Resolving to Read

Welcome to the new year! It’s a time of relaxation, renewal, and…resolutions. I’m sure you’ve been working on your list of habits to break, or establish, in your everyday life. Although I love the freshness of the new year, it can also bring on a challenging endeavor: to actually accomplish all of these new resolutions. While you may include exercising more, eating healthier, or getting better grades on this year’s To-Do list, I want to challenge you to not overlook one of the most important habits of all––spending time in God’s word. And while this may be a chore at first, I hope that it will soon become the one resolution you actually look forward to (unless you happen to love running and giving up sweets!). For those of you who have already been committed to reading your Bible daily, then begin the year by resolving to continue, even when life is busy and other things seem more important. And congratulations on already accomplishing the most difficult part of many resolutions, which is to start!

This year, Pierce My Heart is including a link to the Bible reading plan for the year so that you can glance ahead more easily than before. We’ll start with two very relevant topics for this time of year––the newness of Creation and life of man in Genesis, and the introduction of a new way to salvation beginning with the birth of Jesus Christ in Matthew.

Like most resolutions, made any time of year, you may have a difficult time reading your Bible daily. While I want to encourage you to find a time and place that works best for your schedule, and to stick with it, I also do not want you to be discouraged when you miss a day or two––or five. Read to catch up, or just start up on whichever day it is. As with many resolutions, there is no harm in re-resolving if and when you fall out of habit.

This year, while we struggle to stay on top of the many resolutions we may make, let’s resolve to keep one in the forefront of our hearts and minds––spending time daily with God.

The Plan

This year’s Bible reading plan was borrowed from Bible-Reading.com. To correspond with the 2009 year, we have included actual dates for your referral. You can print the list below to keep in your Bible, or you may choose to use the above site, so that you can read from your favorite Bible version online.

JAN 1
JAN 2
JAN 3
JAN 4 Rom 1-2
JAN 5 Gen 1-3
JAN 6 Josh 1-5
JAN 7 Ps 1-2
JAN 8 Job 1-2
JAN 9 Isa 1-6
JAN 10 Matt 1-2
JAN 11 Rom 3-4
JAN 12 Gen 4-7
JAN 13 Josh 6-10
JAN 14 Ps 3-5
JAN 15 Job 3-4
JAN 16 Isa 7-11
JAN 17 Matt 3-4
JAN 18 Rom 5-6
JAN 19 Gen 8-11
JAN 20 Josh 11-15
JAN 21 Ps 6-8
JAN 22 Job 5-6
JAN 23 Isa 12-17
JAN 24 Matt 5-7
JAN 25 Rom 7-8
JAN 26 Gen 12-15
JAN 27 Josh 16-20
JAN 28 Ps 9-11
JAN 29 Job 7-8
JAN 30 Isa 18-22
JAN 31 Matt 8-10

By Lisa Grimenstein

Renewed in Spirit

I love the theme and verse this month! Pierce my heart to be renewed. Psalm 51:10: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Let’s also look at verses 11 and 12: “Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit.”

Break it down

I just love that! Those verses were written from David to God. David had such a close and personal relationship with God, and that is evident in these verses. Let’s break it down a little bit:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God.” In the Old Testament, there were many rituals to prove loyalty to God, but David understood that a relationship with God is much deeper than just our actions – a true relationship involves a pure, clean heart.

“And renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Renew means to restore, or make new. Steadfast means unwavering, or firm. David is asking God to restore an unwavering and firm spirit within him. Wow! Have you ever asked God to do that for you?

“Do not cast me away from your presence.” Do you love God so much that you never want to be away from His presence? What an awesome love!

“And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.” The topic of the Holy Spirit is one that I’m just beginning to study. I don’t have much knowledge on the topic yet, so I will just guide you to 2 Timothy 1:14: “…through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.” David wanted the Holy Spirit to continue to dwell in Him. There’s a thought to ponder!

