By the Numbers

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Did Jesus Fulfill Prophecies of the Jewish Messiah?

          Did Jesus Fulfill Prophecies of the Jewish Messiah?

Several persons have claimed to be the Jewish Messiah. So a mere claim doesn't mean anything. The question is: what does the Tanakh or Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) say about the Messiah?  Does it give identifying descriptions of the Messiah that people could recognize him when he appeared? And did it describe what the New Testament says about Jesus?
What is required to confirm an actual fulfillment of a Bible Prophecy? The prophet's prediction made in the name of the Lord must come true as predicted, otherwise he is a false prophet. Short term predictions fulfilled during the time of persons living then confirmed a prophet as a true representative of God. For example, Samuel predicted twenty things that confirmed himself as a prophet and Saul's kingship that very day (1 Samuel 10:1-9). And later prophets must agree with former prophets known to be of God. In this way people living then and later can know the true prophets and believe their predictions. Consider Daniel's predictions 536 B.C. of the four world kingdoms. The fifth world kingdom is Messiah's rule and predictions pointing to it are converging in our day (Daniel 2:4b-7:28; 9:24-25, 69 weeks).
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Does what is said in the Tanakh of the Jew's Messiah point to Jesus? Understand this, there are 400 years between Malachi and Matthew, other prophets even centuries earlier. The Dead Sea scrolls  contain portions of all the books of the Tanakh except Esther written 200 years before Jesus. They have been compared with modern manuscripts and shown to agree almost letter for letter. Most of the differences being merely in the spelling of names. Now let's give an honest examination of the centuries between what the Tanakh says and what the Christian New Testament says about the Messiah showing whether he could be Jesus.
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.What are the signs the Jews were to look for to identify the coming Messiah?  He is to be born in Bethlehem of Judea, Micah 5:2; Matt. 2:1; the seed of a woman, Gen. 3:15; Gal. 4:4; 1 Jn. 3:8; a descendant of David, Jer. 23:5; Rom. 1:3-4; announced by a forerunner, Malachi 3:1; Luke 1:17; John 1:29; to perform miracles, Isa. 35:5-6; Matt. 11:4-6; to enter Jerusalem as king on a donkey, exact day predicted, Zech. 9:9; Matt. 21:5; Daniel 9:20-27; to be acclaimed King of Jews, Ps. 2:6; John 18;3-37; be betrayed by a friend, Ps 41:9; John 13:18-21; sold for 30 pieces of silver, Zech. 11:12; Matt. 26:15; rejected by Israel,  Isa. 8:14; Luke. 2:34;  his hands & feet pierced, Ps. 22:16; John. 20:25; disciples forsake him, Zech. 13; Matt. 26:56;  to die for sinners, Isa 53:4-6, 10-12; Matt. 20:28; have no bones broken, Ps. 34:20; Jn. 19:36; cast lots for his clothes; Ps. 22:18; Mark 15;24; grave with the rich Isa. 53:9; Matt. 27:57-60; raised from death Ps. 16:10; Acts 2:25-28; ascend into heaven, Ps. 68:18; Luke 24:51. Most of Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53 speaks of the Messiah and his suffering for the sins of the people. It describes crucifixion centuries before it was the means of Roman execution. And there are easily a hundred more fulfilled facts we didn't mention.
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No one could guess or artificially fulfill these Tanakh predictions of Israel's Messiah. Chances against their fulfillment in one person are impossible. God  make these things known to his prophets centuries before and brought them about. And no one after Jesus can claim to be the Messiah because Israel's birth records were destroyed with Jerusalem and the temple by the Romans in A.D. 70. No one but Jesus can show his descent from Abraham and David giving him right to be Israel's King (Matthew 1; Luke 3:23-38).
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Why then did the religious leaders of Jesus' day ignore predictions of the Messiah as the Suffering Servant? Because they only cared about the Reigning King Messiah to overthrow Rome's suppressive rule and they were envious of Jesus taking their place (Mark 15:10; John 11:48).
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What predictions did Jesus make demonstrating his deity and Messiah ship? There are 5,700 Greek N.T. manuscripts which show a thousand times more documentation than the few copies of the works of Aristotle, Plato, and the ancient classics dated centuries later. What man could make such predictions as the following? These are real historical events, not made up stories as critics like to have us believe.
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Jesus predicted this of himself and his followers. His apostles will be persecuted (Matt.10:17-23). All but John would be martyred for their faith (John 21:18). Jesus said he would die and rise three days later (Matt. 12:40). Jerusalem and the temple will be destroyed (Matt. 24:22). Judas would betray him (Matt. 26:24). Peter would deny him three times before the rooster crowed (Matt. 26:24). His disciples would flee at his death (Matt. 26:31). Lazarus would be raised from the dead (John 11:4-40). The disciples who fished all night and caught nothing would catch fish on the other side of the boat (John 21:6). Who but God could know such things? And the Jews knew Jesus claimed to be God accusing him of blasphemy (Matt. 26:62-65; Luke 22:66-71; John 10:36).
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Now did Jesus predict things future in his day that would occur from his time until today? YES! His church will never be destroyed (Matt. 16:18). Enemies from his day until today have tried, but it still exists. The Word of God will abide forever (Matt 5:18). Bible burners and critics try to destroy it, but it's the world's best seller. The twelve apostles will reign with Jesus over the tribes of Israel (Matt. 19:28). The Jews rejection of Jesus brings the Gentiles into his kingdom (Rom. 11:11-12, 25) .Christ may return anytime with his angels to reward his followers (Matt. 16:27).  Are you a follower of Jesus Messiah (Matt. 25:13)?
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This is Jesus' most serious prediction, warning, invitation. He made us for loving trusting fulfilling eternal relationship with Him. But love doesn't force, it invites. To reject Jesus Messiah is to choose outer darkness alone from the light and truth of God forever. Dear friend, won't you say, "I trust you Lord Jesus as my Messiah and Lord to take away my rebellion, guilt, and shame, and replace them with your love, forgiveness, purity and peace from this day and forever. I receive you as my God, Savior, Messiah, Lord. Thank You and praise You Lord Jesus, my Messiah and King (John 3:16-21; 14:6) .
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Monday, April 13, 2015

