gospel accounts. [1]
- This is the approximate time that many believe that the Apostle John wrote his 3 letters and the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
Tacitus (Roman Historian, c. 110 AD): Confirms Jesus’ execution by Pilate and the early Christians’ worship of “Christus”. [2]
Pliny the Younger (Roman Governor, c. 112 AD): Wrote to Emperor Trajan about Christians worshipping Christ as a god, confirming his historical reality. [3]
Mara bar-Serapion (Syriac Philosopher, c. 73 AD): Wrote about the Jews killing their “wise king,” connecting it to the fall of the Jewish kingdom. [4]
- This is the time shortly after most of the New Testament letters were written and would have been in deep circulation in the Christian communities
Lucian of Samosata (Greek Satirist, c. 180 AD): Sarcastically noted Christian’s worshipping “that crucified sophist,” confirming his followers and crucifixion.[5]

So, the Roman Empire, Jewish historians, and Greek philosophers and satirists knew that Jesus was born, dies on a cross, and was believed to be resurrected. They knew that he was a physical man who was born, and that he did die. They may not have believe that he was also divine, however, they knew that others believed in the resurrection and the divinity of Jesus Christ.

Among the gospel accounts, we have Luke. He was a physician who was a close companion to Paul, who is an Apostle of Jesus Christ. I say “is” because the gospel of Mark states, He (God) is not a God of the dead, but the God of the living. (Mark 12:27, emphasis mine)

Luke is the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts. He was not an eye-witness. But apparently for Theophilus he undertook this query into the truth claims of the Apostles by interviewing eyewitnesses and conducted thorough research. Under the direction of the Holy Spirit, he wrote an orderly, accurate account for a Gentile (non-Jewish) audience of the actions and beliefs concerning Jesus of Nazareth. He found ample evidence and credibility of the witnesses to put his name, reputation, and life on the line for the biography and historical record he produced.

This is why Luke speaks with full confidence and authority when he writes.

Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed. (Luke 1:1-4)

Luke tells us that the things he has taken down and proclaimed to us are the things that are most assuredly believed by the followers of Jesus Christ. This is resemblant of his mentor and fellow servant Paul, who wrote the Corinthians saying, “For I have received of the Lord that which I also delivered unto you…” As Paul, Luke has given us a trustworthy testimony of Jesus Christ.

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Concerning the manuscripts, there are vast numbers of copies of manuscripts containing various parts or all of Luke. Papyrus 75 (P75) contains large portions of the writings of Luke and John which dates back to the 2^nd or 3^rd century. Codex Sinaiticus and Vaticanus are fourth century manuscripts that offer an almost complete witness of the New Testament including Luke. We can trust the transmission of this gospel account through history with these evidences of preservation.

We can trust the gospel of Luke. It tell us a lot concerning the birth of Jesus the Christ. It tells us that he was born in the city of David (Bethlehem). His father Joseph was of the lineage of David and because if a census he was required to return to his familial home. This caused the fulfilment of prophecy where it tells us the messiah will come out of Bethlehem. Luke’s gospel account tells us that on the same night that Jesus was born, angels appeared to nearby shepherds.

Scripture says,

Something you may not know about these nearby sheep and the proximity of Bethlehem to Jerusalem. But Bethlehem is just a short walking distance to Jerusalem and to the Temple. The “Tower of the Flock” is located near Bethlehem and was historically linked to the raising of sacrificial animals… suggesting that the flocks were nearby. For the Passover the lambs for the sacrifice for the sin offing had to be without blemish. Tradition tells us that these shepherds near Bethlehem were watching these flocks of lambs intended for Temple sacrifices. How fitting that theses angels were sent to the Shepards, whose duty was to watch over the lambs of God.

John the Baptist declared two times that Jesus is the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). No this was no coincidence and we must see that this is revealed in this gospel for our benefit, so that we may believe on Jesus as the Lamb of God. As Paul put it, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:3) We can now get a little understanding why the angels then sang their next report with joy and gladness, scripture:

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men

God has sent his son, in the flesh to do what we could not do. He would be the spotless lamb, a lamb without blemish. What man could not do because all men are already condemned under sin, Jesus could do because he was not tainted by original sin. Many believe that it is impossible for a men to not sin. Yet God requires it as though it is possible.

In the Gospel of John we are told of a woman who was caught in adulty and when Jesus forgave her. John 8:10-11 reads:

When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

Yet we still have this issue with sin. Because of the nature delivered to us from the fall. We were conceived in sin. We were born into sin. We were further conditioned into sin. Sin is all that we have known. We do not even have a reference for what it truly means to be righteous. But Jesus was not conceived in sin. The scripture tell is that the angel told Mary, what you have conceived is from the Holy Spirit and the baby is Holy. This made him spotless from before he was born. He had come to pay the debt for sin for the whole world. In order to do that he had to step into man’s place. Therefore, he had to become a man. Then in his sinlessness, God the Father imputed all our debt unto him. Then he judge him and put him to death. This paid the sin debt. So Jesus did what no one else could do. He removed sin.

Not just a sin, or your past sin. Certainly not just some sins. Instead, John the Baptist tells us that Jesus took away the sin of the world. That is all sin! Sin had been delt with.

1 John 2:2 – And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
1 John 4:10 – Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

This propitiation means that Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross satisfied God’s righteous anger against sin, appeasing devine wrath and making it possible for mankind to be forgiven and reconciled to God. This act of justice through Christ’s blood atonement demonstrated God’s love while upholding his holiness. This is what led Paul to write the Romans saying:

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. (Romans 3:24-26).

This is why Jesus is the only way to eternal life. This is why Christmas is so important to remember. This is why we need to know that Jesus was not some made of person. This is why we need confidence in the manuscripts. It is because faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17) Trust in Jesus and celebrate his birth, loud and proud, in confidence that what you know is the truth. – Amen

References

Jesus Skeptic. Exist Serapoin. 2021. https://www.jesusskeptic.com/exist-serapion (accessed December 18, 2025).

“The Works of Josephus: Complete and Unabridged.” By Flavious Josephus, translated by William Whiston, 815. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1987.

Lucianofsamosata.info. Why Lucian’s View of the Christians and Jesus is Indeterminate. December 16, 2015. https://lucianofsamosata.info/wiki/doku.php?id=2013:why-lucians-view-of-the-christians-and-jesus-is-indeterminate (accessed December 18, 2025).

PBS.org. FrontLine: From Jesus to Christ. April 1998. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/religion/maps/primary/pliny.html (accessed December 18, 2025).

The Annals. Vol. Book 15, chap. 44, by Tacitus. Internet Archive, 109.

[1] (Josephus 1987) About a.d. 110. Tacit. Annal. 15.44.—Nero, in order to stifle the rumor, [as if he himself had set Rome on fire], ascribed it to those people who were hated for their wicked practices, and called by the vulgar Christians: these he punished exquisitely. The author of this name was Christ, who, in the reign of Tiberius, was brought to punishment by Pontius Pilate the procurator.