“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation.” Are you joyful about the salvation we’re offered? That’s something we can rejoice in every day! This is much deeper and better than temporary happiness. We can take joy in all situations, no matter what the circumstances, just as Paul described in Philippians 4:11. It is so cool that God offers His love and joy all the time!

“And sustain me with a willing spirit.” Sustain means support, and willing means cheerful. David is asking God to support him with a cheerful spirit. Do we ever ask God to do that for us? If not, we need to!

Right now

Let’s meditate on Psalm 51:10-12 for a few minutes, as a whole: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit.”

As we make our resolutions and choose which areas of self improvement we want to focus on this year, let’s make sure that having a renewed and steadfast spirit is the top priority on our list.

Take the time, right now, to pray, and to study His word. You’ll be amazed at the difference it will make in your life!

Davonne Parks

Scientific Accuracy

Evidences for the Inspiration of the Bible: Scientific Accuracy

One of the amazing things about the Bible is its scientific accuracy and foreknowledge. The Bible is not a science textbook (that is not its purpose), but what it says concerning scientific matters is accurate – not only accurate, but far ahead of its time.

The Bible speaks of things that were unknown and undiscovered by man at the time the Bible was written.  When we consider some of the things written in the Bible that man did not know through his own discovery until hundreds or even thousands of years had passed, we draw the conclusion that mere man did not – could not! – write the Bible of his own knowledge.  This kind of foreknowledge demands an intelligence and wisdom that is higher and greater than man.

The Bible has never been proven wrong regarding scientific, archeological, or historical matters.  In fact, some “experts” in these fields have over the years questioned the accuracy of the Bible, only to discover, ultimately, that the Bible was true and correct after all.  Of course, that is no surprise to the Bible believer, and merely confirms the truthfulness of the Bible.  We don’t need science, archeology, or history to verify our faith in the Bible; but it is nice to know none of these fields can undermine that faith!

Consider some examples of the scientific foreknowledge of Scripture:

1. JOB 26:7: This verse speaks of “the north over the empty place,” an obvious reference to the intergalactic space stretching over and above the north pole (not seen by anyone’s naked eye when Job, the oldest book in the Bible, was written), and God having done this: “hangeth the earth on nothing.” Of course we know today that the earth is not sitting on some giant platform, nor suspended by gigantic cables or wires, as some ancients supposed; we know the earth floats freely upon nothing. But nobody living when the book of Job was written knew that.
2. JOB 38:16: This verse speaks of “springs of the sea” and the “search [recesses; trenches] of the depth.” But not until the 19th and into the 20th centuries did man, through natural means, learn about these great springs of fresh water flowing into the seas, and the great trenches, some many miles long, on the ocean floor. For centuries man supposed the ocean to be shallow and flat. Not so.
3. PSALM 8:8 speaks of the “paths of the sea.” Matthew Maury, seaman and scientist, in the mid-19th century discovered these sea paths, and in fact cited this passage in the book of Psalms as his motivation for even searching for such! His work earned him the title “pathfinder of the seas.” He was an extraordinary scientist, and firm Bible believer.
4. ISAIAH 40:22 speaks of God as the One “that sitteth upon the circle of the earth.” Of course we know today that the earth is spherical. But in the days of Isaiah, a book written some six hundred years before Christ, nobody knew that; man did not “discover” that the earth was round until relatively modern times; man, through his own supposition, imagined the earth to be flat with a literal “falling off” place. Such notions today seem ridiculous; but the earth being a circle must have sounded ridiculous when Isaiah was written!
5. ECCLESIASTES 1:6 tells us about cycles of the wind, which modern meteorology confirms, and today we hear daily about “jet streams.”
6. NUMBERS 19:7–22: God gave some very specific instructions to the ancient Israelites concerning purifying, cleanness, and uncleanness that, from a human perspective, made no sense at all in their day. But in our day, we understand the reasons for these instructions, having learned through scientific investigation and discovery: God was protecting His people from the spread of infectious disease by defilement. We admonish our children to wash their hands; yet a little more than a hundred years ago, doctors would perform surgeries without gloves, without sterilized instruments, and without hand washing, literally moving from one patient to another with bloodied hands and tools, and often more patients died from infection than from wounds. Yet, here is the Bible giving some simple instructions that protected ancient Israelites without their even being aware of it. Today, we know of bacteria and germs and disease, and things to do to prevent their spread, like washing and antiseptics. Yet no scientist or physician in Moses’ day, when these instructions were given, knew these things. Why the explicit warnings, then? Because the instructions were given by a wisdom and intelligence higher and greater than man.
7. LEVITICUS 13:45–46: Here the Bible gives instruction that would prevent the spread of leprosy, an incredibly contagious, dangerous, and ultimately fatal disease in Biblical times that could become epidemic when Biblical instructions were not followed. But as in the above point, no one in the time the Bible was written knew the reasons for disease spreading or why epidemic plagues came. Yet the Bible warns about it. Just a good guess, or a superior intelligence giving the instruction? There have been many ages in the history of mankind, often centuries after the Bible was written, when disastrous plagues claiming thousands of lives could have been avoided had people but followed Biblical injunctions.
8. LEVITICUS 17:11 tells us “the life of the flesh is in the blood.” We know that today. But in earlier days, the practice of “blood letting” for those who were sick was a common practice, and often, unfortunately, resulted in the death of the patient. One ill was thought to have “bad humours,” and “bleeding” a patient was thought to be of help; we know now that it often hastened death, instead. Modern physicians speculate that our first president, George Washington, probably died as a result of “bleeding” by his physicians, and most likely would have recovered if not for the “medical treatment” he received.
9. ACTS 17:26 speaks of God having “made of one blood all nations of men for the dwell on all the face of the earth.” We know today that race and skin color have nothing to do with blood type, and, in fact, compatible blood types are interchangeable among and between different races of man. Nobody knew that when Acts was written, except the Author of the book who had access to knowledge greater than what mere man had discovered.

