News you won't see in controlled mainstream media.

-WHERE IS GOD? WHERE DID HE COME FROM?

-Do The Difficult Questions Have Answers?
-By: John D. Morris, Ph.D.

Throughout the years, questions have been raised regarding the Christian faith, which have caused many to stumble, or even abandon the faith altogether. Some seem rather simple, while others are difficult. But if the Christian faith is the true faith, there must be answers, and there are, if one is willing to study and believe.

It does no good to ignore the questions, or to insist that some questions are unaskable, exhibiting a "lack of faith." If young people can't ask and receive honest, satisfying answers in their Christian homes or churches, they will probably assume there are no answers, and deny the validity of Christianity. Remember, many, if not most of the leading humanists, atheists, and anti-Christians come from Christian homes. A few such plaguing questions, with (very) brief answers, follow. (I recommend the ICR book, The Bible Has the Answer as one excellent source of more complete answers.)

1) Evidence for a Creator God? The design and order of the universe, in particular living systems, demands an intelligent Designer. To deny the obvious signature of God in His creation is to be "without excuse" (Romans 1:20).

2) Where did God come from? The Bible reveals God as self-existent. This is a basic assumption of Christianity, but all the facts of nature support the validity of this assumption.

3) Where did Cain get his wife? Adam and Eve had "sons and daughters" (Genesis 5). Such unions were a genetic problem by the time of Moses, but were not a problem so soon after Creation.

4) Human color differences? Genetic studies have shown that all humans have the same color, although some have more of the skin-coloring agent than others.

5) Where did the races come from? All humans are descended from Noah's family. Isolation of language groups following the dispersion at the Tower of Babel caused certain characteristics to be expressed which best fit the local environment.

6) What about the dinosaurs? The Bible reveals that land animals were created on Day Six of Creation Week. There is much evidence that humans and dinosaurs have lived at the same time.

7) Carbon–14? The Carbon–14 dating method is applicable only for the most recent 3000 years or so, good for dating human archaeological remains.

8) Is the earth billions of years old? Other radiometric dating schemes are thought by some to show that the earth is old, but in reality do not prove the earth is old. They merely assume it, and then work within that and other questionable assumptions. All the real facts fit the concept of a young earth.

9) Is there evidence for Noah's Flood? The global, mountain-covering flood described in the Bible laid down most of the world's fossil bearing (things that died in the Flood judgment) sedimentary (water-deposited) rock. To deny the Flood is to be willingly ignorant" (II Peter 3:6).

10) Isn't Creation a side issue? Most of Christian doctrine is based on Genesis, especially the definition of, and punishment for sin, and man's desperate need for a Savior to die in substitutionary payment for that sin.
For forgiveness of sins, in the Old Testament, the Priest Aaron (and Moses), was required to offer the blood of unblemished lambs/sheep,calves, goats, and other animals for the people.
We read in Hebrews that Jesus was our 'perfect sacrifice', and He fulfilled that Old Testment Law. (Please read Hebrews Chapter 9). "Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin." Jesus paid our sin debt by dying on the Cross for each one of us.
The Genesis account of creation is vital to the Christian faith.

*Dr. John Morris is the President of ICR.
Go to the Institute for CREATION Research and type in the 'search' rectangle what other questions you may have.
<www.icr.org>

--Here is an article from the Institute for Creation Research:
The Eternal God (http://www.icr.org/article/eternal-god/)

-----EVIDENCE FOR CREATION-----

The evidence for creation is vast. Explore the ever-increasing list of reasons why creation is the best explanation for our intricately designed and precisely balanced universe.

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
--GENESIS 1:1

-Evidence for Creation
Evidence for God
Cause and Effect
Everything Has a Cause
The Effect Problem
The Triune Universe
Time, Space, and Matter
The Logical Implications
Design and Purpose
God Caused Beauty
God Caused Justice
God Caused Love
God Caused Meaning
God Caused Order
God Caused Time, Space, and Matter
God Caused Wisdom

Evidence for Truth

Natural Laws

The Foundation of Science Is Absolute Truth
Science Tests Subjective Experience against Absolute Truth
Empirical Science Is Observable
Historical Science Is Based on Assumptions
The Laws of Science Require a Creator
Human Conscience
Knows That Good Is Better Than Evil
Acknowledges a Spiritual Part of Life
Recognizes Man's Authority over Animals and Earth
Desire for Justice
Equal Justice Requires Universal Laws
Just Laws Rely on Truth
Reliable Evidence Is Required

Evidence from Nature
God's Invisible Things
Nature Reveals God's Power
Nature Reveals God's Presence
Nature Reveals God's Protection
Nature Reveals God's Provision
Nature Reveals God's Wisdom
The Earth Is Unique
The Earth Itself
The Sun and Moon
The Miracle of Water
The Miracle of Air
Unique Environment for Life
The Heavens Declare
The Speech of the Day
The Knowledge of the Night

Evidence from Science

The Physical Sciences

The Universe Was Created
The Universe Has a Center
The Universe Was Created Powerfully
The Universe Was Created Recently
The Universe Is Stable
Energy Cannot Naturally Be Created or Destroyed
Available Energy Decreases Over Time
Elements Are Dependable across the Universe

The Earth Was Uniquely Created
Earth Was Created for Life
Earth Was Created in a Wonderful Location
Earth's Core Was Created to Protect Life
Earth's Water Cycle Protects and Provides
Branches of Physical Science
Astronomy
Chemistry
Physics
Radiometric Dating
The Earth Sciences
Geological Processes Were Catastrophic
Global Catastrophic Model
Worldwide Catastrophic Evidence Is Everywhere

The Global Flood Is the Key to the Past
Much Evidence Exists for a Worldwide Flood
Geological Evidence Indicates Rapid Formation
Fossils Reflect Life's Original Diversity
Fossils Show Rapid and Catastrophic Burial
Fossils Are Found at All Levels
Fossils Show Stasis and No Transitional Forms
Men and Dinosaurs Coexisted
Many Earth Clocks Indicate Recent Creation
Diamonds and Strata Have Too Much Carbon 14
Minerals Have Too Much Helium
The Sea Does Not Have Enough Minerals
Branches of Earth Science
Fossils
Geology
Meteorology
Oceanography
The Life Sciences
All Life Systems Were Created by God
DNA Was Created as a Reservoir for the Information of Life
Proteins Were Created to Catalyze the Reactions of Life
Cells Protect Life Systems
God’s Design Is an Engineering Wonder
Only God Could Have Made Cells
Life Was Created Fully Functional
Natural Selection and Adaptation Preserve Life Forms, Rather Than Generate New Ones
The Natural Direction of Life Is Degeneration, Not Evolution
Living Creatures Were Clearly Designed
Living Creatures Were Equipped to Adapt

Man Was Created by God

Man Was Recently and Miraculously Created in the Image of God
All People Descended Recently from a Single Family
Humans Are Stewards with Purpose and Accountability
Man Was Created Distinct from Apes
Biological Clocks Indicate Recent Creation
Mutational Buildup Indicates Living Populations Are Young
Living Fossils Display No Signs of Evolution's Long Ages
Fresh Tissues Show That Fossils Are Recent
Branches of Life Science
Anatomy and Physiology
Botany
Evolutionary Biology
Genetics
Zoology

Evidence from Scripture
Authentic Text
The Manuscripts
The Message

Accurate Data

Historical Accuracy

Genesis Is Historically True
Creation Was 24/6 and Recent
Plants and Animals Are Distinct
Sin Caused Death
The Flood Was Global
Biblical Data Is Historically Testable
Scientific Accuracy
Reliable Eyewitnesses

Assessable Results

Transformed Lives
Accurate Predictions
Contrasting Worldviews
Human Stewardship
Human Accountability
Science
Technology
Commerce
Education
Humanities
Government and Politics
Environment and Ecology
Ethics and Justice
Proclaiming Scientific Truth in Creation | <www.icr.org>

-- -DESIGN AND THE DOCTRINE OF GOD

--The Doctrine of God Is Based on Creation
--By: Randy J. Guliuzza, P.E., M.D.