Flavius Josephus and William Whiston, The Works of Josephus: Complete and Unabridged (Peabody: Hendrickson, 1987), 815.

[2] (Tacitus 109) Consequently, to get rid of the report, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Chrestians by the populace. Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus, and a most pernicious superstition, thus checked for the moment, again broke out not only in Judæa, the first source of the evil, but even in Rome, where all things hideous and shameful from every part of the world find their centre and become popular. Accordingly, an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty; then, upon their information, an immense multitude was convicted, not so much of the crime of firing the city, as of hatred against mankind. [Source: Annals, Book 15, Chapter 44]

[3] (PBS.org 1998) they assured me that the main of their fault, or of their mistake was this:-That they were wont, on a stated day, to meet together before it was light, and to sing a hymn to Christ, as to a god,

[4] (Jesus Skeptic 2021) A copy of the letter from Mara Bar Serapoin to his son concerning Jesus can be found here.

[5] (Lucianofsamosata.info 2015) Greater discussion on this letter and his comments and the other information available at this site.

Comment on Psalm 77

Psalm 77 is to the chief musician, to Jeduthun and is a psalm of Asaph. Jeduthun and Asaph were Levites and two of three Masters of Music appointed by king David. (1 Chronicles 16:41-42; 25:1-6)

This is an awesome psalm of one crying out to God and having full confidence that his supplications have been heard. There is also a certain amount of spiritual maturity shown in the writer. Right off we see that he is willing to wait for and to accept the will of the Lord. He has full confidence in the Lord and his capabilities, cares, and goodness towards him.

The psalmist starts with a message of pure hope, “I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me.” He is very specific. I cried unto God, with my voice, and he listened. What a glorious faith that is, to know that God hears his children when they cry.

We also see the consistency of the prayer made. He says that he prayed hard all night, he ceased not. His soul could not be comforted. He remembered God in his distress, and he complained, he was overwhelmed with is plight. Here in this we see the confidence and confoundment the seeker has, he says that God sees him, he knows all that he does. Even when he sleeps, God knows when he awakes. So there is no mistaking that God knows what vexes his soul. He is confused as to when God will deliver him, or if at all. But he takes comfort in remembering what God has done for him in the past. So that even if God does not deliver him, he still knows that God is good. He is willing to accept the will of the Lord, for he trusts the judgement of the Lord.

In his remembrance of what the Lord has done he remembers that God is the same God who declared his strength to his people in how he delivered the sons of Jacob and Joseph. How he controls the seas, and the storms have no strength against his will. His ways are as unknown as the depths of the oceans. His plans are undiscoverable. His will is above all. Yet he chose to lead his people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron. How beautiful is our God. How perfect is his way.

The Psalm Reads:

1 (To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of Asaph.) I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me. 2 In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted. 3 I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah.4 Thou holdest mine eyes waking: I am so troubled that I cannot speak. 5 I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times. 6 I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.7 Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more? 8 Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth his promise fail for evermore? 9 Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Selah. 10 And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High. 11 I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. 12 I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings. 13 Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God? 14 Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people. 15 Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah. 16 The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee; they were afraid: the depths also were troubled. 17 The clouds poured out water: the skies sent out a sound: thine arrows also went abroad. 18 The voice of thy thunder was in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook. 19 Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known. 20 Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

What a great place to be. On our knees, pleading our case before God. What a great assurance we have to know that he has bent his ear towards us. He has not simply nodded his head as he reads the morning headlines. He has not just read the summary of the book. He has instead given his full attention. In knowing all that is in our hearts, nothing was assumed. He has cherished every word that slipped through our trembling lips. Every tear cried, every agonizing groan had been felt by God, even my God… our God.

We can rest assure as the psalmist that we have been heard. That our cause has been understood and is under the perfect consideration of the one who is perfect in all of his ways. He who chose to deliver Israel, he who chose to deliver our very souls from sin and death. Surely we can have confidence that no matter what his decision may be, that our best interests are in his heart. Selah…

Psalm 88 The Song of A Trouble-Filled Soul

Psalm 88 is a frightening Psalm. It is a song for the sons of Korah, to the chief Musician upon Mahalath Leannoth, Maschil of Heman the Ezrahite. It is subtitled in the King James Version as A Trouble-Filled Soul. The description is of the desperate situation the psalmist is in and the abandonment he feels from the lack of the presence of God. He fears that he will soon die and therefore calls to God for his salvation. He begs for God to hear him.

(A Song or Psalm for the sons of Korah, to the chief Musician upon Mahalath Leannoth, Maschil of Heman the Ezrahite.) O LORD God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before thee: Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry; For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave. I am counted with them that go down into the pit: I am as a man that hath no strength:

This is one Psalm where there is no answer from God. God has hidden his face from the psalmist. So it is that we see what it is like to be put into the grave for the unbeliever. They lie in the grave and are no more remembered by God. Cry as they may, they are not heard.

Free among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, whom thou rememberest no more: and they are cut off from thy hand. Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps. Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and thou hast afflicted me with all thy waves. Selah. Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me; thou hast made me an abomination unto them: I am shut up, and I cannot come forth. Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction: LORD, I have called daily upon thee, I have stretched out my hands unto thee.

They are in a pit of darkness that is too deep to crawl out of. Everyone they know have been put far from them. Their name is not spoken. They are corrupted by the grave and covered over, there is no escaping death. The dead call daily upon the Lord, but he does not hear them. He shows no wonders to the dead. His loving kindness is not declared in the grave. He hears no prayers from the dead. God has hidden his face.

Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise and praise thee? Selah. Shall thy lovingkindness be declared in the grave? or thy faithfulness in destruction? Shall thy wonders be known in the dark? and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness? But unto thee have I cried, O LORD; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee. LORD, why castest thou off my soul? why hidest thou thy face from me?

The psalmist says that he was always headed to death. For the grave is the fate of all men. (Job 5:26) Job tell us that the older we get, the closer to the grave we are, “Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave, and his life to the destroyers.” (Job 33:22). Here the psalmist, like so many of us, allowed himself to get distracted and was not ready. To many of us get distracted by the pride of life to prepare for the grave ahead. The psalmist perhaps thinks like many of us, in our times of trouble. Rather than face them we think that it would have been better if we were not even born, then to suffer this place.

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He remembers the embraces of loved ones and friends, the joys that the Lord gave him when he was alive, now they have been taken from him in this prison. “Lover and friend hast thou put far from me, and mine acquaintance into darkness.” (v,18). How sad it is that many have been fooled into the lure of death before their time. Thinking that it would be a welcome release from this life. Some think that it would be a party, or that they could visit their loved ones, but this does not seem so.

I think of the heartbreak when Jesus cried out from the cross, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? (Matthew 27:46; Psalm 22:1) Psalm 22 reflect the same sentiment from a different perspective. This psalm makes it a little more personal in the feeling of the afflicted. When scripture says, “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.” (Isaiah 53:4). We see that Jesus is familiar with this pain also. We are reminded by the author of Hebrews that Jesus experience everything that a man can experience in this life… even the feeling of when God turns his face away. “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)

This psalm truly shows the hopelessness of the soul who has rejected salvation and therefore who God has turned away his face from. Without God there is no salvation. Without Jesus there is no salvation. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) Our hope, those who believe upon the salvation of the Lord, Jesus Christ, is that we are not held captive by the grave. “But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me.” (Psalms 49:15).