These and other examples we could cite demonstrate that from a naturalistic standpoint, there is no way the Bible could have been written by a mere man, for the Bible foretells things about which man did not know for thousands of years after they were recorded. The Bible demands an intelligence and wisdom that is far superior to man’s naturalistic learning. Though the Bible doesn’t profess to be a textbook on biology, anatomy, physical chemistry, or other natural or medical sciences, what the Bible says concerning these matters is overwhelmingly advanced.

Never worry about the Bible being outdated, outmoded, or antiquated; man has demonstrated that he has had a difficult time keeping up with this Book which far surpasses and exceeds human wisdom and knowledge!

Remember: the Bible is always right!

By John M. Brown

Traditions

Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. I love baking cookies, putting up the Christmas tree, shopping for friends, having fun with family, and the joy that comes along with Christmas. I look forward to it every year. My family traditions are probably my favorite part of the season. My family has some very fun traditions. We celebrate with my grandparents, aunts and uncles, and my cousins. We always have a lot of fun watching my 2-year-old cousin, Levi, excitedly open his presents.

My favorite tradition is what my parents, siblings, and I do on Christmas Eve. We always stay at home and eat finger foods. We either play games or watch movies, or sometimes even both. We eat cheese and crackers, trail bologna, pretzels, chips–pretty much any finger food you can imagine. My mom usually gets sparkling grape juice for us to drink. Even though Christmas Eve is my parent’s anniversary, they always spend it with their kids. They have their anniversary dinner the night before and have fun with their kids on their anniversary. They give their time to us.

My second favorite tradition is that we always have French toast or pancakes on Christmas morning. We have orange juice, cranberry juice, and grape juice. My dad always makes it and my sister usually helps. It’s always delicious. After we eat, we clean up, and then go and open our presents.

I am very grateful that my family gives time to spend with each other. We all have such busy lives that we don’t get to be together as a family all that often. I am very thankful that we can spend Christmas and Christmas Eve together. I am looking forward to Christmas this year. I hope that everyone has a good Christmas and has fun with their families and friends. Take the time this year to reflect on and appreciate the special traditions you have with your family.