“What is God like?” is a significant question. However, “Who is God?” is the more important question. Christians assert that God is the creator, but a more accurate statement is that the creator of everything is God. The principal way God chose to identify Himself was as the cause of all things—“In the beginning God created.”

The very name “God” designates a position of rank or status of one who surpasses everything. We conceive of the highest being by reckoning that He is the ultimate source, or cause, of everything. He has always existed, and all things owe their very existence to Him. The creation of the ultimate “effect,” the universe itself, is fundamentally necessary to establish the ultimate cause—the reality of God.

-The Deity of Christ Is Based on Him as Creator

The creator of everything is God. So, the Lord Jesus Christ is Himself God, since the Bible identifies Him as the creator:
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. (John 1:1-3)
----
Be sure to click on the link below to read this marvelous explanation of DESIGN AND THE DOCTRINE of GOD--
Consider signing up for a FREE SUBSCRIPTION, YOU WILL BE BLESSED!
Here is an article from the Institute for Creation Research:
Design and the Doctrine of God (http://www.icr.org/article/7239/)
----

--SEEKING TRUTH
-John 7:1-31

"Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him." (John 14:21)

-When the one who is taking those first steps out of darkness into light begins to search earnestly for truth, it's natural to want to have proof; to know from personal experience and then make a firm commitment to accept it as fact. Don't we all want to see first and then believe?

The people listening to Jesus teaching were struggling to decide whether He could be their Messiah, the anointed One for whom they were waiting. They recognized His amazing knowledge of spiritual things; they witnessed the miracles He performed; yet their religious leaders denounced Him as an imposter.

The solution Jesus offered contradicted logic: yield your will to God's, and then you'll know what is true. Our way is to "know" first and then choose to surrender our will to His. Might it be time to toss logic aside and choose to believe and obey Him? Watch how He proves Himself to you! If you are searching, may this be the year Jesus reveals Himself to you, so that you will never doubt His divinity, but will know Him as Lord and Savior.

We have Jesus' Word:"I am the way and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." (John 14:6A) NASB

--Haven Today

---The Heaven of Heavens

“But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?”--
---(1 Kings 8:27)

-The term “heaven” is not just a general term for where the souls of the righteous go after death. The Bible actually speaks of the “third heaven,” the realm to which Paul was once temporarily “caught up into paradise” (2 Corinthians 12:4). The term is also applied to the realm of the atmosphere, and to the realm of the stars (e.g., Genesis 1:14, 20). In fact, the Hebrew word 'shamayim' is actually a plural noun, often rendered “heavens” as well as “heaven.”

The concept of “first heaven,” “second heaven,” and “third heaven” may also have another meaning, depending on context. For example, Peter speaks of “the heavens [which] were of old,” “the heavens . . . which are now,” and the “new heavens” which God has promised (2 Peter 3:5, 7, 13) in the ages to come. The phrase “heaven of heavens” actually occurs at least six times in the Old Testament.

Presumably, the “heaven of heavens” is where God now has His heavenly throne and to which, after His resurrection, Christ “ascended up far above all heavens” (Ephesians 4:10) to be seated at the right hand of the Father. It is beyond all the stars and galaxies and presumably has no end. It may be synonymous with the third heaven (the extra-biblical literature speaks of a “seventh heaven,” but this idea is not in the Bible).

Someday, however, the heavenly Jerusalem will come “down from God out of heaven” (Revelation 21:2), and “the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it” (Revelation 22:3). The heaven of heavens will be on Earth (the new earth) and we also shall be there—with our Lord—forever. Therefore, sing praises “to him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens” (Psalm 68:33).
--<www.icr.org>
ICR/HMM /Key in the Title to search this topic at ICR.
------
<http://youtu.be/4QRXCYHh9hg>

--Prepare to Meet Thy God

“Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.” (Amos 4:12)

There is only one thing that everyone can know for sure. Not even death and taxes are certain, for some will never die. But “every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12).

Even those who don’t believe in God, those who ridicule His Word, those who disobey His laws, those who worship false gods—everyone must some day meet God. There is no better advice than: “Prepare to meet thy God!”

If anyone should ask 'what' God, the answer is the 'true' God, the Creator. Not the false gods of pagan pantheism, not the natural systems and processes of evolutionism, but the one and only God of creation. He is the one who knows the thoughts of man and “maketh the morning darkness” (Amos 4:13) for all who reject or ignore Him. The word here for “darkness” is used only one other time in Scripture and is synonymous with hell—“a land of darkness, as darkness itself; and of the shadow of death, without any order, and where the light is as darkness” (Job 10:22).

In the coming judgment, “the wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God” (Psalm 9:17). The message of Amos needs to be heard in every generation: “Prepare to meet thy God!” For “the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment” (Psalm 1:5), and the judgment is sure: “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment,” and for those who die unprepared, “it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 9:27; 10:31).

The only way to come into His presence prepared, of course, is through Jesus Christ, who is Himself the Lord of all the hosts of heaven.
--ICR/HMM =You Are God Alone / Phillips, Craig and Dean
http://youtu.be/9xPzTSpbYmk>
-------------

--Was Jesus Christ Really God?
---Read | John 1:1-18

-The divinity of Jesus Christ is one of the most controversial issues facing every human being. It is also the most critical. Our faith hangs in the balance on this question.

There are many who say they believe in Jesus and in God, but do not think that Jesus is God. They believe many good things about Him, however. They accept Him as a teacher. They marvel at Him as a healer. They revere Him as a philosopher, revolutionary, and social reformer. And yet, they cannot—or rather will not—accept Him as Lord.

I want to be crystal clear on this matter. You can believe all of these wonderful things about Jesus. You can go so far as to laud Him as a prophet sent by almighty God. But if you do not accept that He is one with God—the Savior who died for your sins—then you do not know Him at all.

Now, you may have heard people argue that Jesus Himself never actually claimed to be God. This is simply not true. Time and again in the Gospels, Jesus places Himself on equal footing with the Father and the Holy Spirit (John 10:30; 14:6-14). The truth is, if Jesus was not truly God’s Son, then as C. S. Lewis observed, He was either a lunatic or the world’s most detestable liar.

If you’re the least bit uncertain about this eternal question, don’t let another minute pass before taking steps to figure out the answer. Take the time to examine the Gospels. Talk to your pastor or believing friends. Settle for yourself the life-changing question, “Was Jesus Christ really God?”
--NO OTHER NAME / Hillsong (don't miss approx 1:55 + )
<http://youtu.be/k5CqaW8aR1A>
--IN TOUCH~ Jesus said, "I and my Father are One." Yes, Jesus is God.