In his gospel account, the Apostle John tell us why he wrote to us, “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” (John 20:31) The Apostle Paul tells us that we must believe and confess that belief, “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” (Romans 10:10) This is because the mouth confesses what is in the heart. God is not cruel in turning away his face. He leaves the choice to you. You can choose to believe, or you can choose to not believe. Interesting thing is that both paths take faith.

“I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:” (Deuteronomy 30:19)

And The Virgin’s Name Was Mary

Luke 1:26-27 – And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.

What an amazing introduction to this young couple. The betrothed couple of Joseph and Mary. This is a very important presentation that has valuable information. This was a couple, that according to Jewish law was no longer viewed by society as two individuals, but as one family. To break a betrothal, there would have to be a formal writ of divorce. This is such a foreign concept to almost all cultures in modern society. Especially with modern Western Culture who hold the concept of sex before marriage is an acceptable and necessary practice. However, this is not the view of historical Judaism, Islam, or Christianity.

Still, this is not just a practice of non-premarital sex, but a purposeful dedication to the one you are espoused to, so much that to desire another would be considered adulterous. Even with this acceptance of being basically already wed to one another they’re wedding day and consummation had not yet occurred. Both Joseph and Mary were unknown to one another, or anyone else. They are both virgins. To this couple was sent a messenger, Gabriel.

Gabriel was a messenger of God that was sent to Daniel to give an interpretation of a vision that was received in Daniel chapter 8. We also find out from Luke that the angel Gabriel also appeared to Zachariah and Elizabeth to let them know that their son would be filled with the “spirit of Elijah (Luke 1:17). Who was prophesied to come before the coming messiah. (Isaiah 40:3; Matthew 3:1-3) This preceding of the messiah was prophesied by Isaiah and was fulfilled in John the Baptist. The messenger from God, Gabriel was assigned with explaining the fulfillment of the prophecy to the baby’s parents.

Likewise in such a manner, Gabriel had to explain the rest of the fulfillment to Joseph and Mary. Elizabeth was barren and past the age of delivery, but God made her barren womb to bear the child named John, who would become John the Baptist. The messenger Elijah who bore witness to the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. He would finger Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah.

His birth would be glorified by angels, witnessed by shepherds and wise men who would bring gifts to celebrate the birth of the King of Heaven. Simeon would remark, “For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.” (Luke 2:30-32) Oh what a wonderful day for this elder of Israel to have his prayers answered, to lie down to sleep knowing that the salvation of the Lord God had finally come. God had come to his people and fulfilled the promises and prophecies.

One of which was the sign of his coming. Not only the fulfilling of the messenger before the message of salvation, but the method of his coming. He will be born flesh and blood. In a way more miraculous than a barren woman giving birth. This sign would be something impossible to reproduce, it God were not involved. It would ensure the holiness of the baby. This baby would be born of a virgin. This to would not be a last-minute detail, but a promised sign that is unique to this messiah.

Once again, the prophet Isaiah is called on to give this account of the Word of the Lord. “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23) and once again Gabiel would be called to explain to Mary and Joseph that they would be the ones by which the prophecy would be fulfilled. You see when Jesus said, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3:6) he was standing on earth as the only one who had been born of the flesh and of the Spirit.

What a shame that some rogue translations of the English bible remove this word “virgin” from their translations. It is to their detriment that they alter the Word of God. They will be judged for this crime against God and for the souls they have mislead. They try to hide the facts, that Jesus is the Son of God, born of the virgin as prophesied. They try to dissuade you from the miraculous and powerful hand of God. They seek to make his word untrustworthy. But his word remains. “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled” (Matthew 5:18) The penalty for altering his word is severe. They bring the judgement and wrath of God upon themselves. (Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22:18-19). The sad thing is that their in no excuse. Everyone who has altered the word of God is well aware of the consequences, they just have no fear of God, and therefore lack knowledge. For, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”(Proverbs 9:10)

Therefore, the scripture reads; “And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.”

In the sixth month! The sixth month in the Hebrew calendar is a special month. It is a representation of the relationship of God to his people. Dvora Waysman wrote in the Jerusalem Post, September 2022, “There is a rabbinic allusion that the month was named from the initial letters of Ani le’dodi ve’dodi li (I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine), describing the relationship between God and His people.” [1]

With this special time of the year when Jews are considering their relationship to God, how much more fitting is the precious story of the arrival of Gabiel to the homes of Mary and Joseph. The special relationship between God and his people Israel just got “real”! God is coming in person! He has chosen you, a virgin! Even better… Mary… he knows your name. Joseph… he knows your name! How wonderful it is that Jesus says, “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31)

The area of Galilee is also of great importance. The prophets Micah, Elijah, and Jonah are all mentioned as coming from the area of Galilee (Micah 1:1; 1 Kings 17:1; 2 Kings 14:25; Joshua 19:13) Many believe that Nahum and Hosea may have also come from the Galilee area. Isaiah prophesied that the messiah would come out of Galilee in Isaiah chapter 9.

Isaiah 11, Jeremiah 23, and 33 all indicate that the Messiah would come from the lineate of David, from the tribe of Judah. Even way back in Genesis 49:10 God promises that the scepter will not depart form Judah that the tribe is the Law giver is with them. In 1 Samuel 20:6 the scripture further solidifies the Messiah coming from the House of David, from Bethlehem. (1 Samuel 20:6; Micah 5:2)

This message is a divine orchestration of time and circumstance. It is important to showing the working of the divine will and authority in working in heavenly wisdom. God must fulfill his complete word. In a broken people, in a rebellious world, with an active enemy trying to make him break his word. Yet God put all the pieces together in his own time and in the manner he foretold. On top of this, he did it with a willing virgin. He did not violate anyone’s free will to complete his will.

What great lengths the God Almighty will go to so that he can keep his word. We can trust the Word of God. He is faithful. He is not bound by our understanding, or even our lack of faith.

Bibliography

WAYSMAN, D. (2022, September 17). Jewish Holidays. Retrieved from Jerusalem Post: https://www.jpost.com/judaism/jewish-holidays/article-717249

[1] (WAYSMAN, 2022) Article: What is special about Elui…

I Corinthians 11:17-34 – The Heart and the Manner of The Lord’s Supper

I Corinthians 11:17-34 – The Heart and the Manner of The Lord’s Supper

When most of us look at the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper we reference I Corinthians 11:23-34. In this we gain the specifics of how the ceremony should be performed. We also gain an insight into the heart of the participants and the Lord’s seriousness of this ceremony. One thing we miss in starting at verse 23 is the intention that the church should come together, no matter what the circumstances of the church or the individual trials of the member are.