Can You Prove Jesus' Resurrection Is Only Fabrication?

      Can You Prove Jesus' Resurrection Is Only Fabrication?

Most persons dismiss it as a made-up ridiculous, impossible story. After all, how many cold stiff corpses have we seen arise from the dead? Such a miracle would be contrary to natural law. No scientific experiment has established such a thing. It must be a mistake or myth since the Bible has been translated multiple times and into many languages. But New Testament writers claim Bible Christianity stands or falls on it being fact (1 Corinthians 15:13-19). If true, it's implications couldn't be more crucial to humanity. So let's give the Christian claim our honest thoughtful consideration.
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There can be no  doubt Jesus died by crucifixion on the cross. In his trials, before both Roman and Jewish courts, he likely was deprived of food, drink, and sleep. The scourging was severe, tearing away his flesh. Some died from that alone. But also there was his carrying the cross in exhaustion, loss of blood from the crown of thorns to the nails in his feet. And His cry, "Father into your hands I commit my Spirit." The separation of water and blood from the spear piercing his side was conclusive proof. The soldiers trained in execution procedures didn't break his leg, for they knew he was already dead. Jesus' mother and disciple John stood by in grief witnessing his death. The soldiers gambled for his garments and took his naked body from the cross and  later gave it to the rich man, Joseph of Arimathaea, for burial in his stone tomb just outside Jerusalem. This was a sad day for Jesus' disciples thinking he was Messiah and King of Israel.
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The Jews and Romans in Jerusalem took steps to prevent any kind of deception about Jesus' claim to resurrection. "The leading priests and Pharisees went to see Pilate. They told Him, 'Sir, we remember that deceiver once said while he was still alive. After three days I will rise from the dead. So we request that you seal the tomb until the third day. This will prevent his disciples from coming and stealing his body and then telling everyone he was raised from the dead! If that happens, we'll be worse off than we were at first. Pilate replied, Take guards and secure it the best you can." So they sealed the tomb and posted guards to protect it?" (Matt. 27:62-65). Their precautions are actually what God used to demonstrate the resurrection of Jesus was an indisputable fact.
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The news about Jesus' death and resurrection was made known shortly after their supposed occurrence.  Dr. Luke, the companion of the apostle Paul, who wrote his earlier gospel now writes about the first 30 years of the church. He says of Jesus, "During the forty days after his crucifixion, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God" (Acts 1:3).
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On the day of Pentecost, Peter preached, "People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him. But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip" (Acts 2:22-23). Peter preached this on Pentecost 50 days after Jesus' resurrection before people from surrounding nations. 
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Anyone could investigate Jesus' tomb just outside the city. The disciples who in fear had been locked  in the upper room now were joyously telling everyone--He's alive! He's Alive! And how could the religious leaders who plotted Jesus' death explain that at his death the earthquake, the darkness, the thick temple curtain torn from top to bottom, and the dead persons that came into the city (Matt. 27:51-54)? Five thousand men plus women and children became believers.
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The Apostle Peter wrote (2 Peter 1:16).  "We are not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We saw his majestic splendor with our own eyes." Peter was referring to Jesus' transfiguration in Matthew 17:1-6. Tradition says Peter didn't think he was worthy to be crucified as his Lord and requested to be crucified upside down.
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In Acts 3:4 Peter healed a lame temple beggar and preached in the name of Jesus who the nation's leaders crucified and who God according to plan, raised from the dead. And that the people should turn from their sins to trust in Jesus who they crucified, but God raised from the dead. Peter said there was no one else God has given under heaven by which we must be saved. The high Jewish council put Peter and John in jail and commanded them never to preach Jesus and his resurrection. But they replied, "Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard"
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Apostle John wrote (1 John. 1:1-4). "We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. This one who is life itself was revealed to us and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father and then he was revealed to us. We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy."  
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This is  not some religious man's opinions about what god is and can or cannot do (Acts 14:12-15), or what some politically correct politician thinks (Acts 26:8), or someone's claim an angel he alone saw, told me so (Gal. 1:8), or what some centuries later critic removed from the scene can believe (Col. 2:8). This is citing real historical events only historical eyewitness testimony can establish.