--Difficult Questions and Answers
---All things in the Bible will come to pass. We see these signs all around us. God is outside of our time. He does not operate according to our calendar nor clocks.
--His timing is always perfect. Read the article below and see, even Daniel was informed of what will soon come to pass.

--The Sign of Science and Travel
“But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” (Daniel 12:4)

-The book of Daniel contains the most detailed description of the end times of any book in the Bible except the book of Revelation. In Daniel’s last chapter, after all the prophecies had been recorded, the condition in our text was given as a sign of their imminent fulfillment, at “the time of the end.”

A more striking summary of our own times could hardly be imagined. The Hebrew word for “run to and fro” is used first in 2 Chronicles 16:9. “The eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth,” and its sense is “race back and forth.” What a description of our present society, with speeding automobiles all over the land and airplanes filling our skies! In little more than one lifetime, the world “progressed” from horse and buggy to spacecraft, and almost everyone is racing to and fro.

Furthermore, “knowledge” has been “increased” far beyond the wildest imaginations of people in the days of our founding fathers. The Hebrew word could well be understood as what we mean today by “science.”

It is significant that the foundations of our modern scientific age were laid mostly by great scientists who were Creationists (Newton, Boyle, Pascal, Pasteur, Faraday, Maxwell, etc.).
In our present generation, however, science has been largely taken over by non-Christian evolutionists, and science has also generated deadly instruments of destruction and pollution which are threatening life’s existence. This rise in “science falsely so called” is also given as a sign of the last days (1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Peter 3:3-4; etc.).

In any case, the explosive increase in science (both true and false) and rapid travel in our day is one of the many God-given signs that the return of Christ is near!
--ICR/ HMM

---The Faithful Creator
--By: Henry Morris, Ph.D.

"Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator" (I Peter 4:19).

This is the only verse in the New Testament describing the Creator as faithful. God had a very specific purpose in creating the universe and especially man, and He will surely accomplish that great purpose.

The Scriptures repeatedly stress God's faithfulness. With respect to the physical universe, "For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth" (Psalm 119:89-90). As far as His promises to His people are concerned, "Know therefore that the Lord thy God, He is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations" (Deuteronomy 7:9).

The faithful Creator is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ, and He rebukes the compromising church of the last days with these majestic words: "These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God" (Revelation 3:14). Although many professing believers will prove unfaithful to Him, "yet He abideth faithful: He cannot deny Himself" (II Timothy 2:13).

The triumphant book of Revelation comes directly "from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness" (Revelation 1:5); and when He finally returns to earth in power and glory, His very name shall be "called Faithful and True" (Revelation 19:11). He is both Alpha and Omega, and thus all His "words are true and faithful" (Revelation 21:5).
Our salvation is sure therefore because "God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord" (I Corinthians 1:9). "Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it" (I Thessalonians 5:24).
--ICR/ HMM / - <http://youtu.be/ZMMTYvWEkHI>

--Where is God? / Who Is He? / Difficult Questions & Answers~

--A FAITHFUL
-HELPER ~~

-Jeremiah 20:7-13
----
'The LORD is with
me as a mighty,
awesome One.'
--Jeremiah 20:11
----
--THE prophet Jeremiah had the difficult job of proclaiming God's messages to the Israelites. This required him to endure physical abuse, verbal attacks, imprisonment, and isolation. Although Jeremiah struggled with deep discouragement, he had a Helper through all of his trouble. God promised him, "I am with you...to deliver you" (Jere. 1:19).

God did not desert Jeremiah, and He will not desert us. We have His continual aid through the power of the Spirit who lives inside every believer (John 14:16-17). The Helper gives us hope (Rom. 15:13), steers us toward spiritual truth (John 16:13), and pours out God's love (Rom. 5:5). We can trust that God will help us as we endure hardship. We can say with Jeremiah, "The LORD is with me as a mighty, awesome One."
----------
--Our greatest hope here below is help from God above. Above All Powers... and all created things, You Were Here Before the World Began -[Paul Baloche]~

<http://youtu.be/RxxaEzvZtQY>
----

-Where is God? / Who is He? / ELOHIM-(the God above all gods), wants to have a personal relationship with you. 'Call on Me and I will show you great and mighty things you do not know.' ~~

--GOD'S LOVE LETTER TO US!

--Psalm 119:97-104
-------
-'Oh, how I love
Your law! It is my
meditation all the
day.'--Psalm 119:97
-------
-THE Bible is God's love letter to us. "Oh, how I love Your Law!" (Psalm 119:87). The Scriptures are "Your Commandments" (v.98), "Your testimonies" (v.99), "Your precepts" (v.100), "Your Word" (v.101).

Thomas Manton (1620-1677), once a lecturer at Westminster Abbey, asked: "Who is the author of Scripture? God...What is the end of Scripture? God. Why was the Scripture written, but that we might everlastingly enjoy the blessed God, Jehovah, YAH= Yahweh?"

It is said that the more you know some people the less you admire them; but the reverse is true of God. Familiarity with the Word of God, or the God of the Word, breeds affection, and affection seeks yet greater familiarity. As you open your Bible, remember that God--the One who loves you the most--has many messages for you. Read His Word and He will talk to you. As you pray, and you talk to 'Jehovah Shamma', our God who is present. Jehovah Yahweh, our loving, covenant-keeping God. YHWH + + + ~~
----
-Knowing the Bible helps us know the God of the Bible.
'You are loved with an everlasting love and underneath are His everlasting arms.' ~~

--ODB/PFC
--"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (2 Timothy 3:16)~~-EXALTED / YAHWEH - Chris Tomlin~
<http://youtu.be/4jzv1fo-l8E>

--THIS WEEK SHARE THE GREATEST TRUE STORY EVER TOLD! --JESUS IS ALIVE! [EASTER] ~~


-Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you–unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures
---1 Corinthians 15:1-4

--Doesn’t it seem that bad news is all around us? It’s not only the top story on the news or the main headline in the paper…it seems to fill our day.

But as believers, we know the best news we could ever hear..…and we celebrate it this week.

Easter is the day we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the grave. This is the event that conquered sin…that conquered death…and that made it possible for you and me to have a personal relationship with God!

Perhaps, today, this is the first time you’ve ever heard or understood this Good News.

If so, I want to tell you something: Jesus died on the Cross for 'you'. He wore a crown of thorns and was nailed to a tree because He loves you. And He wants to have a personal relationship with you today.

If you haven’t already, I pray you will you accept Jesus as your Savior today. And if you have placed your faith in Christ, I challenge you to share that Good News with someone this week.

I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Easter!

----THIS EASTER, SHARE THE GOOD NEWS!
--PP/JG
<https://youtu.be/Ic1UBwVHGGU>
-------------

---WAITING FOR REDEMPTION ~~
--Read | Galatians 4:4-7

"But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father," So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir."

Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, bringing sin into God’s perfect creation. They experienced an immediate separation from their Maker, and from that moment, all of creation began longing for redemption.

Old Testament prophets spoke about a coming Messiah—the One who would redeem and restore. For centuries, the Israelites waited hopefully. They must have wondered why God was waiting so long, and perhaps even doubted whether a savior would ever come.

There was a bigger picture, though, that they couldn't see. From our viewpoint thousands of years later, we can piece together some reasons for God’s timing—down to small details like communication and travel.