By Lizzy Morgan

All to Jesus I Surrender

This is a song that I think gets to the other side of giving––it’s not just about giving to others, but also giving ourselves to Jesus. Written by Jud­son W. Van De­Vent­er and Win­field S. Weed­en, its words are a statement of giving our lives to Him.

All to Jesus, I surrender;
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.

Refrain

I surrender all, I surrender all,
All to Thee, my blessèd Savior,
I surrender all.

All to Jesus I surrender;
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.

Refrain

All to Jesus, I surrender;
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel the Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.

Refrain

All to Jesus, I surrender;
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power;
Let Thy blessing fall on me.

Refrain

All to Jesus I surrender;
Now I feel the sacred flame.
O the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory, to His Name!

Refrain

As you read the following verses, please notice the attitude of the two men in the following parable, which Jesus tells after a Pharisee states, “I give tithes of all that I get.” Notice what Jesus says about him.

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 18:9–14).

Our attitude in giving, not only of time or money to the church, but also of ourselves to God, is very important. Let’s keep our giving attitudes proper, so our relationship with God will be enhanced. in the way of our relationship with God.

By Megan Skinner

Giving Season

The holiday season is upon us. Let the decorating, baking, list making, shopping, wrapping, hiding, cooking, eating, and singing begin! Sounds like fun, right? But, why do we do it? Because everyone does it? Because we have always done it? Because we like to receive gifts? The answer is probably yes to all three. But the best reason is because we like to give!

The Bible tells us that we are made in God’s image. Genesis 1:26: “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness . . .” This means that each one of us has some part of God’s characteristics. One of those characteristics is giving. Our God is a giving God. James 1:17: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” This is why we like to give––because God created us with giving hearts.

Now, just because we have giving hearts does not mean we always practice giving. It means that when we do give (in the right way) it makes us happy in our hearts. 2 Corinthians 9:7: “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” The Greek word used here for “cheerful” means “hilarious.” Have you ever given a gift that made you feel “hilarious”? If not, you are missing a great experience.

When we think of giving, we usually think of putting money in the contribution plate at church, or giving a gift to a friend or family member. This kind of giving is good and makes us happy. But the Bible shows us examples of several different kinds of giving. Let’s look at some of them and see if we can get an idea of how we can be more giving in our lives.

Matthew 25:35-40: “For I [Jesus] was hungry, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me . . . And the King [Jesus] shall answer and say unto them, ‘Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.’” Why not organize a “food basket” party for you and your friends? How about going through your closet and taking some of your clothes that don’t fit anymore to a thrift store? Are there any new kids at school who need a friend? You don’t have to be best friends with people just because they are new, but at least make the effort to find out if you have any common interests, and to make them feel welcomed. Don’t forget the elderly. They are always appreciative of a visit, even if it’s just a short one.

Luke 10:35: “But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, ‘Take care of him; and whatsoever, thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.’” Being a “Good Samaritan” is something Jesus taught, but in today’s world it can be dangerous. Here are some “safe” ways you can help someone in trouble: 1) Call for help. 2) Take a First Aid, Rescue or CPR class 3) Carry a First Aid kit in your car––if you can’t use it, someone else at the scene of an accident may be able to. 4) Give blood (if you’re over 18). 5) Donate your hair to an organization that makes wigs for cancer patients.

Luke 21:1: “And he [Jesus] looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And he said, ‘Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury [poverty] hath cast in all the living that she had.’” The widow who gave two mites was blessed more than the rich who gave more, because she gave all she had, and the rich only gave a tiny portion of their wealth. The widow’s giving was a true sacrifice, as was David’s in 2 Samuel 24:24. Jesus is trying to teach us that we don’t have to give a large amount to the church to be pleasing to God or to receive the blessings that come from giving. This widow knew the truth about giving––that God will provide for a cheerful giver in a way that will eventually allow them to give more! As you grow and enter into the working world, make giving to the church first on your list of priorities. You will never regret it.