We should come together in unity of the local church, in Christ, and perform this ceremony before the Holy Spirit who testifies with our spirit that we are the children of God. This is an encouragement to us, to solidify our faith, and to give a continuous testimony of Jesus Christ until he returns.

Below is the passage I Corinthians 11:17-34. Read it and pray about it. Meditate upon its meaning. I have put my personal summary afterward. I pray this is a blessing to you, and a help in you daily walk.

17 Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.

18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.

19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord’s supper.

21 For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.

22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.

23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:

24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.

27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.

30 For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.

34 And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.

1 Corinthian 11 has a lot to say about the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. The gathering of the fellowship should include the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. It should be a reverence to the Lord, not for the filling of the belly. The Lord’s Supper should not be a time of gluttony. It is therefore not a feast, or celebration like that of Thanksgiving, nor is it a festival like that of a wedding or a birthday. One should have eaten your normal portion prior to attending, or perhaps after the ceremony. No drunkenness or excess should be exhibited. Greed in not a virtue of God.

There is no favoritism before God. So, in the church there is no special treatment or special arranging of seats, or unequal portions for prominent church members of guests. There is not a separation of Jew, to Gentile, free man to slave, nor rich to poor. All who come to the table should be fed equally of the Lord’s portion. One should not come to be served but to serve. If any must wait, surely it is the Pastor who should partake last, to ensure all believers have their portion of participation. The Pastor is after all the utmost servant of the local church in direct service of office to Jesus Christ.

[The last supper] by Library of Congress is licensed under CC-CC0 1.0

The sacraments of the Lord’s Supper should be taken in reverence and remembrance with a pure heart. One must be clean of conscience, confessed of sin, and with a heart of repentance. One should not be holding of anything against his brother, instead one should be forgiving at heart, as he was forgiven by God in Christ Jesus.

This is a time of reflection and of hope in his death and his return. It should have a ceremonial atmosphere, and in accordance with the manner in wick it was handed down from Jesus to the Apostles. Thanksgiving should be given for the ceremony, the sacraments provided, and the blood and the body sacrificed by the death of Jesus Christ. By whose blood we have atonement.

We should also be warning of others to not take this lightly. Participation in this ceremony is only for the true believer. To partake of this sacrament unworthily brings death. It is a mockery and a blasphemy of the Holy Spirit to partake unworthily. Each man should examine himself, to see of he is worthy to participate. Is his heart of clean conscience before the LORD? If not then he must leave his gift at the altar and make it right. All things must be done in faith, or they are sin.

The Ascension of Christ by Ventura Salimbeni is licensed under CC-CC0 1.0

Therefore, the participant must believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God who came and lived among us as a man, who died for our sins, was buried, and rose again, overcoming death once and for all men. He then ascended to heaven with a promise of return. This is what you testify to when you participate in the Lord’s Supper, until his return. Participation says I trust you LORD and I await your return, doing the work of a good servant. In obedience to your commandments. I await you Holy bridegroom with my lamp filled with oil, and the light of hope burning, piercing the darkness of this world in trust and hope in you, Jesus Christ.

God’s Reward for David’s Love – 2 Samuel 7

In the seventh chapter of the book of Second Samuel, David looks around and sees how much the Lord has blessed him, and how rich and comfortable his life is. After many years of hiding in the wilderness, being pursued, and having to make war. David has finally been granted a place of rest. He is no longer living in caves or tents. He has a house made of cedar and it is filled with the spoils of war and is a vision of success. David knows that this is all because of the provisions of God. David loves God and does not see where he should have to live in a tent, if his servant does not have to live in one. So he proposes to build a great house for the Lord to rest in.

God is moved by David’s love and concern for him. The Lord says that he does not dwell in buildings, or tents, or things made by man. He has never required a permanent residence to be built for him. His only requirement to the king, and any other leader, was that they feed his children, Israel, and to keep his commandments. Still David’s desire was sincere, and that moved the heart of the Lord God to compassion for David. So God gives David a special dispensation of Grace. In this dispensation he reconfirms his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Israel). He gives David an eternal promise.

This was the promise that God gave David, God would honor David’s love for him by establishing his throne forever. Israel would benefit from the desire of David to build a permanent residence for the Lord, by the Lord building a permanent residence for Israel. The Lord said, “Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more…” (v.10). The Lord even promised of a seed to come through David’s lineage who would build a house for the Lord and whose kingdom would be established forever. God said that he would be his father (the seed’s) and that he would be my son. He said that this future ruler would be chastise by a rod and have the stripes of the children of men. He would be merciful in judgement, and the house and throne of David would be established forever through this king. The prophet Isaiah spoke, “In mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in ruth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgement, and hasting righteousness.”. (Isaiah 16:5) So the Lord God was moved by David’s love for him and his desire to give the Lord a place to rest, that God in turn gave David and Israel a place to rest.

God confirmed his commitment to Israel through his promise to establish the house of David forever, through the coming Messiah. The promised seed from Genesis would be delivered through the lineage of King David. The grace of God was shown in this dispensation. There was no condition of this promise. God gave this assurance to David because he loved David’s love towards him. We can see that God keeps his promise to David even though Israel violates their covenant with God. Perhaps we can see a little of why Jesus now intercedes before the throne of God the Father for us. We are established in the covenant that God made with himself in the blood of Jesus. Because the Father made this promise to Jesus, that those who believe in him would have eternal life, so the model of the promise to David. Israel would be spared because to the promise God made with David. Now the covenant is no longer necessary for salvation. It is the grace of God towards one who has already please him in love. So in Ezekiel, even though destruction is warned of Israel, it is for chastisement. Israel would be redeemed in the end, when this promised seed to David comes to claim his throne and establish his kingdom, forever. “Therefore will I save my flock, and they shall no more be a prey; and I will judge between cattle and cattle. And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken it.” (Ezekiel 34:22-24).

The Lord uses terms like… “ know that I the LORD their God am with them”… “I am your God”. The Lord tell us through the prophet Ezekiel that he will make the lands of the enemies of King David to be desolate. The Lord says, “And I will fill his mountains with his slain men: in thy hills, and in thy valleys, and in all thy rivers, shall they fall that are slain with the sword.” ( Ezekiel 35:8). The Lord also promises restoration of Israel, “And I will multiply upon you man and beast; and they shall increase and bring fruit: and I will settle you after your old estates, and will do better unto you than at your beginnings: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.” (Ezekiel 36:11) The Lord even goes further and promises not only to revive their lands and lineages, and to multiply them, but he promises to deliver them from all uncleanliness and to give them new hearts that love the Lord. (36:26) The Lord even promises the resurrection of the dead from Israel. “Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves, And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD.” (Ezekiel 37:12-14). Something to consider is what the Lord says concerning King David in Ezekiel 37:24. Ezekiel prophecies saying, “And David my servant shall be king over them…”. Many interpret this to say that Jesus as the son of David will be the ruler. But remember, the Lord has just raised all the dead of Israel from the grave. There is not reason why David could not rule over Israel and still serve the King of Kings, Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

The Amazing Story of Deborah

The story of Deborah is relayed to us in the book of Judges in chapters 4 and 5. Deborah is from the tribe of Ephraim. She lived between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim. She was married to a man named Lapidoth. Nothing else is mentioned of him. The uniqueness of Deborah is that she was the only female judge mentioned in the scriptures. She was known for her wisdom and prophetic prowess. Judges 4:5 says, “The children of Israel came up to her for judgement.”. She is referred to as “the Mother of Israel”, and is also known for song writing. She is the only prophet besides Samuel who was also a judge. She was also a prophet who was a strong decisive leader, which makes her analogous with Moses and Joshua. This is all in a time when women did not generally hold high positions in society.