 What is real serious is what God says about it Acts 17:30-31 says "God overlooked people's ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he command everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him. For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead."
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Apostle Paul wrote (1 Cor. 15:3-6 About A.D. 55). "I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried,  and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one  time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles. The apostles spoke before hostile witnesses who admitted they couldn't deny the events.
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Many of the hymns and creeds used by the first Christians are incorporated into the New Testament letters. Check out these Rom. 1:3-4; Phil. 2:6-11; Col. 1:15-18; 1 Tim.3:16; 2 Tim. 2:8; 1 Pet. 3:18-22; 1 Jn. 4:2. Moreover, there are 5,700 early Greek manuscripts used to make modern translations, plus writings of the church fathers. This documented sources for the classic writings as of Plato, Aristotle, Caesar are only a few copies dated a 1,000 years after the time. Nor is Jesus' resurrection related to myths about about crops coming to life in the spring. Jews of Jesus' time believed in one ethical Creator God, not the pagan myths that came into prominence after his time. It seems the reason we sinners deny Jesus' death for our sins and his resurrection is that we think our sinful desires more important to us than the invitation of a loving, all-knowing God to save us from our deceptive, destructive beliefs and behavior. 
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Modern critics have tried to explain away the records but utterly failed. No we haven't seen any cold stiff corpses arise from the dead. But the only reason it would be impossible is if we assume no Creator of the universe and life exists who can raise the dead. Jesus' death and resurrection was in God's time, and not to be a daily affair (Gal. 4:4-5). And yes, it is contrary to natural law, but again if a God exists who upholds natural law, this would be His purpose and proof it is so. Scientific experiments are not the means of proving or disproving historical events. Documented eyewitness testimony is the means to do that. Remember too, the apostles were astonished even though Jesus told them many times he would die and rise again after three days. The first Christians were monothestic Jews who were willing to die in testimony it was true. Their traditional belief would condemn them to hell. But the religious leaders of Jesus' day had vested interests and plotted to murder Jesus even though they knew he raised Lazarus from the dead. (John 11:45-53).
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What can we conclude from all this? (1) Jesus claimed to be God many times and ways and his resurrection from the dead, in fact showed his claims and teaching are the truth and authority of God. (2) Jesus then is in fact the long awaited Jews Messiah, and the Savior of all who will believe, trust, depend on him for life eternal with God.  (3) Jesus said this to the human world facing the darkness of death and Hell, "I Am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this . . . ?" John 11:25-26)
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To seal assurance of your faith and avoid future doubts. Pray, Lord God, I'm a sinner ashamed of many things I have done that I know are wrong. But you promised me eternal life and to be with me and be my Guide in Godly living. I depend on you from now on throughout life and until you come for me or I die and go to you. Thank you Lord for making me your adopted child. See 1 John 5:11-13. You can now win others to our Lord by sharing these important articles WWW.  God bless you to bear spiritual fruit (Jn. 15 ) & people fruit (Matt. 4:19).
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Monday, April 6, 2015

Christian's Persecuter Becomes Christ's Preacher!