For example, when Alexander the Great conquered much of the known world, he spread Greek throughout his expanding empire. The Hebrews then translated the Old Testament into Greek. As a result, many more people were able to hear truth, understand their need, and recognize the Savior when He came.

Next, the Romans defeated many nations and created new highways for travel. Seas and roads were safer during their rule than in previous times, so it was easier for Jesus’ disciples to spread the Gospel message.

Now we clearly see that God wasn't a moment late—He knew the perfect timing to send His Son to redeem mankind. But situations in our own life may not always make sense from our vantage point. Remember that our omniscient God has perfect timing. You can trust Him.

// "Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him." (Hebrews 9:27,28)
--IN TOUCH -- / TRUST IN JESUS/ Third Day~~
<https://youtu.be/3M__eHGicWc>

--SEEING HIM WHO IS INVISIBLE~~

--“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God..” --- Matthew 5:8

--Let me tell you how to experience God: Get your heart pure, and you will see God with the 'eyes of faith'.

You see, Jesus is not talking about your physical body. You get your spiritual heart right and your spiritual eyes will see.
Hebrews 11:27 says that Moses “endured as seeing Him who is invisible.”

You get your heart right and you’ll see the invisible God…

...in circumstances
...in nature
...the Heavens declare the glory of God
...in the face of your spouse, your child, your grandchild.

You’ll see Him in the Scriptures. God will become a bright, living reality to you.

Put on the 'eyes of faith' today and find God creating and sustaining life.. Maybe there is a tree ablaze with the red and gold of Fall. Do you see the hand of God? Perhaps you see the beauty of Spring time. Leaves are appearing on the trees. Flowers are blooming, as they reach up to the sun. Spring time birds are singing unto the Lord.
--Adrian Rogers ~~

--It is only by 'believing', (having FAITH), in what God says that we can know of His omniscience, omnipotence, omnipresence. [Reach out to Him, confess you are a sinner in need of a Savior, believe what Jesus says in His Word.] "The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." (Psalm 34:18).

All pride must go. "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18).[/u]

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23) We are all sinners in need of God's grace. Jesus knows everything about you. He knows how many hairs are on your head. Come to Jesus and live eternally in Heaven. Oh, How He loves us all!
--Adrian Rogers~~
--FAITH~~

--"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
--(Hebrews 11:1)

"For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."
--(Romans 1:17)

--"For we walk by faith, not by sight."
--(2 Corinthians 5:7)

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for He who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." -
[This is FAITH UNTO JESUS. It is not faith in self, nor what some preachers today say, 'Only believe and you will have all you want. Jesus wants you to have an abundant life. You can have your joy and all the good 'thing's' now.']

No, our Lord said, "If you would be my disciple, you must die to self, take up your cross and follow Me."
--(Hebrews 11:6)

<https://youtu.be/HcnfT4arZtI<

--GOD'S TRANSLATOR / JESUS


--When he walked this earth, Jesus was so in sync with the Father that he could say in John 14:11, “I am in the Father and the Father is in me.” It was if he heard a voice that was missing.

Remember when everyone was distraught about Lazarus’s illness? Jesus wasn’t. Rather than hurry to his friend’s bedside, he said, “This sickness will not end in death. It is for the glory of God.” Jesus had unbroken communion with his Father. It was as if Jesus could hear what no one else could. How could a relationship be more intimate?

--Do you suppose the Father desires the same for us? Absolutely! God desires the same abiding intimacy with you that he had with his Son. Paul says in Romans 8:29 that we have been “predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.”
--Just Like Jesus/ML -- / So You Would Come/ Hillsong~
<https://youtu.be/JL34ok-wTeQ>
----------------

--Where is God? Who is He? Difficult Questions & Answers~~

----ONENESS WITH THE FATHER~~

--Please pay close attention as we read the Word of God. Ask Him to open your (spiritual) eyes to His Scriptures.

--JOHN 14:6-12 ~ NASB ~

--Jesus said to him, (Thomas), "I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me."

"If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him."

Phillip said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us."

Jesus said to him, "Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, 'Show us the Father'?

"Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak of My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works.

"Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves.
"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father."

-(v.15) "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments."
-(John 10:30) - "I and the Father are one."
~~~~~~~~~~

--THE LIVING WORD ~~
---Read: Hebrews 4:12-13

--THE BIBLE IS THE MOST AMAZING BOOK EVER WRITTEN.
--GOD used human beings to record His thoughts and words in writing so others could know Him (2 Peter 1:20-21). And the One who spoke the universe into existence still speaks just as powerfully through the pages of the Bible that you hold when you read His Word.

At the moment of salvation, believers receive the Holy Spirit, and the lines of communication with the Lord are established. Then, whenvever the Scriptures are read, children of God can hear His voice, and the Spirit enables them to understand and put into practice what they have heard.

The Bible is not just a good book with comforting verses; it is effective, always accomplishing the purpose for which God sends it (Isaiah 55:10-11). Scripture is active and alive and "performs its work in [those] who believe" (1 Thess. 2:13). The Word of God has the power to change our lives if we will believe Him and do what He says.

God uses Scripture to transform us from the inside out. His Word has the quality of a sword that cuts through our hearts and judges thoughts and intentions, delivering light to the darkness hiding in our souls. This Book tells us not only who God is, but also who we are.

-Sometimes life's concerns can deafen our "spiritual ears." Before reading Scripture, ask God to help you hear and understand what He's saying. As you believe and obey, your spiritual hearing will become more acute, and your time in the Word will be an intimate conversation with the Lord. ~
--IN TOUCH~~/ YOU NEVER FAIL -- HILLSONG ~~
https://youtu.be/0HpUwra9f8I
---

--Where is God? Who is He?/ Difficult Questions & Answers~

--We all have questions. "Why didn't God save my friend in that auto accident? Why did her baby have to die? If God is loving and faithful, why are we living in such 'bad times'? Can't He remove all this 'evil' from happening?"

--YES, 'ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD!'
YES, HE STILL WORKS MIRACLES. YES, HE STILL TESTS OUR FAITH! YES, HE LOVES YOU WITH AN EVERLASTING LOVE, THAT SURPASSES ALL HUMAN UNDERSTANDING.
HE DIED A TERRIBLE, AGONIZING, PAINFUL DEATH ON THAT CROSS TO SET THIS WORLD (His people), FREE FROM SATAN. HE IS COMING BACK.
--BUT FIRST ALL SCRIPTURE MUST BE FULFILLED.

--"We know that we are children of God and that the whole world is under control of the 'evil one." (1 John 5:19)~~
------------
--GOD IN THE CRISIS~~

--Calamities can leave us off balance and confused. Consider the crisis of Joseph’s generation as recorded in Genesis 47. “Now there was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very severe, so that the land of Canaan languished because of the famine.”

Joseph faced a calamity on a global scale. Joseph told his brothers, “God sent me before you to preserve life. For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. And God sent me before you.” Joseph began and ended his crisis with God. God preceded the famine. God would outlive the famine.

How would you describe your crisis? Do you recite your woes more naturally than you do Heaven’s strength? You are assuming God isn’t in the crisis. He is. Even a famine was fair game for God’s purpose!

-From: You’ll Get Through This/ML~

[God Works outside of our timing. In fact, God doesn't keep a clock. God forgets the past.

Imitate Him. Don't ask God to do what you want. Ask God to do what is right.

Nails didn't hold God to a Cross. Love did.
We treat others as we perceive God is treating us.

You will never forgive anyone more than God has already forgiven you. Never underestimate a gesture of affection.

--WHEN JESUS WENT HOME, HE LEFT THE FRONT DOOR OPEN.~~

'It is good that one should hope and wait quietly
For the salvation of the LORD.' (Lamentations 3:6)

'Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
who comforts us in all our tribulation,
that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
--2 Corinthians 1:3,4 ~~
--This life is brief. Let us be sure to encourage each other as we see His Day approaching.
"I will lift up my eyes to the hills--
From whence comes my help?
My help comes from the LORD,
Who made Heaven and Earth."
--Psalm 121:1,2)
~~~~~~~~~~~~
-Jesus' disciples asked Him the same questions. "When will the end come?' Read Matthew 24:36-5-- 'The Day and Hour Unknown'.
**IMPORTANT:
--"He who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."
--(Matthew 24:13-14)
--We have such wonderful, advanced technology. Send emails, join online Ministries, and Bible Teachings, iphones, tablets, computers, cell phones.... Let's just get busy, so we can help usher in the Kingdom of God. "Even so, Come Lord Jesus." ~~