As a leader Deborah was courageous. She served with wisdom and knowledge. She trusted God and supported the people that God appointed as leaders. She did not seek to usurp the authority of the leadership already established by God. Unlike another female leader in Israel named Athaliah who murdered her own grandsons in order to seal the crown. The scripture reads, “And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal. But Jehosheba, the daughter of king Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king’s sons which were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain. And he was with her hid in the house of the LORD six years. And Athaliah did reign over the land.” (2 Kings 11:1-3) Instead, she encouraged them to do what was right before God. In this, she was direct, unwavering in duty, and still humble enough to let others have the glory. The Song of Deborah testifies to this giving of encouragement to the people and the praise of deliverance to God. She uses terms like:

When the princes in Israel take the lead…praise the LORD! (5:2)
My heart is with Israel’s princess…praise the LORD! (5:9)
Take captive your captives (5:12) – I find this phrase particularly fascinating. Paul uses it in Ephesians 4:8 in describing salvation provided by Jesus and the importance of his ascent to heaven as in Jesus’ ascension he “let captivity captive and gave gifts unto men”. And Psalm 68:18 reports, “Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.”

During the time of her calling the Israelites had wandered from God and did evil in his sight. So God used the Canaanites to bring them under judgement. They were brought under the oppression of King Jabin and his strong men. They had a strong army that included 900 iron chariots and they oppressed Israel for 20 years. The men of Israel had lost their courage. Jerusalem was crushed into the dust by their tormentors. Their vineyards were destroyed, their women violated, their children starving and made into orphans. They had no mighty men of valor. Out of this God called a devout woman to be his voice. Where no man had hope in God, God spoke to Deborah. Deborah put her trust in the LORD.

One day she summoned a commander of the children of Israel to her home where she delivered a message from God. In Judges 4:7 Deborah tells Barak that God wants him to take an army to face Jabin’s army at the river Kison where Elijah slew the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18:40. She tells him that God will deliver his enemies into his hand, but the leader will be slain by a woman. In this way Barak will be spared from his own pride. But Barak was afraid to go into battle with out Deborah. So she went and at the time appointed of the LORD, she gave the command to Barak to do battle with the Canaanites. Later we find in the song of Deborah is says that “the river Kishon swept them away, that ancient river the river Kishon.”. We also find that Sisera the commander is slain by a woman named Jael. So the story and Song of Deborah ends with this reassurance. “So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but let them that love him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years.” (5:31).

Are Mormon Doctrines Christian Doctrines?

If you look at Later Day Saints (Mormon) websites and publications, they clearly state that they are Christians and that they believe in Jesus Christ for salvation. However, they have many non-Christian doctrines, and even some that refute their own claims of being a Christian religion. Below are some that I found in some quick searched of their material. Some of these below may seem ridiculous or minuet, however, there is a clear progression that shows the rejection of many Christian doctrines. It can be easily said that the Mormons might know the name Jesus, but that they fall short on knowing Jesus, and much more so in trusting him for salvation. On the one hand they say that Jesus is their salvation, but on the other they say that there is no salvation outside of Joseph Smith. Just that alone would label them a cult, not Christians.

It is a sin to drink caffeine. “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as it is formally known, determined that a reference to “hot drinks” in religious texts only applied to tea and coffee, not all caffeine products.” (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-41351251)
Baptizing for the dead, you can be baptized for someone who had died and remove their sin
Mormons used to believe that people of color could not be saved because they fell from heaven with Lucifer, changed in 1978.
Believe that they are the real Christians. The time between Jesus and Joseph Smith was the age of apostacy and so the only true church is the one who follows Joseph Smith’s teachings. (Some believe that Joseph Smith will be a part of the Holy Trinity.
The Garden of Eden is in Missouri.
Jesus has a goddess as his wife.
Jesus had children with the goddess mother.
Jesus and Satan are brothers.
There is not just one God but many “And they (the Gods) said: Let there be light: and there was light,” (Book of Abraham 4:3)
salvation is attained through obedience to the law and doing good works (Miracle of Forgiveness, Spencer W Kimball, page 206)
There is no salvation without Joseph Smith as a prophet of God (Doctrines of Salvation, vol. 1, page 188)
God used to be a man on another planet, (Mormon Doctrine, p. 321; Joseph Smith, Times and Seasons, vol. 5, p. 613-614; Orson Pratt, Journal of Discourses, vol. 2, p. 345; Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, vol. 7, p. 333).
God resides near a star called Kolob, (Pearl of Great Price, p. 34-35; Mormon Doctrine, p. 428)
“The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s…” (Doctrines and Covenants 130:22).
God is in the form of a man, (Joseph Smith, Journal of Discourses, vol. 6, p. 3).
“God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man, and sits enthroned in yonder heavens!!! . . . We have imagined that God was God from all eternity. I will refute that idea and take away the veil, so that you may see,” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 345).
After you become a good Mormon, you have the potential of becoming a god, (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 345-347, 354).
There is a mother goddess, (Articles of Faith, by James Talmage, p. 443).
God is married to his goddess wife and has spirit children, (Mormon Doctrine, p. 516).
The Trinity is three separate Gods: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. “That these three are separate individuals, physically distinct from each other, is demonstrated by the accepted records of divine dealings with man,” (Articles of Faith, by James Talmage, p. 35).

“As these sins are the result of individual acts it is just that forgiveness for them should be conditioned on individual compliance with prescribed requirements -‘obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel,’” (Articles of Faith, by James Talmage, p. 79).
“One of the most fallacious doctrines originated by Satan and propounded by man is that man is saved alone by the grace of God; that belief in Jesus Christ alone is all that is needed for salvation,” (Miracle of Forgiveness, Spencer W. Kimball, p. 206).
Good works are necessary for salvation (Articles of Faith, by James Talmage, p. 92).
“We know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do,” (2 Nephi 25:23).
Must be certified as qualified to enter the Mormon Temple. “Every individual who qualifies for a temple recommend is also qualified as a faithful Latter-day Saint. He or she will be a full-tithe payer, will observe the Word of Wisdom, will have good family relationships, and will be a better citizen of the community” (“Opening Remarks,” Ensign (Conference Edition, November 2005, p4)
Joseph Smith received ancient scriptures – previously unknow – from an angel

A short list of scriptures from the King James version on what the scriptures say concerning some of these claims by the Latter-Day Saints.