Prayer:
Dear God,
Help us to look for ways that we can be more giving and extend the giving season to include the whole year. Give us the selfless spirit that puts others’ needs ahead of our own. Let us discover the joy of being a cheerful giver. Increase our faith in your promise to take care of all our needs if we are obedient to your Word.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

By Cindy Morgan

Christmas Greed

Complete this phrase: Christmas ______________________.

I’ll bet most of you said “presents,” right? I’m guessing that you meant the presents you’re going to receive.

Look at us

Do you want to know what I often think of when I hear the word “Christmas?” Greed.  During what’s supposed to be the most giving time of year, so many of us become greedy! People will literally fight for the last toy on a shelf for their child; others create page-long Christmas wish lists (and become upset if the entire list isn’t met); and some want an elaborate meal prepared for them.

We’re not like that, are we?  Think about it for a minute. Have you ever been upset on Christmas day because the gift you really wanted wasn’t under the tree?  Do you regularly expect to sit down to a wonderful holiday meal that you didn’t help prepare (or worse, complain about the food)? Have you ever been upset with someone because they didn’t spend as much money on you as you spent on them? I think that if we’re really honest with ourselves, we could name several selfish things we’ve done during this season.

I hope we can all understand the problem with this greedy mindset, and that we’ll do our best to become conscious of Christmas greed, so we’ll no longer allow ourselves to think and act in such unbecoming ways.

Look outside yourself

When we’re used to focusing on ourselves it can be difficult to change our hearts, but I have a few suggestions in mind to help with the process.

Set aside money. If you receive an allowance, have a job, or receive a check from grandma in the mail, put a set amount aside so you can give to others, as we’re told to do in 2 Corinthians 9:7: “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Don’t let a lack of money stop you, though! You can do so many things for free, like shovel driveways, babysit, clean a house, or volunteer at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen.

Make a new kind of list! Make a list of ways to give to other people. Your parents or the elders at your church may know of someone in need. Give to that person, whether it’s giving them a bag of groceries, purchasing a few gifts for their children, or putting an anonymous envelope of money under their front door.

Pray about it. Ask God to open your eyes and heart to others. When we’re diligently seeking His will and searching to help others, He will lead us to them.

Keep in mind

We’re not going to be perfect, and our human instinct is to feel disappointment when we don’t receive what we were hoping for, but when we take the time to give to those who have less than us, we will naturally begin to focus less on what we don’t have and more on what we do have.

The ultimate gift was already given to us by Jesus Christ, when He dedicated His life to living perfectly, and when He died on the cross for our sins, as Hebrews 12:2 illustrates: “… Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

We can learn from His perfect example and remember that the more we give to others, the less we need to take for ourselves.

Davonne Parks

Approaching a New Year

As we approach the end of the year, many of us are busy with preparations for parties, trips, and a break from school. Although you’ll be busy, I hope you’ll continue to read each day. This month would be a great time to prepare for the newness of January, and the start of a new Bible reading schedule. I recommend reading some passages on giving, since that is this month’s theme. Psalms is also a great place to go, since it touches on so many areas––thankfulness, distress, fear, and joy, to name a few. I would suggest asking for a Bible concordance for Christmas. This will help you in the coming year’s study of the Bible by directing you to scriptures on certain topics and people.

You do not have to follow the Bible reading plan provided by Pierce My Heart, but I would strongly suggest finding a plan, or coming up with one, that suits you and that will encourage you to spend time in the Word daily. “But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:2). When I started my daily Bible reading months ago, I decided to start at the most obvious place for any book––the beginning. Although I have gone to church my entire life, I have never read through the entire Bible. I knew many stories, but since I’ve been reading, I’ve discovered so many more that I never knew about. I also realized that if I’m to share God’s Word with the lost, I need to know His Word! I’ve enjoyed this reading plan, as simple as it is. I encourage you to spend this month, amid the holiday busy-ness, studying His word so your mind and heart will be prepared to properly begin the new year.