--THE WHOLE STORY~~~
---Today's Reading: Acts 8:26-37

-"Philip opened his
mouth, and beginning
at this Scripture,
preached Jesus to Him."
--Acts 8:35
------
-RECENTLY my 5-year-old grandson, Dallas, asked, "Why did Jesus die on the cross?" So we had a little talk. I explained to him about sin and Jesus' willingness to be our sacrifice. Then he ran off to play.

A few minutes later, I overheard him talking to his 5-year-old cousin, Katie, explaining to her why Jesus died. Katie said to him, "But Jesus isn't dead." Dallas replied, "Yes. He's dead. Grampy told me. He died on the Cross."

I realized I hadn't completed the story. So we had another talk as I explained to Dallas that Jesus rose from the dead. We went over the story again until he understood that Jesus is alive today, even though He did die for us.

What a reminder that people need to hear the whole Gospel. When a man from Ethiopia asked Philip about a portion of Scripture he did not understand, Phillip "opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him" (Acts 8:35)

Tell others the Good News about Jesus: that we are all sinners needing salvation; that the perfect Son of God died to save us; and that He rose from the grave, showing His power over death. Jesus, our Savior, is alive and is offering now to live His life through us.

When someone wants to know about Jesus, let's make sure to tell the whole story! Yes, Jesus is ALIVE TODAY!~

-'Lord, Your story is amazing. Help us to tell all of it so others can put their faith in You and enjoy the salvation You offer to all who trust and believe.~amen' (Romans 10:9-10)~~

-Jesus said..., "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live." (John 11:25)
--ODB/DB
-Shout it from the rooftops! My Redeemer Lives! Jesus paid our sin-debt on that Cross so that we can live eternally with Him. He redeemed us, by paying the price we could not pay. "Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sin." Jesus was the perfect Sacrifice.
'REDEEMER' ~~ By: Nicolle C. Mullen
<https://youtu.be/lhE-06hjpJY>
~[/color]

--Where is God? Who Is He? Why Does He Allow So Much Evil?

--Some attributes of Jehovah Yahweh= YHWH
-Our loving, Covenant keeping God.

-ELOHIM= the God above all gods.

-EL-SHADDAI = the Almighty God.
-JEHOVAH SHALOM = Our God of peace
-JEHOVAH RAPHA = Our Healing God

Yes, there are many more Names for Jehovah God.
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. I will never leave you nor forsake you." (John 14:6, Hebrews 13:5B).
'We bless You, our Rock and Redeemer! We know that You are always in control. Forgive us for our sins. Help us to live for You.'

--WORRY-FREE ~~
-[Today's reading: Psalm 37:1-9]
-Do not fret because of
those who are evil..." (v.1)

-Trying to stay aware of current events has its downside because bad news sells better than good news. It's easy to become overly concerned about the criminal acts of individuals, crowds, or governments over whom we have no control.

Psalm 37 give perspective to the daily news. David begins by saying, "Do not fret because of those who are evil" (v.1).Then he proceeds to outline for us some alternatives to becoming overly anxious. In essence, David suggests a better way of thinking about negative news in our world.

What would happen if, instead of worrying about events beyond our control, we chose to trust in the LORD? (v.3) Wouldn't we be better off to "take delight in the LORD" (v.4) rather than fret without limits? Imagine the freedom from worry we could have if we would "commit [our] way to the LORD" (v.5). And how calm we could be by learning to "be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him!" (v.7).

News of trouble we cannot change offers us an opportunity to set boundaries for our concerns. As we trust God, commit our ways to Him, and rest in Him, our outlook brightens. The struggles and trials may not disappear, but we will discover that He gives us His peace in the midst of them.
We live in a fallen world. Because of Adam and Eve's first sin in the Garden of Eden, the whole world is cursed, until Jesus returns to gather us, His people. ~~

'Lord, we see danger and trouble all around us. Help us not to worry but instead to trust and rest in You, our all-knowing God. Show us the peace that comes from waiting patiently on You, our Omnipotent One. You are in control. We simply trust and wait on You, our Rock and Redeemer. We praise and bless You, Yeshua HaMashiach! amen~'

--ODB/DB-'I Will Be Here' / Gary Valenciano
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8t0b1q3YmZQ>
-----

--THE RIGHTEOUS WORD ~

“Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments. Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.” (Psalm 119:137-138)

--The writer of the book of Hebrews called God’s Word “the word of righteousness” (Hebrews 5:13). Nehemiah declared that God had “performed thy words; for thou art righteous” (Nehemiah 9:8). Those two concepts merge in the beauty of the Word. “For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth” (Psalm 33:4). The written Word is righteous; the cause of the Word is righteous. That theme pervades this stanza of Psalm 119. Several synonyms describe this characteristic of the Scriptures.

--The Lord is righteous, and therefore His judgments are upright. “Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way” (Psalm 25:8).
--God’s Word is very pure (Psalm 119:140), like refined gold. “The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times” (Psalm 12:6).
--Because the righteous acts of the Lord have everlasting consequences, the “law is the truth” (Psalm 119:142)—“the righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting” (v. 144).

Since the psalmist dedicated his heart and life to the clarity of God’s Word, righteous jealousy consumed him on behalf of God because the enemies of the Lord forgot His Word (v. 139). Furthermore, even though he felt “small and despised” (v. 141) and trouble and anguish surrounded him, he still delighted in understanding God’s Righteous Commandments (v. 143).

--May the Lord God strengthen our resolve this day to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22).
--ICR/ HMM III
----------
["Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for He who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."
--(Hebrews 11:6)

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen."
---(Hebrews 11:1)

"So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God."
--(Romans 10:17)
----
Jesus said, "I and the Father are One."
--(John 10:30)
------
-The Triune God-Head is inseparable. "God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Three = ONE.

The Holy Spirit is the One who convicts of sin.
** Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
--(John 14:6)

-"[Jesus is] the Word of God made flesh and dwelt among us."
-(John 1:14) ]

-Jesus is ALWAYS Watching Over You!