           Christian's Persecutor  Becomes  Christ's Preacher! 

What kind of believer are you? Are you a weak, shallow believer, or an intense, aggressive one? Are your beliefs inherited, passed on from your family and friends, and never questioned or thought through, or are they born of experience and of honest intense thought and conviction? Are your beliefs something you live by and would die for? Can you give evidence to substantiate them? Consider the amazing transformation that made Pharisee Saul of Tarsus into Paul, an Apostle or One Send by Christ.
First, consider Saul of Tarsus--the Persecutor of Christians. As a Pharisee, educated under Gamaliel, and a Roman citizen, Saul had every advantage of becoming a great leader of his people.
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Consider Saul as persecutor.  After reciting Israel's history, to the Jew's governing council, Stephen, a man controlled by the Holy Spirit, accused them of disobeying God's law,  persecuting the prophets and murdering their Righteous Messiah. They shook their fists at him in rage. "But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God and he saw Jesus standing in place of honor at God's right hand. They put their hands over their ears . . . and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. He shouted, "Lord, don't charge them with this sin! And with that, he died. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul" (Acts 7 & especially 52-59; Life Application Study Bible, NLT).
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"A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. (Some devout men came and buried Stephen with great mourning). But Saul was going everywhere to destroy the church. He went from house to house dragging out both men and women to throw them into prison. But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went." (Acts 8:1-4).  
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"Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord's followers. So he went to the high priest. He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them--both men and women--back to Jerusalem in chains" (Acts 9:1-2) .
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Consider Saul's amazing conversion. "As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him. 'Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?' "Who are you, lord? Saul asked. And the voice replied, "I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do."
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The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone's voice but saw no one! Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions let him by the hand to Damascus. He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink.
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Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, "Ananias" "Yes, Lord" he replied. The Lord said, "Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again."
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"But Lord," exclaimed Ananias, "I've heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name." But the Lord said, "Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name's sake" (Acts 9:3-13; see also 26:1-24).
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Consider Saul's elitist Jewish  credentials. "I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin--a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault. Now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. (Phil. 3:5-7).
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Now consider Paul, as the Apostle of Christ. As a preacher of Christ, Saul used the name Paul and gave up his great opportunity and favor with his people. Like Moses, he turned his back and never looked back. Oh, what he had to endure for Christ and Christians as one sent to the Gentiles!
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Consider what Paul endured as Christ's preacher.  Let me summarize how Paul reluctantly  defends  himself against false apostles in the  Corinthian church. He worked harder--Jews lashed him five times with 39 stripes, three times beaten with rods, once stoned, three times shipwrecked, day and night drifted at sea, faced dangers from rivers and robbers, dangers in cities, deserts, and seas, sleepless nights, hunger, thirst, and cold besides his burden for all the churches (2 Cor. 11:23-27). It seems God kept him alive and encouraged him with a vision of Heaven perhaps when stoned. But God allowed a demon to be a thorn in his flesh to keep him humble (2 Cor. 12:1-9).
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What Can We Conclude from all this? (1) Unlike the critics claims, all these details of names, places, conditions read like real historical events that launched the Christian church. See also 1 Cor. 15:1-10; Luke 1:1-4; 2 Pet. 1:16). (2) Christianity is based upon a real God who speaks and acts through His willing servants in our world. (3) Unlike Freud's claim that God is only the illusion of a Father's comfort and protection, Paul knew his God was real and showed it in everyday life. Christian families thrown to the lions in Caesars coliseum didn't know God as just an illusion. (4) Paul said, if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. . . . I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better (Phil. 1:22). How is it with YOU?
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What do you live for? Fame, wealth, family, entertainment, achievements? Won't death take them all away from you? Further, the Bible doesn't say how long we will live or that we won't have troubles (Rom. 8). But it does say God loves us even as imperfect, selfish, rebellious, sinners. And, God can transform us now, and take us to Heaven after death. A loving God respects our dignity and freedom of choice. We can have our way till the very end and go without God to abide in eternal darkness (John 3:16--21; 2 Thess. 2:13). Please don't let Satan steal, kill, and destroy the rich and satisfying life God is offering you right now (John 10:10).
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Won't you say, Lord Jesus, I've lived for myself and my desires. But I now realize your way of truth, love, and goodness is best for me. I turn from my way to trust in you to forgive and cleanse me from all sin and save me to live for you now and be with you one day in Heaven.  Now I want to learn your Word of how best to live for you, and to share my new faith in my Lord Jesus Christ. Thank You Lord!
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