By Lisa Grimenstein

December Suggested Reading

Dec 1: Matthew 6:1-34
Dec 2: 2 Corinthians 9:1-15
Dec 3: Psalm 1:1-6
Dec 4: Psalm 3:1-8
Dec 5: Psalm 4:1-8
Dec 6: Psalm 6:1-10
Dec 7: Psalm 8:1-9
Dec 8: Psalm 11:1-7
Dec 9: Psalm 19:1-14
Dec 10: Proverbs 1:1-19
Dec 11: Proverbs 31:10-31
Dec 12: Ecclesiastes 1:1-18
Dec 13: Ecclesiastes 3:1-22
Dec 14: Esther 2:1-23
Dec 15: Esther 3:1-15
Dec 16: Esther 4:1-17
Dec 17: Esther 5:1-14
Dec 18: Esther 6:1-14; 7:1-10
Dec 19: Esther 8:1-17
Dec 20: Matthew 1:18-25; 2:1-23
Dec 21: Luke 1:1-40
Dec 22: Luke 1:41-80
Dec 23: Luke 2:1-38
Dec 24: Luke 2:39-52
Dec 25: Mark 15:1-47
Dec 26: Mark 16:1-20
Dec 27: 2 Timothy 3:1-17
Dec 28: Titus 2:1-15; 3:1-15
Dec 29: Hebrews 2:1-18
Dec 30: Hebrews 6:1-20
Dec 31: Hebrews 12:1-3; 13:1-8

Christian Evidences: Is Jesus the Son of God?

Introduction:

Are the “founders” of all world religions basically the same–– Jesus, Mohammed, Confucius, Buddha, and others? The answer is, No.

Actually, New Testament Christianity makes claims for and about Jesus Christ that are completely different from any other world religion: Christianity affirms that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the Son of God, God in the flesh when He walked among men! No other religion asserts that about its founder.

In Matthew 22:42 Jesus asked, “What think ye of Christ? Whose son is He?” Well, what do you say?

Christianity says Jesus is God’s Son.

What is the evidence?

Consider the New Testament, which is, among other things, a historical record.

1. THE CLAIMS OF JESUS. Jesus plainly claimed to be the Son of God (Matthew 16:15–17; Mark 14:61–62; John 3:16; 9:35–37). In making such a claim, Jesus would have to be liar, lunatic, or truly Lord indeed!

The Bible records God the Father affirming the same thing (Matthew 3:17; 17:5; Hebrews 1:5). Jesus claimed equality with God (John 5:17–18, 23–24; 8:19, 23–24, 58; 10:30–33; 14:1, 7–11). If Jesus is not the Son of God, then who is He? If He was only a man, what motivated Him to assert otherwise? His claims brought Him hatred, misunderstanding, persecution, torture, and death. With no political aspirations and neither fame nor fortune, He forsook all, denying Himself in order to do God’s will, and it cost Him His life. Jesus’ suffering is inexplicable apart from His claims.

2. THE FOLLOWERS OF JESUS. Jesus’ followers claimed He was the Son of God (see John 1:49; Matthew 14:33; John 20:28; Acts 8:37; Acts 3:13, 26; 9:20; Romans 1:3–4; 8:3, 29, 32; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 15:28; 2 Corinthians 1:19; Galatians 1:16; 2:20; 4:4–7; Ephesians 4:13; Hebrews 4:14; 1 John 1:3, 7; 2:22–24; Revelation 2:18). The term “Son of God” applied to Jesus appears all throughout the New Testament.

What motivated His followers? For several centuries, Jesus’ followers met hatred, oppression, and martyrdom for their profession. Why would His followers concoct a lie, suffer for the lie, go to prison for the lie, and die for the lie, if they knew their claims were untrue?

3. THE MIRACLES OF JESUS. No one in Jesus’ day denied He did miracles (John 3:2; 9:16, 31–33; Matthew 9:32–34; 12:24), as He demonstrated power of defilement, disease, demons, the deep, death, and nature itself.