--Guarded by His Power—Jesus Sees You~~

-“And when evening was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and He alone on the land. And He saw them toiling in rowing … and … He cometh unto them, walking upon the sea …” - Mark 6:47

Jesus’ disciples were way out in the sea, and Jesus was on the shore. But He saw them toiling and rowing. He never took His eyes off them.

Are you in the midst of a storm? Did you know He sees you right now? You say, “He doesn’t know where I am. He doesn’t know this difficulty. Why is He so far away? Why am I in the storm and He is on the shore?” Friend, He is there, and He’s praying for you. He’s up there on the mountain looking down. He sees right through the dark. You can’t see Him, but He sees you. You can say, “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”

My advice for you in the midst of your storm is to see Jesus, the great I AM, and see Him walking on the water. And that thing that looks like it’s going to be over your head is already under His feet. You’re seated in the heavenlies with Him. And you can’t drown with your head above water.
He is the great I AM. You can put it down: you are guarded by His power.
--Adrian Rogers~~
-Jesus Christ is Omnipotent, Omnipresent, Omniscient, Immutable, and Veracity.
He is 'All Powerful, All Knowing, in All Places at the Same Time, Unchangeable, and Honesty and Truth.'
"Call upon the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved."
---
"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 KJV)

--RUN TO ME~~

-'The name of the
LORD is a fortified
tower; the righteous
run to it and are
safe." -(Proverbs 18:10)
~~~~~~~~
-DURING a walk at a local park, my children and I encountered a couple of unleashed dogs. Their owner didn't seem to notice that one of them had begun to intimidate my son. My son tried to shoo the dog away, but the animal only became more intent on bothering him.

Eventually, my son panicked. He bolted several yards into the distance, but the dog pursued him. The chase continued until I yelled, "Run to me!" My son doubled back, calmed down, and the dog finally decided to make mischief somewhere else.

There are moments in our lives when God calls to us and says, "Run to Me!" Something troubling is on our heels. The faster and farther we go, the more closely it pursues us. We can't shake it. We're too afraid to turn and confront the trouble on our own. But the reality is that we aren't on our own. God is there, ready to help and comfort us. All we have to do is turn away from whatever scares us, and move in His direction. His Word says, "The name of the LORD is a fortified tower: the righteous run to it and are safe." -(Proverbs 18:10)

'Dear Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace. I need the kind of peace that only You can give. Help me to turn to You when I am troubled. Thank You, Lord that your Word tells us, "I will never leave you nor forsake you. You are Mine. I bought you with My precious blood. I have your name written on the palm of my nail-pierced hand." amen~~

--GOD IS OUR REFUGE IN TIMES OF TROUBLE. RUN TO HIM!
--ODB/JBS--/ Mercy Came Running/ By: Phillips, Craig and Dean~
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BcM9iDaOUw>
------

--HOW DO YOU GROW IN CHRIST?

-How do you mature?
Most of us wish it was the same way as Bourbon...
a matter of time...a matter of being aged.
But it doesn't work that way. You can be a new Christian 75 years old..and not grow spiritually!
-"WHY?"

Because age doesn't have anything to do with it.
It's faithfulness...it's love...it's perseverance...
it's a battle.

Why do you think the Salvation Army...which is a denomination of the Lord Jesus Christ...calls itself the
'Salvation Army'? Because living the Christian life, which is what the Bible is about, is a battle. It is always a conflict. There's always pressure. You are always living
in a pressure cooker.

There isn't much R and R.

And the Lord says--'I know. I count you worthy for the kingdom of God...for which you are suffering.'~~

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

--ONE on ONE/Ben Haden~~--/ 'Mountain of God'-/ Third Day~
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwCDV9KCE6Q>
--------

---IS GOD IN EVERYTHING?
----(Please Read/ Genesis 50:15-21)--

--The Old Testament story of Joseph is one of the best-known examples of the Lord blessing someone’s life through harsh experiences. In today’s passage, the slave-turned-prisoner-turned-national leader stands before his brothers who sold him into servitude. He speaks kindly to them, saying, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive” (Gen. 50:19-20).

One individual’s sin or failure oftentimes affects another person’s life—something we tend to deem unfair. But our ways are different than God’s ways (Isa. 55:8-9). From Scripture, we can glean that Joseph desired to serve the Lord (Gen. 39:9; Gen. 40:8; Gen. 41:16). Yet his brothers were permitted to sell him as a slave. And Potiphar’s wife wasn’t prevented from making false accusations, which landed the young man in prison. The Bible promises, “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them” (Psalm 34:7). In other words, hardship and trial could touch Joseph—or any of the faithful—only because God purposefully allowed it.

No one can say for sure why bad things happen. But we can draw comfort from the fact that God knows: “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever, that we may observe all the words of this law” (Deut. 29:29). Our part is to learn from the example of men like Joseph, who trusted the Lord and followed His commands.
---IN TOUCH~~

[We serve a Triune God, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. These three equal ONE.
**Omnipotent= All powerful
**Omniscient= Knowing all things
**Omnipresent= In all places at the same time
**Immutable= Unchangeable
**All honesty and Truth. Jesus said, "I am the way the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me."
Jesus Christ has been since the beginning of time. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."
--(Hebrews 13:8) He never changes. Jesus said, "I and My Father are One." Take God at His Word. We serve a God that can not lie.~~ / 'GOD OF WONDERS' By: Third Day
--------
<https://youtu.be/DlU89VB6Tm4>
---------

--ALWAYS ABLE AND AVAILABLE~ HE REIGNS!

---In Psalm 46, the psalmist proclaims God is our sanctuary, strength, and steadfast supporter (v.1) When it feels as if we're surrounded by chaos or everything we thought was stable crashes down around us, we don't have to fear (VV.2-3). God doesn't falter (VV. 4-7). His power is evident and effective (VV. 2-3).

His power is evident and effective (VV. 8-9). Our eternal Sustainer gives us confidence in His unchanging character (V. 10). The LORD, our secure stronghold, remains with us forever (V. 11) .

God created His followers to prayerfully support and encourage one another. But He also affirms He is always able and available. When we call on God, we can trust Him to keep His promises to provide for us. He will comfort us through His people as well as through His personal presence.~~
--GOD IS ALWAYS ABLE AND AVAILABLE TO HELP US! GOD IS EVERYWHERE AT ALL TIMES! ~~

--ODB/XD--'He Reigns' - Newsboys~~<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKTqwBetI1I>
-------

---OUR SINS / JESUS PAID OUR SIN DEBT~~

~~“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
----(Isaiah 53:6) --

~~As Christ hung on the cross, the Jewish leaders felt that He was guilty of blasphemy—a mere man, claiming to be God. In short, they felt that He was dying for His own sins. Their tragic misconceptions were predicted centuries before, as recorded in the treasured 53rd chapter of Isaiah: “We hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not....we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted” (vv.. 3-4).

But not so! God did not punish Him for His sins but for ours. “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities” (v. 5). “For the transgression of my people was he stricken” (v. 8).

The penalty for sin has always been death, and even though “he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him” (vv. 9-10). He was the perfect “offering for sin” (v. 10), and “he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors” (v. 12). Justice has been served! “He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many” (v. 11).