Deuteronomy 6:4-5 – Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
Ephesians 4:4-7 – There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
1 Timothy 2:5 – For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
Isaiah 43:10-11 – Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.
Galatians 1:8-9 – But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
Ephesians 2:8-9 – For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

There are many more scriptures that we could bring to bear upon the false doctrines of the Mormon Church, but these are clear enough to point out that their doctrines are different than the doctrines taught in the Holy Bible. This is because their cannon of scripture is different then all other “Christian” religions. The Mormons has redefined what it means to have a cannon. Their cannon it 2 fold, it is expanded (in comparison to other Christian religions) and it is “open”. “The first is that compared to the rest of the Christian world, ours is an expanded canon. In addition to the Bible, we accept as canonical three other books of holy scripture—the Book of Mormon (531 pages), the Doctrine and Covenants (294 pages), and the Pearl of Great Price (61 pages).” (https://rsc.byu.edu/historicity-latter-day-saint-scriptures/latter-day-saint-concept-canon). An open cannon means that is it open to new revelation, interpretations, and additions, as is needed.

This information will undoubtedly make its way into a class on cults that I will develop, but lately I see a bunch of people trying to unify Christianity with Mormonism. I believe that you should search the scriptures yourself and do your own investigation into what the scriptures say, what the Mormon doctrines say, and see if they line up. What I have provided in this short and insufficient paper is a starting point for your own prayerful investigation. I repeat the words of the Apostle Paul, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14).

In the Beginning

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” – Genesis 1:1

This is a simple statement. Yet this statement is all inclusive and it assumes one key element. It is all inclusive in that it includes Space, Matter, Time, and Scientific Laws. The phrase, “in the beginning” implies that there is the start of a time frame. Time has a starting point in the initial creation of the heaven and the earth. Note also that heaven, at this point, is singular. This would also mean that these, the heaven and the earth are somehow contained in something.

When I teach a class on Genesis 1:1 I often draw a cube on the whiteboard and explain that this is very similar to the aquarium that someone would put into their home. In order to set up an environment to keep fish in, one must first have the space to put everything into. In this manner is how we can see that a container is necessary for God to put the heaven and the earth into. We also know that the universe runs in set patterns and dependencies. Everything has its place and function. There are scientific principles and laws of nature that govern how things interact within the universe. By way of example, we have the Law of Gravity, the Laws of Physics, and such things as these. We also have quantitative Scientific laws like mathematics, chemistry, and engineering. All of these things existed from “in the beginning”.

To have intelligent conversations on any subject, certain things must be agreed upon as a starting point. This first verse of Genesis is assumptive that we can agree that God exists. Therefore, it does not explain the existence of God, or where he came from. It does not do so, because the purpose of the story being relayed is not to explain the existence of God. It is given us the explanation of our existence. So, it only tells us that God it is who created. God created everything. Knowledge of God is assumed, even if we do not know who he is. God himself is taken as a literal, legitimate individual. What we learn is that it is God who had the ability to create things. Scripture says that a fool says that there is no God (Psalm 14:1).

The assumption is that any intelligent person in their right mind should know that there must be a God. The understanding that the universe could not have come into existence by itself is something that anyone who has intellect, should know. Therefore, the notion that the universe suddenly created itself, or that it somehow was always in existence is for the weak minded and unlearned. All that one has to do is to look and see how everything in this universe breaks down, wears out, and degrades over time, if it does not have something else to maintain it, or to act upon it for its restoration or betterment. Nothing in nature ever evolves into a higher lifeform. The necessity of God for creation and maintenance is plain to see throughout the universe. It is a universal law.

The Jewish and Christian beliefs of God creating everything from nothing is not shared with any other belief system in the world. This is referred to in the Latin, “creatio ex nihilo” (creation from nothing) and has been a long-held belief in Christianity dating back the beginnings of the Church. The idea that God is so absolute in his power that he can cause something to be in existence from nothing is what makes the Judeo-Christian God unique from all other God’s and belief systems in history. This ability makes him the only creator in existence.

Some other Creation Stories:

Greek Mythology – In the beginning was chaos. This is not a creation from nothing.
Norse Mythology- In the beginning was a chasm. This is not a creation from nothing.
Rig Veda (an ancient Sanskrit writing) – There was the “first fashioner” he created Earth and Sky, but before him there were cosmic waters. This is not a creation from nothing.
Chinese Mythology- Heaven and earth were in a state of chaos or cosmic egg for 18,000 years and it broke apart and formed the heaven and the earth. This is not a creation from nothing.
Mesopotamian Mythology- the Earth was made from the killing and dividing of another god.
Egyptian Mythology has three different creation myths. The predominant one has two gander producing eggs that are the sun and the earth. This is not a creation from nothing.
Zoroastrian Mythology- creation was made after a cosmic war between “lies” and “truth”. Truth won and created the earth, then tried to destroy it, but cosmic man thwarted the plan by returning to earth as a plant stalk and repopulating the earth with vegetation. From the stalks we then see the produce of the first man and woman. This is not a creation of everything from nothing.
Hindu and Buddhist see the universe as eternal with no beginning or end, it has always existed
Scientology from what I can see of it seeks to claim that it is the oldest of creation beliefs and that the cosmic lifeforce may have initiated a spark on non-active substances and then created all things. This still is not a creation from nothing.

Now I know that these are extremely abridged versions of these beliefs. But I only have them here to show you that Judaism and Christianity are not the only cultures who believe in a creation event that is not some string of cosmic accidents that somehow led to men being formed. Instead, in these we see that generally all cultures in history have believed that there was an actual creation event in antiquity, and that one or two gods or entities are responsible for this spectacular one-time experience in cosmic history. The purpose of Genesis 1:1 is to introduce God (the I AM) as the ONE who is the actual creator. This is where Judaism and Christianity differ from all other people, religions, philosophies, and theories that have ever populated the earth. We believe, according to scripture, that God is the one who created all things from nothing. That means that there was absolutely nothing when God created everything. God is the point of origin for all things we know. This means that everything we have ever seen, touched, smelled, and felt comes from God who created all things:

Psalm 90:2 – Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.
Colossians 1:16-17 – For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
John 1:1-4 – 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 any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
Revelations 4:11 – Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Therefore, having read these verses, we can see, with just a quick glance, that God existed before the creation. There is only one God and he created everything. All powers and authorities within this creation are subject to his creation authority. We can also see that everything was created for his own pleasure, not ours.