Eyewitnesses saw His miracles, and history has recorded their testimony. And Jesus’ miracles verify His identity (John 20:30–31; Acts 2:22–24, 36; Acts 10:38).

4. THE PROPHECIES OF JESUS. Jesus fulfilled prophecies concerning the Messiah, the Son of God, in exact detail in His birth, life, teaching, miracles, death, and resurrection (see John 5:39; Luke 24:25–27, 44; Isaiah 53:7–8, with Acts 8:30–35).

No other religious leader can lay claim to the fulfillment of prophecy: false Christs, messiahs, and charlatans have arisen making many claims––but none can substantiate their claims as can Jesus!

5. THE LIFE OF JESUS. Jesus’ life was characterized by unusual compassion, wisdom, benevolence, purity, and devotion. Unlike any other, of His life no fault could be found (see John 18:38; 19:4, 6; Luke 23:13–16). His friends knew this (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 1:19; 2:22), as did His adversaries (Mark 14:55–56). His life was characterized by complete devotion to the will of God (John 4:34; 5:30; 6:38; Matthew 26:39).

Of Jesus only is the claim made of complete sinlessness (Hebrews 2:18; 4:15).

6. THE TEACHING OF JESUS. Jesus taught with a wisdom, insight, and understanding unsurpassed in His day, and ours too (Matthew 7:28–29; Luke 4:15, 32; John 7:45–46). His teachings, though old, are just as relevant today as when they were spoken.

How do we explain His amazing wisdom if He was “only a man”?

7. THE DEATH OF JESUS. Jesus’ death can be understood and explained only by His mission: to take away sins! Jesus predicted His death (Matthew 16:21; John 6:70–71; 13:21–22, 26) and amazing miracles that accompanied it: darkness, the veil of the temple splitting, the dead arising.

The death of Jesus is a historical event, but its accomplishment and meaning can only be understood in view of His identity.

8. THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS. Jesus died, but some time after His death His tomb became empty, and remains empty to this day. Why? How? The answer of the New Testament is that Jesus rose actually, literally, bodily from the dead!

Jesus had predicted His resurrection (Matthew 12:38–40; 16:21; and many other places) and the Bible records the testimony of numerous eye witnesses, more than five hundred of them, who saw Jesus alive after His death.

If Jesus really, actually, bodily, literally rose from the dead, then He is the Son of God!

9. THE INFLUENCE OF JESUS. Has anyone influenced our world like Jesus of Nazareth? He never wrote a book, composed a song, built a sanctuary or a hospital, or raised an army, yet entire continents for centuries have been influenced by His life and work. No politician, teacher, or religious leader has affected as many lives as Jesus. His name stands above every name, and His teachings have transformed individuals, towns, cities, and nations! His amazing influence is testimony of an amazing identity.

10. THE CONSEQUENCE. If Jesus is not the Son of God, then the entire Old Testament is impugned, the New Testament is false, the whole system of Christianity is a mere human philosophy built upon fabrication, founded by an impostor, and perpetuated by fraudulent liars––there is no Savior, no salvation, and no hope of resurrection or life beyond.

But if Jesus is the Son of God, then He is Lord of all and must be obeyed. He only can make atonement for sin, save our souls, and provide life, hope, peace, joy, and fulfillment.

Now, what do you think of Christ––Who is He? Weigh your answer carefully.

By John Brown

Count Your Blessings

The following song was written by Johnson Oatman and Edwin Excell. As we read the words, let’s think about all that God has blessed us with.

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

The authors of this song understood the importance of being thankful for what we have. They knew they were blesses, just as all of us are today.

We can also approach thankfulness in a different way than usual. Instead of trying to think of everything that God has blessed you with, ask Him to show you everything that He has blessed you with. Notice the people who have less than you, and ask yourself how you can help them. Donating time, money, food, blood, etc. are ways to share our blessings with those in need. You can bless others without having to spend hours of your time and hundreds of your dollars. And remember, our most important blessings are not the ones we can own and touch––they are the blessings we feel.

Colossians 1:11-14 “May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

By Megan Skinner

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