--Such considerations can drive us only to the most complete prostration of wonder and amazement. Necessitated because “all we like sheep have gone astray,” God’s justice has been satisfied, because Christ, in love, has taken upon Himself “the iniquity of us all.” As in the hymn: “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.”
---ICR/JDM
[**Friend, Jesus never sinned. Jesus is God/Man. He never ceased being God, and Man at the same time. We accept this by faith. Many try to explain this in secular terms. We must accept this by faith in the written Word. "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost [ Holy Spirit], and these three are One.
And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood; and these three agree in one." -[1 JOHN 5:7-8 KJV~] ]

--TEN BIBLICAL REASONS JESUS IS GOD ~~

10 Biblical Reasons Jesus Is God
--By/ Simon Turpin on August 8, 2017--/ ANSWERS IN GENESIS ~

At a crucial point in his ministry, Jesus asked his disciples,“Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15). The answer to this question is more important than anything else. Nevertheless, today, just as in Jesus’ day, when Christians ask people the question “who do you say Jesus is?” there are various answers given concerning his identity. But what does the New Testament tell us about who Jesus is?

**Understanding the deity of Jesus is fundamental in defending the truth of the Christian faith.**

All major religions and cultic groups reject the doctrine of deity of Christ. Some of these objections are a result of rationalism (“reason” is supreme, not God) over revelation or a misunderstanding of what the doctrine teaches. Another more common objection results from revisionist history, which claims that Christ’s deity was invented at the Council of Nicaea in the 4th century and not something believed by the early church.

The reason Christians believe in the deity of Jesus is that we are forced to come to this conclusion by the clear teaching of Scripture. It is important to get Jesus’ identity because if we deny the deity of Jesus then we do not have the Father (1 John 2:23; cf. John 5:23). Here are 10 Scriptural reasons for the deity of Jesus.
-- 1: The Bible Teaches That There Is One True God

-1] Jesus’ divinity is part of the doctrine of the Trinity.

This is important to understand because many objectors to the deity of Jesus misunderstand what Christians believe about the Trinity. Christians believe what the Bible teaches—that there is only one true and living God (Deuteronomy 6:4; cf. 1 Corinthians 8:6). However, we must not confuse monotheism (belief in one God) with Unitarianism (the belief that the being of God is shared by one person). Jesus’ divinity is part of the doctrine of the Trinity, which states that within the one Being that is God, there exists eternally three co-equal and co-eternal persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each is a distinct person, yet each is identified as God: the Father (1 Corinthians 8:6), the Son (John 1:1–3; Romans 9:5), and the Spirit (Acts 5:3–4). We must also remember that it wasn’t the Father or the Spirit who became incarnate; it was the Son (John 1:14) and he was born under the Law (Galatians 4:4). This is why, in his humanity, Jesus prays to the Father (Matthew 26:39, 42).

The doctrine of the Trinity is revealed between the Old and New Testaments through the incarnation of Jesus and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. God did not change between the Old and New Testaments, being a Unitarian God in the Old and a Trinitarian God in the New. God has always been Triune, but the specific revelation of the divinity of Jesus takes place in the New Testament.
-2] The Bible Teaches That Jesus Pre-Existed Before The World Was

The New Testament in several passages clearly teaches that Jesus existed in eternity past before his birth in Bethlehem.

Genesis 1:1 tells us, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” In John 1:1 we read the same words, “In the beginning.” John informs us in John 1:1 that in the beginning was the Word (logos) and that the Word was not only with God but was God. This Word is the one who brought all things into being at creation (John 1:3). John 1:1 teaches that the Word is eternal, the Word has had an eternal relationship with the Father, and the Word as to His nature is deity.

In his prayer in John 17:3–5 Jesus both refers to his pre-existence and uses terminology that can only be used about deity:

And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.

To have eternal life is to know two persons: both the Father and Jesus (see John 14:6-7; 16:3). But notice, Jesus is distinguished from the Father because Jesus is the one speaking to the Father. The personal pronouns (me, your, you) clearly show that this is one person speaking to another. In this conversation, the Son is speaking of the glory he has shared with the Father before the world was; the words “in your own presence” refer to their sharing of divine glory.9 John 17:3–5 is not an example of the “human side” praying to the “divine side” but of a divine, yet incarnate (John 1:14) person, the Son, communicating with a divine, but non-incarnate person, the Father in heaven.

Paul’s words in Philippians 2:5–8 teach not only the deity of Jesus but also the distinct personhood of the Son prior to his incarnation.10 In this passage, Paul exhorts the Philippians to have the same attitude as Christ Jesus who “existed in the form of God.”11 These words come before the verbs emptied, taking, and becoming and point to the pre-existence of the one “existing in the form of God.”12 Moreover, Jesus did not regard13 the equality he had with God the Father, in eternity past, something to be held on to. Instead he “made himself nothing”14 by doing two things: taking the form of a bond-servant and being made in the likeness of men.15 Having entered into human existence he humbled himself to death on the Cross. Because of this, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord (Philippians 2:10–11); it is only God who is to be worshipped as Lord (see Isaiah 45:23).

3:] Jesus Is Creator Not Creature
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe Paul’s statement in Colossians 1:15 that the “firstborn of all creation” teaches that Jesus was a created being. However, the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ teaching resembles the view of the ancient Colossian heresy that Paul had to combat.

The Colossian false teachers advocated the idea that Jesus was the first of many other created mediators between God and men. By using the specific Greek word pr&#333;totokos, “firstborn,” Paul rules out the idea of Jesus as a created being. “Firstborn” does not mean “first created.” Rather, Paul uses a term that was based on the ancient designation of the authority, or pre-eminence, metaphorically given to the firstborn (Genesis. 49:3–4; Exodus 4:22). In the same way, David, the youngest of Jesse, was named “firstborn” (Psalm 89:20–27) who ruled Israel. Manasseh was born to Joseph first, but Ephraim, his younger brother, was “firstborn” due to his position as given by Jacob/Israel (Genesis 48:13–20, Jeremiah 31:9).

By describing Jesus as the “firstborn over all creation,” Paul is saying that he is the absolute ruler over all creation.

Furthermore, if Paul had wanted to describe Jesus as a created being, he could have used the Greek word protoktistos, which means “first created.”16 So why didn’t he use it? Because Paul did not believe Jesus was created. By describing Jesus as the “firstborn over all creation,” Paul is saying that he is the absolute ruler over all creation.

In fact, the evidence that Jesus is supreme over all creation comes in Colossians 1:16. Here, Paul absolutely rules out the idea that Jesus is a created being because he presents Jesus as the Creator of the entire universe which exists by his creative power (John 1:1–3; Hebrews 1:2, 8–10). The reason Jesus can “create all things” is that “in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:9). The Greek word for “Godhead,” theot&#275;s, refers to “the state of being God.” It is only God who can create (Isaiah 42:5, 44:24, 45:18).
4:] Jesus Identifies Himself as Divine