Yet there is another theology out there that rejects this whole premise of a God, or even an unnamed divine essence that created everything. They reject all matters of faith in the claims of science. This theology is known as Atheistic Humanism. They are armed with what they call scientific evidence that destroy the faith-based creation of Christianity. They attempt to remove God from the creation event. In doing so they are attempting to remove his authority over them. The approach is simple, their claim is that someone who could believe in an invisible God to create everything and to just take it on faith is unhealthy thinking and ludicrous. However, when you get to investigating what Atheists accept (believe) as truth, you will find that it also takes a great amount of faith. Lee Strobel who has become famous for switching his stance from atheism to Christianity tweeted, “To continue in atheism, I would need to believe that nothing produces everything, non-life produces life, randomness produces fine-tuning, chaos produces information, unconsciousness produces consciousness, and non-reason produces reason. I simply didn’t have that much faith.”[1]

I like you have known quite a few individuals, some friends, some family, who have looked down their nose at me for believing in Jesus Christ, and for taking the Word of God at face value. Yet this statement made by Mr. Strobel is one that I have heard from many people who used to be atheist. At some point their mind realizes that everything they believe to be true is just that… it is a belief and when confronted with the lack of real evidence to support their rational mind, they concede that this belief takes just as much faith as believing in Jesus and the Word of God. Then they begin to ask questions. They begin to want real answers. In finding no answers anywhere else then turn back to that ignorant Christian, and to what God says. They begin to examine the Word of God and for the first time they begin to see what God has been telling all of us.

Isaiah 45:11 – Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me.

The Lord is not hiding in the darkness and hoping to not be seen. Instead, he is putting out an invitation to all men. To seek him out. He says to ask about the work of his hands. The entirety of creation speaks to his glorious work. (Psalm 19:1-7; Romans 1:20) God wants us to know that he is the creator. That is why Genesis 1:1 starts with “In the beginning God Created the heaven and the earth.”. Later the gospel of John tells us that in the beginning was the word and that all things were made by him. (John 1:1-3) The very word of God is tied to his being the creator. “By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.” (Psalm 33:6) God’s revelation of himself in the first verse of Genesis, and the steps that he took to create everything, is his guarantee of his word. It is given to us so that we can have confidence in everything else that is revealed in the scriptures. The first sentence in Genesis is the foundation of all Jewish and Christian faith. God exists. God created everything. God is all powerful. God has all authority. The word of God is trustworthy. Psalm 148:8 says, “Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” What a strong foundation for faith and hope. If he created all things, then he can make you a new creation in Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

God tells us that we can ask him about his works. He tells us that the heavens declare his majesty. Everyday we can look up to the skies and see proof of the work of his hands. The creation shows knowledge. No matter what language you speak or education level you reach, God’s creation is speaking to you about the God who created all things, including you.

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof. The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. (Psalm 19:1-7)

It is amazing to me that this verse speaks of the cycles of nature and the manner in which the sun circles the earth. This reveals from the very beginning that people of faith have always know the earth was circular, well if they read anyways. Approximately 150 B.C. the ancient Greeks made a globe to represent the earth. It is believed that Moses wrote the Pentateuch (1^st five books of the Old Testament) around 1445 B.C. I make this point to show you that men and women of faith do not need to fear what science says. Instead, we should run to science and get involved and ensure that the science being performed is in fact science. Just because someone claims a theory, that does not make the theory true. The book. “On the Origin of Species” published in 1859 which is used to promote the theory of Evolution has yet to be proven with the principles of the scientific method. Yet it is taught as an indisputable fact. Now this undisputable fact is not just one set of facts or a unified theory either. Darwin had four principles to his theory. Enst Mayr writes saying that Darwin had five theories of evolution. [2] Within each of these theories there are many more theories that have changed over time. Other theories on the origins of like include:

The Big Bang
The Electric Spark
Extra-terrestrial Origen (Panspermia)
Spontaneous Origin
Biochemical Evolution
Community Clay

These are just a few of the many that Humanistic Theology seeks to use in their running away from the truth. When you look at these theories (fancy ford for “belief”) you will see some very big leaps taken on speculation. Talk about “faith”. It is a tragic comedy that those who believe in a constantly changing and scientifically unsupported theory are calling those who believe in an unchanging biblical view of creation to be fools. We see the proper demonstration of the pot calling the kettle black.

Christians have been told that they are stupid and ignorant to believe in the Bible when science so clearly disproves it. I would say yes, Christians have been stupid and ignorant, but not because of science disproving the Bible. Because science has not disproved the Bible, instead the deeper the science and the more serious the scholar and the archeologist looks, they find that the Bible is validated by the scientific studies performed.

Therefore, we have been stupid for trusting the wrong source for our information. Trusting in the religion of humanism and being willfully ignorant to the fact that lies are we listening to are well within the scope of words among prideful, self-seeking men. Especially those who hate and reject God and are willing to go to any length to discredit his word. We are ignorant of what science truly says concerning creation, the flood, and the events we now see unfolding as we come to the end of the age. Just as the Word of God revealed the beginning it revealed the end also. God is the one constant from the beginning to the end. It is his design, his plan, and it is for his purposes.

No, the Christian does not need to fear science. The Christian should seek out honest science and seek out the truth of God revealed in the Holy Bible. God has never said that we should bury our heads in the sand. Instead, he says to think, gain wisdom, seek knowledge, get understanding. “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7) God does not want us to be ignorant of his creation. Creation teaches us about God. Good science that follows the principles of science and discovery teaches us about this creation that God has made. In this proper study we can find out so much about God and his handywork. We can see how much love he has poured into the universe, the earth, and into men and women like you and me.

There is an importance in what we discover in scripture and in science. We find that we can trust the scriptures as passed given and preserved by God as they have been passed down from one Godly man to the next generation. There are clear points in scripture where the author has put their own pen to the page and those are noted in the passages. But the events that happen in the first chapters of Genesis, especially “in the beginning”, could have only been know by God. It is God himself who passed these events to Adam. We must therefore take what we have been given by God as the very Word of God and accept the truth of what it says. We must take the text of the Creation as literal events and not try to bend them or twist them in order to make them fit into the theories of men. I repeat the warning of Paul the Apostle, “Let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightiest be justified in thy sayings, and mightiest overcome when thou art judged.” (Romans 3:4). If we cannot believe that God performed creation that way that scripture tell us that he did, then we cannot believe anything else that the scripture states about God, Sin, or Salvation in Jesus Christ.

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Therefore, humanistic theology tries so hard to discredit the first 11 Chapters of Genesis, especially the creation. If it did not happen the way it is recorded, then everything else is subject to ridicule and reinterpretation. This is the same approach that the serpent took with Eve in the Garden of Eden when he asked, “Yeah, hath God said…?” (Genesis 3:1). I encourage you to put away the fables of men, and to study the scriptures and the science for yourself. There are plenty of resources available today for you to look at the science that disproves the theories of men. You will find that the only reason you are having problems is because of your own ignorance and unfounded fear of the evidence concerning creation. Evidence that supports a short earth. Evidence that supports a catastrophic flood. Evidence that proves that man was a purposeful and fully functional creation, unique from anything else on the earth. Man was not the biproduct of an accident that took billions of years to form, instead he was a thought out, purposefully engineered creation by a God who loves and cares for him, and for you as a unique and designated offspring of that life. Adam was designed for a purpose, and so are you.

Strobel, L. (2017, Dec 12). @LeeStrobel Tweet.

[1] (Strobel, 2017) Tweet from Lee Strobel Dec 24,2017@11:22AM

[2] (Gruyter)

Bibliography

Gruyter, W. d. (n.d.). https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9781400854714.755/pdf. (D. Gruyter, Ed.) Retrieved Apr 21, 2022, from https://www.degruyter.com/: https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9781400854714.755/pdf

Is this “The Greatest Story Ever Told”?