At the Feast of Tabernacles/Booths in his encounter with the Pharisees (John 8:13), Jesus told them, “I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins” (John 8:24). The Jewish people reacted to Jesus’ statement by asking him, “Who are you?” (John 8:25).

Jesus told the Jews exactly who he is: “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58). This “I am” (ego eimi) statement was Jesus’ clearest example of His proclamation, “I am Yahweh,” from its background in the book of Isaiah (Isaiah 41:4; 43:10–13, 25; 46:4; 48:12; cf. John 13:19).

These are the very words (ego eimi) ) that caused the Roman soldiers to fall to the ground after they came to arrest Jesus (John 18:6). Jesus’ explicit identification of himself with Yahweh of the Old Testament is why the Jewish leaders wanted to stone him for blasphemy (see John 5:18; 10:33).
5:] The Apostles Identified Jesus as Divine

Both Jesus and his apostles identified him as divine. The Apostle Peter described Jesus as “our God and Savior” (2 Peter 1:1; cf. Titus 2:13) and called on believers to “honor Christ the Lord as holy” (1 Peter 3:15).18 Jesus’ own half-brother James, who was an unbeliever at first (John 7:5), described him as “the Lord of glory” (James 2:1; cf. 1 Corinthians 2:8; Psalm 24:7–8). What man or prophet could be described in this way? The Apostle John also attributed titles to Jesus that were used only of God by describing him as the “Alpha and Omega” and the “first and the last” (Revelation 22:13; 1:8, 17–18; cf. Isaiah 44:6). The writer of the book of Hebrews also has insight into the identity of Jesus In Hebrews 1, the author identifies Jesus (the Son) as superior to any prophet (vv. 1–2), above the angels (v. 5), worthy of our worship (vv. 6–8; cf. Psalm 45:6–7), and the creator of all things who is unchangeable (vv. 2–3, 10; cf. Psalm 102:25). The author of Hebrews further states that Jesus is “seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2; cf. Acts 2:30).
6: ]The Jewish Leaders Recognized Jesus’ Claim to Divinity

One of the clearest evidences of the deity of Jesus is the Jewish leaders’ reaction to Jesus’ words and actions. In Mark 2, Jesus not only heals a paralytic but also forgives his sins (Mark 2:5). This is the reason that the scribes cry blasphemy, for it is God alone who can forgive sins (Mark 2:7).19

In his trial before the Sanhedrin Jesus is once again charged with blasphemy because of his response to the high priest’s question: “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” (Mark 14:61) Jesus responded, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven” (Mark 14:62). Then the high priest tore his clothes, charged Jesus with blasphemy, and condemned him to death (Mark 14:64). Why did the high priest respond that way? Because Jesus quoted from Psalm 110:1 and Daniel 7:13–14 and applied the words to himself. In Daniel 7 the divine Son of Man comes before the Ancient of Days, and all peoples and nations serve20 him. The Pharisees recognize Jesus’ divine claim here and charge him with blasphemy, intending to put him to death.
7:] The Early Church in the New Testament Prayed to Jesus

Prayer is something that should be addressed to God alone, but Jesus calls his disciples to pray to him (John 14:13–14; 16:26). In the book of Acts when Stephen is being stoned to death, he calls out to the Lord Jesus to receive his sprit (Acts 7:59). Interestingly, the term for “calling on” (epikaloumenon) recalls the appeal of Peter to the people in Acts 2:21 to “call on” (epikaleshtai) the Lord to be saved. Paul also describes the Corinthians as those who “call upon [epikaleo] the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:2). In the Old Testament, people “called on” on the name of Yahweh (Joel 2:32). The Corinthians were people who addressed Jesus as Lord in prayer.
8:] The Early Church in the New Testament Worshipped Jesus

Jesus accepted worship from people (Matthew 2:2, 14:33, 28:9). One of the greatest examples of this comes from the lips of Thomas when he exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). If Jesus was not divine, then Thomas made a serious error; but Jesus made no effort to correct Thomas in his worship. Yet Peter (Acts 10:25–26), Paul (Acts 14:14–15), and the angel in Revelation (Revelation 22:8,9) all corrected others for trying to worship them. The confession of deity here is unmistakable, clearly demonstrating that worship belongs only to God (Revelation 22:9) because Jesus accepted Thomas’s worship of him (John 20:29).

What’s more, in the book of Revelation, the elders and every creature in heaven and upon earth ascribe universal worship to “him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb” (Revelation 5:11–14; cf. John 1:29).
9:] Jesus Made Claims That No Human Being Could Ever Make

Jesus not only identified as God, but he also indicated his deity through his words and actions. Jesus said that to enter the Kingdom of Heaven we must call him Lord (kurios, Romans 10:9; cf. Matthew 7:21). Just saying that Jesus is Lord does not get you into the Kingdom, but to enter the Kingdom you must confess Him as Lord.21 The entrance into God’s Kingdom, according to Jesus, is dependent upon a person’s knowledge of him and his reciprocal knowledge of the person (Matthew 7:23).

Jesus even promised rest to all those who come to Him (Matthew 11:28). Could Moses have ever made a claim like this? No! How could a human being give anyone rest from the Law?22 Jesus also claimed, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). God never gave any man or prophet all authority in heaven and on earth, but this same authority was given to the Son of Man in Daniel 7:13–14 (see also Matthew 26:64).
10:] Jesus Is the Son of God

It is often pointed out that the words “Son of God” are not an exclusive title for Jesus. For example, in the Old Testament Israel was called God’s son (Exodus 4:22–23; Hosea 11:1), the king was called God’s son (Psalm 2:7), and the angels were called God’s sons (Job 38:7). Even in the New Testament, Adam and believers are referred to as son/s of God (Luke 3:38; Romans 8:14).

There is, however, a difference between an adopted son and a relational Son of God, the latter being a deity by nature. More than anyone else who has walked this earth, Jesus the Messiah is uniquely entitled to be called the Son of God (John 1:49, 11:27) – “the unique One, who is himself God” (monogen&#275;s theos – see John 1:18 NLT).23

Whatever Jesus said about himself must have been sufficiently provocative enough for the Jewish leaders to call for capital punishment on that charge of blasphemy.

In Jesus’ trial before Pilate, the Jewish leaders clearly understood that Jesus’ use of this term was not just generic, for they wanted him put to death: “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God” (John 19:7; cf. John 10:36). According to the Law, it was blasphemy to use God’s name (Leviticus 24:16). Therefore, by referring to himself as the Son of God, Jesus was claiming to share “the rights and authority of God himself (cf. [John] 1:34; 5:19–30).”24 People who say that Jesus never claimed to be God must answer why he was crucified on the charge of blasphemy. Whatever Jesus said about himself must have been sufficiently provocative enough for the Jewish leaders to call for capital punishment on that charge of blasphemy.

The significance of this is that failure to believe in Jesus as the Son of God brings judgement because we are already dead in our sins (see John 3:18, Ephesians 2:1), but believing in Jesus as the Son of God brings eternal life (see John 3:15–17, 6:40, 20:31).
Conclusion

Although there may be many objections to Jesus’ deity, the New Testament clearly provides eye-witness testimony to the words, actions, and teachings of Jesus that prove his deity. A false Jesus cannot save you. If we do not get the identity of Jesus right, we will die in our sin (John 8:24).

--JESUS IS GOD-MAN / He Never Ceased Being God while at the same time was Man. He co-existed with Father God and God the Holy Spirit before time began. Accept this by faith. TRIUNE GOD/ TRINTIY ~~

--- Friend, if you have trouble believing this, please ask Jehovah YAHWEH , YHWH, to show Himself to you. He never turns away a sincere seeker. He died to give you eternal life. The Holy Spirit is the convicter of sin. We all must be convicted before we can seek to know Him. Jesus said, "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about me." [JOHN 5:39]