I heard this on the radio this morning. The host said, “What if I told you a story about someone who could heal all your hurts.” Then they went on to say, “well it is not a story”. It is the greatest story ever told. They went on to explain that Jesus came to heal all of their hurts. Then they just said that we should have joy over that. It was not a bad thing to say at the first hearing. I assumed that their reference was to the movie, “The Greatest Story Ever Told” that was released in 1965 by directory George Stevens. This is a movie adaptation of the biblical telling of Jesus of Nazareth, from his birth to his ascension, after his resurrection from the crucifixion. Or maybe it was referring to the Gather song, “It’s Still the Greatest Story Ever Told” which sings of the coming of the messiah as the baby Jesus, and how God became his own flesh and blood creation out of love for mankind. Now, this is the greatest story ever told. It also happens to be true. God became man. The Creator became his own creation to reveal his love of his to his creation. But to say that Jesus came to heal your hurts is the greatest story is a sweet little lie, or at the minimum a very incorrect statement, and no where near the truth.

You see, since the ancient of times, we have had great men of renown (Genesis 6:4). We have had wise men, like Solomon to give us sage advice and provide a model of sound judgement. Men like his father King David to show us how to protect the weak and provide for one another have been around since the beginning. We have even had men who have walked and talked to God, men like Enoch, Job, Noah, Moses and Abraham. We even have references to peoples hurts and sicknesses being healed in the Old and the New Testament, without it being a miracle. The author of the Gospel of Luke and Acts was a physician himself. God, from his throne was already reaching out to his people and healing their lands, their health, and giving them protection from their enemies. Jesus did not need to come here for any of that kind of stuff. Jesus did not come here for that kind of stuff. Did Jesus heal? Yes, he did. Did he come here to heal, yes, but not superficially. Does he care for you and your problems? Yes, he does. But that is not the reason why him coming is, “The Greatest Story Ever Told”. You see we can already do all of these things for one another, if we so chose to do.

We can provide emotional support and care. We can provide medical treatment, and life saving measures. We can prolong life beyond what would have been. We can deter the effects of many diseases and even put many in remission. We can provide food and clothing to the orphans and widows. We can encourage one another when going through rough patches. But what we cannot do, is restore our relationship to God. We cannot raise ourselves from spiritual death, and make ourselves holy before God. This is what makes “The Greatest Story Ever Told”. God sent his only Son to restore our relationship to himself. Only God can give life. Only God can sustain life. Therefore, only God and bring us back to life.

In the beginning God created man with his own hands, and gave him life. Genesis 1:26-27 – And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. Genesis 2:7 – And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. Here we see the special relationship that God and man had from the very beginning. God created man with a special vision and purpose in mind. He created man as a model after himself and man was to be the caretaker of creation. He was God’s representative on earth. God planned him out, formed him with his own hands from the earth. This shows man’s relationship to God and to his creation. The God breathed life into man. God gave man life in an intimate and direct manner. Then man became a living soul. Man from the very beginning was flesh, spirit, and soul. Man was alive and if you were to continue reading in Genesis you would see that he was in fellowship with God. He walked and talked to God with no mediator in between, no fear.

Then a horrible event took place. Man was deceived by an enemy of God, who was once one of God’s chief angels. This fallen angel wanted to God. So he used cunning words to deceive the woman and the man that God was unfair and unjust. This deceptive picture of God caused man to question God’s word and authority. This led to the first sin of disobedience against God. Because man’s image of God had been distorted by what they were told about God, they believed incorrectly, and sinned. This is the same reason that I am writing this today. This false image of who Jesus is and why he came is a deception that must be confronted, lest anyone come to Jesus for the wrong reasons, and miss out on the real reason he came. Did Jesus heal people of their hurts, diseases, and deliver them from devils? Yes, he did. However, those were just signs to prove his authority for why he really came. The reason he came is so much more important than just physical healing or food for your stomach. He came to give you life, life that you have never had before. He came to deliver you out of the hands of death.

You see sin, brought death. Not just spiritually, but physical death also. Diseases, famine, pestilence, injustice, mental illness, and far more are all brought about by sin. These are not brought about by God, but by our fallen condition, caused by sin. We have never known a day without sin, since the fall of mankind in the beginning. This is part of the reason we cannot redeem ourselves. We do not even have an idea of what true justice, or righteousness looks like. But God does. He above all knows the cost that sin has had upon us, his special creation. Therefore, Jesus came to make us his righteousness. He was sent by the Father because someone had to die for the sin that we were trapped in. It had to be someone who had never sinned, nor was a receiver of the curse of sin through the bloodline of Adam.

Romans 6:23 – For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. This is the statement made by God through the apostle Paul. The only payment for sin is death. That is the only reward that sin ever brings – eternal death. But God gives eternal life through Jesus Christ. The apostle John recorded the words of Jesus as this, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) So, let us take a moment to reflect on these two statements made by God. Sin, of which we are all guilty of by inheritance, action, or omission is punishable by death. There is no alternative to this debt. Unless the debt is paid for us.

Now, here comes the Creator. He loves us so much, that he created us with a special purpose and in an intimate manner and remembers the intimacy we once had. He desires to have this intimacy once again with his creation (you and me) so much that he decides to pay the death penalty for us. He does this though sacrificing his own son, Jesus Christ. Since Jesus died in our place, anyone who believes and accepts this payment of our death debt through the death of Jesus can be saved based on that belief. Now we who believe are brought from death to life. We are not just spared death and given a life, but we are given eternal life.

So what is eternal life? Jesus put it like this, And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. (John 17:3) Eternal life is the restoration of the creation to the Creator. We once again are able to walk in fellowship with God. Remember, he is the source of life. Life emanates from him. Without him there is no life. We are tied into the source of life for eternity because he is eternal. He does not change, nor die, and neither do we. We have eternal life through Jesus Christ unto God the Father, sealed by the Holy Spirit.

What is the difference in what you believe? He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:36) You see we must have a clear understanding of who Jesus is and why he came. He came to do far more that just heal our hurts. He came to restore our relationship to God himself. He came to deliver us from death and from the wrath of God. Those who reject him, or who do not believe on him, are already under the wrath of God. Deliverance from the wrath of God comes in this way…

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That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:9-10)

Believe that Jesus is the Son of God. Believe that he was sent by God the Father to redeem you. Believe that Jesus did everything necessary to redeem you though his death, burial, and resurrection. Believe from the heart is not a feeling, but a choice to fully believe this as the truth. Belief on Jesus is what makes you righteous before God, and confession of this faith in Jesus Christ is what ties this belief to your acceptance of salvation. This is because it is prof of your belief. Not for God, but for yourself and for those who need to hear the truth. God Saves… this is “The Greatest Story Ever Told”. It is the story of how God loved you so much that he sent his son Jesus Christ to die for you, so that you could live with him. God has done for you what you could not do. He saved you from wrath, and death. He gave you eternal life.